Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park
Starting in Frenchtown, the park’s towpath, flat and straight, parallels the Delaware River all the way to Trenton, then turns left and runs along the Raritan to New Brunswick; best for mountain or hybrid bikes (dandrcanal.com).
Columbia Trail
A former railroad bed used by the Central Railroad of New Jersey, the trail extends for about ten miles from High Bridge to Long Valley, passing through Ken Lockwood Gorge, with stunning views of the South Branch of the Raritan River, and the riverside town of Califon (co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/guides/ColumbiaTrail.htm).
Paulinskill Valley Trail
Another former rail bed (NY Susquehanna and Western), this 27-mile trail through Warren and Sussex counties is part of Kittatinny Valley State Park (pvtc-kvsp.org).
Ocean Avenue
From Sandy Hook, head south along the beach, through Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach—the road changes names along the way—all the way to Manasquan, with some slight deviations en route.
The Pine Barrens
On October 1, take part in the last day of the five-day Tour de Pines, part of the celebration of Pinelands Month. The Northern Pinelands Loop passes through Whitesbog Village, Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area, and New Egypt
(609 859-8860; njpinelandsanddownjersey.com).