It’s easy to overlook the natural beauty found across Long Island, but a silver lining to the pandemic is more people are rediscovering nature at local parks — oftentimes on bicycle rides.
With the renewed popularity of biking comes the need to find new and exciting places for two-wheeled adventure. Thankfully, the Island has no shortage of pedestrian paths where bikers of all skill levels are welcome.
So pump up those tires and set your sights on some of the Island’s most scenic bike paths.
CAUMSETT STATE HISTORIC PARK PRESERVE
Twenty-seven miles of paths with stunning Long Island Sound views await at this North Shore gem. Caumsett State Park, 25 Lloyd Harbor Rd., Lloyd Harbor.
ELLEN FARRANT MEMORIAL BIKEWAY
Known locally as the Cedar Creek bike path, this north-south route running along the east side of Wantagh State Parkway links Cedar Creek Park in Seaford with Jones Beach State Park. Besides being a great route with amazing views of the bay, it’s also a good alternative route to the beach when parking fields are capped at limited capacity due to social distancing mandates. Cedar Creek Park, 3340 Merrick Rd., Seaford.
HENDRICKSON PARK SHARED-USE PATH
A 2-mile loop between Valley Stream State Park and Hendrickson Park, this pedestrian path winds through wooded scenic byways, with abundant park amenities to enjoy along the way. Valley Stream State Park Road, Valley Stream.
JONES BEACH SHARED USE PATH
This 4.5-mile pedestrian path extending the full length of Jones Beach State Park from Field 6 to the West End 2 opened last year and takes users to some of the lesser-seen areas of LI’s most popular park. Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK GREENBELT TRAIL
Stretching from Massapequa Preserve on Merrick Road to Bethpage State Park, this 20-mile paved path straddling the county line reveals some of the hidden beauty of the Island’s interior. For mountain bikers, an unpaved path runs parallel to the pedestrian route and connects with Stillwell Woods, one of the best mountain biking and hiking spots on LI. Merrick Road, Massapequa.
OCEAN PARKWAY COASTAL GREENWAY
This shared-use path that runs 3.6 miles between Tobay Beach to Jones Beach State Park arguably boasts the best views of any bike path on LI. And work is underway to extend it 10 miles from Tobay to Captree State Park. That work is slated to be completed by spring 2021. Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh.
PAUL SIMONS MEMORIAL BIKE PATH
Tucked in the more than 1,000 acres of Stony Brook University’s wooded campus is this 6-mile bike-friendly pedestrian path that runs through a nature preserve. Stony Brook University, Nicolls Road, Stony Brook.
Related Story: Take A Hike on Long Island’s Greenbelt Trails
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