The Jones Beach Bike Path is possibly the best bike path on Long Island. It runs south from the Merrick Road for 5 miles on islands and over the channels and bays that separate Jones Bach from Long Island Proper.
The Jones Beach Bike Path, which is technically the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway, is 4.4 miles long, from start to finish. It runs along the Wantagh Parkway from Cedar Creek Part to Jones Beach. Round trip to and from the beach is roughly 9 miles so it’s good to leave the entire day for the path, considering most people stop to play on Jones Beach for a little while before biking back.
This path, however great, can be a little bit scary at times due to the highway that is on the western side of the path. There is no guardrail to separate the bike path from the highway. In addition, the bike path and highway are awfully close at times.
Fortunately, there’s the eastern side of the path. The eastern side is all marshes, waterways, and tidal flats. In addition to being not scary, the eastern side lets people witness nature and all the scenery that goes with that. In addition, because you’re on a bike and not in a car, it’s possible to stop and look at whatever catches your eye.
The trail ends at Jones Beach with a huge set of bike racks. During the peak season, bikes are not allowed on the beach. But, for the other half of the year, bikes are permitted on the beach at all times.
The Jones Beach Bike Path is a great way to save the parking fees and Jones Beach and save the headaches of a traffic jam on the Parkway. This trail is best in the fall and spring.