Lake Loop offers participants a chance to get moving, have fun, and celebrate Lake Hopatcong as a recreational resource while raising funds to keep our lake and community healthy and vibrant, now and for future generations.
Join us on Sunday, October 5 at Hopatcong State Park for our annual bike/hike/paddle event! Participants can choose from several scenic bike routes, two paddling routes, or a self-guided, interactive hike. Let’s celebrate recreation on New Jersey’s largest lake while getting active, having fun, and raising funds for a vibrant, healthy lake and community.
Early bird pricing is in effect through Labor Day! Register to bike or paddle for $35 or register to hike for only $20. Discounts for children 16 and under, and kids 5 and under are FREE!
Included with registration is a coveted Lake Loop t-shirt (register by Labor Day to guarantee your t-shirt; kids get swag instead of a shirt) and refreshments at our “Finish Line” party! Prices jump by $15 after Labor Day.
See individual drop-downs below for more information on each activity, and click the REGISTER button when you’re ready to choose your challenge!
REGISTER
We’re raising funds to support a vibrant and healthy Lake Hopatcong. When you register for Lake Loop, a fundraising page is automatically created for you. Fundraising isn’t mandatory, but every dollar raised helps support the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s efforts to protect the environment and enhance the experience on and around New Jersey’s largest lake now, and for future generations. Those who fundraise will be entered in drawings to win prizes, and prizes will be given for the top individual and fundraising team.
Can't join us? Support this year's Lake Loop by donating to any individual or team!
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!
Join us on a self-guided, family-friendly hike throughout Hopatcong State Park, designed to be both fun and educational. Our scenic route, approximately 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 along the way. Final route and details coming 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 Lake Loop swag for completing the hike.
Push off from Hopatcong State Park and experience the peaceful beauty of Lake Hopatcong. Paddlers can choose between a 2.5-mile “Bertrand Island and Back” course or an expanded 4-mile course, which takes you down into Landing Channel. The courses will be marked and patrolled for a safe and fun day of paddling. Participants may use their personal kayaks/paddleboards/canoes at their own risk. Life jackets are required for all paddling participants. Tandem kayaks and canoes 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 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. Children five and under must be in a boat with an adult.
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.
We ask all paddlers to check in and check out on the beach (in addition to checking in at registration) to help us ensure all paddlers are safely off the water.
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.
We are now seeking sponsors for the 2025 Lake Loop Challenge! All levels come with recognition on our website, e-newsletter, and social media, and many come with the opportunity to host an informational table, your name on signage at the event, and complimentary registrations so you and your employees can join us on October 5! For more information on 2025 Lake Loop sponsorship opportunities, see our Sponsorship Packet below. For questions, email caitlin@lakehopatcongfoundation.org or call 973-663-2500.
Sponsorship Packet
Lake Loop is not a timed event, however, participants are welcome to time themselves (and often do)! Check out our Lake Loop community on Strava, a popular app for tracking your activity.
