The best cycling routes in Ocean County

Cycling Long Beach Island offers a delightful, mostly flat journey along a scenic barrier island, perfect for a relaxed touring bicycle adventure. You'll cruise past beautiful beaches and charming resort communities, with the fresh salt air invigorating your ride. The route provides continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, and you can easily visit landmarks like the historic Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern tip.

This moderate 35.0-mile (56.3 km) route, with only 125 feet (38 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes to complete. While the terrain is easy, be mindful that strong winds can occasionally add to the effort, especially when riding against them. The island is very bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes in many areas, but expect busier paths during peak summer months.

Long Beach Island is renowned for its accessible cycling, making it suitable for all skill levels. Beyond the main route, you can explore the Edwin B. Forsythe Reserve – Holgate Unit on the southern end for wildlife viewing. The island also features coastal maritime forests and wetlands, offering a diverse natural backdrop to your ride.

The Union Transportation Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience through western Monmouth County, New Jersey. This 20.0-mile (32.2 km) route, with a gentle 294 feet (90 metres) of elevation gain, winds through picturesque rural landscapes, showcasing wide farming areas, active farmlands, and wooded stretches. You'll encounter the historic wood trestle bridge over Lahaway Creek and pass through a corner of the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, making for a varied and engaging ride that takes around 2 hours and 49 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this moderate trail. The surface is primarily gravel and stone dust, making it suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes, though road cyclists might find it too loose. Portable restrooms are available at some parking areas, and amenities can be found near the southern end in New Egypt. Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during warmer months, as sections through farming areas offer little shade.

What makes the Union Transportation Trail truly special is its history as a former rail-trail, repurposing the old Pemberton & Hightstown Railroad bed. This accessible cycling route is part of a larger network, offering possibilities for extended tours, and you can even stop at the nearby Cream Ridge Winery or self-pay farm stands along the way. It's a multi-use path, so be prepared to share the trail with equestrians and hikers, adding to its community feel.

Cycle 17.2 miles (27.7 km) on an easy, paved route through Island Beach State Park, enjoying ocean views and sand dunes.

Cycle 23.7 miles (38.2 km) on the moderate Airport Tract Bicycle Trail to Seaside Heights, gaining 82 feet (25 metres) in 2 hours and 9 minu

Cycle the 26.1-mile Barnegat Branch Trail, a rail-to-trail route through forests and neighborhoods with views of Lake Barnegat.

The Shore Tour: North and Central Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience along the New Jersey coastline, blending vibrant seaside towns with picturesque natural views. You'll pedal past the lively Point Pleasant Beach, enjoy the impressive architecture of the Metedeconk Bridge, and catch glimpses of surfers at the Bay Head surf spot. The route is predominantly paved, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride through diverse coastal scenery.

This easy 18.5-mile (29.8 km) loop, with a gentle 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for beginners or families looking for an accessible coastal ride. While the route is generally well-maintained, be aware that some small sections, particularly those overlapping with the Henry Hudson Trail, might have minor bumps from tree roots.

This route is a fantastic way to experience the New Jersey Shore, connecting various coastal elements and offering a blend of natural landscapes and urban charm. It incorporates parts of popular shared-use paths, ensuring significant stretches of traffic-free riding. The ease of access and the combination of coastal views make it a distinctive option for a leisurely bike tour in the region.

The Tuckerton to Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area offers a truly easy and scenic touring cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll pedal along a predominantly flat, paved path, enjoying extensive coastal views and the vast salt marsh landscape. Keep an eye out for the Great Bay Boulevard Wooden Bridge, a great spot to pause and take in the surroundings, and watch for diverse wildlife like birds and turtles.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this 14.2-mile (22.9 km) route with only 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Weekdays are often quieter on the boulevard, offering a more peaceful ride. Remember that summer can bring flies, so be prepared, but otherwise, it's a hassle-free destination for a pleasant cycle.

This route takes you through the Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, a significant 5,982-acre expanse of marine wetland habitat, considered one of the least-disturbed in the northeastern United States. It's part of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, making it a prime location for birdwatching and experiencing a unique natural environment. The boulevard itself was originally planned as part of a causeway to Atlantic City, adding an interesting historical layer to your ride.

Cattus Island County Park offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through diverse ecosystems like salt marshes and pine-oak forests. You'll enjoy scenic views of Silver Bay and the expansive Barnegat Bay, making it a rewarding ride for nature lovers. The trail features a mix of paved, packed dirt, and crushed rock surfaces, with some unpaved sections of sand or wood chips; sticking to the fire roads ensures a smoother journey.

This easy 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route has a negligible 54 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for all skill levels and a quick 42-minute spin. The park is free to access, with ample parking conveniently located near the Cooper Environmental Center. It's an excellent choice for a relaxed ride, especially during spring and fall when birdwatching opportunities are at their peak.

Beyond the cycling, Cattus Island is a haven of ecological diversity, protecting significant saltmarsh and pine forest ecosystems. The Cooper Environmental Center provides educational displays and live exhibits, and the park is home to nearly 300 plant species, supporting a rich array of wildlife. It's a fantastic spot to observe coastal habitats and enjoy a peaceful escape.