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Reported: June 2019

Bethpage Bikeway...

Downstate New York State Biking

This suburban (Long Island) New York bike path has two personalities: (1) running alongside roadways connecting suburban neighborhoods, and (2) passing through lovely parks which take you on a more tranquil and shaded ride that makes you forget you're in the middle of Long Island. The paved bikeway is an easy ride - mostly flat though curvy, with a few moderate hills. The popular trail can be crowded with bikers and walkers, especially on weekends. A few larger road crossings have warning lights and traffic signals. Several side trails lead to surrounding neighborhoods. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Biking Map...
Bethpage Bikeway

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Location: Plainview to Massapequa, Nassau County (Long Island), NY (See map)
Distance: 13 miles
Surface: Asphalt

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Bike Junkie (Bethpage; sales, service)
Sunrise Cyclery (Massapequa Park; sales, service)
Bicycle Planet (Syosset; sales, service)

Biking on the Bethpage Bikeway... Comments and Photos

We biked on the southern half of the trail, from Bethpage State Park through Massapequa Preserve.

Bethpage State Park - about 2.5 miles

This section runs beside and through Bethpage State Park. Parking, restrooms. The park is known for its 5 world-class golf courses, but also has playground, picnic, mountain biking, hiking and bridle paths, playing fields, and cross-country skiing in winter. Parking fee applies.

Bethpage State Park to Massapequa Preserve - about 2.5 miles

Leaving Bethpage State Park, the trail runs along a power line and then follows Bethpage State Parkway, with some proximity to traffic. After crossing the Southern State Parkway, it enters Massapequa Preserve - continue about 1/4 mile to Mansfield Park (free parking, restrooms, playing fields).

Massapequa Preserve - about 3 miles

The prettiest section, running along a creek and around lakes, curving and shaded. This section is highly used with many walkers so keep alert - we were careful when passing especially going around curves as you never knew what might be coming from the other direction! Many ducks and other wildlife along the creek. Starting from Mansfield Park at the northern end of the Preserve, it's about 3 miles to the southern end at Merrick Ave.

Jones Beach

For those who are interested in a longer ride, 2 miles west along Merrick Road is Cedar Creek Park and start of the Jones Beach Bikeway (Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway) - 5.5 miles to the beach. Then, the Jones Beach Shared Use Path and Boardwalk runs 4 miles beachside.

More Information and Resources

More Biking:
Bike-New York - More bike trails and information about biking in New York State

Related Resources:
NYS Dept. of Transportation - Bethpage Bikeway
NYS Parks and Recreation - Bethpage State Park
Nassau County - Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve