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Bike touring routes & trails
United States
New York
Queens County

Cross Bay Boulevard – Rockaway Beach loop from Howard Beach–JFK Airport

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
New York
Queens County

Cross Bay Boulevard – Rockaway Beach loop from Howard Beach–JFK Airport

Easy

3.2

(17)

68

riders

Cross Bay Boulevard – Rockaway Beach loop from Howard Beach–JFK Airport

01:43

29.1km

30m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 4.38 km for 107 m

After 4.66 km for 107 m

After 5.11 km for 199 m

After 7.19 km for 63 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

4.57 km

Cross Bay City View

Highlight • Viewpoint

There is a small parking lot at the end of Cross Bay Boulevard above Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with great views of the city. Countless fishermen can be found on the northern leading bridge.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

5.21 km

From here you can see the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to the South.

Tip by

3

7.19 km

Cross Bay Boulevard

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This connection of Rockaway Beach with the city runs just past JFK Airport (but which is hardly visible) through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge as a developed four-lane highway. Luckily, the traffic is limited and there is a dedicated bicycle lane separated from the cars by a strip about 1m wide.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

15.1 km

Rockaway Beach

Highlight • Beach

Yes! Do it and stay

Tip by

5

19.4 km

View of the New York City Skyline

Highlight • Viewpoint

The first view of the skyline is always stunning for me. Finally, it feels like home again

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

29.1 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

27.0 km

1.24 km

452 m

252 m

149 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.0 km

13.5 km

325 m

294 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Saturday 18 July

28°C

22°C

96 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

The Cross Bay Boulevard – Rockaway Beach loop from Howard Beach–JFK Airport is an easy touring cycling route that delivers a surprising mix of urban and natural landscapes. At 18.1 miles (29.1 km) with only 106 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, you can complete it in about 1 hours and 42 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed ride or a quick escape from the city.

What to expect on Cross Bay Boulevard – Rockaway Beach loop from Howard Beach–JFK Airport

This route offers a journey through varied scenery, starting with views of JFK Airport from the Cross Bay Bridge. You'll cycle through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, where you might spot diverse wildlife amidst salt marshes and freshwater ponds. The terrain is mostly flat and well-paved, with a dedicated cycle path on Cross Bay Boulevard ensuring a safe and pleasant ride. While largely easy, be prepared for steep but short climbs over bridges like the Fresh Creek Basin Bridge. The highlight for many is reaching the Rockaways, where you can enjoy a quintessential beach cycling experience along the boardwalk with expansive ocean views.

Planning your visit

This loop is accessible and suitable for most fitness levels. The route is predominantly paved, making it ideal for road bikes. While specific parking details for Howard Beach–JFK Airport aren't provided, the area is generally well-connected. Consider riding on a clear day to fully appreciate the diverse views, from cityscapes to the ocean. There are amenities like restrooms and picnic spots at Canarsie Pier, and dining options in Sheepshead Bay, offering convenient breaks along the way.

Trail details

  • Distance: 18.1 miles (29.1 km)
  • Elevation gain: 106 feet (32 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 42 minutes

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