Cold Spring Bike Path

The Cape May Lighthouse – Cape May Lighthouse and Bunker loop from Cedar Island offers a delightful road cycling experience, blending coastal scenery with historic landmarks. You'll glide through tranquil wetlands and coastal plains, catching glimpses of both the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes you past the iconic Cape May Lighthouse and the World War II Bunker, with charming antique Victorian homes dotting the landscape, making for a visually rich journey.

This moderate 49.4-mile (79.5 km) ride, with a gentle 287 feet (87 metres) of elevation gain, is estimated to take about 3 hours and 9 minutes. Starting from Cedar Island, it's a largely flat and accessible route suitable for a range of skill levels. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the area is well-regarded for cycling, so planning your start from Cedar Island should be straightforward. Consider the weather for the best views and comfort.

This loop stands out for its unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. The Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, is a state historic site, and the World War II Bunker offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The predominantly paved surfaces make it ideal for road bikes, and the diverse landscapes, from ocean views to wetlands, provide a constantly changing backdrop for your ride.

The Higbee Beach – Cold Spring Bike Path loop from Cape May Point State Park offers a wonderfully diverse and easy road cycling experience. This 25.5-mile (41.0 km) route, with only 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through freshwater meadows, shaded forests, and past tranquil ponds, often providing glimpses of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll enjoy the flat, traffic-separated Cold Spring Bike Path, a former railroad bed, and explore the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area with its secluded beach views and sunny meadows.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as this easy route is suitable for all fitness levels and can be completed in about 1 hour and 41 minutes. The trail starts from Cape May Point State Park, a well-known area that typically offers good access and facilities. This makes it an ideal choice for a relaxed outing, especially during pleasant weather.

Beyond the scenic ride, the route is rich in natural and historical significance. It passes by the Historic Cold Spring Village, an open-air museum, and traverses areas like Higbee Beach, a crucial stopover for migrating landbirds. Cape May Point State Park itself is a renowned spot for bird watching and monarch butterfly viewing, and you can even visit the Cape May Lighthouse and a World War II gun battery nearby.

This Cape May loop road cycling route offers a pleasant journey, integrating the paved and mostly flat Cold Spring Bike Path with connecting roads to create a substantial 45.7-mile (73.6 km) ride. You'll enjoy nicely tree-lined sections of the bike path, providing welcome shade, and pass by the Historic Cold Spring Village, an open-air museum that makes for a unique landmark along the way. The route's moderate difficulty comes from its length rather than challenging climbs, with only 373 feet (114 metres) of elevation gain, making it a great option for a longer, relaxed outing.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the loop starts and finishes in Cape May. While the Cold Spring Bike Path offers dedicated car-free sections, you'll transition to roads to complete the full circuit, so be mindful of traffic at crossings. This route is enjoyable for road cyclists seeking a longer distance without significant elevation, and it's particularly pleasant during the milder temperatures of spring and fall.

The Cold Spring Bike Path is a key segment of the broader Cape May County Trail Network, built on a former railroad bed, specifically the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad. This historical foundation provides a smooth, flat surface ideal for road bikes. The network is continuously expanding, aiming to connect more destinations across Cape May County, making this loop a great way to experience the region's evolving cycling infrastructure.