Old Mine Road Ride

Starting at the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center that is located just off the last exit from I-80 in New Jersey, the Old Mine Road is an exceptionally scenic bicycle route. It takes you along the historic Delaware River and winds its way through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Beautiful vistas encompass the Delaware River around every turn.

The rolling hills and pristine valleys of western Sussex County will surround you. On the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, the Appalachian Mountains frame the river’s shoreline. From spring through autumn this area truly is a sight to behold, a must-see for cyclists, local residents and visitors alike. It follows Old Mine Road, one of the first in the nation, built in 1659 by Dutch settlers to bring copper ore from the Pahaquarry Mines to Esopus (now Kingston, NY) on the Hudson River.

You’ll find many points of interest along the route, including Millbrook Village, where National Park Service employees wear period dress and demonstrate handcrafts such as spinning, weaving and blacksmithing; Peters Valley Craft Center; and Dingmans Ferry Bridge, connecting New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Just follow your map and you can take an abbreviated version of the tour along one of the rural roads that wind through the area.

The following will give you a “sneak peek” at the New Jersey portion of the Old Mine Road from the Delaware Water Gap to Port Jervis, NY, a distance of 42.9 miles. The Old Mine Road continues another 60 miles to Kingston, NY as Route 209 (more traffic than in New Jersey). In the few places where the Old Mine Road disappears or is no longer maintained, the route follows other paved roads.

The route is moderately hilly with two major climbs and a steep descent where you must exercise caution. But don't give up! The natural beauty of the area makes the effort well worthwhile. North of Dingmans Ferry on County Route 521, the route is fairly level.

On summer weekends, you’re likely to encounter some vehicular traffic, particularly in the vicinity of the Delaware Water Gap Visitors Center. The area is extremely popular with fishermen, hikers, boaters and rafters. As you move farther north along the route in New Jersey, the traffic thins out, completing your unique biking experience.

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