When most people think of motorcycle road trips, their minds jump to the wide-open West or the rolling Blue Ridge. But New Jersey? It’s time to shake off that turnpike stereotype. For riders who know where to look, the Garden State offers a surprisingly rich variety of landscapes—from pine forests and mountain ridges to farmland and salty Atlantic air. Whether you're rocking two wheels or cruising on three like I am these days, New Jersey delivers the kind of rides that let you be present, breathe deep, and say, “Damn, this is exactly where I want to be.”

As a Gen-Xer who learned to ride in her thirties for some much-needed life therapy (read: single mom stress management), I get why we ride. It's not just about wind therapy—it’s about reconnecting with yourself and unplugging from the noise. And in New Jersey, the routes are scenic, the diners are legit, and the small-town charm sneaks up on you like a lazy cat in the sun. Let’s dive into some of my favorite must-ride roads, hidden gems, and can't-miss roadside eats across New Jersey.

Northern New Jersey: High Point to the Delaware Water Gap

Scenic Route Overview

Start your ride near High Point State Park, home to the highest elevation in New Jersey. From there, snake your way down Route 519, which offers twisties, elevation changes, and rural farm country views that seem plucked from a classic postcard. It’s a backroad treasure trove that takes you through Sussex and Warren Counties before dipping into Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area via Old Mine Road.

Old Mine Road is a ride through history, originally built in the 1600s. It's narrow, curvy, and, frankly, bumpy in parts, but it’s worth every minute for the untouched natural beauty. On the Can-Am Spyder, I don’t mind the uneven pavement—it's like riding a recliner with a throttle. My husband on two wheels? Let's just say he earned his post-ride burger.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat at: The Chatterbox Drive-In in Augusta, just a short ride from Branchville. This retro-style eatery is a local favorite, offering everything from juicy burgers and milkshakes to weekend car and bike shows during warmer months. The 1950s vibe and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect pit stop after a scenic ride through Sussex County.

Stay at: Hotel Belvidere, a charming 19th-century hotel in Belvidere with vintage vibes and secure motorcycle parking.

Central New Jersey: Sourland Mountain & Farm Country Loops

Scenic Route Overview

Yes, Central Jersey does exist, and the rides here are something else. Start around Sourland Mountain Preserve, then cruise through Route 518 west to Route 29, hugging the Delaware River through Lambertville and Stockton. This entire area is a patchwork of horse farms, stone barns, and winding roads flanked by trees that explode with color in the fall.

This loop is ideal for day-trippers who want less traffic, more curve appeal, and maybe a few roadside surprises. There’s something therapeutic about rolling past fields dotted with sunflowers and antique shops that seem frozen in time. Plus, it’s not too challenging for those who, like me, have learned to respect steep grades a little more after moving to hilly Ohio.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat at: Bridge Café in Frenchtown, a charming spot right by the river with a cozy indoor setting and a lovely outdoor deck when the weather cooperates. Their menu includes hearty breakfast options, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and an excellent cup of coffee—ideal fuel for a mid-ride break or a light lunch before hitting the curves again.

Stay at: Woolverton Inn in Stockton, a romantic bed & breakfast nestled on a sheep farm. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie, minus the cheesy dialogue.

The Pinelands: Pine Barrens and Peaceful Rides

Scenic Route Overview

Head south into Wharton State Forest, which is the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Take Route 542 from Hammonton to Batsto Village, then wind through Batsto-Pleasant Mills Road. This ride is flat but deeply wooded and peaceful, like riding through a cool green tunnel in summer. It’s also less trafficked, making it perfect for a meditative solo ride or an easy-going group cruise.

My Can-Am Spyder seems to love these stretches. It's as if the road says, “Relax, I got you,” and I just enjoy the ride. The smell of pine and the glimpse of sandy trails gives you that “rural escape” vibe without having to cross a state line.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat at: The Sweetwater Marina & Riverdeck, with riverfront dining and live music on weekends. Great for post-ride unwinding.

Stay at: The Inn at Sugar Hill, an 1846 Victorian inn with a full bar, just minutes from the forest.

The Shore Ride: Coastal Route from Sandy Hook to Cape May

Scenic Route Overview

This one’s a beauty. Start at Sandy Hook, then ride south along Route 36, connecting to Route 35 and then eventually Route 9. There are lots of ways to zigzag through beach towns, so feel free to make it your own. You’ll pass through places like Asbury Park, Seaside Heights, and Ocean City, ending in the charming Victorian town of Cape May.

Yes, the traffic can get a little thick in peak season, but this is less about ripping pavement and more about taking in salty air and shoreline charm. My husband and I usually pick a weekday in early fall when the crowds have thinned and the weather is still dreamy. Bonus? The seafood joints along this route are legendary.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat at: The Lobster House in Cape May, which is part seafood market, part dockside dining experience. You haven’t lived until you’ve had their clam chowder after a 200-mile ride.

Stay at: Congress Hall, an iconic beachfront hotel with vintage luxury and a full-service spa for those post-ride sore muscles.

Hidden Gem Ride: The Palisades Interstate Parkway

Scenic Route Overview

Starting in Fort Lee, just across the George Washington Bridge, the Palisades Interstate Parkway offers dramatic cliffs and Hudson River views unlike anywhere else in the state. Ride north to Bear Mountain, crossing into New York if you’re feeling adventurous. This short but powerful route is best early in the morning, before the New York commuters take over.

The winding roads and well-maintained pavement make this one perfect for newer riders—or those of us who just like a smooth glide with a killer view. Bonus: There are several scenic overlooks to stop and grab some of the best photos you’ll ever take on two or three wheels.

Where to Eat & Stay

Eat at: State Line Lookout Café, small but mighty with killer coffee and fast eats.

Stay at: Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain, nestled in the woods with balcony views worth the ride alone.

Riding through New Jersey proves that you don’t need to cross state lines to find jaw-dropping landscapes, historic byways, and small-town gems. Whether you're hugging the cliffs along the Hudson, weaving through pine-scented backroads, or cruising the coast with salt air in your face, there's something here for every kind of rider—new, seasoned, two-wheeled or three.

As someone who’s transitioned from cruisers to adventure bikes to a Spyder, I can say with confidence that it’s not about how you ride—it’s about getting out there and riding at all. And in the Garden State, the journey truly is the reward. So grab your gear, pick a direction, and let New Jersey surprise you.