NJ Mountain Bike

I had no ideas about what to expect from Shark River Park when I set out early on Labor Day. I left a little later than usual (around 6:00) to get to the park about 6:45 only to find all entrances locked for an 8:00am opening. This was a first for me but a lesson learned. In the future, I will always check for park opening times. Fortunately, the Ranger opened the park a bit early and I was able to get the early start I like.

The park is beautiful, which is how I have described all of the parks in Monmouth County I have already visited. The Park is slightly over 93 acres along Shark River in Neptune and Wall Townships with over 8 miles of trails. The Park is immaculate. There is a stocked lake, a really nice playground with shuffleboard and horseshoes, a picnic area that has plenty of grills for a family outing.

Most of the main trails offer little challenge but the switchbacks are full of fun. The main trails are wide and rolling hard packed sand, dirt, and grass. There are a few patches of fine same but the trails were in great shape with one exception. I would recommend skipping The River’s Edge Trail which is better suited as a hiking trail. I wound up off my bike most of the trail climbing up stairs besides the fact it is extremely narrow and overgrown.

I definitely had a great time at Shark River and will make another trip back soon. Next time I want to explore all of the smaller unmarked trails which were so much fun.

Overall: 6 of 10

Aerobic: 6 of 10

Technical: 5 of 10

Best wishes,

Howie