Fun Family-Friendly Bike Rides in New Jersey – Reverb MSN Music

Riding a bike is more than a childhood milestone. It develops a sense of balance, strengthens muscles, fosters an appreciation for the outdoors, and makes for wonderful family bonding time. Luckily for New Jersey families, there are tons of family-friendly bike paths throughout the state, from the Kittatinny Mountains to the Jersey Shore.

Read on for 15 family-friendly bike paths for a ride. If you prefer to travel on foot, check out these 12 easy hikes in NJ for families with small children.

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Bike Paths in Northern New Jersey

Loantaka Brook Reservation Trail – Morristown

This popular park features five miles of paved trails. You can connect to the Patriots’ Path (below) if you want to extend your ride, or stop at the playground located at the South Street end of the trails.

West Essex Trail – Verona

At around three miles, this trail is perfect for young riders. The trail follows the former Caldwell Branch railway on the old Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and meanders over a trestle that crosses the Peckman River.

Family poses for a picture along a bike path © Provided by Mommy Poppins Family poses for a picture along a bike path

Stop for a break just off the bike path at Saddle River Park. Photo by Jose S. Jimenez via Instagram.

Saddle River County Park – Bergen County

Crossing through six Bergen County towns, this bike path is approximately six miles in length. Also known as the Wild Duck Pond (Ridgewood), its easy course is extremely family-friendly.

Patriots' Path is a scenic bike path © Provided by Mommy Poppins Patriots’ Path is a scenic bike path

Patriots’ Path is a scenic 30-mile bike path that meanders through northern New Jersey. Photo by Irene Candelaria via Instagram.

Patriots’ Path – Morristown

One-part history, one-part exercise, Patriots’ Path is a 30-mile route that runs from East Hanover to Allamuchy Mountain State Park. Check the map for beginner trails, including a paved section near Speedwell Lake.

Mountain bike on the Paulinski Valley Trail. Photo courtesy of Sussex County

Paulinskill Valley Trail – Sussex County

With more than eight miles of rugged mountain bike trails available, Kittatinny Valley State Park is a favorite of mountain bikers. The 27-mile Paulinskill Valley Trail, which starts in Sparta, runs through Sussex County’s beautiful countryside.

Little boy rides a bike path on the Middlesx Greenway © Provided by Mommy Poppins Little boy rides a bike path on the Middlesx Greenway

Take a leisurely ride on the Middlesex Greenway. Photo courtesy of Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation

Where To Ride Bikes in Central New Jersey

Middlesex Greenway – Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge

This awesome 3.5-mile trail has 12 access points stretching from Metuchen to Woodbridge. The 10-foot wide path meanders near parks, shopping areas, and farmers markets. Note that some access points only have stairs to enter, so check the map if that’s a concern.

Columbia Trail – Washington Township

Columbia Trail’s off-road biking route travels through the woods along the Raritan River for 15 miles. The trail is mostly in shade, which makes it a comfortable trip on a warm day.

There are lovely bike paths all across Duke Farms © Provided by Mommy Poppins There are lovely bike paths all across Duke Farms

Duke Farms has paved and gravel roads for biking or strolling. Photo by the author

Duke Farms – Hillsborough

Twelve miles of paved and gravel lanes wind through the gorgeous grounds of Duke Farms, a historic estate featuring gardens and undeveloped natural habitats. It’s an easy, relaxing ride with plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses. They also offer a bike-share program!

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park – Princeton

The historic towpath along the main canal from Trenton’s Bakers Basin Road to New Brunswick has a natural surface for biking, making for a great family adventure.

Colonial Park has tons of paved paths for bike riding. © Provided by Mommy Poppins Colonial Park has tons of paved paths for bike riding.

The paved paths at Colonial Park are perfect for riding with little ones. Photo by the author

Colonial Park – Somerset

The two miles of paved paths in this park are perfect for NJ families. Stop to enjoy the park’s great playgrounds, mini golf, gardens, dog park, and paddleboats.

Washington Crossing Park – Titusville

This beautiful park has 15 miles of trails in the heart of some famous Revolutionary War historical sites. Ride on the two-mile bike loop, or try walking the green trail, which connects to a pedestrian bridge that travels over the Delaware and Raritan Canal.

Ride a bike along the ocean on the Ocean City Boardwalk © Provided by Mommy Poppins Ride a bike along the ocean on the Ocean City Boardwalk

Take an oceanside ride on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Photo by LabyrinthX via Flickr.

Where To Go Bike Riding on the Jersey Shore

Ocean City Boardwalk – Cape May County

Bicycling on the boardwalk is limited during the summer months, but in most other seasons, cyclists are free to ride at any time of day. This 2.5-mile stretch of boardwalk offers stunning ocean views, plus easy access to shops and restaurants when you’re ready to take a break.

Sandy Hook – Sandy Hook

The Sandy Hook bike path runs the length of the peninsula and features a picturesque lighthouse, military installations, and views of the bay and the beach. Its flat surface makes for a fun, easy ride.

Bike Paths in Southern New Jersey

Cooper River Park – Camden

Cooper River Park is huge, stretching through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township. There are two riverside bike paths: a 3.8-mile loop (Cuthbert to Route 130) and a 1.35-mile trail (Cuthbert to Grove Street). While you’re at the park, enjoy mini golf, the sculpture garden, river fishing, and more.

The Pine Barrens – Hammonton

The Pinelands is home to several popular bike paths. From flat, paved rides to bumpy off-roading trails, this area has many offerings for the cycling enthusiast. For a family-friendly bike ride, try the Pine Barrens River Ramble, an easy 42.6-mile loop with no hills that can be shortened to a more manageable length.

Looking for more? The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) publishes several bicycle tour guides, including the Old Mine Road Ride in Sussex County and Essex County’s Washington Rock and Roll Tour. These detailed guides are valuable resources if you want to explore the world through a cyclist’s eyes.

Originally published 2012, this piece has since been updated.