There's a lot of scenic beauty in Atlantic City, and one way to be "always on" with the rest of the city is on a bike, or taking a hike. Below we've listed our favorite bike rides and hiking trails around Atlantic City.
Mornings on the Boardwalk:
Boardwalk - Citywise, the Boardwalk is always a draw and a decades-old tradition is taking part in the city's early morning rides, when biking is allowed from 6:30am to 10am daily. While this may seem early to some Atlantic City late-night party goers, it's well worthwhile losing a little sleep to experience the cool morning breezes and smooth light of mornings on the Boardwalk.
Long Branch to Spring Lake - A great Boardwalk ride is the 11-mile stretch from Long Branch to Spring Lake, which traverses several seaside towns including Deal, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, and Belmar.
But Atlantic City isn't just "city" and it's not just beach either. Locals know that area parks offer an abundance of biking and hiking trails. Listed below are a few for your trekking pleasure.
In the Parks and Outside the City:
Lake Lenape - Lake Lenape's two-mile lakefront hiking and biking trail in Mays Landing is a winner and includes observations points for resting and sightseeing.
Leaming's Run Gardens - Leaming's Run Gardens located at the historic Cape May Court House is an outstanding and exquisite locale for a relaxing walk along winding paths, with bridges, ponds and nooks in 25 individually designed and expertly crafted gardens. Phone: 609-465-5871.
Estell Manor Park - The Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor includes 15 miles of hiking trails, while bikers can tour a two-mile loop past playgrounds, a glassworks factory and a dock. Phone: 609-625-1897 or 609-645-5960.
Among the nicest bike paths are the "Rails-to-Trails" paths, converted tracks to bike paths. We've included the best ones below on the Jersey Shore.
Rails to Trails Paths:
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway - The five-mile Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway that begins on North Main.
Henry Hudson Trail - The nine-mile Henry Hudson Trail that runs from the town of Aberdeen to the Atlantic Highlands.
Wildwood Crest Bike Path - The one-mile Wildwood Crest Bike Path from East Cresse Ave to East Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest.
Biking Resources
- • Atlantic City Trails by Trails.com: www.trails.com
- • List of rail trails in New Jersey on Wikipedia: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_rail_trails_in_New_Jersey
- • Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: www.railstotrails.org
- • County of Atlantic Parks & Recreation: Estell Manor Park: www.aclink.org/PARKS/mainpages/estell
