North Jersey
Kittatinny Valley State Park | Sussex County
Forests, wetlands, swamps, fields – the landscape is diverse in this sprawling state park, which is home to New Jersey’s deepest natural lake. The park offers eight miles of mountain biking trails in addition to two rail trails: the 27.1-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail and the 18-mile Sussex Branch Trail. From gravel roads to rugged terrain, trails for all skill levels can be found at this park. So, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned biker, you’re sure to find a trail to enjoy.
Wawayanda State Park | Passaic County
Whether you want to take a leisurely family pedal to a serene lake or tackle more challenging trails on your mountain bike, you’ll find your ride here. The 2.2-mile Bike Path is an easy, paved route that takes you from the park entrance directly to Wawayanda Lake. A network of multi-use trails (rated easy to moderate) can be stitched together to tackle an up to a 60-mile or more adventure on two wheels. Check out the trail guide and map to navigate your journey.
Tourne County Park | Morris County
Open to the public since 1960, this county park with a peak elevation of 897 feet features natural wonders as well as NYC skyline views, earning the name “Tourne” (Dutch for “lookout” or “mountain”). Many of the 10.7 miles of blazed trails are accessible to cyclists. Consult this map to make your way to the Top of the Tourne.
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway | Hudson & Bergen Counties
Don’t let the “walkway” in its name fool you. This 30-foot-wide path is also bike-friendly and the ideal route for those who prefer urban views to green spaces. Ready to go the distance? The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway (dare we say “Bikeway”) stretches out for 18.5 miles along the famous waterway from the tip of Bayonne to the George Washington Bridge.
Saddle River County Park Bikeway | Bergen County
Across just six miles, you can pedal through Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Paramus, Saddle Brook and Rochelle Park. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of a waterfall, three ponds and gorgeous green spaces. Consult this map to plot your route.
One To Watch For: Northern Valley Greenway | Bergen County
If forced to describe this planned bike trail in just two words, it would be “suburban splendor.” Once complete, the eight-mile-long multi-use linear park will traverse Tenafly, Cresskill, Demarest, Closter, Norwood and Northvale.
Central Jersey
Washington Crossing State Park | Mercer County
At the site of General Washington’s iconic crossing of the Delaware in 1776, you’ll discover five miles of mountain bike trails. The Bike Trail begins at Phillips Farm and forms a 2-mile loop through meadows and forested areas. Here, you’ll also find the trailhead for the 2.2-mile, multi-use Horseback Riding Trail. The shorter D&R Feeder Canal Trail begins at the Washington Grove day-use area and follows along a former canal towpath and a 19th-century railroad route. There is a total of 13 hiking trails at the park, along with museum exhibitions, living history demonstrations, and outdoor education programs, so be sure to park your bike and explore all the park has to offer.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail | Mercer and Hunterdon Counties
One of the best (and longest) trails in the state, The D&R Canal Trail follows the towpath of the canal and spans more than 70 miles. It connects a number of towns along the way, running past 1800s bridges, cobblestone spillways, hand-built stone culverts and other unique architectural relics. The trail is part of the East Coast Greenway (more on that under Middlesex Greenway).
Duke Farms | Somerset County
You don’t even need your own set of wheels to pedal your way around the 1,000+-acre natural sanctuary that is Duke Farms. Their bike rental program – which includes a limited number of adult tricycles for improved accessibility – allows visitors to explore farther than ever before along 12+ miles of paved and gravel pathways designated for biking and walking.
Middlesex Greenway | Middlesex County
This is a trail for easy riders. The 10-foot wide paved path provides ample room for cyclists of all skill levels to share the beautiful surroundings with casual strollers and joggers. This 3.5-mile-long section of the East Coast Greenway – a developing network of trails that will span a full 3,000 miles from Canada to Key West – will swing you by welcoming communities, parks and shopping districts in Metuchen, Edison and Woodbridge.
Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail | Mercer County
This easily navigable 22-mile multi-use pathway connects two of the most charming towns in the county. Landmarks to keep on your radar as you merrily pedal along include the 19th-century Whiskey House, the historic truss bridge over Stony Brook, plus picturesque forests and farmlands. Ready to roll? Map out your ride here.
South Jersey
Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway | Monmouth County
Pedal 8.7 miles along the Sandy Hook peninsula, where you’ll enjoy salty sea breezes and spectacular views of the ocean and maritime forests. Perfect for summertime rides, this bike trail is a favorite for its beach access, which allows you to stop for a seaside picnic or a quick dip in the ocean before you finish your ride. The multi-use, paved path will also lead you to must-see historic sites including the country’s oldest operating lighthouse, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, and the former U.S. Army installation Fort Hancock, which defended the New York Harbor through both World Wars.
Ocean City Boardwalk | Cape May County
Get moving and bike the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk for a 2.5-mile ride accompanied by dramatic ocean views. Along the way, you can stop and shop or dine at the popular restaurants that line the route. Be sure to check the permitted bike hours before you go since they vary depending on the season. Due to heavy pedestrian traffic during the summer, bicycles are often prohibited on the boardwalk after noon.
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway | Monmouth County
Experience a route that has been around since long before it became a bike path. The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway was originally a section of the steam-era railroad. Travel this South Jersey rail trail for 3.4 miles and you’ll pass by everything from residential neighborhoods to deep forests. You’ll finish your journey at Allaire State Park, where you can explore additional hiking trails, stop by the 19th-century living history museum known as the Historic Village at Allaire, and even take a ride on an old-fashioned train at the New Jersey Museum of Transportation.
Pine Barrens River Ramble | Atlantic and Burlington Counties
Explore the beauty of South Jersey’s pine barrens on the Pinelands National Reserve. Here, you’ll find the Pine Barrens River Ramble, a 42.6-mile loop that winds through pine and oak forests alongside cranberry bogs and blueberry fields and past three major rivers. The route begins at the parking area for Batsto Village, a historical center that features a 200-year-old sawmill, post office, gristmill, blacksmith and more.
Union Transportation Trail | Monmouth County
This multi-use path created from a former railroad offers nine miles of gravel pathway that runs beside the 115-acre Crosswicks Creek Park. If you complete the bike trail, you’ll cross 11 bridges and pass by shaded forests and sprawling farmland. This is one of the best spots to look for signs of animals, from deer tracks on the path to frogs singing by the pond to horses in the neighboring fields. While you ride, keep an eye out for horseback riders, joggers and fellow cyclists.
Henry Hudson Trail | Monmouth County
Divided into four sections, this 24-mile, multi-surface bicycle trail passes through wooded areas, wetlands, fields and streams. Cyclist favorites include the northern section, which takes you through marshlands and rewards you with a gorgeous view of New York City, and the Bayshore section, which meanders along the beautiful New Jersey coastline for a picturesque ride. You’ll experience multiple road crossings on each section of the trail, so be sure to bring a trail map along for the ride.
Cape May Shoreline Ride | Cape May County
Explore the charming town of Cape May on bike. Beginning and ending at the Cape May Lighthouse parking lot, this 46.4-mile loop takes bikers through the historic village, passing destinations like the Cape May County Park & Zoo, the Nature Center, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the Sunset Pavilion. Along the way, you’ll pass by Victorian-era homes, bird sanctuaries, idyllic beaches, boardwalks and wetlands.
Find even more to do in New Jersey’s great outdoors here and be sure to download our free vacation guide to start planning your Garden State getaway.
