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 guided 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.
Grab your spot to bike, hike, or paddle! Kids 16 and under get a discount, and little adventurers 5 and under can paddle or hike for free. Plus, every registration comes with lunch and refreshments at our finish line party!
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 (see drop-down below for prize details!).
Can't join us? Support this year's Lake Loop by donating to any individual or team!
7:15 am Registration Opens; Bagels and Coffee Available
8:00 am 62-Mile Bike Start
9:00 am 40-Mile Bike Start
9:30 am 20-Mile Bike Start
10:00 am 2.5-Mile and 4-Mile Paddle Start
10:30 am 2-Mile Guided Hike Start
11:00 am Lunch and Live Music Begins
12:30 pm Raffle and Fundraising Winners Announced
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.
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!
20-Mile Route 40-Mile Route 62-Mile Route
Join us on a 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, offering participants the opportunity to learn about the park’s natural beauty and rich history.
For families with young children or those using strollers, a slightly shorter alternative route along paved paths is available.
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.
When you cross the finish line, the real fun begins! Free for participants, stick around for our finish line celebration, which includes a sandwich lunch paired with The Roxbury Diner’s famous pumpkin soup. Cool downwith a cold one in the beer garden (Sam Adams Oktoberfest to keep the autumn vibes going or Michelob Ultra for a low-calorie option) (permit #146260), courtesy of Liquor Factory. Or you can rehydrate with coffee and iced tea from Dunkin’ and water from Culligan Water.
While fundraising is not a requirement to participate in Lake Loop, fundraisers are eligible to win sweet prizes for going the “extra mile” and raising funds to help us protect and improve Lake Hopatcong!
When you register, a fundraising page will be automatically set up and sent to you via email, which you can share with friends, family, coworkers – anyone and everyone who will support your ride, hike, or paddle! An option to create a new fundraising team or join a friend’s will also be available when you register. You can also find your fundraising page and check the fundraising standings by clicking the button below.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are excited to announce the following prizes for folks who “go the extra mile” and raise additional funds to support our environmental, educational, community, and advocacy programs. You could win:
The top fundraising team will win a half-day boat rental, donated by Bridge Marina! Enjoy four hours of float time, exploring the largest lake in New Jersey, aboard a pontoon from the Bridge Marina fleet.
The top fundraising individual will win a $100 Cycle Craft gift card and a $100 Ramsey Outdoor gift card. Outdoor adventures, here you come!
We’re raffling off three exciting prizes for individuals who raise any dollar amount, separate from their registration fee! If chosen, you could win:
Volunteering is a great way to get involved, give back to the community, and enjoy a day at the lake. Ideal for high school students who need volunteer hours, scout troops, service clubs, or anyone who loves Lake Hopatcong. All volunteers will receive a commemorative t-shirt as well as a free lunch!
Volunteer Registration
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.
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 on 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?
Links for GPS routes for each of the bike options are available on this page. Printed cue sheets will also be provided at the event. Maps for the paddle and hike options are available on this page.
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 routes are marked with buoys meant to be followed clockwise back to the State Park. Participants for the 2.5-mile route follow the yellow buoys, and those paddling the 4-mile route follow the pink buoys for the Landing Channel extension.
The hike route is marked with directional lawn signs 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 to 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.
