Things To Do on an eBike in Morris County, NJ
Morris County's eBike rides are on Park Commission trails: the long Patriots' Path along the Whippany and Black rivers, the flat stone-dust Columbia Trail from Long Valley, the paved Traction Line between Morristown and Madison, and the Pompton Valley Rail Trail in Pequannock.
The Morris County Park Commission permits Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles on all of its trails that allow biking. New Jersey also requires eBike riders to be at least 15 with an eBike license or a driver's license, and to register the bike.
Where to ride in Morris County
Riding a trail in Morris County, New Jersey.
All four rides below are Morris County Park Commission trails. The Columbia Trail and the Pompton Valley Rail Trail continue into Hunterdon and Passaic counties, and this page describes the Morris County parts.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Patriots' Path
The Morris County Park Commission says Patriots' Path offers more than 70 miles of hiking, cycling and riding trails along the Whippany and Black rivers and the South Branch of the Raritan River, linking parks, watershed lands and historic sites across Morris County. Its main stem runs from East Hanover and crosses the Columbia Trail in Washington Township. Points of interest include the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, Historic Speedwell, Lewis Morris County Park, Cooper Gristmill and Schooley's Mountain County Park.
The surface varies. Two miles of paved path run from Lake Road to Washington Valley Road in Morris Township, other sections are crushed stone and gravel, several miles are on cinder and gravel railroad beds in Morris and Chester townships, and some sections are narrow paths on soil, grass and rock. Snow and ice are not removed from the trail system.
2. Columbia Trail, Long Valley
The Park Commission describes the Columbia Trail as a 16.5-mile flat, multi-use linear trail with natural and stone dust tread that crosses western Morris County and continues into Hunterdon County. It runs through woods, fields and farms, crosses small bridges and ends at a gorge. The trail is shady and is shared by hikers, bikers and horses. Its listed address is Long Valley, and it is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
3. Traction Line Recreation Trail, Morristown to Madison
The Park Commission lists the Traction Line at 2.7 miles beside the NJ Transit tracks from Morristown to Madison, past Fairleigh Dickinson University, through Convent Station and past the College of St. Elizabeth to Washington's Headquarters at Morristown National Historical Park. It is relatively flat and has a Fit-Trail with ten exercise stations. Access points are Convent Road and Kahn Road in Morris Township, Danforth Road in Florham Park and Morris Avenue at Route 287 in Morristown. There is no public parking at the trailheads. The Patriots' Path page says this trail is cleared of snow and ice in winter.
4. Pompton Valley Rail Trail, Pequannock
The Park Commission lists the Pompton Valley Rail Trail at 5.1 miles of paved path and boardwalk on a former New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway bed, relatively flat and open sunrise to sunset. The Morris County access points are in Pequannock Township: Newark Pompton Turnpike, Jefferson Road, Alexander Avenue, Jackson Avenue, which has a parking lot, Woodland Place and River Drive. Most other access points have no public parking.
Park Commission and New Jersey eBike rules
The Park Commission's trail courtesy page permits Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles on all Park Commission trails that allow biking. ATVs, dirt bikes and motorcycles are not allowed on any Park Commission trail, and trails are open dawn to dusk. Check each trail guide for what is permitted on that trail, or call the Commission at 973-326-7600.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission says an eBike rider must be at least 15 and hold an eBike license or a valid driver's license, and that eBikes must be registered with the MVC. Low-speed electric bicycles do not need insurance, but motorized bicycles do.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Traction Line from Morris Avenue in Morristown to Convent Station and Madison and back, arriving by bike or train since the trailheads have no parking.
Full day: Ride the Columbia Trail from Long Valley on stone dust through woods and farms, and finish before sunset.
What not to ride in Morris County
Trails that do not allow biking. The Commission's eBike permission covers only its trails that allow biking.
Patriots' Path in snow or ice. The Commission does not plow or remove ice from the trail system. The Traction Line is cleared in winter.
Any trail after sunset. Park Commission trails close at sunset.
When to ride Morris County
The trails are open dawn to dusk year-round. In winter, the Traction Line and the sidewalks of Central Park of Morris County are maintained, while Patriots' Path is not.
eBike shops and rentals
Morris County shops are listed on these town pages. The two rental cards below are RentaBikeNow locations in Morristown and Randolph. Call about electric models and return times.
- eBike shops in Boonton (1)
- eBike shops in Lincoln Park (1)
- eBike shops in Stirling (1)
- eBike shops in Madison (2)
- eBike shops in Morristown (2)
- eBike shops in Randolph (3)
- eBike shops in Parsippany (1)
- eBike shops in Florham Park (2)
- eBike shops in Chatham (1)
- eBike shops in East Hanover (1)
RentaBikeNow for Store #67🚲 Rentals
RentaBikeNow for Store #68🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on Morris County Park Commission trails?
Yes. Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles are permitted on all Park Commission trails that allow biking.
How long is Patriots' Path?
The Park Commission says it offers more than 70 miles of hiking, cycling and riding trails.
What is the Columbia Trail surface?
Natural and stone dust tread on a flat 16.5-mile trail, per the Park Commission.
Is there parking at the Traction Line?
No. The Park Commission says there is no public parking at the Traction Line trailheads.
Where can I park for the Pompton Valley Rail Trail?
Jackson Avenue in Pequannock Township has a parking lot. Most other access points have no public parking.
Do I need a license to ride an eBike in New Jersey?
The MVC says riders must be at least 15 and hold an eBike license or a valid driver's license, and eBikes must be registered.
All eBike shops in Morris County
See the Morris County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our New Jersey eBike laws guide for state rules.