Biking Trails Near the Jersey Shore

From smooth rail-trails to challenging mountain bike paths, discover 55 cycling trails across 24 parks in the shore region.

55Biking Trails

11Paved Trails

11MTB Trails

Types of Biking

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Rail-Trails

Paved former railroad paths, smooth and flat. Great for road bikes and families.

11 trails

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Mountain Biking

Single-track trails through woods with technical features. Requires MTB.

11 trails

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Multi-Use

Shared-use paths suitable for cycling. Varies from gravel to natural surface.

44 trails

Trails by Skill Level

Match your experience to the right trails for maximum enjoyment and safety.

🌱Beginner— New to cycling or returning after years away

Recommended Trails

• Henry Hudson Trail (paved)
• Sandy Hook Multi-Use Path
• Edgar Felix Bikeway

Distance: Start with 5-10 miles

Bike type: Any bike works—hybrid, comfort, or cruiser

Tips

• Stick to paved rail-trails
• Avoid hills until you build endurance
• Ride with a buddy

🚴Intermediate— Regular cyclist comfortable with 15+ mile rides

Recommended Trails

• Union Transportation Trail
• Allaire State Park (main trails)
• Barnegat Branch Trail

Distance: 15-30 miles

Bike type: Hybrid or gravel bike for mixed surfaces

Tips

• Try crushed stone trails
• Add some hills for challenge
• Consider clipless pedals

🚵Advanced— Experienced cyclist seeking challenge

Recommended Trails

• Allaire State Park (MTB trails)
• Hartshorne Woods
• Six Mile Run

Distance: 30+ miles or technical rides

Bike type: Mountain bike for technical trails

Tips

• Explore single-track trails
• Try night rides with lights
• Join local MTB groups

Bike & Gear Guide

The right bike and gear makes all the difference. Here's what you need for shore-area trails.

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Road Bike

Best for: Paved rail-trails only

Pros: Fast, efficient, great for distance

Cons: Useless on gravel or dirt, uncomfortable on rough pavement

Good trails: Henry Hudson Trail, Ocean City bike paths, Boardwalk paths (where permitted)

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Hybrid/Gravel Bike

Best for: Mixed surface trails, most versatile

Pros: Handles pavement and light gravel, comfortable position

Cons: Not ideal for technical MTB trails

Good trails: Most rail-trails, Crushed stone paths, Light gravel trails

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Mountain Bike

Best for: Single-track, technical trails, sand

Pros: Handles any terrain, suspension absorbs bumps

Cons: Slower on pavement, heavier

Good trails: Allaire State Park, Hartshorne Woods, Pine Barrens trails

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Beach Cruiser

Best for: Casual boardwalk and town riding

Pros: Comfortable, cheap to rent, iconic shore style

Cons: Slow, heavy, limited to flat pavement

Good trails: Boardwalks, Town streets, Very flat paths only

Essential Gear Checklist

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Helmet(Required)

Required by law under 17 in NJ. Smart for all ages.

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Water bottle + cage(Required)

Dehydration is real. Bring 1 bottle per hour.

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Tire repair kit(Required)

Spare tube, tire levers, mini pump or CO2.

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Phone + holder

For maps and emergencies. Mount it—don't pocket it.

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Cycling shorts

Padded shorts make longer rides comfortable.

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Sunglasses

Protect eyes from sun, bugs, and debris.

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Lights (front + rear)

Required after dark. Good for visibility anytime.

Safety & Rules

Stay safe on the trails. Know the rules and ride smart.

NJ Bike Laws

Helmet required under 17

Riders under 17 must wear a helmet. Fines up to $25.

Lights required at night

White front light, red rear reflector visible 500 feet.

Ride with traffic

On roads, bikes follow same rules as cars.

No riding under influence

DUI laws apply to bicycles in NJ.

Trail Etiquette

Yield to pedestrians

Pedestrians always have right of way. Slow down, announce passing.

Pass on left

Call out "On your left!" or use a bell before passing.

Keep right

Stay to the right except when passing.

Control your speed

Slow down near blind corners, intersections, and crowds.

Don't block trail

Pull off completely when stopping.

Shore-Specific Hazards

Sand on trails

Slows you down and can cause slides. Reduce speed, stay loose.

Root exposure

Common on wooded trails. Cross roots at an angle when possible.

Boardwalk gaps

Can catch thin tires. Watch for gaps and ride perpendicular.

Beach traffic

Summer brings pedestrians. Ride early morning for empty trails.

Heat exhaustion

Start early, bring extra water, know when to quit.

Planning Your Ride

Plan your ride for the best experience.

5 Steps to Plan

Choose your trail type

Match trail surface to your bike. Road bike = paved only. Hybrid = paved + gravel. MTB = anything.

Check the distance

Be honest about your fitness. Add 20% to estimated time for beginners.

Look at elevation

Shore trails are mostly flat, but Hartshorne and some parks have hills.

Check conditions

MTB trails close when wet. Call ahead or check trail apps after rain.

Plan logistics

Parking, bathrooms, water access. Rail-trails have limited facilities.

Best Apps

TrailforksMountain biking trail conditions and maps

Ride with GPSRoute planning and navigation

StravaTracking rides, finding popular segments

AllTrailsGeneral trail info (better for hiking)

Best Times to Ride

Early morning (6-9 AM)

Coolest temps, empty trails, best parking

Weekdays

Significantly less crowded than weekends

Fall (September-November)

Perfect weather, beautiful foliage, fewer bugs

Avoid: Summer midday

Too hot, crowded trails, limited parking

First-Timer's Guide

New to trail riding? Here's how to have a great first experience.

Tips for Success

Start with a paved rail-trail

Flat, predictable, no surprises. Build confidence first.

Rent before you buy

Try different bike types before investing. Many shore shops rent.

Go with someone experienced

They know the trails, can help with mechanicals.

Bring more water than you think

Shore trails are exposed. Dehydration sneaks up.

Check your bike before you go

Tires inflated? Brakes work? Chain lubed? Quick check prevents breakdowns.

Know how to fix a flat

It will happen eventually. Watch a YouTube video before your first ride.

Common Mistakes

Starting with MTB trails

Frustrating, potentially dangerous, kills enthusiasm

Riding at midday in summer

Heat exhaustion, miserable experience

No water on short ride

Monmouth County

2 trails|2.8 mi

Varies

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Biking by County

Monmouth County

51 biking trails

60.5 mi

Ocean County

3 biking trails

4.7 mi

Cape May County

Moderate

9.2 mi|Natural

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Shore Biking Tips

Tire Choice

Road bikes work great on paved rail-trails. For natural surface trails, wider gravel or mountain bike tires are recommended.

Trail Etiquette

Yield to pedestrians and announce when passing. Keep right and pass on the left. Be courteous to other trail users.

Gear Up

Bring water, a basic repair kit, and consider a helmet (required for riders under 17 in NJ). Sunscreen essential on exposed trails.

Seasonal Conditions

Some trails may be muddy in spring or after rain. Mountain bike trails may close when wet to prevent damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best paved bike trails near the Jersey Shore?

The Henry Hudson Trail is the premier paved rail-trail with over 10 miles from Aberdeen to Atlantic Highlands. The Edgar Felix Bikeway in Manasquan and Union Transportation Trail also offer smooth cycling.

Is there mountain biking near the Jersey Shore?

Yes! Allaire State Park and Hartshorne Woods offer mountain biking trails with varying difficulty. The terrain includes wooded single-track and some technical sections.

Can I bike on boardwalk trails?

Many parks have paved or boardwalk sections suitable for cycling. Some beach boardwalks allow cycling during off-peak hours. Always check local rules before riding.

Are there bike rentals near shore trails?

Bike rentals are available in many shore towns, especially near beach areas. For trail riding, consider bringing your own bike or renting from a local bike shop near your destination.

Related Guides

Hiking Trails

Walking and hiking paths

Accessible Trails

ADA-friendly paths

All Trails

Complete trail guide