Where to Ride in Cape May County?

Bicycles on the Ocean City Boardwalk (photo credit: JClifford)

Bike Paths, Lanes & Trails

Anxious to see Cape May County up close and personal from a bike seat? Many municipalities have bike paths, lanes or trails that offer safe pedaling for touring or commuting.

cape may county

Seven Mile Island

Avalon and Stone Harbor have bike lanes properly designated. In Stone Harbor on Second Avenue, the path leads north to south. In Avalon where Second Avenue becomes Dune Drive, the lane continues from Sixth to 19th streets and picks up again at 34th Street, continuing south to the borough’s end at 80th Street. Avalon recently expanded its bike path, adding lanes along First Avenue from Seventh to 40th streets and Avalon Avenue from Eighth to 32nd streets.

The Wildwoods

This scenic bike route runs nearly the entire length of the five-mile island, beginning at the south end of the island at the Two Mile Beach area of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. The path runs from Diamond Beach north to Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest along Seaview Avenue where it bends, turning into a beachfront path. The beach side bicycle path runs north, continuing on the Wildwoods Boardwalk at Cresse Avenue via the bike ramp connector. The boardwalk stretches 1.85 miles north to a connecting ramp between 15th and 16th avenues in North Wildwood. From there, cyclists can continue along a path parallel to the beach along JFK Boulevard. A special “bikes only” lane is also dedicated throughout the length of North Wildwood, from First to 26th avenues along Surf Avenue. Bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk from 5 a.m. until noon.

Woodbine

The borough’s three-mile bike path is asphalt paved and runs Dehirsch Avenue near Grant Avenue to Woodbine Ocean View Road, on the former railroad line that parallels County Route 550. In nearby Belleplain State Park located in Dennis Township, there are a series of trails through the forest best ridden on a mountain or hybrid bike.

Middle Township

The Middle Township Bike Path is around 8 miles long, running south from the Cape May County Park & Zoo to Sally Marshall Crossing, Cold Spring, where the Cold Spring Bike Path begins. The path runs along the old railroad bed of the Cape May Seashore Line and links the zoo, Atlantic Cape Community College, the 4-H Fairgrounds and the Davies Sports Complex.

Lower Township

The 2.7-mile, asphalt paved Cold Spring Bike Path runs from Sandman Boulevard, Erma to Sally Marshall Crossing, Cold Spring. It parallels railroad tracks of the former West Jersey and Seashore Railroad Company. The bike path includes an eight-foot wide, 40-foot long bridge over an intermittent stream, designed to carry bike and pedestrian traffic.

Cape Island

Cape Island has a marked bike lane along Seashore Road from the bridge over the Cape May Canal, which leads into West Cape May. A bike lane on Sunset Boulevard connects Cape May City and Cape May Point State Park/Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point.

Corson’s Inlet State Park

Corson’s Inlet Rail-Trail begins at the parking lot off of County Highway 619 (Bay Avenue) at Corson’s Inlet Park and runs a short 0.33 miles on the upper dunes above the beach.

Ocean City

A family-friendly bike route runs more than seven miles from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge down Haven & West avenues to 55th/56th streets, connecting the Community Center, shopping and attractions across the length of the island. The West Avenue Route from 12th to 35th streets is designed for the advanced rider who is comfortable riding in traffic. A scenic 2.2-mile route begins at 9th Street & Bay Avenue, proceeding west over the 9th Street Bridge into Somers Point. Connector routes are located at 6th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 18th, 24th, 29th and 5th streets, and the Route 52 Causeway. Bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk from 5 a.m. until noon May 15 through Labor Day.