Lake Loop offers participants a chance to get moving, have fun, and raise funds to support a healthy community and a healthy Lake Hopatcong.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday, October 6 for our annual Lake Loop at Hopatcong State Park! It was just a perfect day filled with scenic bike rides, paddling adventures, and the new interactive hike around the state park. Together, we got active, had fun, and raised funds to support a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and community.
While we unpack from the day and get ourselves organized, HERE are a few photos (with more to come!). If you couldn’t make it or would still like to contribute, our donation pages will remain open until October 13—thank you for supporting Lake Hopatcong!
Thanks to our partner, Cycle Craft, we offer three exciting bike routes!
The 20-mile cycling course takes you over rolling terrain that, as the name Lake Loop suggests, loops the lake and offers views best appreciated from a bicycle. This course is great for experienced cyclists, weekend warriors, and riders looking to pace themselves alike.
For experienced cyclists looking for more of a challenge, the 40- and 62-mile courses include hilly extensions north of the lake, through the towns of Sparta and Ogdensburg. They feature their own awesome views, as you travel over streams, around forested preserves, and through town centers.
The Lake Loop is not a race - and e-bikes are welcome!
2024 Routes and Cue Sheets are below. Download the ridewithGPS app for easy access to the routes via your mobile phone on the day of the event:
62-Mile Route 40-Mile Route 20-Mile Route
Our routes include rest stops with bathrooms, water, and nutrition like PB&J sandwiches and fruit. We offer one rest stop on the 20-mile route, two on the 40-mile route, and three on the 62-mile route. The rest stops are as follows:
While we do not have age restrictions in place for our rides, due to the nature of the courses, which include busy intersections, tricky turns, and some strenuous hills, they are NOT recommended for riders younger than 16 years old, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Join us on a self-guided, family-friendly hike throughout Hopatcong State Park, designed to be both fun and educational. Our scenic route, just under two miles in length, will take you into the wooded hills, along the sandy beach, and past historically significant park landmarks. It offers participants the opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty and rich history, with the option to stop and learn at interactive educational stations along the way.
As you hike, you'll encounter multiple educational stations staffed by knowledgeable educators. Each station is a mini learning experience, where you'll discover fascinating facts about the local wildlife, the diverse plant life, and areas of historical significance, like the recently restored Hopatcong State Park Fountain. Our educational volunteers are enthusiastic and skilled at making information engaging and accessible for all ages. For those who would like to learn at their own pace, the route, and fun facts from the stations will be available in our OuterSpatial app (route coming to OuterSpatial soon!).
For families with young children or those using strollers, we’ve provided a slightly shorter alternative route, along paved paths, to ensure everyone can comfortably enjoy the hike while still benefiting from the educational stops.
Children aged 6 to 16 years can participate for a discounted rate of $10, and children aged 5 and under can join the adventure for free! All children will receive a patch for completing the hike.
Paddle around the lake on a 2.5-mile course. Push off and experience the peaceful beauty of Lake Hopatcong. The course will be marked and patrolled for a safe and fun day of paddling. Participants may use their own kayaks/paddleboards/canoes at their own risk. Life jackets are required for all paddling participants. Tandem kayaks are welcome, however, each participant must be registered.
We have partnered with Ramsey Outdoor again this year and a limited number of kayaks will be available for rent during the registration process. If you rent, your kayak will be on the beach ready to go when you arrive.
The Lake Hopatcong Foundation is an organization that promotes the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and as such, requires them to be worn as part of our event. Thank you for helping us promote a safer lake!
All minors must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
Boat wash stations will be placed near the launch for a quick wipe-down, which helps prevent the introduction of invasive species to our lake.
The course follows a series of yellow buoys, clockwise, out to Bertrand Island, around King Cove, and back to the State Park. Several course marshals will be on the water to provide guidance and assistance.
Two NJ State Police safety boats will be patrolling the course to help any paddler in distress.
We ask all paddlers to check in and check out at the water (in addition to checking in at registration) to help us ensure all paddlers come off the water safely.
Is the Lake Loop a triathlon?
No, the Lake Loop offers participants different options for getting active and supporting a healthy and vibrant Lake Hopatcong through their registration and fundraising.
Can I sign up for multiple activities?
No, participants are asked to choose one activity from a choice of cycling, hiking, or paddling.
Is the Lake Loop timed?
The Lake Loop is not a race and is therefore not timed, however, many participants time themselves via fitness apps, and there is a Lake Loop Strava Club where one can see how their participation measures up!
How much is registration and what’s included?
Cycling and paddling are $35 and hiking is $20. Prices increase by $15 after Labor Day! Registration includes a t-shirt (guaranteed if you register by Labor Day), lunch, and live music.
Can I register the day of the event?
Yes, participants can register onsite but will miss the opportunity to win fundraising and pre-registration prizes.
Where do I park?
All parking is at Hopatcong State Park. A volunteer will be available to assist you at the front gate.
Do I have to fundraise to participate?
Fundraising is not required to participate, however, proceeds from the event support the Lake Hopatcong Foundation's efforts toward a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong and surrounding community. And, through the generosity of our sponsors, there are some amazing prizes as incentives for fundraising (list coming soon)!
Are there any age restrictions?
No, there are no age restrictions for the Lake Loop; however, minors must be accompanied by an adult, and we do not recommend the cycling routes for individuals younger than sixteen years of age. For those renting kayaks from us, we do not carry life jackets for individuals less than 90 lbs.
Is the event rain or shine?
The Lake Loop is rain or shine, however, if the weather forecast is severe or dangerous (hurricane, all-day thunderstorms, driving rains, etc.) and we are forced to adjust the timing of the event or cancel, an email will go out to all participants on Friday. Participants will have the option to request a refund or donate their registration fees, and swag will be made available for pick-up.
Will a Support and Gear (SAG) Vehicle be made available for cyclists?
Yes, if you experience a mechanical issue, breakdown, or cannot complete the route and need to reach the SAG vehicle, a number will be provided before the start of the event. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Where can I find the cycling/paddling/hiking routes?
A GPS route and downloadable cue sheets of the cycling as well as an overall map of the paddling and 5K course will be available soon.
How are the courses marked?
The cycling routes are marked with road paint. 62-mile = orange; 40-mile = pink; 20-mile = green. Tricky turns and major intersections will also have directional lawn signs, to help cyclists stay on track.
The paddling route is marked with yellow buoys meant to be followed clockwise back to the State Park.
The running route is marked with directional lawn signs and cheerleaders to help guide participants.
Are life jackets mandatory?
All paddlers must wear a PFD (personal flotation device), which they are expected to bring unless they rent from Ramsey Outdoor.
Is the park (and boat ramp) open to the public during the event?
Yes, the park and its amenities will be open to the public. Participants are advised to watch out for others while on the trails, and while paddling near the boat launch.
What time does lunch start?
Lunch will be available from 11 am -1 pm.
Is the event dog-friendly?
Yes, Hopatcong State Park and the Lake Loop are dog-friendly, however, dogs must be leashed and are NOT allowed on the beach.
