The best road cycling routes around Amityville

This road cycling route offers a fantastic tour of Long Island's diverse landscapes, taking you from suburban Seaford through lush parklands all the way to the scenic Cold Spring Harbor. You'll primarily follow the well-maintained Bethpage Bikeway, which transitions from flat, smooth sections to undulating hills as you head north, providing a varied and engaging ride. Expect to pass through the tranquil Massapequa Preserve, with its shaded paths and serene lakes, and enjoy the dense woodlands and views overlooking the historic Cold Spring Harbor in Cold Spring Harbor State Park.

This moderate 60.3 miles (97.1 km) loop, with 2455 feet (748 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial ride that typically takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes. The route is entirely paved, making it ideal for road cyclists of varying fitness levels who are comfortable with rolling terrain. Facilities like restrooms and water fountains are available within Bethpage State Park, so you can plan your stops accordingly.

The route stands out for its seamless connection of multiple state parks and natural areas via dedicated bikeways, offering a unique perspective on Long Island's natural beauty. You'll encounter diverse wildlife, from ducks and swans in the preserves to deer and foxes in the woodlands. This makes it a popular cycling trail from Seaford to Cold Spring Harbor, perfect for those looking to combine a good workout with scenic exploration.

This Jones Beach State Park road cycling loop offers a wonderfully flat and scenic ride, hugging the coastline of Long Island's barrier island. You'll cruise along a paved path, enjoying constant vistas of the vast Atlantic Ocean and the calmer Great South Bay, with a minimal 19 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain over 8.1 miles (13.0 km). It's an easy route that provides a refreshing escape, though the boardwalk sections can get quite lively with other users.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking available at spots like West End Bay Parkway and Jones Beach Field 6. While there are parking fees after Memorial Day, you can often cycle into the park for free. The 39-minute estimated duration makes it a perfect quick outing, but be mindful of strong winds, which can turn an easy ride into a challenging one, especially on exposed sections. Weekends and summer months also bring larger crowds, so consider an early start for a quieter experience.

This route is part of the much longer Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, which stretches for approximately 20 miles across Jones Beach Island, offering options for extended rides. It's a shared-use path, welcoming cyclists, runners, and walkers, and is fully ADA compatible, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. The path also connects to other significant cycling routes, like the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway, expanding your exploration possibilities.

The Jones Beach State Park – Jones Beach Bike Path loop from Seaford offers a quintessential Long Island road cycling experience, tracing the coastline with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay. You'll glide along a mostly flat, paved path, passing maritime dunes and crossing scenic bridges over Seaman's Creek and Goose Creek. The journey provides a refreshing coastal atmosphere, making it a favorite among local cyclists.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with convenient access points and amenities along the route. While the 33.3-mile (53.6 km) loop is rated moderate with only 355 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, strong winds can make the 2-hour and 21-minute ride feel more challenging. Be aware that summer weekends can bring crowds, especially near the Jones Beach Boardwalk, so consider an early start for a more peaceful experience.

This trail is celebrated as one of the best road cycling loops on Long Island, connecting Cedar Creek County Park to Captree State Park. Beyond the cycling, you can explore the iconic Art Deco architecture of Jones Beach State Park, including the distinctive 188-foot Italianate-style water tower. It's a multi-use path, so you'll share it with pedestrians and inline skaters, emphasizing shared courtesy.