Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway:
New Jersey
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway packs enough history, scenery and activity in its 5.2 miles for an all-day adventure. Manasquan cyclist Edgar Felix lobbied his town to acquire a portion of the inactive Freehold and Jamesburg Agricultural Railroad for a trail. The first 2 miles of the bikeway opened in 1971, and in 2006 the trail became the first dedicated segment of the 55-mile Capital to Coast multiuse trail that will span New Jersey from Trenton to the beach community of Manasquan.

Heading west from Manasquan—a mere 2 miles from the Atlantic coast—the trail passes residential neighborhoods before arriving at Orchard Park recreation complex. There is limited parking for trail users adjacent to the park.

After crossing SR 35, the trail is flanked by less densely populated residential areas and commercial enterprises. A 2-mile connecting trail on the north side of the bikeway provides a rolling, winding side trip to the Wall Township Municipal Complex.

After passing under SR 34, the trail surroundings become more rural, with deeper forests and open fields. Beyond Ramshorn Drive lies Allenwood and a welcoming general store with refreshments and trailside tables. Two consecutive pedestrian bridges leapfrog trail users over the roaring eight-lane Garden State Parkway. Then the trail transitions back into open farmland followed by a golf course and driving range.

The trail ends at Allaire State Park, where a world of diversions await: tour historical Allaire Village for a look at a 19th-century iron-making community or hop a ride on the antique cars of the steam-powered Pine Creek Railroad. The park provides additional hiking and biking trails, plus campsites if you need a little more time before rolling back to modern times on the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the trail in Manasquan, take the Garden State Parkway to SR 34 South. When you reach the traffic circle, take the third exit for SR 524 East. Turn right on North Main Street in Manasquan; a municipal parking lot is on the left. The trail begins across the street from the parking lot.

From the Garden State Parkway, take the exit for New Jersey Route 138 East. Turn right onto Allenwood Road. Turn left onto 18th Avenue. Turn right onto Balleys Corner Road. Turn left onto Allaire Road (County Road 524). The entrance to the municipal complex is the first left.

To access the trail from Allaire State Park, from I-195, take the exit for SR 547 and Allaire State Park. Proceed north and turn right on SR 524 toward Allaire State Park. Turn right on the park entrance road for the park office. The trail begins in the northeast corner of the large parking lot on the left.

Contact:
Town of Manasquan
201 East Main Street
Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-223-0544
www.manasquan-nj.com

... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
A Beautiful Rail-Trail
By arunwithaview in January, 2012
I started in Allaire State Park and went about 3.75 miles before turning around, so I didn't see the last mile and a half of the trail ending in Manasquan. The portion of the trail I was on was 100% paved, but there are sections where you can go off-road and run/walk on a dirt path that is parallel to the paved trail. The trail appears very well maintained. Distance marker usually appear every quarter or half mile, but for some reason I didn't see any past mile 4 approaching Allaire State Park; either they are missing or I simply didn't see any. I recommend this trail.
Unpaved section dosn't go far
By DCwom in March, 2010
Most folks don't realize that the Freehold and Jamesberg Railroad Trail is a separate trail because it extends the Edgar Felix bikeway seamlessly into Alliare state park, this paved section runs from Hostpital road into the main park entrance on Atlantic ave. The unimproved section of the F&J trail runs from the main park entrance on Atlantic ave to some point outside of Farmingdale. We rode the unapproved section last fall to check it out, while it starts are double track the trail runs less than a mile before it is abruptly cut off by I-195 with no obvious detour around the interstate.
First visit to trail
By E.P.D in October, 2007
"I had the opportunity to visit this trail, and it was a great biking experience. Most of the trail is paved, and you can cover a lot of ground. My round trip started in Altaire State Park and went to the end."
Twin bridges over Garden State Parkway have been reboarded and trimmed back - looking east, April 2006
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Allaire State Park (Atlantic Ave. in Allenwood) to N. Main St. nr Central Ave. (Manasquan)
Counties: Monmouth
Trail Length: 5.6 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Gravel, Dirt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016551