Join the Lawrence Hopewell Trail for the Full Moon Ride and Walk on September 26, 2026

Pedal or Stroll – Experience the LHT Under the September Moon

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail invites cyclists and walkers to experience the magic of Mercer Meadows Park under September’s full moon at the Full Moon Ride & Walk on September 26. This year’s full moon is a Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It will rise bigger, brighter, and more golden than any other moon of the year, casting long light across the evening sky! Whether you prefer to bike or walk, this beloved community event offers a memorable night out. The bike ride offers a scenic 6-mile ride, and the walk is an approximately 1-mile stroll along the Stony Brook.

The nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail and the Mercer County Park Commission present this evening of fun, family, friends, music, and moonlight with something for everyone. In 2024, over 500 participants joined the fun, some from as far away as Florida and Texas. This year, walkers are invited to join the celebration alongside cyclists.

“The Full Moon Ride & Walk is one of the most magical nights of the year,” said David Sandahl, Board Chair of the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation. “Whether you’re cycling or enjoying a moonlit stroll, this event brings our community together while supporting the LHT. We’re grateful to everyone whose support helps make the Trail and its programs possible.”

Event Details

Registration opens at 7:00 PM on September 26 at the Rosedale Lake section of Mercer Meadows Park in Pennington. The Full Moon Bike Ride begins at 7:30 PM. Participants are welcome to arrive early to enjoy the pre-ride festivities. A DJ will welcome participants with fun energy and participants can gather around the firepit for s’mores after their moonlit adventure.

The Full Moon Ride is open to adults and children aged 12 and above. The Full Moon Walk is open to all ages, making it a perfect option for families with younger children or anyone who prefers a leisurely moonlit stroll. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The walk follows an approximately one-mile route along the scenic Stony Brook.

Both the six-mile bike loop and walking route feature fanciful lighting along the way! Food vendors – including Thai Cha Chak Food Truck and Nosh Empanadas – await riders and walkers alike back at Rosedale Lake.

Registration and Safety

Registration is available at three pricing tiers. Adults (18+) may register at the Early Bird rate of $25 through June 24, regular pricing of $30, or $35 on the day of the event. Youth may register at the Early Bird rate of $20, regular rate of $25, or $30 day-of. T-shirts are available for online purchase through the LHT 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 required, 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.

Logistics

Participants should use the Rosedale 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 27, but if weather forces the change, the program will be limited to the bike ride only.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses interested in supporting the Full Moon Ride & Walk can learn more about sponsorship opportunities at lhtrail.org/fmr-sponsors/. There is still time to become a sponsor for this highly anticipated community event. Sponsorships help support both the event and the Lawrence Hopewell Trail’s year-round initiatives.

Volunteer for the Event

Are you interested in volunteering for the Full Moon Ride? Email info@lhtrail.org or complete the volunteer form on our website: https://lhtrail.org/volunteer/

Supporting the Trail

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

About the Lawrence Hopewell Trail

The nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation has worked for over 20 years with governments and companies, schools, land trusts, and residents to develop and program the popular 20-mile LHT multi-use trail in Hopewell and Lawrence Townships. Only four short segments totaling about two miles remain to be built.

The LHT is a key member of the Circuit Trails Coalition, an 800-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting people to jobs, communities, and parks in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation relies on grants and donations to fund operating expenses and community events such as the Saturday Morning Walking Club, bike rides, and the popular Full Moon Bike Ride. Learn more about the LHT at LHTrail.org.

About Mercer Meadows

The Mercer County Park Commission manages diverse offerings within its more than 10,000 acres of parks, recreational facilities, and open space throughout Mercer County. Mercer Meadows, where the Full Moon Bike Ride takes place, consists of more than 1,600 acres divided among five separate districts. Miles of mowed, stone dust, paved, and gravel trails provide visitors and their families with scenic walking and biking routes through meadows and woodland. Fishing is popular at the park’s four water bodies. For more information, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Media Contact:

Claire Wille; Operations and Development Coordinator; (609) 937-4075; claire@lhtrail.org