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Long Island is a mecca for outdoor adventures and nature oases and a great place to explore on two-wheels. Throughout the region’s hundreds of sprawling parks and nature preserves you’ll discover a diverse range of picturesque bike trails - from leisurely beachside paths to challenging trails that wind through wooded forests. There are also plenty of scenic routes to explore through the region’s many charming downtown communities. So, grab your bike (or rent one), and get ready to explore everything from bustling downtowns to natural landscapes and wildlife that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
From beginner-friendly routes to challenging singletrack trails, there's something for every level of mountain biker on Long Island. Check out our top picks below!
Jump to:
Nassau County: Bethpage State Park | Eisenhower Park | Jones Beach Bike Path | Valley Stream State Park | Trail View State Park
Suffolk County: Belmont Lake State Park | Cathedral Pines County Park | Heckscher State Park | Caumsett Historic State Park | Hither Hills State Park | Wildwood State Park
Nassau County
As one of the most bike-friendly regions of Long Island, Nassau County offers cyclists of all levels the opportunity to explore the vast number of parks and nature preserves.
Bethpage State Park (Farmingdale)
Credit: @the_hyland_santinelli_team
Bethpage State Park is best known for its five world-class golf courses, including the world-renowned Black Course which was the site of the U.S. Open Championship in 2002 and 2009, the Barclays in 2012 and 2016, the PGA Championship in 2019 and will host the 2025 Ryder Cup. Visitors also flock to the park to use the park's picnic facilities, playing fields, tennis courts, bridle paths, hiking and biking trails and cross-county skiing trails.
With many miles of bike trails that wind through wooded forests and open fields (including five miles of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail), and known as Long Island’s longest traffic free, paved bike path, Bethpage State Park is a top pick for bikers of all levels. Explore the scenic trail’s 13 miles that bring you though two state parks, two wetland preserves, and two town parks. Pick your own pace and mileage as you pedal between parks on the Bethpage Bikeway.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Long Island - Melville, the Hilton Garden Inn Melville, or the Courtyard Republic Airport Long Island / Farmingdale.
Eisenhower Park (East Meadow)
Considered Nassau County's own "Central Park" this 930-acre Park first earned its reputation as a golfer’s refuge during the 20's. Today Eisenhower Park is a mecca for sports and leisure fun for all including miles of paved paths. The park has a 5-mile paved loop around the perimeter that is generally considered an easy trail, offering beautiful views of the park’s golf course and lakes.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Garden City Hotel or Residence Inn Long Island in Garden City.
Jones Beach Bike Path (Wantagh)
The Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway is a paved path that parallels the Wantagh Parkway from Cedar Creek Park to Jones Beach State Park. It makes up the western portion of the Jones Beach Bike Path, also known as the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, which traverse almost the entire length of Jones Beach Island. This bike path has it all: waterfront views, beach access, and the chance to spot wildlife. If you start at Captree State Park, you can bike all the way to Jones Beach on an easy, flat paved trail that is 13.7 miles. Note: any ride on this trailway will need to be “out-and-back.”
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Jones Beach Hotel or Freeport Inn and Marina.
Valley Stream State Park (Valley Stream)
Located in the Town of Hempstead, Valley Stream State Park is a 97-acre state park offering nature trails, a playground, and various other outdoor activities for a day spent outdoors. The 8 miles of paved bike trails go through the woods and around the ponds, providing a scenic ride.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Rockville Centre Hotel or take a drive up to the Garden City Hotel.
Trail View State Park (Woodbury)
Credit: @climbonline1990
Trail View is a 400-acre, 7.4-mile linear park that serves as a link along the Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail that extends from Cold Spring Harbor State Park on the north shore of Suffolk County to Bethpage State Park, and eventually to the south shore of Nassau County with opportunities for hiking and bicycling on its hilly terrain and open fields. Biking trails range from easy to medium difficulty.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Inn at Fox Hollow or Hilton Garden Inn Melville.
Suffolk County
Suffolk County Parks are a cyclist’s dream. Bicycles can be ridden on existing paved or dirt roads in all our active and passive parks (just not on hiking or horseback trails).
Belmont Lake State Park (North Babylon)
Known for its 28-acre lake, Belmont Lake State Park has paved and unpaved trails for biking and is considered an easy route for beginners. Enjoy the park’s 1.4 mile loop around the lake or the 9.9 mile out and back trail to Argyle Lake. Finish your bike trip during the warmer months and rent a peddle boat or kayak on the Belmont State Park Lake.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Republic Airport Long Island/Farmingdale or Ocean Bay House.
Cathedral Pines County Park (Middle Island)
This 320-acre site is situated along the headwaters of the Carmans River. A hidden gem with camping, hiking and towering white pines, this rustic vista is also a hot spot for Long Island’s passionate group of mountain biking enthusiasts. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, the Cathedral Pines County Park has a 6-mile beginner loop with an additional 5 miles of advanced hills.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Long Island Brookhaven or Hampton Inn Long Island - Brookhaven.
Heckscher State Park (East Islip)
Twenty miles of trails attract hikers, bicycle and cross-country skiers at Heckscher State Park. Experience their 3.3-mile paved bike/hike loop and extend your trip by making your way on the dirt Greenbelt Trail. Catch scenic views of the Great South Bay in East Islip as you ride.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Long Island Islip/Courthouse Complex or Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island Islip/Courthouse Complex.
Caumsett Historic State Park (Lloyd Harbor)
Caumsett State Historic Park, the former estate of Marshall Field III is situated on a scenic peninsula extending into Long Island Sound, remains essentially undeveloped, offering miles of bridle paths, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and nature trails over acres of woodland, meadows, rock shoreline and salt marsh. Considered an easy route, discover the 5.2-mile loop trail has an option that takes you down to the beach.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at the Chalet Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn & Suites Huntington Downtown.
Hither Hills State Park (Montauk)
Credit: Jeremy Garretson
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails at Hither Hills State Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? They have trails ranging from 59 to 429 feet in elevation gain and a half-mile bike ride to a cycling journey of 2.5 miles. The unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. Bring along your swimsuit and take a victory dip in the ocean after your ride.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa or Daunt’s Albatross Motel.
Wildwood State Park (Wading River)
Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Considered an easier route, the park mostly has doubletrack/fire road trails that are about 3.2 miles long.
Where to stay: Make it a weekend getaway by staying at East Wind Long Island or Hotel Indigo East End.
