Stephens State Park

Rode here as part of group ride. The trails were completely covered in leaves so you couldn't really let loose on the downhills as much as we wanted. The trail seems very similar to Allamuchy (Deer Park) with some solid elevation gain but also a number of sections of trail that are fast and flowy. Will definitely be back.

awesome trail. I parked on kinney road. it took me a little while to find the unmarked trail entrance. It's closer to the waterloo valley rd side as opposed to waterloo rd. really fun single track with fast turns and short climbs. there are some rocky areas you have to navigate but very doable. I'm surprised its rated as difficult I think its more on an intermediate level. the only thing I didn't like was there's an insane amount of gnats. I mean INSANE! so maybe go there during certain weather.

Just rode this trail system this past Saturday and can say that I was impressed. Truly an all mountain type riding. I started on Kinney road just of the Waterloo rd and found some nice unblazed trails mostly single track winding through a dance forrest. Eventually this trail looped to a sustained decend that was amazing with random rocks to jump and a huge roller all the way at the end of the switch back. After that I started traveling towards a so called Maze trail(pink blazed) which is also a fun trail to ride. At the end I took a trail back to Kinney rd which is called a blue rock trail. This trail was a fast and flowy end to my ride. I did not try any of the blazed trails towards the south part of the park yet. There are maps available on JORBA website. I just followed a route maped out on MTB Project app and I feel like it took me through some of the best trails in this park system.

Stephens is a vast network of trails, with a wide variety of characteristics. For the most part, it's under dense tree cover, so it tends to stay damp for awhile after heavy rain, but I haven't seen any standing water issues. For such a large trail network, Stephens is very well maintained.
I haven't ridden the entire park yet, but the sections that I have ridden have all been very good. From the main park entrance (by the camp grounds), the white/red trails wind through the woods a bit, and then turn into a moderate sustained climb, with many rocks and roots to add to the challenge. North of the white trail is the excellent pink trail section ("serpentine maze"), It's mostly flat with good flow, some small climbs here and there; lots of log overs and a few rock gardens on the western side. Above the pink section is more of the red trail section, that goes deep into the woods. The parts of this that I have explored are also excellent... similar to the pink section, but on a much larger scale. Lots of great sections to explore at Stephens.

I had road the other day the weather was great and really enjoyed the trail. For the most part wasn't overly challenging although there was one incredible uphill that did wind us... other than that no need to hike-a-bike. Lots a flow and mild technical stuff. Had a great work out and look fwrd to returning.

I have ridden all over and this is still my favorite place to ride See http://www.mtbepicrides.com/ see where I have ridden. Rocks, roots, twisty naturally bermed, single track that borders on smooth. Plenty of climbing. With some Fire road thrown in for good measure. Everything except machine cut berms trails. I get in a good 20-25 mile loop, most rides.

From your review, it sounds like you rode the only 3 trails that you should not ride when at Stephens. The easiest route to describe for me is this:

Start at the parking lot right after the Hackettstown Medical Center (I believe you already did this). Go left onto the red trail (bikes are allowed) and make a left onto the red white trail. When you see the white trail, merge onto it. The white trail will have one large climb and one large downhill, after which the maze loop will be on your left. Turn left and do the loop. I like to turn left when the loop splits and come back around. The maze loop will then spit you back out onto the white trail. Going left at this point will take you onto a fireroad loop, which I do not recommend. Going right will take you back to where you started. Good luck!

Allen, I visited this trail yesterday and had a lot of trouble finding the great flowing trails you referred to. Any guidance on where to park and start and what trails are best?

Great trails. Trails like the orange blaze, white blaze and blue blaze are rocky and have tough climbs while the maze loop (blazed light pink) is fast and flowy with a bunch of features on it. It is easy to get lost, as some trails aren't blazed, but all of the unblazed trails lead to marked trails. Drains very well. Does not deserve the current rating of expert, but I do believe it deserves the rating of advanced.