Brooklyn Waterfront and Jamaica Bay Greenways Loop

The full loop is approximately 66.5 kilometers (41.3 miles) and is rated as moderate difficulty. While experienced racebikers might complete it faster, most cyclists should plan for a half to full day adventure, allowing ample time to enjoy the diverse scenery and potential stops.

The route offers varied terrain. The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway sections are mostly flat with smooth paved paths, though you'll find mild elevation changes near Red Hook and Brooklyn Heights. Some parts may have boardwalk planks or occasional loose gravel. The Jamaica Bay Greenway is largely flat and paved, but be prepared for some unpaved, more challenging segments where you might need to push your bike. There are slight climbs over the Mill Basin Bridge and Paerdegat Basin Bridge, and a two-way bike lane on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk.

This loop offers a blend of urban and natural sights. Along the Brooklyn Waterfront, you'll enjoy sweeping river views, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, passing through diverse neighborhoods and parks like Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Jamaica Bay sections immerse you in the Jamaica Bay Greenway, which runs along the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, offering wetlands, salt marshes, and woods. You'll also encounter the Belt Parkway Bike Path and the Shore Parkway Greenway, with views of Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula. Historical sites like Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Tilden are also part of the experience.

Due to its length of over 66 kilometers and varied terrain, including some unpaved sections and on-street riding, the full loop is best suited for cyclists with at least moderate fitness and experience. While individual greenway sections are accessible, connecting them into a single loop makes it a more challenging ride than a beginner-friendly trail.

Spring and fall are generally the best seasons for cycling this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be hot and humid, especially in exposed areas, while winter can bring cold winds and potential ice. Consider seasonal bird migrations for optimal wildlife viewing in Jamaica Bay.

Dogs are generally permitted on the greenway sections of the route, provided they are kept on a leash. However, specific regulations apply within the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. It's best to check the current rules for the refuge, as some areas may have restrictions to protect wildlife, especially during nesting seasons.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Brooklyn Waterfront and Jamaica Bay Greenways Loop. The route primarily uses public greenways and roads. While parts of the route pass through Gateway National Recreation Area (specifically the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge), there is no entrance fee for cyclists accessing these areas.

Parking options vary along the extensive route. For the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, you might find street parking in neighborhoods like Bay Ridge or near parks like Brooklyn Bridge Park, though it can be challenging. For the Jamaica Bay Greenway, parking lots are available at various access points around the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, such as at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center or near Floyd Bennett Field. Public transportation is also a good option for accessing different parts of the loop.

Yes, the route incorporates significant portions of the Belt Parkway Bike Path, the Jamaica Bay Greenway, and the Shore Parkway Greenway. It also utilizes sections of other official trails such as the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, Brooklyn-Queens Greenway, and Flatbush Avenue Greenway, connecting various green spaces and urban corridors throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

The Jamaica Bay Greenway runs through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife. It's particularly renowned for birdwatching, with over 70 species nesting regularly and more than 200 species sighted. You might spot various waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds. Beyond birds, the wetlands and marshes support diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique natural experience within New York City.

Given the urban and semi-urban nature of the loop, you'll find opportunities for food and water, especially along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway sections which pass through various neighborhoods. The Jamaica Bay Greenway sections are more natural, so it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, though some facilities might be available near visitor centers or specific access points. Planning your stops in advance is recommended.