Last Updated on: 2nd July 2024, 10:29 pm
Whether you’ve finally got your New Jersey motorcycle license, bought a used motorcycle you’re ready to take out on the road, or you’re itching to see more of the Garden State on two wheels, you’ll find New Jersey is one of the best states for motorcycle riding.
New Jersey motorcycle rides cover everything from scenic back roads and the Appalachian Mountains to state parks and the Atlantic Coast, with great scenery and small towns to explore. Here are eight of the best motorcycle rides in New Jersey you’ll want to experience for yourself. Don’t forget to check out some great New York motorcycle rides too while you’re in the area!
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NY Route 97 – One of the Best NJ Motorcycle Rides for Scenic Delaware River Views From Hawk’s Nest
Kick off your adventure with NY Route 97, which offers breathtaking views of the Delaware River from Hawk’s Nest, one of New York’s most scenic overlooks outside Port Jarvis. Route 97 is one of the best motorcycle routes for riders who want a mix of picturesque landscapes and winding roads.
Starting from NJ Route 23 in Franklin, you’ll pass through Sussex, straddling the natural beauty of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refugee, then passing through High Point State Park. Cross into New York at Carpenter’s Point and follow the Delaware River for nearly 70 miles through New York. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Delaware River Valley and the mountains following a road established in the 1800s to the Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct, the oldest suspension bridge in the country.
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Route 519 – One of the Best Motorcycle Roads in NJ to High Point in the Skylands
Route 519 takes you through the beautiful Skylands region, leading up to High Point, the highest elevation in New Jersey. The ride is packed with rolling hills, lush farmlands, and stunning vistas that make it one of the best motorcycle roads in NJ. The Highlands region is one of the best places to ride in New Jersey for unspoiled rural scenery.
The route takes you about 50 miles from Phillipsburg to High Point. Starting in Philipsburg, New Jersey, about 20 miles outside Allentown, you’ll catch Route 519 north of town just off Route 22. Pass through Newton to Coleville, then take Route 23 north for about five miles to High Point. You’ll be in the Highlands when you see the Delaware Water Gap.
The High Point Monument is a veterans’ memorial that marks the highest point in the state. It’s one of the top New Jersey motorcycle destinations in the northern part of the state and worth hitting the hiking trails.
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Skyline Drive – Winding New Jersey Motorcycle Roads in North Jersey
Skyline Drive is one of the most famous motorcycle rides in New Jersey and a favorite among motorcyclists who want a challenging riding experience with twists and turns. This North Jersey ride takes you from Oakland to West Milford through dense forests and along ridge tops with magnificent views.
The 23-mile ride takes about an hour. This fun motorcycle road takes you up and down and back and forth as you wind your way through small towns and wooded areas. Stop at Ringwood State Park to see the historic Ringwood Manor and the New Jersey Botanical Garden and admire the scenery as you ride through the dense Norvin Green State Forest. You’ll also pass along the Wanaque Reservoir, a manmade lake on the Wanaque River and the second largest body of water in the state.
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Tabernacle Loop – Smooth Motorcycle Road Through Wharton State Forest in the Pine Barrens
The Tabernacle Loop in the southern portion of the state is a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed ride along a smooth, mostly straight road. You’ll ride a loop around Wharton State Forest formed by State Routes 206, 532, 542, and 563. It’s one of the most laidback NJ motorcycle rides through the cranberry bogs and Pine Barrens. Plan to take about one to two hours for this 51-mile ride.
Northeastern New Jersey Triangle – Scenic Jersey Shore Motorcycle Ride
This short, 20-mile motorcycle ride is a great way to explore the Jersey Shore. One of the top New Jersey scenic motorcycle rides, the Northeastern New Jersey Triangle ride takes you along the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful Jersey Shore beaches as you wind through Rumson, Sandy Hook, and Sea Bright. Experience the charm of New Jersey’s coastline as this hour-long route takes you along the scenic Jersey Shore, where you can enjoy ocean views, sandy beaches, and quaint seaside towns. Before setting out on this short yet epic motorcycle trip, grab some fresh seafood in Rumson or Seabright!
The ride starts on Bingham Avenue in Rumson. You’ll cross the Navesink River Bridge or Oceanic Bridge and continue to New Jersey Route 36 in Atlantic Highlands, a picturesque Victorian town on Sandy Hook Bay. Continue to the Navesink Twin Lights State Historic Site, a non-operational 1862 lighthouse and museum in Highlands, before crossing the Shrewsbury River and continuing through the Gateway National Recreation Area. This is a great place to stop and spend a few hours. You can enjoy ocean swimming, boating, hiking, and bird watching at the gateway to New York Harbor.
Finally, you’ll continue to Sandy Hook Lighthouse, America’s oldest operating lighthouse, built in 1764, before crossing the Shrewsbury River again and making your way back to Rumson.
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County Road 513 – Chester to Frenchtown Motorcycle Route in the Raritan Valley Region
Looking for easy New Jersey motorcycle rides to relax on the weekend? Take a one-hour ride along County Road 513 in the Raritan Valley area from Chester to Frenchtown. This ride is known for its charming small towns, historic landmarks, rolling hills, and gentle curves. It’s a perfect ride for those who enjoy a mix of history and nature.
Starting in Chester, this ride takes you through the Somerset Hills area, New Jersey’s horse country, and Voorhees State Park. Route 24 or County Road 513 takes you past rolling terrain, rivers, valleys, and pastures for 31 miles of mostly straight, open road with some twists. There are also two scenic overlooks for you to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy the gorgeous New Jersey scenery.
Route 23 – Greenwood Lake to Mountain View Motorcycle Ride
Route 23 is a 39-mile ride that’ll take you about an hour as you wind your way through the Skylands Region, one of the best places to ride in New Jersey. This route is characterized by its beautiful lake views, mountain forests, and vibrant foliage in the fall.
Greenwood Lake is an interstate lake shared by New Jersey and New York in the towns of West Milford, NJ Warwick, NY, and Greenwood Lake, NY. It’s the source of the Wanaque River and a popular destination for sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing.
You’ll start in New York and take NY-210 for several miles, straddling the lake and passing the many marinas before crossing into New Jersey and following Lakeside Road until you eventually catch NJ-23/Paterson Hamburg Turnpike near Echo Lake. Continue through a region dotted with lakes, streams, and parks to Mountain View.
Fort Lee Loop – One of the Best Best Motorcycle Rides in NJ for Scenic NYC Views
Finally, the Fort Lee Loop is one of the best New Jersey motorcycle rides for sweeping New York City views. This route takes you through Fort Lee and along the Hudson River and Palisades Interstate Parkway. It’s a favorite among riders in the Gateway Region!
You’ll ride along Routes 23, 80, 106, 210, and 511, passing over a mountain and riding alongside Greenwood Lake and the Wanaque Reservoir on a 100-mile journey that will take about two to three hours. You’ll find plenty to do along the way, from camping and swimming to scenic overlooks and great restaurants around the lake.
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These awesome motorcycle rides in New Jersey have something for every rider, from thrilling twists and turns to smooth, scenic rides. Gear up, hit the road, and explore the best motorcycle rides New Jersey has to offer!
If you’re outside the area, Federal Motorcycle Transport can help you cross these NJ motorcycle rides off your bucket list with reliable New Jersey motorcycle shipping. Ship your bike to your destination or our warehouse location in Monroe Township, conveniently located in the Raritan Valley region near New York City, and you’ll be ready to hit the road. Get started by filling out the form for a free quote, or call our team today at (309) 550-7543.
