Sure, we’re surrounded by a slew of roadways and highways, but Massapequa bike riders also have several great venues in the area to cycle on safely. Here are just five trail recommendations for biking enthusiasts.
- The Massapequa Preserve Bike Path provides a rural and rustic relief for bikers tired of putting the pedals to the medal on pavement. Starting at the north side, the path spans from the Bethpage State Park picnic area and runs south. Expect some hills, but great views of the Blue and Yellow golf courses, as you ride south past the Polo Field. From there, you’ll cycle alongside the Bethpage State Parkway – be careful in some spots that flirt with the roadway. The nine mile trail, which earned a No. 4 ranking on the list of Top 10 American Biking Destinations, ends at the Massapequa Preserve.
- The Jones Beach Bike Path ranks among the favorites for Long Island biking aficionados. It covers five miles of path south of Merrick Road traversing islands and channels between the bay and the island itself. Final destination? Jones Beach. Life is good. Grab your helmet, your water bottle and pack a lunch!
- When you think Eisenhower Park, don’t think it’s all about the golfing. There are several bike paths on the south side that will afford you a great tour of the park and its lakes. The trails are well cared for and the traffic that abounds outside the park’s borders is a mere memory. Put aside three to four hours to take advantage of all the trails and, if you have any energy left over, you can head to the outdoor roller rink at the south end of the park afterwards.
- Biking at Belmont Lake State Park is a beautiful way to spend a day. There are paths a plenty, most of which ramble around the former estate of August Belmont. Cycling around the lake itself is a popular favorite for bikers. As the headquarters of the Long Island State Park Region, the park offers lots of other recreational activities, including boating, fishing, horseback riding, playing fields and hiking.
- Wantagh Park, which spans two miles south of Merrick Road down to East Bay, offers many paths for bikers. They come complete with great bay views of the Johnson and Flat Creeks and wetlands. If you work up a sweat cycling, jump into the swimming pool that awaits at the southern end of the park.
