The best traffic-free bike rides in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
4.2
(26)
316
riders
14
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge traverse a landscape characterized by over 47,000 acres of coastal habitats and wetlands. The region features vast tidal salt marshes, shallow coves, and bays, alongside freshwater habitats and upland forests with pitch pine and oak trees. The terrain is predominantly flat, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for accessible and scenic rides. This diverse environment provides a unique setting for touring cyclists to explore natural features and…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
1
riders
22.9km
01:20
20m
20m
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…
3.0
(1)
15
riders
16.1km
00:54
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
9.77km
00:33
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
10.7km
00:39
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
13
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Tips from the Community
Barnegat Lighthouse, a key highlight for hikers, offers breathtaking views of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island. Visit daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm during the summer season (weather permitting) to experience its stunning vistas. Marking its 150th anniversary in 2009, the lighthouse now boasts a new U.S. Coast Guard-approved lens, which projects a beam visible up to 22 nautical miles. The original lens, replaced in 1927, is on display at the Barnegat Light Historical Society’s Schoolhouse Museum.
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Pearl Street Beach Pavilion is a lovely spot that's typically quiet and uncrowded, perfect for relaxing and enjoying ocean views. It's set back enough from the beach to provide a serene atmosphere, while still being close enough to enjoy the beach's sights and sounds.
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The Beach Haven Historic District, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, is notable for its 19th-century architecture and history as a beachfront resort. A notable feature is the former Holy Innocents Mission Church, now the Long Beach Island Museum. Designed in 1882 by the Wilson Brothers of Philadelphia, it's a prime example of Stick/Shingle style architecture, funded by the Parry family who were instrumental in Beach Haven's development. This district offers a unique glimpse into the historic charm of this coastal resort area.
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Tuckerton Seaport Museum is a lighthouse-shaped museum that entertains both kids and adults. The whole area around the museum has historic structures, a small maritine village, and a bordwalk that passes over wetlands. It is wheelchair accessible and open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the exception of being closed Thursday and Friday.
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At the end of Great Bay Boulevard, there is a fork in the road; the southwest turn off will take you to Rutgers University Marine Field Station. Riders can get a good look at the station, but the gate will most likely be locked. Continue straight, and the road will end, and a small sandy beach will mark the end of the peninsula. This is a great spot to catch a sunset or sunrise.
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Great Bay Boulevard is the lone road that runs through the Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area. This wildlife refuge is a peninsula that separates Little Egg Harbor and Great Bay. The road itself is flat, paved, and not busy on weekdays. It's a great place to spot birds, turtles, crustaceans, or fish, but beware of the flies in the summer.
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The Mary Etta Cox House, or the Cox House, was built by Captain William Cox in the mid-19th century. In the small town of Barnegat, it is a living piece of history. Mary Etta Cox managed its 1904 renovations in Colonial Revival/Queen Anne style and was a local cultural and political figure. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Beach Haven Historic District has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983 and is comprised of historic cottages and a theater. Ride the blocks between Ocean Street and 2nd Street and find the Converse Cottage, Dr. Edward H. Williams House, Magnolia House, and Surflight Theatre.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
There are 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes available in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, all rated as easy, making them suitable for a wide range of cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic cycling routes?
The routes primarily feature flat terrain, with minimal elevation gain, making them very accessible. While many sections are paved, some routes may include unpaved segments, offering a varied experience through wetlands and woodlands. The popular 8-mile Wildlife Drive, for instance, is an unpaved road.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in the refuge?
Yes, all 10 routes are rated as easy, making them ideal for families. Routes like Beach Haven Historic District – Beach Haven Historic District loop from Ham Island, at just over 10 km, offer a pleasant and manageable ride for all ages.
What wildlife can I expect to see while cycling in the refuge?
The refuge is an internationally recognized birding hotspot, especially during spring and fall migrations. You can observe between 322 and 360 species of birds, including spectacular concentrations of migratory water birds. Beyond birds, you might also spot white-tailed deer and box turtles in the upland forests and maintained fields. Observation towers at Gull Pond and Turtle Cove enhance viewing opportunities.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include The Dunes loop from Ship Bottom and Barnegat Lighthouse loop from Loveladies, offering convenient round trips.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks along the cycling routes?
Cyclists can experience expansive wetlands, coastal habitats, and diverse ecosystems including freshwater areas and upland forests. The refuge also features undeveloped barrier beaches like Holgate and Little Beach. While cycling, you'll pass through areas managed to support a wide variety of wildlife, offering picturesque views of the natural landscape.
Where can I park my car when visiting the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge for cycling?
The refuge provides designated parking areas for visitors. For specific details on parking locations and access points for cycling trails, it's advisable to check the official refuge website or signage upon arrival.
Is public transport available to access the cycling routes?
Public transport options directly to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge are limited. Most visitors typically access the refuge by car. It's recommended to plan your journey accordingly, as direct bus or train services to the refuge entrance are not widely available.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free environment, the abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities, and the flat, accessible terrain that makes for a relaxing ride through diverse natural landscapes.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring cycling routes for extended rides?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Tuckerton to Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area route offers a substantial 22.8 km journey, providing ample opportunity to explore the refuge's diverse environments without vehicle traffic.
Are dogs allowed on the no-traffic cycling trails?
To protect the sensitive wildlife and habitats within the refuge, pets are generally not permitted on the trails or Wildlife Drive. It's best to check the official refuge guidelines for the most current pet policies before your visit to ensure compliance.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in the refuge?
Spring and fall are particularly rewarding for cycling in the refuge, as these seasons coincide with peak bird migration, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The weather is also generally milder and more comfortable for cycling during these times.
Most popular routes in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
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