Best Family Bike Trails in NJ

Looking for scenic natural spots to discover with your family? Want to hit the road without bothering about traffic? Or perhaps you are seeking some kid-friendly trails to keep a bicycle trip easy for your little ones? New Jersey has it all. With more than 200 well-maintained bike trails, charming greenways, and waterfront routes, the Garden State is a perfect place to get your wheels rolling. All you need is to pick the most suitable trails for family biking in NJ, and we will help you make the best choice.

Top Family Bike Trails in New Jersey

Check out our list of the 5 best family bike trails in NJ to enjoy quality time together with your loved ones. Each of them provides exciting cycling experiences for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Columbia Trail

• Length: 15 miles

• Trail surfaces: asphalt, crushed stone, gravel

• Difficulty: easy

Columbia Trail is the top choice for unforgettable family bike rides in NJ. Running along the Raritan River from High Bridge in Hunterdon County to Washington Township in Morris County, it invites you to explore all the best natural beauty the Garden State has to offer. Evergreen forests, picturesque farmlands, historic bridges, old villages, and even small gnome houses – there’s a lot to see. Make sure to visit the Ken Lockwood Gorge, as it’s the most prominent spot on the trail. All the needed amenities are also there, including parking areas, toilets, cafes, restaurants, and breweries.

Also Read: Kids Bike Safety Rules: How to Cycle with Your Kids on a Cargo Bike

Saddle River County Park Bike Path

• Length: 7.6 miles

• Trail surfaces: asphalt

• Difficulty: easy

Saddle River Trail is one of the most popular paved family biking trails in NJ. It travels alongside its namesake river from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park in Bergen County and impresses visitors with scenic waterside views, shaded forest areas, open fields, small waterfalls, and historic landmarks. The top sights include a lovely waterfall in the Dunkerhook area, the historic 20-foot Easton Tower, Glen Rock Duck Pond, and Wild Duck Pond Area. On top of everything else, the Saddle River Trail has multiple parking spots, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports courts to have fun with your kids and pets.

Sussex Branch Trail

• Length: 21.2 miles

• Trail surfaces: cinder, dirt, grass

• Difficulty: easy

The Sussex Branch path may be a top choice for those seeking to arrange a stunning family adventure on mountain bikes. This rustic, unpaved trail stretches alongside a historic railroad corridor from Branchville to Byram, so you can enjoy picturesque views of local forests, swamps, lakes, and small towns like Newton, Andover, and Lafayette. Eateries and antique stores are accessible in Branchville, and you can also find additional amenities in the Cranberry Lake area. If you are searching for NJ family bike trails that offer a blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational versatility, look no further – the Sussex Branch path will impress you.

Paulinskill Valley Trail

• Length: 27 miles

• Trail surfaces: cinder, crushed stone, ballast, dirt, grass

• Difficulty: easy

The Paulinskill Valley Trail is the sixth longest rail-trail in New Jersey that follows the scenic Paulins Kill River through rural landscapes, forests, wetlands, and farmlands. The route runs from Knowlton to Sparta and passes through Blairstown, Hainesville, and Lafayette. It also connects with the Sussex Branch Trail and gives you access to the Warrington Stone Arch Bridge, Hainesville Wildlife Management Area, Footbridge Station, and Paulinskill Viaduct. Like other popular routes for family bike riding NJ, the Paulinskill Valley Trail has multiple amenities along its way, including restaurants, cafes, antique stores, and even a bike shop.

Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Trail

• Length: 73.6 miles

• Trail surfaces: crushed stone, asphalt

• Difficulty: easy

Here we come to the last but not least family-friendly cycle route in New Jersey. The D&R Canal State Park Trail is the crown jewel of all Garden State bike paths. This flat, mostly crushed-stone trail with well-maintained paved sections winds along the Delaware and Raritan Rivers, offering scenic views of shaded hardwood forests, wetlands, farmlands, and historic sites (e.g., 19th-century locks and stone-arched bridges). Do not miss a chance to visit the five-arch Kingston Bridge, Lake Carnegie, and Bulls Island Recreation Area – these are the best places to bike with family in NJ if you want to connect with nature. As the longest cycling route in the state, the D&R Canal Trail has everything you may need for an enjoyable outing, from picnic areas and dining options to bike rentals. 

How to Choose the Best Family Bike Trails NJ

Anyone willing to arrange the best family bike rides in NJ should choose cycling routes based on the personal preferences and physical capabilities of each family member. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Trail difficulty: if you travel with beginner cyclists, kids, or dogs, look for family friendly cycle routes with flat terrain to make sure everyone feels comfortable during the trip.

• Natural attractions: scenic routes make the ride more engaging for both kids and adults, as you have many reasons to take a break and enjoy the surroundings, while exploring picturesque natural spots you have never seen before.

• Paved vs. unpaved trails: paved trails (asphalt or smooth crushed stone) are ideal for families with small kids, as well as those riding on casual city bikes or cargo tricycles. Unpaved trails (dirt, grass, gravel, or cinder) encourage more adventurous riding and prove perfect for families with MTBs or hybrid bicycles.

• Routes with playgrounds and picnic areas: check out if the trail you choose offers enough amenities so that you can grab a snack and recover along the way. 

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Family Bike Rides in NJ

Careful planning and preparation are key to enjoyable family bike rides in NJ. Consider some practical tips to make the most of your cycling experiences while staying safe and comfortable on New Jersey trails:

Choose a suitable bicycle (e.g., Ferla cargo bikes are ideal for carrying kids and dogs, while FX-Series 750 shows seamless performance on unpaved trails).

• Make sure every family member wears a properly fitted helmet.

• Inspect your bicycle before riding, especially if you rent or purchase a used bike.

• Pack all the essentials to enhance your comfort and safety (snacks, water, extra clothes, repair kit, bug spray, etc.)

• Familiarize yourself with the trail rules and follow them.

• Start early in the morning and plan frequent stops.

Conclusion

The Garden State is home to a great diversity of bike paths for family cycling. From leisurely rides through lush forests and picturesque riversides to well-maintained urban trails and historic small-town routes, there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, the best bike trails for families in NJ give you a chance to explore the state’s natural beauty, historic charm, and diverse landscapes in a relaxed, eco-conscious way. So, why wait? Choose a trail you like and go ahead to discover the joy of cycling with your family!