Check Out the Changes to the 2025 Lake Loop! 

September 11, 2025| Community, Events, Fundraising, Recreation

By: Kari Constantine

Looking for a fun, active way to spend a fall day with family or friends? Join us on Sunday, October 5, at Hopatcong State Park for our annual Lake Loop bike/hike/paddle challenge! Whether you’re a longtime Looper or a first-timer, you’ll appreciate the new offerings coming your way this October.

Cyclists, we’re tweaking the 20-mile route!

Thanks to our amazing partner, Cycle Craft, and dedicated volunteers from Avenues in Motion, we’re once again offering three scenic bike routes for cyclists of all levels. Recreational riders will love the 20-mile option, 40-mile riders will enjoy the added challenge, and 62-mile riders can tout a metric century ride!

New this year, we’ve tweaked the 20-mile route to include a tour around Bright’s Cove – part of the most northern section of the lake. This change also brings our route to a true 20 miles, up from 18.5 miles in previous years.

Hikers, you’re getting a guide and a new route!

If you enjoyed last year’s self-guided hike through wooded trails, along the beach, and past some of Hopatcong State Park’s most beautiful and historic spots, you will love this year’s elevated experience! 

Instead of a self-guided hike, this year, Lake Hopatcong Foundation Education & Outreach Director Patrick Krudop will lead the group and share fun and fascinating insights into the area’s local wildlife, plant life, and the history of the park, including the recently restored Hopatcong State Park Fountain. It’s a great mix of movement and discovery, perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious minds of all ages. 

Bringing the Little Ones? We’ve got you covered with a stroller-friendly alternative route that’s paved and ideal for families with young children or anyone looking for an easier walk. You’ll still get to enjoy the scenery and educational talks. 

Paddlers, go the distance!

There’s nothing quite like paddling on Lake Hopatcong in early October- it’s peaceful, beautiful, and just adventurous enough to make it exciting. As in the past, paddlers will launch from and return to the beach at Hopatcong State Park. New this year, you can choose between the 2.5-mile “Bertrand Island” route or the new 4-mile course that will also take you into Landing Channel, the most southern point on the lake. Both courses will be clearly marked and patrolled to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Participants may bring their own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. Tandem paddlers are welcome, but please note that each participant must register individually.

Need gear? We’ve partnered with Ramsey Outdoor again this year to offer a limited number of kayak rentals. Just reserve during registration, and your kayak will be waiting for you on the beach when you arrive.

All route maps for the hike, bike, and paddle challenges are available now at lakeloop.org. Check the site for the latest event info and tips to make the day run smoothly and maximize the fun. And don’t forget - after completing your challenge, head over to the pavilion to celebrate! Lunch is included for all registered participants, and for those 21 and over, you’ll also receive a complimentary beverage to enjoy as you relax, play a little cornhole, listen to great music by Joe Biglin & Friends, and swap stories from the day. It’s the perfect way to unwind, refuel, and soak in the community spirit of the day. See you on October 5!