Bicycle Trail Parks in New Jersey
If you plan to cycle the trails of New Jersey, your options range from urban trails great for commuting, to rural trails in state parks. The New Jersey Department of Transportation has 12 printable maps of bike tours of the state that connect many of these trails, including a 238-mile ride from High Point to Cape May. By law, children under 17 years old must wear a bike helmet while riding in New Jersey.
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park is on an island that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to Barnegat Bay. The park is one of the only undeveloped barrier beaches left in New Jersey, and represents a geological system that used to stretch along the entire New Jersey coastline. The park features eight miles of bike trails along the main road of the park, and the opportunity to observe the landscape, which includes primary dunes, thicket, freshwater wetlands, maritime forest and tidal marshes. Wildlife in the park includes the largest the osprey population in the state of New Jersey.
Island Beach State Park
P.O. Box 37
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
(732) 793-0506
islandbeachnj.org/
The Saddle River Area Bike Path
The Saddle River Area Bike Path is in Bergen County in northern New Jersey. The trail runs along the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, and spans 9.3 miles. One of the most popular features of the trail is that it allows cyclists to travel from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park without having to traverse busy main roads dangerous for cyclists. The trail is accessible from three parks--Wild Duck Pond, Dunkerhook Park and Duck Pond. Maps of the trail are available at the office of the Bergen County Department of Parks.
Bergen County Department of Parks
One Bergen County Plaza, Fourth Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
(201) 336-7275
co.bergen.nj.us/parks/Parks/Dunkerhook.htm
Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest is located off Route 550 in Cape May County, southern New Jersey. The park was established in 1928 and features 40 miles of trails for biking. The park features an abundant growth of young pine, oak and Atlantic white cedar, and in designated areas, residents can cut their own firewood from the forest growth. While riding, you may see such wildlife as whitetail deer, red foxes and ruffed grouse.
Belleplain State Forest
County Route 550
P.O. Box 450
Woodbine, NJ 08270
(609) 861-2404
state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is a 70-mile park with a bike trail stretching from Bakers Basin Road (Trenton) to New Brunswick. The crushed-stone trail is an old towpath, and cyclists can ride along the water of the historic canal. The trail crosses wooden bridges that pass over the canal, allowing for a full view of the park.
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
145 Mapleton Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-5705
dandrcanal.com/
Tags: State Park, Bergen County, Beach State, Beach State Park, Belleplain State, Belleplain State Forest, Canal State
