Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

Bike trails on Long Island give riders a mix of flat rail-trail miles, shaded park paths and open-road routes along the South Shore and North Fork. This guide shows you which bike trails on Long Island are worth your time, how far each one runs, what surfaces to expect and how to plan a ride that fits your fitness and your schedule. By the end, you should be able to pick a route, estimate your riding time and avoid the mistakes that catch first-time visitors off guard.

How Long Island’s Bike Trail Network Is Organized

Most of the best bike trails on Long Island fall into three groups. Rail trails follow former railroad corridors and are generally flat, with grades usually under two percent. Paved park paths wind through state and county parkland and often connect to beaches. The third group is designated bike routes on public roads, marked with signs and sometimes shoulder lanes. Knowing which group a route belongs to tells you a lot about traffic, surface and difficulty before you ever leave the driveway.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Bike Trails in United States for Every Rider (2026).

Long Island is long and narrow, roughly 118 miles from the Queens border to Montauk Point, and it is also quite flat. That combination makes it friendly to beginners and to riders who want to cover distance without much climbing. The main headwind is usually the wind coming off the water, not the terrain.

The Main Bike Trails on Long Island

Long Island Greenway and Connecting Paths

The Long Island Greenway is a developing network of shared-use paths intended to link communities from west to east. Sections vary in surface and width, and some segments are on-road connectors, so check current signage before committing to a long stretch. Riders often use it as a backbone and add side trips to parks and downtown areas.

Bethpage Bikeway

The Bethpage Bikeway runs along a former rail corridor through Nassau County and is one of the most popular rail-trail options on the island. The surface is paved and generally smooth, which suits road bikes, hybrids and touring bikes with narrow tires. It is a good choice for an out-and-back ride with the family or for riders building their first 20 to 30 miles.

William Floyd Parkway and Fire Island Area Routes

Riders heading toward the Robert Moses area and the South Shore barrier beaches can combine park roads with quieter neighborhood streets. Expect sea breezes, exposed sections with little shade, and some traffic on the parkway itself. Start early in summer to avoid the heaviest afternoon heat and the busiest beach-day traffic.

Shelter Island Loop

Shelter Island sits between the North and South Forks and is small enough to ride as a loop of roughly 8 miles. Traffic is light for most of the year, though summer weekends are busier. Because the island is surrounded by water, plan to use the ferry from the North or South Fork as your access point.

North Fork Wine Country Routes

The North Fork offers rolling farmland and a string of vineyards, farm stands and waterfront villages. Routes here are road-based and often run 25 to 40 miles, with some modest rolling hills and more traffic than on the rail trails. Riders who go this route should pick a day with light weekend traffic, ride on the right, and be prepared for slow drivers on narrow roads.

Montauk Point Routes

The ride out to Montauk is one of the longest and most scenic options on the island. From the western half of the island, expect a full day or a long weekend to reach the point. Hilly sections are limited, but wind exposure near the end is real, so plan for it.

Comparing Routes at a Glance

The table below gives a rough comparison of the route types you will find across Long Island. Mileage and conditions change, so confirm current details with the managing agency or a recent map before you ride.

Route Type Typical Surface Traffic Exposure Good For
Rail trail (e.g., Bethpage Bikeway) Paved, smooth Minimal, crossings at roads Beginners, families, long steady miles
County or state park path Paved, sometimes narrow Low, shared with walkers Relaxed rides, beach access
Shelter Island loop Paved roads Light to moderate Short scenic loop, ferry day trips
North Fork road routes Paved roads, some rolling terrain Moderate, seasonal Intermediate riders, wine stops
Montauk-bound routes Paved roads Moderate to heavy in summer Experienced riders, multi-day trips

How to Plan a Long Island Bike Ride

Step 1: Pick a Route That Matches Your Fitness

Be honest about your recent mileage. A rider who regularly does 20 miles can usually handle a rail trail out-and-back of 30 to 40 miles. A rider who is new to cycling should start with a loop of 10 to 15 miles and build from there.

Step 2: Check Surface and Tire Width

Rail trails are generally fine on 28 to 32 millimeter road tires. Some park paths and shoulder sections have debris, so wider tires with some tread give you more margin. If you plan to ride toward beaches, consider that sand on paths can make narrow tires slip.

Step 3: Plan Water, Food and Restroom Stops

Rail trails can go several miles without a store or restroom, so carry more water than you think you need. On hot days, plan on at least 2 liters per person for a ride of 3 hours or more. Mark cafes, farm stands and park restrooms on your map before you go.

Step 4: Check Weather and Wind

Coastal wind can change your ride time by a surprising amount. Check the forecast the night before and note the wind direction. Riding into a 15 mph headwind can add significant time, so consider doing the harder direction first while you are fresh.

Step 5: Plan Transportation and Parking

For point-to-point rides, such as parts of the North Fork or the trip toward Montauk, arrange a ride back, use a train, or ride a loop instead. Many parking areas near trailheads fill on summer weekends, so arrive early.

Checklist Before You Ride

  • Helmet properly fitted and fastened
  • Tires inflated to the pressure printed on the sidewall
  • Lights, front and rear, for any ride that may run late or into shade
  • Spare tube, pump or inflator, and tire levers
  • Phone with offline map downloaded, since cell coverage can be patchy
  • At least 2 liters of water for longer or hot rides
  • Snacks with a mix of carbohydrates and protein
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Route plan shared with someone who is not riding with you

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating wind. Coastal routes can feel flat and still be tiring when the wind is strong. Build in extra time.
  • Assuming every path is continuous. Some sections of the Greenway and connecting paths are still on-road or have gaps. Check current maps.
  • Riding without water. Rail trails and park paths often lack services for long stretches.
  • Ignoring summer traffic. Weekend routes toward the beaches and Montauk can be crowded, especially in the afternoon.
  • Skipping a bike check. A flat tire far from a parking area is an avoidable problem if you check pressure and carry a spare.

Tips for Riding Bike Trails on Long Island

  • Start rides early in summer to beat heat, wind and crowds.
  • Use a cycling computer or phone app to track distance and cue turns on unfamiliar roads.
  • Stop at local farm stands on the North Fork for fresh produce, which makes a useful refuel.
  • If you are riding with children, choose the Bethpage Bikeway or a similar rail trail with few road crossings.
  • Consider a combined trip: ride a rail trail in the morning, then take a short ferry to Shelter Island.

If you are building a longer trip that links several parts of the Northeast, the planning approach here transfers well. For inspiration from other regions, you might compare the structure of Providence RI Bike Trails: 7 Best Routes and How to Plan Them or Portland Bike Trails Maine: 7 Best Maps and Guides Compared, both of which take a similar approach to coastal and rail-trail riding.

A few items make Long Island rides noticeably more comfortable, especially on exposed coastal sections.

  • Hydration cage and bottles help you carry enough water for long rail-trail stretches where services are limited. View on Amazon
  • A compact frame pump or inflator lets you fix a flat on the road without relying on a shop. View on Amazon
  • Clip-on front and rear lights extend your riding window if you are caught in shade or late in the day. View on Amazon
  • A bike phone mount keeps offline maps visible at a glance without taking your hands off the bars. View on Amazon

FAQ

What are the best bike trails on Long Island for beginners?

The Bethpage Bikeway is a common choice for beginners because it is paved, mostly flat and has few road crossings. Riders new to longer distances can start with an out-and-back of 10 to 20 miles.

How long is the full length of Long Island by bike?

The island is roughly 118 miles from the Queens border to Montauk Point by road, though the exact distance depends on the route you choose. Most riders split the trip over two or more days.

Are there bike trails on Long Island that run along the water?

Yes, several routes on the South Shore and North Fork pass close to the water, and Shelter Island is surrounded by it. Expect coastal wind on these sections.

Do I need a special bike for Long Island trails?

Most routes are paved, so a road bike, hybrid or touring bike works well. Wider tires help on paths with debris or sand near beaches.

Can I bring my bike on the Long Island Rail Road?

Bike policies on commuter rail can change and may have limits during peak hours. Check the current rules with the railroad before planning a train-and-ride trip.

Is Long Island safe for cycling?

Rail trails and park paths are generally low-risk. Road routes, especially on busy summer weekends, require visibility, defensive riding and a properly fitted helmet.

When is the best time of year to ride?

Late spring and early fall usually offer mild temperatures and lighter traffic. Summer is popular but hot and crowded on weekends, while winter can be cold and windy.

Where can I find an official map of Long Island bike routes?

Check with Nassau and Suffolk county parks departments, the New York State Parks system and local bicycle advocacy groups for current maps. Official maps are the most reliable source for closures and detours.

Conclusion

Long Island offers a surprising range of riding, from flat rail trails near Nassau County to open coastal roads that stretch toward Montauk. Choose a route that matches your fitness, check the surface and wind, and carry enough water and tools for the distance. With a little planning, bike trails on Long Island can become a reliable option for day rides, family outings and longer multi-day tours.

Ready to choose one?

Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike touring & bikepacking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.