It’s not too hot and not too cold outside, so the weather is perfect for a bike ride or hike. Grab your gear, lace up your shoes and hit the trails to see the beautiful towns and scenery of SJ – yes, that’s right, SJ!
Many trails throughout the area are designed specifically for bikers and hikers, so you don’t have to worry about sharing the road with cars or SUVs (though some paths do cross streets, so proceed with caution and follow all trail markers).
COOPER RIVER PARK LOOP
Starting Point: North Park Drive
Distance: 1.35 miles
Highlights: The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and numerous parking spaces provide easy access to the trails for walkers, joggers and bikers. There is also a 3.8-mile loop between Cuthbert Boulevard and Route 130.
UNITED STATES AVENUE TRAIL
Starting Point: Foster Avenue, Gibbsboro
Distance: 2 miles
Highlights: This paved path, also known as the Green Trail, runs through wooded landscape between Foster Avenue and Egg Harbor Road. The entrance to Lindenwold Memorial Park intersects the trail at its midpoint (where there’s a playground the kids can enjoy). The trail even provides scenic views of the Philadelphia skyline on clear days.
BURLINGTON PINELANDS LOOP
Starting Point: Lumberton Municipal Building
Distance: 29.5 miles
Highlights: Just as its name suggests, this trail provides a scenic ride through rural portions of the Pine Barrens. Riders will get a picturesque view of cranberry bogs, groves of majestic trees and other diverse wildlife native to the area. The trail also weaves through a portion of the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, so you can stop off if you want to rest, explore or even camp in the park.
STAR BICYCLE FACTORY LOOP
Starting Point: Lumberton Municipal Building
Distance: 28.3 miles
Highlights: Ride along the Delaware River Heritage Trail and through Smithville Village, where you can take a break and tour the historic mansion and buildings that remain from the once-thriving industrial town. The return trip takes you through Mount Holly, where you can check out several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or even shop or grab a bite to eat.
BLACKWOOD RAILROAD TRAIL
Starting Point: Brown and East Atlantic Avenues
Distance: 2.67 miles
Highlights: This paved trail was constructed on an abandoned railroad track and features a restored train caboose that hikers and bikers can explore. The trail winds through both wooded and residential areas, connecting local neighborhoods with schools and recreational facilities.
MONROE TOWNSHIP BIKEWAY
Starting Point: Williamstown Middle School, at the trail’s east end
Distance: 6.36 miles
Highlights: This Gloucester County trail passes through the forest of the Glassboro Fish and Wildlife Area then transitions through quiet neighborhoods and open spaces. The path follows the former route of the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Line that once served Shore points from Atlantic City to Cape May.
ATLANTIC CITY BIKEWAY
Starting Point: North side of the Shore Mall parking lot in Egg Harbor (look for the sign marking designated parking for trail patrons)
Distance: 7.5 miles
Highlights: Located nine miles west of AC, this trail offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the casinos and boardwalk. Strategically planted trees provide a welcome buffer from nearby roads. There are 15 secondary road crossings, but all are clearly marked for trail users and motorists. You can rest on a few benches, but places to stock up on supplies are scarce so be sure to bring your own food and drinks. If you want to start at the opposite end of the trail, the western section begins between Atlantic Avenue and the intersection of 19th Street.
