New Jersey may be known for its bustling cities and iconic boardwalks, but it’s also home to some of the most beautiful bike trails in the country.
From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the sandy beaches of the Shore, New Jersey offers a diverse range of scenic routes for cyclists of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual rider, these 22 bike trails are sure to take your breath away with their stunning views and challenging terrain. So grab your helmet, hop on your bike, and get ready to pedal your way through paradise!
Non-RT (route that is not used for transportation purposes)
| Trail | Counties | Length | Surface | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Franklin Bridge | Camden, Philadelphia | 1.3 miles | Concrete | Rail-Trail |
| Cold Spring Bike Path | Cape May | 2.7 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Columbia Trail | Hunterdon, Morris | 15 miles | Crushed Stone | Rail-Trail |
| Cooper River Park | Camden | 4.2 miles | Asphalt | Greenway/Non-RT |
| Dennis Township Bike Path | Cape May | 2.4 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway | Monmouth | 3.4 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Middle Township Bike Path | Cape May | 13 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Manasquan Reservoir Trail | Monmouth | 4.8 miles | Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt | Greenway/Non-RT |
| Middlesex Greenway | Middlesex | 3.6 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Monroe Township Bike Path | Gloucester | 6.3 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Paulinskill Valley Trail | Sussex, Warren | 27.1 miles | Ballast, Cinder, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass | Rail-Trail |
| Pemberton Rail-Trail | Burlington | 1.6 miles | Crushed Stone | Rail-Trail |
| Saddle River County Park Bike Path | Bergen | 7.6 miles | Asphalt | Greenway/Non-RT |
| Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway | Monmouth | 8.7 miles | Asphalt | Greenway/Non-RT |
| Traction Line Recreation Trail | Morris | 2.7 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Union Transportation Trail | Monmouth | 9.3 miles | Crushed Stone | Rail-Trail |
| West Essex Trail | Essex | 2.84 miles | Cinder, Gravel | Rail-Trail |
| Barnegat Branch Trail | Ocean | 11.7 miles | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt | Rail-Trail |
| Blackwood Railroad Trail | Camden | 2.7 miles | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Henry Hudson Trail | Monmouth | 22.5 miles | Asphalt, Gravel, Sand | Rail-Trail |
| Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail | Morris | 7 miles | Asphalt | Greenway/Non-RT |
| Sussex Branch Trail | Sussex | 18 miles | Cinder, Dirt, Grass | Rail-Trail |
Table of Contents
- Ben Franklin Bridge
- Cold Spring Bike Path
- Columbia Trail
- Cooper River Park
- Dennis Township Bike Path
- Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway
- Middle Township Bike Path
- Manasquan Reservoir Trail
- Middlesex Greenway
- Monroe Township Bike Path
- Paulinskill Valley Trail
- Pemberton Rail-Trail
- Saddle River County Park Bike Path
- Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway
- Traction Line Recreation Trail
- Union Transportation Trail
- West Essex Trail
- Barnegat Branch Trail
- Gloucester Township Health and Fitness Trail (aka Blackwood Railroad Trail)
- Henry Hudson Trail
- Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail
- Sussex Branch Trail
- Conclusion
Ben Franklin Bridge
Ben Franklin Bridge is a popular biking destination located in New Jersey. This bridge spans across the Delaware River, connecting Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The bridge offers a dedicated bike lane that is open to bikers 24/7. The trail surface is made of concrete, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for bikers. The bridge is a rail-trail category, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy scenic views.
The length of the bridge is 1.3 miles, making it a great option for bikers who want to enjoy a short but scenic ride.
Cold Spring Bike Path
The Cold Spring Bike Path in Cape May, New Jersey is a 2.7-mile rail-trail that offers a smooth and scenic ride for cyclists of all levels. The trail’s surface is made of asphalt, providing a comfortable and safe biking experience.
The path offers stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape, including wetlands and forests. The trail is located near the historic Cold Spring Village, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s rich history and culture.
The trail is also accessible to walkers and joggers, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Cold Spring Bike Path is a great option for those looking for a leisurely ride or a family-friendly outing.
Columbia Trail
Columbia Trail is a popular biking trail located in Hunterdon and Morris Counties, New Jersey. The trail surface is made of crushed stone, making it ideal for biking. The trail is categorized as a Rail-Trail, which means it was converted from a former railroad corridor into a multi-use trail.
The trail stretches for 15 miles, providing bikers with a long and scenic ride through the beautiful countryside of New Jersey. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for bikers of all skill levels. The trail is also well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation.
Overall, Columbia Trail is a great option for bikers looking for a peaceful and enjoyable ride in New Jersey.
Cooper River Park
Cooper River Park, located in Camden County, New Jersey, is a popular biking destination for locals and visitors alike. The trail surface is made of smooth asphalt, making it ideal for biking enthusiasts of all levels.
The trail is categorized as a greenway/non-RT, meaning it is a scenic route that is not used for transportation purposes. With a length of 4.2 miles, the trail offers a manageable distance for bikers looking for a quick ride or those who want to take their time and enjoy the picturesque views.
The park is well-maintained, and bikers can expect a clean and safe environment to ride in. Overall, Cooper River Park is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience one of the best biking trails in New Jersey.
Dennis Township Bike Path
The Dennis Township Bike Path is a popular biking trail located in Cape May County, New Jersey. The trail spans a length of 2.4 miles and is surfaced with asphalt, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for bikers of all skill levels.
The trail is categorized as a Rail-Trail, which means that it follows the path of a former railroad line. This makes for a relatively flat and easy ride, with minimal inclines and declines.
The Dennis Township Bike Path is a great option for those looking for a shorter, more leisurely ride, as it is not particularly challenging or strenuous. Overall, the trail offers a pleasant biking experience in a scenic and peaceful setting.
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway
The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway in New Jersey is a 3.4-mile rail-trail located in Monmouth County. The trail is surfaced with asphalt, making it ideal for biking. The trail is named in honor of Edgar Felix, a former mayor of Keansburg, who was instrumental in developing the trail.
The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for bikers of all skill levels. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding area and passes through several parks, including the Bayshore Waterfront Park and the Keansburg Amusement Park.
The trail is also popular with joggers, walkers, and inline skaters. Overall, the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway is a must-visit destination for biking enthusiasts in New Jersey.
Middle Township Bike Path
The Middle Township Bike Path in New Jersey is a 13-mile long rail-trail that runs along Seashore Road in Erma, Cape May County. The trail surface is paved with asphalt, making it suitable for biking all year round.
The trail is rated as easy, making it a great option for families and beginner cyclists. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for bikers and hikers alike.
The trail is well-maintained and features rest areas along the way, making it a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Overall, the Middle Township Bike Path is a great option for anyone looking for a leisurely bike ride in a beautiful setting.
Manasquan Reservoir Trail
The Manasquan Reservoir Trail is a popular biking destination located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The trail stretches for 4.8 miles and is characterized by a mix of cinder, crushed stone, and dirt surfaces.
As a greenway/non-RT trail, it is ideal for bikers who are looking for a leisurely ride through scenic surroundings. The trail is well-maintained and offers a smooth ride, making it accessible to bikers of all skill levels. Along the way, bikers can take in stunning views of the Manasquan Reservoir, which is a major source of drinking water for the region.
Overall, the Manasquan Reservoir Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves biking and wants to explore the beauty of New Jersey’s natural landscapes.
Middlesex Greenway
The Middlesex Greenway is a popular biking trail in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The trail stretches for approximately 3.6 miles and is entirely surfaced with asphalt.
The trail is categorized as a Rail-Trail, meaning that it was formerly a railway line that has been converted into a recreational trail. The Middlesex Greenway is a relatively flat trail that is suitable for riders of all skill levels.
The trail is well-maintained and features scenic views of the surrounding natural landscape. Bikers can enjoy a peaceful ride through the heart of Middlesex County while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Monroe Township Bike Path
Monroe Township Bike Path is a 6.3-mile-long asphalt trail located in Gloucester County, New Jersey. The trail is a rail-trail, meaning it was converted from an old railroad corridor into a recreational path for biking and other outdoor activities.
The path is suitable for all skill levels and is primarily used for biking, walking, and running. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside and passes through wooded areas, residential neighborhoods, and commercial districts.
The trail is open year-round and provides visitors with ample parking and restrooms. Overall, the Monroe Township Bike Path is a great option for those looking for a peaceful and enjoyable biking experience in New Jersey.
Paulinskill Valley Trail
The Paulinskill Valley Trail is a 27.1-mile long rail-trail located in Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey. The trail is open to biking and offers a variety of trail surfaces, including ballast, cinder, crushed stone, dirt, and grass.
The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for all skill levels of bikers. The trail runs through scenic areas, including farmland, forests, and wetlands. The trail also features several historic sites, including the Paulinskill Viaduct, a massive bridge that spans the Paulins Kill River.
Overall, the Paulinskill Valley Trail is a great option for bikers looking to explore the natural beauty and history of New Jersey.
Pemberton Rail-Trail
The Pemberton Rail-Trail is a popular biking trail located in Burlington County, New Jersey. This trail stretches for 1.6 miles and is ideal for bikers of all skill levels. The trail surface is made up of crushed stone, which makes for a smooth and easy ride.
The Pemberton Rail-Trail is designated as a Rail-Trail, which means it was once a railroad track that has been converted into a biking trail. This trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscape.
Bikers can enjoy a peaceful and scenic ride on this trail, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Pemberton Rail-Trail is a must-visit destination for any biking enthusiast in New Jersey.
Saddle River County Park Bike Path
Saddle River County Park Bike Path is a popular biking trail located in Bergen County, New Jersey. The trail stretches for 7.6 miles and is perfect for biking enthusiasts who enjoy a scenic ride. The trail surface is made of asphalt, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for bikers.
Saddle River County Park Bike Path is classified as a Greenway/Non-RT trail, meaning it is a multi-use trail that is not part of a larger regional trail system. The trail is well-maintained and offers bikers a chance to explore the beautiful natural scenery of Bergen County.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced biker, Saddle River County Park Bike Path is a great choice for a day of biking in New Jersey.
Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway
The Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway is an 8.7-mile-long trail located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The trail is surfaced with asphalt, making it ideal for biking. The pathway is categorized as a greenway/non-RT, meaning it is a recreational trail that is not a rail-trail.
The trail is suitable for bikers of all skill levels and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The pathway is well-maintained and is a popular destination for biking enthusiasts. The trail is also accessible to pedestrians and is a great option for those looking to enjoy a leisurely walk or run.
Overall, the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway is a great option for those looking to enjoy a scenic and well-maintained biking trail in New Jersey.
Traction Line Recreation Trail
The Traction Line Recreation Trail is a popular biking destination in Morris County, New Jersey. This rail-trail spans 2.7 miles and offers a smooth asphalt surface for a comfortable ride.
The trail is well-maintained and provides a scenic biking experience for riders of all skill levels. Bikers can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape as they travel along the trail. The Traction Line Recreation Trail is a great option for those looking for a short, yet enjoyable biking excursion in Morris County.
Union Transportation Trail
The Union Transportation Trail is a 9.3-mile long rail-trail located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The trail is open for biking and is surfaced with crushed stone, making it a smooth ride for cyclists.
The trail is known for its scenic beauty and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Union Transportation Trail is a popular destination among bikers, as it provides a safe and enjoyable biking experience. The trail is also suitable for riders of all skill levels, making it an ideal place for families and beginners.
The trail is well-maintained and is easily accessible, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of New Jersey on two wheels.
West Essex Trail
The West Essex Trail is a popular biking trail located in Essex County, New Jersey. The trail is 2.84 miles in length and offers a scenic route for bikers to explore the area. The trail surface is made up of cinder and gravel, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for bikers.
The West Essex Trail is classified as a Rail-Trail, which means it was converted from an old railroad track into a biking trail. The trail is well-maintained and offers bikers the opportunity to ride through wooded areas and past historic landmarks.
Overall, the West Essex Trail is a great option for bikers looking for a short and scenic ride in the Essex County area.
Barnegat Branch Trail
The Barnegat Branch Trail is an 11.7-mile rail-trail located in Ocean County, New Jersey. The trail is primarily used for biking and is accessible year-round. The trail surface is a mix of asphalt, crushed stone, and dirt, making it suitable for various types of bikes.
The trail is mostly flat, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a leisurely ride. Along the trail, riders can enjoy scenic views of the Barnegat Bay and pass through several small towns.
The trail is well-maintained, and amenities such as restrooms and parking are available at various points along the trail. Overall, the Barnegat Branch Trail is a great option for those looking for a peaceful and scenic biking experience in New Jersey.
Gloucester Township Health and Fitness Trail (aka Blackwood Railroad Trail)
The Gloucester Township Health and Fitness Trail, also known as the Blackwood Railroad Trail, is a popular biking trail located in Camden County, New Jersey. The trail covers a distance of 2.7 miles and is surfaced with smooth asphalt, providing a comfortable and easy ride for bikers of all levels.
The trail is designated as a Rail-Trail, which means it follows the path of an old railroad line that has been converted into a recreational trail. The trail is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for bikers to enjoy. The trail is well-maintained and offers a safe and enjoyable experience for bikers.
Henry Hudson Trail
The Henry Hudson Trail is a popular biking trail located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It stretches for a total of 22.5 miles and offers a variety of trail surfaces, including asphalt, gravel, and sand.
The trail is categorized as a rail-trail, meaning that it was built on an abandoned railroad corridor. The Henry Hudson Trail offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, including forests, wetlands, and historic sites.
Bikers can enjoy a leisurely ride along the trail, taking in the natural beauty of the area. The trail is also popular with walkers, joggers, and inline skaters, and is accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail
Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail is a 7-mile long trail located in Morris County, New Jersey. The trail is primarily used for biking and is surfaced with asphalt, making it an ideal surface for biking enthusiasts.
The trail is categorized as a greenway/non-RT, which means that it is a multi-use trail that is ideal for biking, hiking, and walking. The trail passes through beautiful wooded areas and provides a scenic view of the surrounding landscape.
The trail is well-maintained and is suitable for riders of all skill levels. The Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail is a popular destination for bikers in New Jersey and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a scenic and enjoyable biking experience.
Sussex Branch Trail
Sussex Branch Trail is an 18-mile long rail-trail located in Sussex County, New Jersey. The trail is suitable for biking and offers a mix of cinder, dirt, and grass surfaces.
The trail is a popular destination for bikers in the region and provides a unique biking experience through the beautiful countryside of New Jersey. The trail is well-maintained and offers a variety of scenic views, including streams, forests, and fields.
Bikers can also enjoy the trail’s historical significance, as it follows the route of the former Sussex Branch rail line. Overall, Sussex Branch Trail is an excellent option for bikers looking for a scenic and enjoyable ride in New Jersey.
Conclusion
New Jersey is home to a variety of biking trails that cater to different skill levels and preferences.
The state boasts over 1,000 miles of dedicated biking trails, including the popular 69-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail. This trail, which stretches from Trenton to New Brunswick, is a mix of crushed stone and asphalt and offers scenic views of the Delaware River and Raritan Canal.
Another popular trail is the 7.5-mile Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway, which runs along the coastline and provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the 20-mile Columbia Trail in Hunterdon County offers a peaceful ride through farmland, forests, and small towns.
For more adventurous riders, the 30-mile Allamuchy Mountain State Park Trail provides challenging terrain and technical sections. With so many options, New Jersey is a great destination for biking enthusiasts.
