The Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) is inviting the community to experience Mercer Meadows Park in a whole new light during its 10th annual Full Moon Bike Ride on Saturday, September 6, 2025. For the first time, the popular event will also feature a Full Moon Walk — a scenic, one-mile moonlit stroll along the Stony Brook designed for non-cyclists.
Presented in partnership with the Mercer County Park Commission, the Full Moon Ride is more than just a bike trip. It’s a festive evening of music, community, and outdoor fun, with more than 500 riders participating last year — some traveling from as far as Florida and Texas.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Time: Registration begins at 7 p.m.; ride starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Rosedale Lake section of Mercer Meadows Park, Hopewell Township
- Cost: Adults $25 in advance/$30 day-of; Youth (12–17) $15
- Rain Date: Sunday, September 7 (bike ride only)
- Registration: lhtrail.org/annual-fullmoonride
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy DJ music, a campfire, and pre-ride festivities. Riders will set off on a six-mile loop through the meadows, while walkers take a shorter one-mile route, both lit by decorative lighting for added atmosphere.
The night concludes back at Rosedale Lake with s’mores by the campfire, entertainment, and local food trucks.
Safety and Logistics
Helmets are required for all riders under 18 and strongly encouraged for everyone. Cyclists should equip their bikes with both front and rear lights, as moonlight alone won’t fully illuminate the trail. Bikes with narrow road tires are not recommended due to some unpaved sections.
Event parking is accessible via the Federal City Road entrance to Mercer Meadows, between Blackwell Road and Old Mill Road. Carpooling is encouraged.
A Growing Tradition
“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.”
Supporting the Trail
Proceeds support the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation, which has developed nearly all of the 20-mile LHT trail network connecting Hopewell and Lawrence Townships. More than 100,000 people use the trail annually, and only a few short gaps remain before it will be fully completed. The organization also leads events like the Saturday Morning Walking Club and family bike rides, relying on community donations and grants.
About the Partners
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail is a key member of the Circuit Trails Coalition — a planned 800-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails across the Greater Philadelphia Region. Learn more at LHTrail.org.
Mercer Meadows, managed by the Mercer County Park Commission, features over 1,600 acres of preserved open space with a variety of paved and unpaved trails, woodlands, meadows, and four bodies of water for fishing. More about the park system is available at mercercountyparks.org.
