Round Valley Conditions

With potential of rain tonight, do you think the trails would be ok tomorrow? I'll be in the area around lunch time and wouldnct mind riding someplace new - as long as I wouldn't be wrecking trails. I'm lookin at round valley of sourland. Thoughts?
 
It should be a-ok. Round Valley drains well. Translation: you go up, then down, then up, then down, then turn around and do it again...
 
Yes. What Norm said. I've gone to RV right after a torrential downpour and your not going to do any damage
 
D'Oh said:
Conditions were good. A few wet spots here and there, but I love those. There are two trees down that are blocking the trail.

The ranger told us we could not keep going up red were red and the camp road cross, he said that there are nesting Eagles and that part of the trail as well as the county side of the trails or closed cause of it so we had to turn around. No big deal. Place was a lot of fun.

I am also enjoying my new found popularity on this forum.
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That's stupid. The ranger scammed you. The trail is closed further down/up. (there is a sign where the closed section starts)
at the sign you can make a right and go literally straight up and around the closed area on the White trail (i think it's white anyway)
the section of the red trail is the only thing marked closed for the Eagles. There were tons of hikers and some bikes on the Kushetunk side. great single track over there btw.
 
That crossing (campground and red) is at the base of the hill (on the RV side) going over into the cush area (the saddle.) There is a fork in the red trail 50 yards from the 'closed' sign - by taking a right, and starting the climb to the crossover, one never sees the closed sign.
Note the ridge trail on this map, and the campground roads(part of RV) are closed. As well as the "parking lot trail"

We should reiterate that crossing to/from the cush area is not permitted (cough)

depending on what you ride, after not crossing over that saddle from RV, it could be white, yellow, or blue (do not follow blue.)

There are also some white markers that lead along the ridge from the saddle to the south and reconnect with the red trail (The old 'steps'.) It has not been cleared since sandy (unless the logger guy did it.) The markers are inconsistent (Brian & I are planning a recon mission this spring) just follow the cairns.

in the summer, it is advantageous to park in the cush lot, and ride the other direction, as they charge for entry into the park because of the swimming. Although i'm sure we all own an annual parks pass.
 
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Is there a decent map available at the park (or online)? Also, is there parking on the west side of the lake? From what I can tell, it looks like I the trail pops out near the road in a couple spots.
 
BShow said:
Is there a decent map available at the park (or online)? Also, is there parking on the west side of the lake? From what I can tell, it looks like I the trail pops out near the road in a couple spots.
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On the west side, park in the "dive lot" - through the main entrance, first right, upper lot on right. Follow the red trail out of the upper side of the lot. it is marked.

This time of year it is ok to park in the boat ramp area, and cross the dike - Not the case after the May 1st. (I think)

This is still valid for RV, although as mentioned, the red trails on the north side are closed.

There are not that many trails, and when in doubt, go uphill. The campground trail is an emergency access road. it runs close to the water.
 
fidodie said:
On the west side, park in the "dive lot" - through the main entrance, first right, upper lot on right. Follow the red trail out of the upper side of the lot. it is marked.

This time of year it is ok to park in the boat ramp area, and cross the dike - Not the case after the May 1st. (I think)

This is still valid for RV, although as mentioned, the red trails on the north side are closed.

There are not that many trails, and when in doubt, go uphill. The campground trail is an emergency access road. it runs close to the water.
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Cool. Thanks guys... I think I'll check this place out tomorrow.
 
Hard to get lost here. There's 1 trail around. Go out & turn around. Like Pat says, you can camp road the escape if needed.
 
Norm said:
Hard to get lost here. There's 1 trail around. Go out & turn around. Like Pat says, you can camp road the escape if needed.
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Didn't have time to rode the full loop, but the hour I did ride wad awfully humbling. Trails weft dry, save for the grass by the fence. Thanks for all the info here
 
Just a few wet spots at Round Valley today. Should be good if anyone is thinking about venturing out Monday or even Tuesday if the predicted rain holds off until late in the day...
 
also would you suggest clockwise or counterclockwise
been a while since I've ridden there

btw: were you riding by moonlight?
 
I was there yesterday, it was fine. I guess yes there are some ice spots here & there, but probably less than any other park in the state at this point. The camp road will have more ice than the trails I think.

I went from Cushetunk to the part where you can drop down to the camp road. I did not do the stuff closer to the main park. In general that stuff should be even more fine than what I did yesterday.

I may be able to join you Monday but not sure yet what my day looks like.
 
What about the conditions of the lake? I was thinking about kayaking this weekend. Is the lake liquid or solid.

Despite what some of you may think, I'm actually serious.
 
capedoc said:
What about the conditions of the lake? I was thinking about kayaking this weekend. Is the lake liquid or solid.

Despite what some of you may think, I'm actually serious.
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I don't think the reservoir freezes, does it? If it does, I've never seen it.

It's all liquid right now. Paddle away!
 
is there a way to loop the reservoir, even getting on pavement is fine

I saw lots of activity on the Strava heat maps in the restricted areas on the state maps

perhaps traffic from runners vs. riders?
 
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