15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails – Cycling Through Nature’s Beauty and Historic Landmarks

We'll explore the top ten bike trails in Denver, highlighting scenic routes and urban cycling experiences for all enthusiasts
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
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Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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New Jersey is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States. But there is far more to this city than bustling streets and high-rise apartments. It also offers jaw-dropping natural beauty. The beaches are filled with white sand. There are plenty of stunning waterfalls and secluded wooden paths to explore. Today, we’ll look at some of the best New Jersey bike trails to experience all this picturesque state has to offer.

1. West Essex Trail

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

You don’t need to travel far to find patches of serenity. This trail is located in the middle of Verona, so it should be easily accessible. There are plenty of things to look at as you ride. You can take in the tranquil forests. You even get to ride over a trestle bridge. Even better, you don’t need to be an athlete to complete the ride. It stretches over three miles and covers relatively flat terrain. This makes it the ideal place to start if you are new to mountain biking New Jersey. If you need a little help finding the right bike, check out this guide to the types of mountain bikes.

2. Cooper River Trail

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

This is another fun inner-city trail, located in Camden County. This track is easy to ride, featuring plenty of flat terrain. Plus, you can see plenty of wildlife. Depending on the season, you might see herons and butterflies. You can even get a glimpse at a bald eagle. Looking for a longer ride? This track connects with other bike paths, like the Camden Greenway.

3. Lenap Trail

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

This is a beautiful trail that connects 18 parks throughout New Jersey. You can see plenty of wildlife and get jaw-dropping views of the landscape. But there is a downside. This track has some steep uphill sections, sure to put you through your paces. Because of this, I recommend getting this electric mountain bike, it has fat wheels to protect against bumps and a fast-charging battery. Using the motor when going uphill will keep you from getting too tired.

4. Sandy Hook Bike Path

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

The picturesque views offered from this bike path are second-to-none. You’ll be able to see plenty of beautiful beach views. Plus, you can stop to explore the exciting history of New Jersey, most notably Fort Hancock. Or you can bring your binoculars and see what birds you can spot. At eight-and-a-half miles long, this is one of the best New Jersey bike trails. It’s great if you are new to the world of mountain biking. If you need more support, this article Trusted Source Beginner Tips for Long Distance Cycling Centuries and all-day spins are pure joy when you follow these expert tips. www.bicycling.com walks you through some tips to get you physically and mentally fit for your long-distance ride.

5. Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

Looking for a longer ride? This is the ideal path. It stretches over 72 miles. This is just the New Jersey section. The full trail connects the state of Maine to Florida. For the more adventurous, this could allow you to have a memorable biking holiday. For a longer trip, I recommend getting an electric bike. This allows you to take a break when you start to get too tired. Plus, it takes the strain out of going uphill. The good news is that these don’t have to be expensive. This article talks you through the best electric mountain bikes under $3,000.

6. Traction Line Trail

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

Perhaps you are looking for something a little easier. The Traction Line is ideal for a fun, recreational ride with your friends. It’s flat, paved, and only three miles long. Plus, it’s steeped in history. This is a remnant of the trolley system, in the 20th century. This is a good place to start to ease yourself into biking.  If it’s been a while since you rode, this article Trusted Source Beginner’s cycling tips: 25 essential pieces of advice for new cyclists If you’ve just started out on your great two-wheeled adventure, these beginner’s cycling tips will help you get the most out of your riding. Whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker or city commuter, there’s bound to be something here for you. www.bikeradar.com will talk you through the basics of cycling.

7. Island Beach State Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

One of the biggest attractions in New Jersey is the beautiful white beaches. This is an ideal way to experience it. Just a word of warning, this road is shared with cars. It’s still a spectacular ride, but you just need to make sure that you are sticking to the shoulder.

8. Creek Trail

This is part of the Six Mile Reservoir, in New Brunswick. This is frequently rated as a top bike park in New Jersey. The Creek track will test your skills. You’ll have to keep your wits about you when taking on creek crossings. Because of the rougher terrain, I recommend using a full-suspension mountain bike like the Schwinn Traxion, it has plenty of stopping power thanks to the disc brakes and 24 gears, so you won’t have any problems getting uphill.

Though we have focused on the Creek trail, there are three other bike paths for you to explore. If you want a more difficult adventure, check out the Twisty trail. The Cedar and Blackwoods trails are better for those who are still getting used to riding. Just one word of warning, though. It’s best to only take on these tracks in dry weather. Too much rain and they can become a muddy mess. Don’t get too stressed if your bike gets wet, though, this article talks you through how to clean a mountain bike.

9. Stone Harbour And Avalon Circuit

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

Why not combine a relaxing bike ride with a little retail therapy? This is the perfect track for you. You’ll weave your way past some beautiful beaches. Plus, you’ll travel into the town center, which is packed with plenty of unique shops. Grab some food before continuing on your way. The whole circuit goes for around 13 miles and is along flat roads, so it’s ideal for beginner riders.

10. Long Pond Ironworks State Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

Interestingly, this park has a long history. It was once a theme park, called Jungle Habitat until the owners closed it down and the land was purchased by the state. This location offers 15 mountain bike trails for you to explore. With such a huge variety, there is something for everyone. Though many of the tracks would be better suited to an intermediate rider.

11. Hartsthorne Woods Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

This is a huge 797-acre park, which offers plenty of biking trails. Again, you can find something that will suit your abilities. Beginners can take a relaxing ride through the woods. More adventurous riders can take on the steep downhill tracks, with plenty of twists and turns that will test you and your bike to the limit. If you want a longer holiday, you can book a cabin.

12. Allamuchy Mountain State Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

This park offers an abundance of mountain bike trails NJ. Over 30 miles of them, to be specific. 14 miles are marked, which is better for beginner riders.  20 miles are unmarked so intermediate and advanced riders can put their skills to the test. There is a wide array of obstacles to put you through your paces. For example, you will have to navigate over large rocks and around tree roots.

13. High Mountain Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

This is one of the largest nature preserves in New Jersey, covering around 1,200 acres. The trail itself is fairly easy to ride. You will encounter some minor inclines and have to get over some rocks, but nothing that an intermediate rider shouldn’t be able to handle. Getting to the summit will be worth it. You’ll be able to get a jaw-dropping view of the New York skyline. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for fun things along the way, like a giant star powered by solar panels or a teddy bear suspended in a tree.

14. Ringwood Skylands Manor

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic Landmarks

If you love to MTB New Jersey, this is the place for you but it is best left to the more advanced riders. It has plenty of rock obstacles to test your handling abilities. You’ll also have to face some steep climbs and tricky switchbacks. Plus, it tends to be fairly quiet, so you can have the whole track to yourself.

15. Mountain Creek Bike Park

15 Best New Jersey Bike Trails - Cycling Through Nature's Beauty and Historic LandmarksWe’ve saved the best beginner mountain trails in New Jersey until last. If you need to brush up on the basics of mountain bike riding, check out this article Trusted Source Basic Mountain Biking Techniques Mountain bike trail surfaces include rocks, roots, ruts, sand or mud. The variable terrain and the potential obstacles are all part of the fun but can be unnerving to beginners. Being in the right body position helps you get through tricky sections of trail. www.rei.com on basic biking techniques. This bike park has everything you need for a fun day out, with over 50 tracks catering to all levels of experience. Everything is clearly signposted and includes a progression scale, so you can build your confidence before tackling some of the more difficult routes.

Final Thoughts

Riding in the outdoors brings a special thrill. You can slow down to take in the beautiful views. Or take on a heart-pumping technical route. The good news is that there are plenty of tracks for you to explore. Hopefully, this list of the best New Jersey bike trails has given you plenty of inspiration for your next adventure.

References

1.
Beginner Tips for Long Distance Cycling
Centuries and all-day spins are pure joy when you follow these expert tips.
2.
Beginner’s cycling tips: 25 essential pieces of advice for new cyclists
If you’ve just started out on your great two-wheeled adventure, these beginner’s cycling tips will help you get the most out of your riding. Whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker or city commuter, there’s bound to be something here for you.
3.
Basic Mountain Biking Techniques
Mountain bike trail surfaces include rocks, roots, ruts, sand or mud. The variable terrain and the potential obstacles are all part of the fun but can be unnerving to beginners. Being in the right body position helps you get through tricky sections of trail.

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