Long Island has lots of excellent bike trails for riders of all levels. Here are a few, starting with my two favorites:
1- Jones Beach Bike Path – Between Seaford and Wantagh, Nassau County’s south shore
This is one of the most well-known bike trails on Long Island. It runs next to the Wantagh Parkway between Cedar Creek Park, off Merrick Road in Seaford, to the Jones Beach Theater in the Jones Beach State Park. In-line skaters, bikers and joggers all use this bike trail which is about 4.5 miles long, according to painted markings on the path and a local newspaper’s website.
I like it because the scenery is beautiful, and it never crosses a road. (Although some people worry that the bike trail is too close to the parkway.)
You have to pay to park at Jones Beach during the summer season. I always park at Cedar Creek Park.
2- Bethpage State Park bike trails – Between Bethpage and Massapequa Park, eastern Nassau County
There are actually two bike trails here. According to the local newspaper website, the mountain bike trail is about four miles long. The paved trail, which is also for runners and hikers, is about 9 miles long. I enjoy it because I like going longer distances. Also, part of it goes through the Massapequa Preserve, which is very peaceful.
To avoid paying to park at the Bethpage State Park (unless you have a parking pass) – you can park for free in a neighborhood along the bike trail or at the train station on weekends.
3- Trail View State Park – Between Bethpage and Cold Spring Harbor, Nassau-Suffolk Border
According to the park’s website, the state acquired the 7.4 mile-long property in the 1960s to build a parkway, but never did. Now there’s a hiking and bike trail there. This Long Island path connects the Cold Spring Harbor State Park in Suffolk County to the Bethpage State Park, where you can ride the bike trails mentioned above. The Trail View path is free and is accessible from many roads – including Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury.
Several other state parks across Long Island also have bike trails, from Valley Stream in the west to Orient and Montauk in the east. Click here to check them out.
Other Long Island Bike Trails I’ve visited:
5- Eisenhower Park – East Meadow, central Nassau County
Eisenhower Park has a lot going on, with a lake, golf, baseball fields and playgrounds. The jogging and bike path winds around a lot of it. In my opinion, it’s often too crowded for a tough workout but it would be fun to ride with children if you don’t cut through parking lots.
4- Long Beach Boardwalk – Long Beach, barrier island in Nassau County
Technically, not a bike trail – it’s a boardwalk with a bike lane. The view is great, because it’s right next to the beach. I’ve jogged here, and watched out for bikes. The city’s website says it is 2.25 miles long. Riding on the boardwalk is free but during the summer, you have to pay to go on the beach.
Three Long Island Bike Trails that sound like they’d be fun to try:
4- Cathedral Pines County Park – Middle Island, central Suffolk County
This is one of several Suffolk County Parks that have bike trails listed. You can check out the Cathedral Pines website, or the Suffolk County Parks Website for more information.
7 & 8 –Eastport Conservation Area– Eastport, eastern Suffolk County
Rocky Point Natural Resources Management Area – Rocky Point, north shore of Suffolk County
According to the website, both the Eastport (9 miles) and Rocky Point (20 miles) bike trails are owned by the state Department of Conservation (DEC). You need a permit, but it’s free and you can click here for the form. The DEC map says part of the Rocky point bike trail is a double black diamond for difficulty.
Whichever Long Island bike trail you pick, have fun!
