New Jersey road guide
The best motorcycle roads in New Jersey
The best motorcycle roads in New Jersey are in the Skylands of the northwest, where Old Mine Road, NJ 23, NJ 94 and US 206 wind through ridge and lake country, and along the Delaware on NJ 29. Then come the Palisades above the Hudson, the long, quiet Pine Barrens roads, and the shore from Sandy Hook to Cape May. Here are 12 classics, with the region, why each is worth it, what to watch for and the best season.
- Roads listed
- 12
- Regions
- 4
- Best months
- May to Jun, Sep to Oct
- Check before you go
- 511NJ
Before you pick
How to use this list of the best motorcycle roads in New Jersey
New Jersey's reputation is turnpikes and traffic, but the riding is better than that. The northwest corner is forested ridge country along the Kittatinny Mountains and the Delaware Water Gap. The Delaware River valley gives you river roads and old towns. South of the cities, the Pine Barrens cover a huge, empty stretch of sand and pine, and the shore runs the length of the coast.
Plan around traffic as much as weather. Leave early, skip the shore on summer weekends, and check 511NJ for closures before a long day. See the New Jersey riding overview for the state at a glance and the best time to ride in New Jersey for timing.
The Skylands
Northwest New Jersey: ridges, lakes and the Water Gap
- 1. Old Mine Road, Delaware Water GapWhy: Often called one of the oldest roads in the country, it shadows the Delaware on the Jersey bank inside the national recreation area, passing the restored Millbrook Village and the quiet hamlets around Walpack. Deep woods, river views and one-lane stretches under the trees. Watch for: Narrow, rough pavement, deer, and closures, since sections have been shut for repairs at times. Check the park before you go. Best season: May to October.
- 2. NJ 23 to High PointWhy: Climbs northwest through Sussex County past lake towns to High Point State Park, where a monument marks the highest point in New Jersey and the views reach into New York and Pennsylvania. The curves get better near the top. Watch for: Lake and park traffic on summer weekends, and enforcement. Best season: May to October.
- 3. NJ 94 through Warren and Sussex countiesWhy: Runs northeast from near the Water Gap through Blairstown, Newton and Hamburg toward Vernon and the New York line, through farm country, rolling hills and small towns. The classic Skylands connector. Watch for: Farm equipment, deer and slow traffic in town. Best season: April to October.
- 4. US 206 to Stokes State ForestWhy: North from Newton through Branchville and past Stokes State Forest to Montague and the bridge to Milford, Pennsylvania. Wooded ridge country, and the link between High Point, Old Mine Road and Pennsylvania's US 209. Watch for: Deer, park traffic, and enforcement through the towns. Best season: May to October.
The rivers
The Delaware and the Hudson
- 5. NJ 29 along the DelawareWhy: Follows the river north from Trenton through Lambertville to Frenchtown, with the Delaware and Raritan Canal beside much of the way. Cross to Pennsylvania's River Road at Lambertville or Frenchtown for a two-state loop. Watch for: Rockfall below the cliffs, flood closures and weekend crowds in Lambertville. Best season: April to June, September to November.
- 6. Palisades Interstate ParkwayWhy: From the George Washington Bridge, the parkway heads north on top of the Palisades, the cliffs above the Hudson, and stays in the trees all the way into New York. Pull into an overlook for the river view. No commercial traffic, and the way north to Bear Mountain and the Hudson Valley rides. Watch for: Rush-hour commuters, park police and short merges. Best season: April to November.
The Pine Barrens
The Pine Barrens: long, quiet roads through the Pinelands
- 7. NJ 72 through the Pine BarrensWhy: Cuts southeast across the Pinelands from the Four Mile Circle to Manahawkin, where the causeway leads to Long Beach Island. Miles of pitch pine and almost no development, on a road that barely bends. Watch for: Sand drifting onto the edges of the lane, summer shore traffic, and fatigue on the long straights. Best season: April to June, September to October.
- 8. CR 563 and CR 542 through Wharton State ForestWhy: CR 563 cuts south through the middle of the Pine Barrens via Chatsworth to Green Bank, and CR 542 follows the Mullica River past Batsto Village, a restored old iron and glassmaking town. Almost no traffic. Watch for: Sandy shoulders, few services, deer, and spotty cell signal. Best season: April to June, September to October.
- 9. CR 539 through the eastern PinesWhy: Runs north to south through the eastern Pine Barrens past Warren Grove toward Tuckerton, a long, lonely road through pine and cedar. Watch for: Sand at the edges, deer, long stretches with no services, and wildfire closures in dry spring weather. Best season: April to June, September to October.
The shore
The shore: Sandy Hook to Cape May
- 10. Ocean Avenue and NJ 36 to Sandy HookWhy: Ocean Avenue runs up the coast from Long Branch to Sea Bright with the ocean just over the seawall, and NJ 36 leads to Sandy Hook, where the road runs out past the lighthouse to views of the New York skyline. Watch for: Summer beach traffic, pedestrians and blowing sand. Best season: May, September to October.
- 11. Ocean Drive, Cape May CountyWhy: The island road from Ocean City to Cape May, linking Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor and the Wildwoods over a chain of inlet bridges and back-bay marsh. Salt air and beach towns the whole way. Watch for: Toll bridges, drawbridge openings, summer traffic, and wind on the high spans. Best season: May, September to October.
- 12. Cape May-Lewes FerryWhy: From Cape May, the ferry crosses the mouth of Delaware Bay to Lewes, Delaware, and it carries motorcycles. Ride Ocean Drive down, cross to Delaware, and come home over the Delaware Memorial Bridge for a big loop. Watch for: Summer sellouts, so reserve ahead, and a wet, rolling deck. Best season: May to October.
Summary
New Jersey motorcycle roads at a glance
| Road | Region | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Old Mine Road | Skylands | May to Oct |
| NJ 23 to High Point | Skylands | May to Oct |
| NJ 94 | Skylands | Apr to Oct |
| US 206 to Stokes State Forest | Skylands | May to Oct |
| NJ 29 along the Delaware | Delaware Valley | Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov |
| Palisades Interstate Parkway | Hudson | Apr to Nov |
| NJ 72 | Pine Barrens | Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct |
| CR 563 and CR 542 | Pine Barrens | Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct |
| CR 539 | Pine Barrens | Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct |
| Ocean Avenue to Sandy Hook | North shore | May, Sep to Oct |
| Ocean Drive | South shore | May, Sep to Oct |
| Cape May-Lewes Ferry | South shore | May to Oct |
Make them count
Ride New Jersey's classic roads with Rippin'
The list from the app below shows the New Jersey roads riders have added so far. If yours isn't there, add it: ride it with Rippin' recording, open Segments and tap Create a Segment, then drop a start gate and a finish gate and trace the line. A person on our team checks it, and it goes live with your name on it. More on segments and leaderboards and how roads get added.
A segment board is about who rides a road and who owns it, never a race. Rippin' doesn't reward speed on public roads, and Old Mine Road's one-lane bends and the park police on the Palisades are two good reasons to keep it relaxed.
Loops claim turf. Ride US 206 north to Montague, come back down Old Mine Road to the Water Gap, and return on NJ 94, and the land inside becomes your turf on the live map. Plan one with the loop builder and read how Turf Wars works.
Live from the app
New Jersey on Rippin' right now.
8 upcoming events and 0 rider-added roads in New Jersey on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
- Sun Nov 1Legion Riders - Ride for the VetsGalloway
- Sun Nov 1BBSC Presents: The Rock & Stock Food Drive IVEast Brunswick
- Sun Nov 827th Annual Liberty H.O.G. Toy RunRahway
- Wed Nov 11Veterans Day Freedom RideWest Long Branch
- Sun Dec 6Annual Road Knights Toy RunPennsville
- Sun Dec 6Blue Knights NYC Rock RideHolmdel
- Fri Aug 27ASRA/BRL National Championship 2027 - Round 9Millville
- Fri Sep 10MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey Motorsports ParkMillville
No New Jersey roads are in the app yet. Add the one you love from Segments and a person on our team checks it before it goes live. How roads get added.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best motorcycle road in New Jersey?
Most riders start with the Skylands: Old Mine Road along the Delaware, NJ 23 to the High Point monument, and US 206 past Stokes State Forest. For relaxed miles, NJ 29 by the river or the Pine Barrens roads.
What are the best motorcycle rides near New York City in New Jersey?
The Palisades Interstate Parkway north to Bear Mountain, then the Skylands roads like NJ 23 and NJ 94. Leave early to beat the traffic.
What are the best motorcycle rides in South Jersey?
The Pine Barrens roads, NJ 72, CR 563, CR 542 and CR 539, and Ocean Drive down the Cape May County islands. Add the ferry to Lewes for a two-state day.
Is Old Mine Road open?
Sections of Old Mine Road have been closed for repairs at different times. Check the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area before you plan around it.
Are motorcycles allowed on the Palisades Interstate Parkway?
Yes. The parkway bans commercial vehicles, but motorcycles are allowed. Expect park police and heavy commuter traffic at rush hour.
Can I add these New Jersey roads to Rippin'?
Yes. Any rider can add a road with Create a Segment. A person on the Rippin' team checks it before it goes live, and your name stays on it.
Put a New Jersey classic on the map.
Download Rippin' free, ride Old Mine Road or the Pines with it recording, and add the road. Your name stays on it.
Free on iPhone and Android. How Rippin' works
