The best cycling routes in New Jersey

The Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through lush woodlands and alongside the historic canal and Delaware River. You'll encounter charming historical remnants like wooden bridges and antique bridge tender houses, and might even spot wildlife such as beavers and turtles. The surface is mostly crushed stone and gravel, making it a smooth ride for hybrid or mountain bikes, though road cyclists with wider tires can also manage.

Planning your ride is easy, with numerous access points and over 40 parking areas along the trail. Bike rentals are available in towns like Lambertville and Princeton if you need them. This moderate 31.8-mile (51.2 km) loop, with a gentle 532 feet (162 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete, making it a perfect day trip for many riders.

This route is part of the extensive Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail, New Jersey's longest multi-use trail, and even forms a segment of the East Coast Greenway. Its historical significance, following an early 19th-century transportation corridor, adds a unique layer to the journey, with many original structures still standing. It's a great option for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and accessible cycling.

The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a rich tapestry of natural and community landscapes. You'll encounter dense woods, open fields, and active farms, with the chance to spot wildlife in places like Mercer Meadows. The trail surface varies from smooth pavement to crushed stone and packed dirt, including a notable boardwalk section over wetlands, so be sure your tires can handle mixed terrain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail has multiple access points, allowing you to tailor your starting location. While mostly off-road, some segments require riding on public roads, so stay alert. You'll find amenities like picnic areas along the way, and local eateries are often just a short detour away, perfect for a mid-ride treat.

This moderate 28.9-mile (46.5 km) loop, with its 698 feet (213 metres) of elevation gain, is generally considered family-friendly and takes about 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. It's a vital link connecting communities, parks, and historical sites, offering numerous interpretive signs that delve into local history, such as the fascinating story of the Pole Farm.

The D&L and D&R Canal Towpath Loop offers a unique touring cycling experience, weaving through picturesque river towns and historical landscapes. You'll pedal along level dirt and gravel towpaths, enjoying views of the Delaware River and passing historical locks and aqueducts. While mostly smooth, be ready for some bumpy sections with exposed tree roots, especially on the D&L side, and potentially rougher patches on the D&R, making a hybrid or gravel bike a smart choice.

This moderate 32.6-mile (52.5 km) route, with a minimal 303 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 25 minutes to complete. It's a great option for a leisurely day trip, but remember to carry a spare tube due to potential broken glass on the D&R trail. Parking can be a factor, especially for longer stays, as some state park lots have restrictions.

What makes this loop truly special is its blend of history and natural beauty, connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey via multiple bridges. You'll pass through vibrant towns like New Hope and Lambertville, perfect for a mid-ride break, and might even spot wildlife like bald eagles. The trail's historical significance as a former transportation route adds a rich layer to the journey.

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 Manasquan Reservoir gravel loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through shaded woodlands and wetlands with constant, expansive views of the 770-acre Manasquan Reservoir. The path is primarily crushed gravel and packed dirt, making it a smooth, easy ride for touring cyclists with wider tires. You might even spot osprey, hawks, or bald eagles soaring overhead as you pedal along the water's edge.

This easy 5.1-mile (8.2 km) loop has a minimal 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 46 minutes to complete, making it a fantastic option for beginners, families, or anyone seeking a quick, scenic spin. Parking is readily available, and you'll find amenities like restrooms and even a bike repair station near the Visitor Center, though expect moderate to high traffic on weekends.

What makes this route stand out is its accessibility combined with rich wildlife viewing opportunities. It's a multi-use trail, so you'll share it with walkers and runners, but the well-maintained surface and relatively flat profile ensure a pleasant experience for all. It's a top choice for easy cycling in Central New Jersey.

The Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path offers a unique touring cycling experience, blending coastal beauty with rich history. As you pedal along this 28.3-mile (45.6 km) route, you'll transition from Atlantic Ocean vistas to tranquil wooded sections, with the chance to spot wildlife like deer and various bird species. The highlight for many is the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a striking landmark that anchors the northern end of this moderate ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but a little foresight goes a long way. The path is well-maintained asphalt, making it suitable for most bikes and skill levels. Parking is available, but arriving early, especially on weekends, is a smart move to avoid entrance delays at the Gateway National Recreation Area. The route is generally flat with only 317 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable 2-hour and 35-minute ride for most.

Beyond the natural beauty, the path is steeped in history, passing by Fort Hancock with its military relics and Officers Row, and even Cold War-era Nike Missile Sites. This blend of natural scenery and historical significance makes it one of the more popular trails for cycling in the region, offering more than just a workout. It's a fantastic option for family friendly cycling or anyone looking for an accessible route with plenty to see.

The Henry Hudson Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a varied landscape that transitions from tree-lined paths and wetlands to open views of Sandy Hook Bay. You'll enjoy a predominantly paved surface, though some sections feature crushed gravel and sand, particularly near the bay. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including white-tailed deer and various bird species, as you pedal through this blend of natural and suburban environments.

Planning your ride on this easy 17.2-mile (27.7 km) route, which has a gentle 491 feet (150 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 41 minutes, is straightforward. Be prepared for numerous street crossings that require caution, and note that some gravel sections can be prone to flooding after heavy rains. The trail is suitable for all skill levels, making it a great option for a relaxed outing.

Part of the National Rails to Trails Network, the Henry Hudson Trail is notable for connecting diverse environments and offering glimpses of the New York City skyline and Verrazano Bridge from certain points along Sandy Hook Bay. It's a fantastic way to explore New Jersey's coastal region, with opportunities to extend your ride towards the Highlands bridge to Sandy Hook for even more paved beachside trails.

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.

The Saddle River and Oradell Reservoir Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a blend of wooded and open areas. You'll cruise along the flat, paved Saddle River Pathway, enjoying riverside views, before the route transitions to more varied terrain around the Oradell Reservoir, where you'll find picturesque vistas of the water and surrounding lush forests. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, especially migrating waterfowl during the cooler months, making for a truly engaging ride.

This moderate 33.7-mile (54.2 km) loop, with 630 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 22 minutes, is a popular choice for a longer day out. Parking is convenient, with multiple access points along the Saddle River County Park sections. Remember that e-bikes are not allowed on the Saddle River County Park Bike Path, and a 10 mph speed limit is enforced for all cyclists.

Connecting the well-known Saddle River Park bike trails with the scenic Oradell Reservoir, this route is celebrated for its combination of natural beauty and accessible cycling infrastructure. The Oradell Reservoir itself is a vital potable water source for northern New Jersey, contributing to the tranquil and protected environment you'll experience throughout your ride. It's considered the most popular touring cycling route in the Oradell area for good reason.