Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway

You can access the trail from various points along its length. Key access points with parking include Jones Beach State Park, Tobay Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Cedar Beach. The trail spans approximately 20 miles one-way, connecting Cedar Creek County Park in Wantagh to Captree State Park in Babylon, offering multiple starting points.

Generally, leashed dogs are permitted on the paved multi-use path. However, specific regulations may apply to certain beach areas or facilities within Jones Beach State Park. It's always best to check local signage or the park's official website for the most current rules regarding pets.

The trail is enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and potentially less intense winds. Summer is popular but can be hot, and strong headwinds are a frequent factor due to its coastal location. Always be prepared for potential winds regardless of the season.

While using the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway itself doesn't typically require a fee, accessing certain areas within Jones Beach State Park, especially by car, may incur parking or entrance fees, particularly during peak season. Cyclists can often reach the ocean side of the island via underpasses without paying beach access fees. Check the official park website for current fee schedules and regulations.

The full one-way length of the trail is about 20 miles (32 km). A round trip would be approximately 40 miles (64 km). For a touring cyclist, the estimated duration for the full 40-mile round trip is around 3 hours and 33 minutes, though this can vary significantly based on your pace, stops, and especially wind conditions.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy due to its flat and paved surface, making it suitable for beginners and families. However, its location on a barrier island means you should be prepared for potentially strong headwinds, which can increase the perceived difficulty, especially on the return leg of this out-and-back route.

The Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway is an out-and-back trail. It runs continuously for about 20 miles one-way, connecting Cedar Creek County Park to Captree State Park. At Captree State Park, the trail ends without further bikeable connections, so riders must turn around and return on the same path.

The terrain is predominantly flat and paved, making it ideal for touring bicycles, road bikes, and even gravel bikes. The path runs alongside the Ocean Parkway, often separated by a grassy median. While mostly smooth, some older sections might be present, with newer segments, like east of Tobay Beach, opened in recent years.

You'll experience continuous waterfront views, primarily of the bay between Jones Beach Island and the main part of Long Island. The route passes through diverse landscapes including marshland and provides access to several beaches like Jones Beach State Park, Tobay Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Cedar Beach. You'll also see the Robert Moses Causeway, the Jones Beach Water Tower, and can spot the Fire Island Lighthouse in the distance from Captree State Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including baby bunnies.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Jones Beach Bike Path and the Ellen Ferrant Memorial Bicycle Path, which runs north-south along the Wantagh State Parkway before connecting to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway at Jones Beach.

Yes, the trail offers convenient access to amenities. You'll find restrooms, food concessions, and bike parking at various points along the route, including Jones Beach State Park, Tobay Beach, Gilgo Beach, and Cedar Beach.