Bethpage Bikeway:
New York
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Description:
One of Long Island's most popular "low-impact" trails, the 7.6 mile Bethpage Bikeway connects Bethpage State Park with Merrick Road in Massapequa. There are a few parkway exit crossings and a few moderately busy street crossings along the way, but nothing to worry about if you're riding with kids. All crossings are clearly marked and drivers are generally courteous and alert. The only major road crossing is at Sunrise Highway, near the southern end of the trail, but even this is made pretty safe by a stop light and crossing lane.

This is not a "rail-trail."
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Parking & Trail Access:
Take Route 135 to the Bethpage State Park exit and enter where you see signs for the picnic grounds. Note that there's a parking fee during the season. Ask anyone in the parking lot at Bethpage Park where the paved trail begins.

There is also a large parking lot at the Long Island Railroad station with direct access to trail. No fees.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Not actually a rail-to-trail... but still fun for bikes
By brainforest in November, 2008
This trail was definitely not converted from tracks, and you can tell by the steep grade and quick turns. The asphalt has long portions that would be practically impossible for wheelchairs or inline skates (mostly the areas within Bethpage state park). After you pass this area (crossing into the Massapequa section it becomes far more smooth (and beautiful).

There are quite a few steep hills - my 3-speed could barely keep up, but overall its a great and scenic ride (including a lake filled with swans).

The $6 parking fee at bethpage park includes a fancy bathroom facility that smells like cinnamon. But next time, I might park on the other end of the trail near Merrick - where it would be free street parking.
Trail Surface
By in May, 2004
The surface of this trail could be better maintained. There are some cracks and debris that make in-line skating somewhat difficult.
Nice Trail with Many Access Points
By Tony in November, 2002
"I visited this trail during “off season” and was able to park my car at Bethpage State Park’s expansive picnic area lot without having to pay a fee. If you want to visit this trail “in season” without incurring a parking fee, you may park on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, near the LIRR station, or on one of several side streets that the trail passes along its route from Bethpage State Park, Bethpage to Merrick Road, Massapequa.

This trail’s asphalt surface is extremely suited for an enjoyable bicycle ride and/or traveling by foot. However, the surface is not smooth enough in most spots for anything but a very bumpy in-line skating adventure.

There are some hills but they are all quite manageable. The trail crosses a multitude of streets and some are quite busy. Families traveling with young children should be very alert whenever approaching trail stop signs, as some of the crossings are at highway access ramps where traffic is moving very fast.

Most of the trail’s right-of-way occupies a portion of open space serving as a buffer zone between a major highway and nearby residential neighborhoods. As such, views are either of residents’ back yards, the highway itself, or dense foliage. The southernmost trail segment passes through a nature preserve and a municipal athletic field.

There are no services available along the trail in Bethpage, but once you enter Massapequa there are plenty of stores to be found near Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road.

This is a very nice trail that should be visited by anyone traveling in or to the Nassau County, NY area."
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