The best road cycling routes in Nassau County

The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway offers a truly spectacular cycling experience along Long Island's south shore, providing continuous waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean, marshlands, and the Great South Bay. This paved path, also known in parts as the Jones Beach Bike Path, allows you to glide past open vistas of Seaman's Island and Olivers Channel, with the iconic Jones Beach Water Tower often in sight. It's a generally easy ride, but the open coastal exposure means you should be ready for potential headwinds that can add a surprising challenge to the 39.9-mile (64.2 km) journey.

Planning your ride on the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway is straightforward, as the trail connects Cedar Creek County Park to Captree State Park. You'll find convenient access to various beaches like Jones Beach and Gilgo Beach, many offering restrooms and food options. Cyclists arriving by bike are often exempt from beach access fees, and underpasses make it easy to reach the ocean side. While the 85 feet (26 metres) of elevation gain is minimal, remember that the 3 hours and 4 minutes estimated duration for this moderate route can be extended by strong winds, so check the forecast.

This greenway is considered one of the most spectacular bike paths in the New York Metro Region, thanks to its blend of natural beauty and accessibility. A significant extension in 2021 made it a continuous 20-mile path, enhancing the long-distance cycling experience. The out-and-back nature means a full ride covers approximately 40 miles, offering ample opportunity to enjoy the diverse wildlife and lush natural surroundings without needing to find a loop connection.

The Jones Beach Bike Path offers a truly unique road cycling experience, tracing the barrier island with continuous, expansive views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay. You'll find yourself pedaling on flat, paved surfaces, occasionally transitioning to boardwalk sections, particularly as you pass through Jones Beach State Park. This easy 13.5-mile (21.8 km) route, with only 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to soak in the coastal scenery, though be prepared for potential headwinds that can add a challenge.

Planning your visit is simple, with numerous parking areas and amenities like restrooms and restaurants available at key points such as Jones Beach and Tobay Beach. If you're considering public transport, the LIRR Wantagh station provides access near the western start of the path. While the ride is generally easy, the exposed nature of the island means strong winds can make the 1 hour and 23 minutes duration feel longer, so check the weather before heading out.

This path is part of a larger coastal greenway, offering a continuous stretch of cycling that connects several state parks, including Jones Beach State Park and Captree State Park. You can lock up your bike and use underpasses to access the ocean side for a beach break. It's a multi-use path, so you'll share it with pedestrians, especially in popular boardwalk areas, making it a vibrant spot for outdoor activity.

The Centre Island via Roslyn Heights loop is a road cycling route that immerses you in the varied beauty of Long Island's "Gold Coast." You'll glide past impressive grand estates and enjoy charming picturesque waterfronts, particularly as you near Centre Island. The well-maintained paved surfaces make for a smooth journey, while the natural beauty of valleys, forests, and tranquil waterways provides a serene backdrop.

This moderate road ride covers 33.7 miles (54.2 km) with an elevation gain of 1182 feet (360 metres), typically requiring about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. Cyclists should have good fitness levels to tackle the moderate climbs. Parking is readily available in the Roslyn Heights area, making it a convenient starting point for your ride.

Considered one of the top rated road cycling routes in the region, this loop is highly popular, with over 800 cyclists having explored it on Komoot and an average rating of 4.7 stars. It offers a rewarding experience by combining a moderate physical challenge with diverse and beautiful scenery, making it a notable destination for road cycling around Brookville.

The Baldwin to Atlantic Beach loop offers a refreshing change of pace for road cyclists, taking you from the heart of Baldwin out to the coast. You'll experience a mix of suburban landscapes and open waterfront views, with highlights like the Atlantic Beach Bridge and glimpses of the Beach at Far Rockaway. The route is generally well-paved, providing a smooth ride for its 28.8 miles (46.3 km).

This moderate ride involves a gentle 195 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Expect to complete the loop in around 2 hours and 11 minutes. While much of the route is pleasant, be mindful that some stretches, such as Long Beach Road, can have significant traffic and may not have dedicated bike lanes.

What makes this route stand out is its unique blend of everyday cycling with access to significant natural and coastal attractions in Nassau County. It's a great option for those looking to explore the area by bike, offering more than a typical suburban ride by connecting you to the Long Beach Barrier Island and Veterans Memorial Park.

Embark on the Mill Neck Preserve loop, a moderate road cycling adventure that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Old Westbury. This route spans 36.5 miles (58.8 km) and includes a total elevation gain of 1193 feet (364 metres), offering a rewarding challenge for cyclists with decent fitness. You will pedal through scenic woodlands, past tranquil ponds, and alongside beautifully landscaped gardens, experiencing a pleasant blend of natural and cultivated environments.

Plan for approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete this journey at a steady pace. The trail is known for its mostly well-paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride throughout. While specific parking details are not provided, the Old Westbury area typically offers accessible starting points for cyclists; always check local signage for dedicated parking or public transport options before you head out.

As you cycle, you will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Mill Neck Preserve itself, a highlight of the route. Keep an eye out for potential glimpses of Tappen Beach, adding a coastal element to your ride. This loop offers a unique perspective on the region's diverse scenery, making it a notable choice for road cyclists seeking a varied and engaging experience.

The Hempstead Lake and Jones Beach Loop offers a unique blend of coastal and parkland cycling, perfect for a varied day on two wheels. You'll glide along the Jones Beach Bike Path with expansive ocean views, feeling the sea breeze, before transitioning to the tranquil, tree-lined paths of Hempstead Lake State Park, where you'll pass by the picturesque Hempstead Lake. This route provides a compelling contrast in scenery, from open coast to serene woodlands and wetlands.

Planning your ride is simple, with convenient parking available at both Hempstead Lake State Park and Jones Beach State Park, making trailhead access easy. This moderate 31.8-mile (51.2 km) road cycling route, with a minimal 242 feet (74 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for cyclists looking for a substantial ride without challenging climbs.

What makes this route stand out is its ability to combine two distinct environments into one engaging loop. The Jones Beach segment is known for its smooth, flat surfaces and iconic beachfront, while Hempstead Lake State Park offers a peaceful escape with its multi-use paths and opportunities for wildlife observation around its freshwater ponds. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse natural beauty of Long Island.

Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure along Long Island's North Shore, a 32.0 miles (51.5 km) loop that offers a diverse experience. You will encounter well-paved surfaces and rolling hills, gaining 1241 feet (378 metres) in elevation over approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. The route provides coastal views, particularly as you pass Tappen Beach, and winds through green, wooded sections typical of the North Hills area. Keep an eye out for upscale residential areas and glimpses of varied landscapes, including potential vineyards, as you ride.

Garden City Park serves as a convenient starting point for this loop, where you can generally find parking options for your bike. This racebike route is known for its accessible nature, making it suitable for a morning or afternoon ride. Before heading out, it is always a good idea to check local conditions to ensure a smooth journey. Consider starting early to enjoy the quieter roads and cooler temperatures, especially during warmer months.

This route is a popular choice for road cyclists in the area, offering a good workout for those with moderate fitness. The terrain, shaped by glacial activity in the North Hills, contributes to the enjoyable rolling hills you will encounter. It stands out for its combination of scenic coastal stretches and the lush, wooded character of the inland sections, providing a varied backdrop for your ride.

The Garden City Park to Sands Point via Port Washington route offers a captivating road cycling experience, guiding you from suburban streets to the dramatic coastline of the Long Island Sound. You'll pedal through charming neighborhoods, past grand estates, and eventually reach the stunning waterfront views around Port Washington and Lighthouse Road. The varied terrain, including some challenging hills, keeps the ride engaging, making it a rewarding journey for those who appreciate diverse scenery.

This moderate 25.7-mile (41.4 km) ride, with its 990 feet (302 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes. It's best enjoyed by cyclists with a good fitness level, offering a balanced challenge. Consider starting your ride in the morning to make the most of the daylight and avoid potential crowds, especially if you plan to explore Port Washington.

What truly sets this route apart is its immersion in Long Island's historic "Gold Coast," a region that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." As you cycle, you'll glimpse opulent estates and historic mansions, particularly around Sands Point, which was famously referred to as "East Egg" in the novel. This blend of natural beauty and rich history makes for a unique and memorable cycling adventure.

The Sagamore Hill National Historic Site loop via Syosset offers a challenging yet rewarding road cycling experience through the scenic North Shore of Nassau County. You'll pedal through charming hamlets and encounter significant hilly terrain, with views opening up over Cove Neck and the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge as you approach Sagamore Hill. This moderate route covers 26.1 miles (42.0 km) with 1001 feet (305 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 49 minutes to complete.

This route requires good fitness due to its substantial climbs, some exceeding 10% grades. While the roads are generally well-paved, they can be winding and narrow in sections, so caution is advised, particularly on Route 106, Route 25A, and Cove Road. If you plan to explore the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site itself, remember that bicycles are restricted to the main parking lot and Old Orchard access road; you'll need to walk your bike on paved pathways between buildings.

What makes this one of the best road cycling near Oyster Bay options is its unique blend of history and nature. You're not just getting a workout; you're tracing a path to Theodore Roosevelt's former home, his "Summer White House," and passing Roosevelt's Pet Cemetery. The combination of historical significance and the natural beauty of the coastline and refuge makes this loop a truly enriching ride.