Island Beach State Park from Spring Lake via Point Pleasant Beach

The route from Spring Lake to the end of Island Beach State Park is approximately 68.7 km (42.7 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes for an average rider.

This route is rated as a moderate road ride. While there's minimal elevation gain, the primary challenges come from sharing the road with vehicular traffic, navigating busy highway sections, and potentially rough shoulder surfaces. It requires good fitness and comfort cycling alongside traffic.

The initial section from Spring Lake to Point Pleasant Beach largely follows Route 71, which can be busy and have unmarked or disappearing shoulders. South of Point Pleasant, Route 35 offers wide, marked shoulders, but their surface can be rough, which might be uncomfortable for bikes with narrow tires. Inside Island Beach State Park, you'll find bicycle lanes on each side of the park road, which is generally easy with little elevation change.

The ride starts with views of beautiful homes in Spring Lake and Sea Girt. Much of the ride along Routes 71 and 35 can be less scenic, as many beaches are private and not visible from the road. However, you'll get glimpses of the boardwalks at Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights. Inside Island Beach State Park, despite the famously beautiful white sand beaches, the bike path itself is almost featureless, and the water is generally not visible from the path. The park does offer stunning panoramas and opportunities for bird watching if you stop to explore.

You'll pass through the charming coastal town of Point Pleasant Beach, known for its boardwalk. The route also connects two significant Jersey boardwalks: Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights. The destination, Island Beach State Park, is one of the country's finest undeveloped barrier beaches, offering pristine natural beauty.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. Notably, it covers parts of the Shore Tour North (29% of the route), the Island Beach State Park Bike Route (8%), and the Point Pleasant Boardwalk (2%).

While the route itself is a road cycling path, dogs are generally not permitted on the beaches or in the natural areas of Island Beach State Park. Check specific regulations for the park and other towns along the route if you plan to bring a dog.

Yes, there is an entrance fee for Island Beach State Park, which varies by season and residency. Cyclists typically pay a per-person fee. It's advisable to check the official New Jersey State Park website for current rates and any specific permit requirements before your visit.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with milder temperatures and potentially less traffic. Summer can be very busy, especially on weekends, and strong prevailing southerly winds can make the ride into Island Beach State Park challenging, though they become a benefit on the return trip.

During summer weekends, the parking lots at Island Beach State Park often fill up early. Cycling into the park can sometimes be the only way to gain entry once vehicle parking is at capacity. Arriving early is always a good strategy to avoid crowds and enjoy the park.

The route starts in Spring Lake. Parking options in Spring Lake would typically involve street parking or municipal lots, depending on local regulations and availability. For the destination, Island Beach State Park has designated parking areas, but as mentioned, these can fill up quickly on busy days.

Yes, you'll find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the towns you pass through, particularly in Spring Lake and Point Pleasant Beach. These towns offer plenty of options for refreshments and meals before continuing your ride or on your return.