Stuff A Bagel

The Bethpage Bikeway – Bethpage Bikeway loop from Wantagh offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending suburban stretches with beautiful parklands and coastal views. You'll traverse the wooded Massapequa Preserve, passing the Massapequa Reservoir and Creek, before heading into the greener settings of Trail View State Park and Bethpage State Park. The route then transitions to the Wantagh Parkway Shared-Use Path, providing expansive water views of South Oyster Bay as you approach Jones Beach. This 19.9-mile (32.0 km) loop, with its 291 feet (89 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete.

To tackle this loop, you'll be connecting two prominent Long Island trails. While the Bethpage Bikeway offers long stretches of traffic-free riding, be prepared for varying conditions on the Wantagh Parkway Shared-Use Path; some northern sections can be narrow and unmaintained. Starting from the Wantagh area, you'll link up with the Bethpage Bikeway's southern terminus near Merrick Road. Given the popularity of these paths, especially on weekends, an early morning start is advisable to enjoy a more serene ride.

This route is a fantastic way to explore Long Island's varied landscapes, from dense preserves to open marshlands and coastal vistas. The Bethpage Bikeway itself is notable for passing through three major Long Island parks: Trail View State Park, Bethpage State Park, and Massapequa Preserve, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting like ducks and swans. The connection to the Wantagh Parkway path also provides direct access to Jones Beach, making it a great option for extending your ride with additional coastal exploration.