Sunrise Mountain, NJ

The destination for today is Sunrise Mountain, the tallest peak in New Jersey as I understand it.

First I met other members of the Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club, PA Chapter 18 at Polk Township Fire Department for breakfast. Then it was off for a group ride.

We took US 209 and I-80 into New Jersey and got off the 'superslab' at Exit 4 and picked up NJ 94 north. At Blairstown we proceeded on CR 521.

521 has got to be one of the best motorcycle roads in the Highlands Region of New Jersey. It has everything a biker looks for in a road; beautiful scenery, plenty of curves, a smooth tarmac, and light traffic for the most part. 521 also provided one of the highlights of the ride. While traveling along the Bear Swamp Wildlife Management Area, we came across, you guessed it, 2 black bear crossing the road. As we approached, they split up with one scurrying to the left and the other to the right. No opportunity to stop and take a photo darn it!!

At the end of 521 it was a left on US 206 for a short distance, a right on CR 636, and then a quick left on Sunrise Mountain Road.

Keep in mind that Sunrise Mountain Road is one-way from south to north and is a one lane thoroughfare through Stokes State Forest. A spur takes you to a parking lot near the summit of the mountain. A walk up a narrow, rocky path delivers you to it's peak where you can feast on spectacular views of the New Jersey Highlands and the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania.



After the climb to the summit and some socializing with other motorcyclists, we continued on Sunrise Mountain Road which terminates at CR 650. 650 is a great road that has been repaved within the last couple of years.

Our final route before getting back on the 'superslab' was CR 519. 519 rivals CR 521 in many ways (except for a stretch in Warren County which had a rough surface) and the two roads, along with CR 650, provide a wonderful loop for a day trip.

About 4 mile south of CR 650, 519 takes you through the village of Beemerville (Anyone for a ride between Beemerville and Harleysville, PA?). A little further south we stopped in Branchville for lunch at the Upper Sports Deck Restaurant. I had their chili which was very tasty, especially the cheese topping. Everyone else enjoyed their meal as well.

519 then took us to Hope where we jumped on I-80 for the trip back home.

Sunrise Mountain is highly recommended as a destination for its striking beauty and the great roads in the area. The New Jersey Highlands didn't disappoint.

Total distance for the day was 173 miles.


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