The Randolph Trail system covers 16 miles of pathways through five parks, the Clyde Potts Reservoir watershed and 2,000 acres of pristine open space. The trails link schools and neighborhoods and also connect to Patriots' Path at Combs Hollow and Old Brookside.
The trails are open from dawn to dusk only, and horses are not permitted. Be aware that there are some pretty hilly segments of trail, and the though the trail surface is primarily stone dust, it also has some asphalt and gravel segments.
You can access the Randolph Trails system at many different trailheads:
Hidden Valley, Everdale Road, 0.25 mile south of Millbrook Avenue.
Town Hall, on Millbrook Avenue opposite Randolph High School. Parking is available in the southern-most lot adjacent to Millbrook Avenue.
Freedom Park, on Millbrook Avenue. Parking areas can be found on both sides of Millbrook.
Brundage Park, on Carrell Road. Parking areas can be found in several locations.
Heistein Park, on Doby Road off of Dover-Chester Road. Parking areas are found at Heistein's Pond, just below the park, on Doby Rd.
Combs Hollow; a small parking area is at the intersection of Combs Hollow and Doby Road. This is a Patriots' Path connection.
Clyde Potts, about 0.5 mile south of Sussex Turnpike on Old Brookside Road. Parking is available. This is a Patriots' Path connection.
Randolph trails are really well maintained and a great workout. Felt very comfortable (no fear of falling) with a mountain bike. Fairly hilly, so you’ll get your heart rate up. Nice to be able to go a long way and park at different parts. Took a couple of times to bike the whole place.
Some really beautiful areas. But not suited to road bikes!
Little of this trail is paved as of 6/19. Not suitable for road bicycles.
Extremely steep in some sections (not bike-able), maybe 10% is paved, mostly construction type gravel. Was stuck in the very lowest 3 gears for most of the ride. Did not come across any other bike rider. Not a pleasant ride by any stretch of the imagination. Quite a few hikers though.
System is fantastic for walking and riding. 6 foot wide trails. Some paved and some gravel. Connects many points of interest. Schools and parks
This trail is for Mountain bike, not road bike.
The description on this trail is misleading because it says Asphalt and Concrete, but it is neither. I was disappointed because my bike is not fit for the rougher ride of a gravel trail. I traveled into the trail about a half mile just to make sure it did not eventually change, but it appeared to be gravel as far as I could see. I entered the trail by the High School - the parking lot was at least paved. This trail would probably be good for a mountain bike.
This trail system boasts long distances, but is very difficult for casual riders. Serious mountain bikers will find it too easy due to the wide roads and excessive dog walkers and joggers.
Definitely one to avoid.
I entered the trail across from the high school.
This trail is mostly hills and lots of big rocks. This trail is not asphalt.
This trail is great for experienced mountain bikers, not the regular family biking day out. I did not see any bikers on the trail, only dog walkers and runners.
In the midst of suburban New Jersey (some might suggest the outskirts), Randolph Trains offers an escape into relatively untouched woods. The trail itself is partially paved/stone with bridges and signage. It is safe for hikers and bikers of all ages. Terrain has some hills, and there are benches for the weary. Connections to other trail systems can make hiking a full day experience,
As of 2007 the Randolph Trail System has grown to 15 miles with a new section to open this month. See map at
www.randolphnj.org scroll down to Parks & Recreation
"The town of Randolph has established a nice, lengthy network of trails though undeveloped areas, parks, school grounds, and, when necessary, along connecting roads. The surfaces are about equally divided among paved blacktop and moderate sized gravel (beginning to pack). Many of the parks have restroom facilities (real ones!) and water fountains. Some apparently even have concession stands, should you happen by during a game on the playing fields!
There are maps available at many parking access points. I would strongly suggest obtaining a map. The trails can be very hard to follow on some of the roadways, since diamond lanes have not yet been painted on most roads. There are some helpful signs along the routes, and it seems more are being added. There are scattered benches and memorial plaques. A summer benefit is that most of the off-road routes are well shaded. Parking is plentiful, but difficult to find without a trail map.
This is an interesting area for hiking and biking. The terrain is generally level with some gentle hills.
Rates an 8 out of 10!
Fred"
"My assumption is that in an attempt to keep grass and weeds at bay, and to facilitate proper trail surface drainage, Randolph Township officials elected to deploy loads of gravel along the entire trail route.
The good news is that there are no blades of grass or weeds popping out of the trail surface. Nor is there any standing water on the trail. The bad news is that all of that loose gravel makes bicycling very difficult and potentially dangerous.
So, bikers might want to look elsewhere for an enjoyable place to ride until the gravel settles. The Black River Wildlife Management Area's 4-mile long rail trail is very close by to Randolph and might be a better alternative; especially for beginning bicyclists."
"I accidentally stumbled across this trail network recently and I'm sorry now that I didn't know about it sooner. But as they say, good things come to those who wait!
There is a significant amount of wooded open space and parkland in Randolph Township, and most of it has been expertly joined together via this great network of off-road trails. You will not want to miss coming to see this great example of how a trail project should be planned and executed.
Trail surfaces are gravel based for the most part, although there are a few short paved segments. The trails pass through parks, over busy roads and quiet brooks/streams, alongside of athletic fields, run next to beautiful ponds, and connect with all of the Township’s schools and municipal center. There are many strategically placed benches along the route and rest room facilities are available at the municipal center and a few of the parks.
The terrain is hilly; beginner bicyclists might have some trouble negotiating some of the longer hills. Walkers and joggers will enjoy the traffic-free route. There is something to enjoy here for anyone with an interest in outdoor activity.
Parking is available at the municipal center on Millbrook Avenue or at any of the many schools and parks along the route.
You could easily spend an entire day enjoying all that this trail network has to offer."
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