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 lush forests. There are also plenty of scenic routes to explore through the region’s charming downtown communities.
So, grab your bike (or rent one), take it for a quick train ride and get ready to explore everything from bustling downtowns to natural landscapes and wildlife that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Check out the MTA's guide to bringing your bike on the train. then check out our top picks below!
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)
Bethpage State Park is best known for its five world-class golf courses, including the 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. However, visitors also flock to the park to use its picnic facilities, playing fields, tennis courts, bridle paths, hiking and biking trails and cross-county skiing trails.
With miles of bike trails that wind through forests and open fields, including five miles of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, Bethpage State Park's Bikeway is a top pick for cyclists of all experience levels. Explore a scenic 13-miles of trail, which includes Long Island’s longest paved bike path, and will bring you though two state parks, two wetland preserves, and two town parks.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Farmingdale station. The park is a one-mile bike ride away from the train station.
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 1920'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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Westbury station. The park is a 2.5-mile bike ride from the train station.
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 traverses 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.”
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Wantagh station. Start your bike ride right from the train station which is around 5 miles away from Jones Beach State Park.
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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Valley Stream station. The park is a 1.7-mile bike ride away.
Trail View State Park (Woodbury)
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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Cold Spring Harbor station or Syosset station. The park is around 2.3 miles away from both train stations.
LIRR
Port Jefferson
A little over two miles from either Syosset or Cold Spring Harbor station
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Suffolk County Parks are a cyclist’s dream. Bicycles can be ridden on existing paved or dirt roads in all of Suffolk County’s 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. If you’re biking during the warmer months, make sure to finish off your ride by renting t a paddle boat or kayak on the Belmont State Park Lake.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Babylon station. The park is 3.6 miles away.
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 park 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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Yaphank station. The park is a 4 mile bike ride away.
Heckscher State Park (East Islip)
Twenty miles of trails attract hikers, cyclists 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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train to Islip station. The park is a 4.2 mile bike ride away.
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. Itremains essentially undeveloped, offering miles of bridle paths, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and nature trails over acres of woodlands, meadows, rock shorelines and salt marshes. Considered an easy route, discover the 5.2-mile loop trail has an option that takes you down to the beach.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Huntington. Caumsett State Park is 7 miles away.
Hither Hills State Park (Montauk)
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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Montauk. The park is 6 miles away.
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.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take the train from Penn Station to Riverhead station. The park is approximately 10 miles away.
