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Print Friendly MapWhen Jones Beach State Park opened on Long Island’s South Shore in the late 1920s, a series of scenic parkways was built on infill dredged from nearby towns to connect New Yorkers to the new public recreation spot. These scenic byways allow motorists to experience the park even while zipping along the blacktop. The north–south Wantagh State Parkway, terminating at Jones Beach, was the first parkway to be completed. A parallel path was also designed for nonmotorists to access what would quickly become one of the most beloved recreational areas in New York. The beach features historical bathhouses, a wooden boardwalk, an iconic water tower, and a waterfront amphitheater.
The Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway, sometimes referred to as the Jones Beach Bikeway or Wantagh Parkway Shared-Use Path, is a relatively straight and flat path, curving around trees here and there. The challenge in riding it comes from the mild slopes as one approaches the bridges, as well as from the lack of shade on the path.
In Cedar Creek Park, an unassuming opening in the fence serves as the entrance to the north end of the trail. There, an interpretive display tells the history of the parkway’s development. In no time, you will find yourself on the historical byway and, depending on the time of day, in the path of incessant winds. Depending on which direction it’s blowing, the wind may be a challenge or an ally; check the weather forecast before you set off.
The trail’s three bridges offer the best scenery of the journey. In 1.3 miles, the first crossing traverses Flat Creek. The trail narrows, and signs urge users to walk their bikes up the slope and across the bridge, where you’ll catch sight of Seamans Island to the east. The second crossing, over Goose Creek, comes at the 2.5-mile mark. Here, you’ll get glimpses of marsh and tidal flats. Before you reach the final bridge, a detour takes you down to the Green Island Fishing Pier, popular with anglers of all stripes. A state fishing permit can be purchased at the Jones Beach administrative offices. The final bridge on your way south is the drawbridge over Sloop Channel. It has the longest span and widest sea views of the three. White fishing boats dot the water below.
Near the end of the trail, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater can be seen towering over the trees. As your journey comes to a close, 5.5 miles from where you began, you emerge into the parking lot for the open-air theater. There is a connection along the edge of the lot to Zachs Bay and, a little farther than that, the entrance to the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, which runs perpendicular to the Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway. You can extend your ride along that trail or head through the underpass for Ocean Parkway to reach Jones Beach, a popular and lively destination.
To reach Cedar Creek Park in Seaford from Southern State Pkwy., take Exit 27S for Wantagh State Pkwy. toward Jones Beach State Park. Go 2.4 miles, keeping right. Take Exit W6 for Merrick Road. Follow it east 0.2 mile. Turn right onto the Cedar Creek Park access road, and travel 0.3 mile south to the Field 1 parking lot. Note that non–Nassau County residents pay a fee to park there on weekends and holidays in summer. The trail can be accessed across the street.
If you choose to start your trail ride from the southern end, you can park at Jones Beach State Park, but be aware that there is an entrance fee. From I-495, take Exit 40W, and head southwest on Jericho Turnpike. Almost immediately, turn left onto Brush Hollow Road. In 0.8 mile, turn left onto Wantagh State Pkwy. toward Jones Beach. In 13.0 miles, at the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Ocean Pkwy. E. Continue 0.8 mile, then make a slight right to enter parking for Field 6. To reach the starting point of the trail, go 0.2 mile along the Jones Beach Boardwalk to the East Bathhouse building. Take the underpass beside the bathhouse across Ocean Pkwy. and onto the Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway. Turn left when you emerge from the underpass. The Ellen Farrant Memorial Bikeway is perpendicular to the greenway and begins where the latter ends, heading north from the Field 5 parking lot.
Artie Pescov and I were the initiators of this bike path when I was 17 years old ( I am 70 yo now) and he was 16 yo. I lived on Pine street backing Cedar Creek Park ( old timers would know our property because we had a chicken farm and the hens would cross Merrick Rd. The diner is now there where my grandparents house stood). It was his idea and I had a license. So we travelled around getting signatures to have this bikeway built. We then visited congressman Mr. Murphy ( I think that was his name) of Seaford and he loved the idea. Well, it went through and Artie and I never heard another word about it. Other people (adults not teens like us) took credit for it. However, I am glad that this bikeway still exists! I have long left Long Island but still good memories.
Mary Jo (Masone) Frohlich
Flat, great breeze and plenty of sun. Beautiful views heading down to Jones Beach then connect to Ocean Pkwy. Easily put in 20-30 miles round trip.
Was good until they did some repair maintenance on the pavement a few years back. Now is got bumps and humps along the entire length. Really poor quality work.
This is my hometown go to ride. The trails at Jones Beach have been extended all the way to Captree State Park going east; and all the way to West End 2 going west. A must do if on Long Island. Safe, well maintained and your at and/or at the beach depending on what you choose. You can look up info on it. But it’s relatively self explanatory if you just follow the path from Cedar Creek Park or park at the beach Field 5 and jump on from there to ride to Captree or Westend. to
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