Island Beach State Park

Shore and More's Guide to Hiking and Biking in Island Beach 

Island Beach State Park Bike Lane 

A popular route for road biking, discover this 17.0-mile in-and-out road bike lane.  Generally an easy ride with little elevation change but be sure to check the wind forecast or time your ride accordingly.   The prevailing southerly winds can be a formidable opponent when biking in but a friend on your return.  Be cautious as the designated bike lane is for single file use. Only take on this ride if you feel comfortable sharing the road with cars. Ideal visiting times range from March to November. Island Beach showcases stunning panoramas and numerous spots to pause for swimming, bird watching, fishing and more. 

Reed’s Road Trail

This out-and-back sand road trail, about a mile from the Park's entrance, is named after the Historic Reed's Hotel. Although this is not considered a bike trail, it is worth locking up your bike for a short hike.  The trail takes an average of 14 min to complete. Great for birding and hiking, it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.  The trail ends on the shore of the Barnegat Bay but you can extend your adventure by walking along the shoreline.  Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.  In the Summer it is recommended to bring insect repellant as it can get buggy.  Also, you may want to avoid after it rains as it can get muddy in a few locations. Distance about 0.4 miles.

Spizzle Creek Trail

Short hiking trail with sandy patches, some muddy areas and almost zero elevation change. The right fork of  the trail leads to a bird blind overlooking a saltwater marsh and cove. The left fork follows a raised path through the salt marsh and ends at Barnegat Bay.  This is a great spot to observe osprey. Pets are not permitted on this trail. Distance about 0.8 miles

Tidal Pond Trail

The trailhead can be found bayside 3.5 miles south of the park entrance, directly across from the entrance to Ocean Swimming Area 1.   Taking this forked trail to the right you go through a young forest of shadbush, bayberry and eastern red cedar ending in a bird observation blind. The left part of the trail brings you through a stand of common reed to a view of Barnegat Bay. Pets are not permitted on this trail. Distance about 0.3 miles.

Johnny Allen's Cove 

Trailhead can be found seven miles from park entrance, next to the interpretive center. Take Johnny Allen’s Cove Trail ocean side through a coastal thicket and rolling sand dunes of Bayberry, Blueberry, Beach Plum, Holly and Cherry to name a few.  Exiting the protection of the coastal thicket, you enter an open area more exposed to the relentless ocean winds.  This is an area known as secondary dunes. Still further on to the primary dunes to a meet and greet with the ocean.  Preserve the dunes by never leave the trail.  The bay side portion of Johnny Allen’s Cove Trail guides you to a salt marsh with a view of an osprey nesting platform. Distance about 0.4 miles.