Moonlit Adventure Returns: Lawrence Hopewell Full Moon Bike Ride Celebrates Decade In Fall

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The Lawrence Hopewell will be hosting the 10th Full Moon Bike Ride on Sept.6.

The ride will take place at the Mercer Meadows Park under September's full moon. This milestone year event will also include the first-ever Full Moon Walk, inviting walkers on their own adventure as cyclists enjoy the beloved six-mile loop that has become a signature community celebration.

The event is being hosted by the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail and the Mercer County Park Commission. In 2024, over 500 riders participated, some from as far away as Florida and Texas.

"After nine previous Full Moon Rides, we're thrilled to expand this beloved tradition with our first Full Moon Walk," said David Sandahl, Board Chair of the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation. "Whether you're cycling the full loop or taking a peaceful moonlit stroll, this event captures the magic that makes the LHT so special to so many."

Registration opens at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the Rosedale Lake section of Mercer Meadows Park in Hopewell, along with a campfire and a DJ. The Full Moon Bike Ride begins at 7:30 p.m. and is open to adults and children aged 12 and above. Participants are welcome to arrive early to enjoy the pre-ride festivities.

New this year, walking enthusiasts can join the Full Moon Walk, a one-mile moonlight stroll along the scenic Stony Brook, in response to popular demand.

Both the six-mile bike loop and walking route feature fanciful lighting along the way, with DJ entertainment, food trucks, and a campfire with s'mores awaiting participants back at Rosedale Lake.

Registration costs $25 for adults (18 and over) and $15 for youth (12 to 17). Adult registration increases to $30 on the day of the event. T-shirts are available for advance purchase through the website.

Helmets are required by law for riders under 18, although the Lawrence Hopewell Trail encourages all riders to wear helmets. Front and rear bike lights are highly recommended, as moonlight alone will not adequately illuminate wooded trail sections. Bikes with narrow road tires are not suitable for this route, as some sections feature stone dust surfaces.

Participants should use the park entrance on Federal City Road between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road in Hopewell Township. Carpooling is encouraged.

The rain date is Sunday, September 7, but if weather forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride only.

The Full Moon Ride serves as a fundraiser for the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corp., which works with public and private landowners to build, program and expand this popular Mercer County amenity that now hosts over 100,000 user visits annually.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com