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Haven Avenue Bikeway

4.9
·17 reviews·Ocean City, United States

A scenic 2.8-mile concrete bikeway offering coastal views and a peaceful escape from OCMD crowds. Features a rookery for birdwatching.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer people, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Bike by the tallest building in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

Haven Avenue Bikeway

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer people, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 2.8-mile concrete bikeway offering coastal views and a peaceful escape from OCMD crowds. Features a rookery for birdwatching.

4.9
(17 reviews)

"A pleasant alternative to crowded beaches and boardwalks, perfect for a relaxing ride or walk."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ No Shade Alert!

The path is exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It's a 2.8-mile round trip!

🚶‍♀️🚶 Bikers & Walkers Welcome

The path is wide enough for both, but be mindful of others. Enjoy a leisurely pace.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Rookery Views

Scenic Rookery Views

Near the Welcome Center

Pause your ride to observe the diverse birdlife at the rookery. A peaceful spot for nature lovers.

Coastal Breezes

Coastal Breezes

Along the entire bikeway

Enjoy the refreshing ocean air as you cycle or walk this well-maintained concrete path.

Peaceful Alternative

Peaceful Alternative

Connecting city streets

A tranquil route away from crowded beaches and boardwalks, perfect for a relaxed pace.

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Planning Your Visit

Bike Smart, Stay Safe

The Haven Avenue Bikeway offers a scenic route, but be prepared for some inclines and direct sun. While there's a divider from car traffic, it's not fully separated everywhere. Consider parking at the Welcome Center if you're not up for the full 2.8-mile trek.

Beat the Crowds

This bikeway is a peaceful escape from the busy beaches and boardwalk. For a more relaxed experience, aim for off-peak hours. It's ideal for a leisurely ride rather than intense training.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer people, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How bike friendly is OCMD?

☀️ No Shade Alert!

The path is exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It's a 2.8-mile round trip! Reddit

🚶‍♀️🚶 Bikers & Walkers Welcome

The path is wide enough for both, but be mindful of others. Enjoy a leisurely pace. Reddit

reddit.com

Any source of good road bike routes in the area?

reddit.com

Possible Bike Route from Ocean Pines to OC?

🚗 Parking Tip

Park at the Welcome Center if you prefer a shorter walk or need to conserve energy. Reddit

🐦 Birdwatching Spot

Don't miss the rookery near the Welcome Center for a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. Reddit

reddit.com

Anyone know of any trails near Ocean City, MD?

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ No Shade Alert!

The path is exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It's a 2.8-mile round trip! Reddit

🚶‍♀️🚶 Bikers & Walkers Welcome

The path is wide enough for both, but be mindful of others. Enjoy a leisurely pace. Reddit

🚗 Parking Tip

Park at the Welcome Center if you prefer a shorter walk or need to conserve energy. Reddit

🐦 Birdwatching Spot

Don't miss the rookery near the Welcome Center for a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Haven Avenue Bikeway for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, offering a welcome escape from crowded areas. The well-maintained path and separation from traffic are highlighted as major positives. However, the lack of shade and some steep climbs are noted drawbacks for unprepared visitors.

"A couple of steep climbs and straight runs. Beautiful scenery all along! Pause and check out the rookery over the side when you pass the Welcome Center."

Jim McHugh

"Very nice path, with a wide -ish path for bikers and pedestrians. While the cars are pretty close by, there is a divider separating you from them and I felt pretty safe. Perfect for a nice run, walk, or birdwatch."

Lynn Monday

"Great place to bike or walk. There is a separation from their roadway and it's well maintained. The walkway is concrete and relatively flat for stretches. Be aware that it is about 2.8 miles in length and there is no shade. If you are unprepared or physically incapable of making that trek, then you should consider parking by the visitor's center on the bridge. That way, you can walk as much as you can and then walk back to your vehicle."

Ken F

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Peaceful atmosphere
Well-maintained path

What People Dislike

Lack of shade
Steep climbs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The bikeway is accessible from various points, with a key access and parking area at the Welcome Center. Some sections are on city streets with closed cross-streets, making it a pleasant ride. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at the Welcome Center, which is a good starting point if you plan to walk or bike a portion of the path. Reddit

While it's a great recreational path, it's not extensively connected for primary transportation to all areas of OCMD. It's best for local exploration near its route. Reddit

Yes, it's suitable for families with young children, especially if you plan to do a shorter section or use it for a leisurely stroll. Reddit

The bikeway features some steep climbs and straight runs, with stretches that are relatively flat. It's well-maintained concrete. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Haven Avenue Bikeway is a public path and does not require an entrance fee. It's free to use for biking and walking. Reddit

As a public outdoor path, the bikeway is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no official operating hours posted. Reddit

No advance booking is necessary. The bikeway is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Reddit

The primary restriction is to be respectful of the path and other users. It's designed for recreational use like biking and walking. Reddit

The bikeway is typically accessible year-round, though weather conditions may affect comfort and safety during winter months. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The bikeway is approximately 2.8 miles in length, making it a manageable distance for a pleasant ride or walk. Reddit

No, the bikeway is largely exposed with very little shade, so be prepared for direct sun, especially during midday. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available at the Welcome Center, which is a good place to start or end your journey. Reddit

You'll experience beautiful coastal scenery, with a divider separating you from nearby car traffic, offering a safe and pleasant environment. Reddit

The bikeway is generally considered safe due to its well-maintained path and separation from traffic, but always exercise standard safety precautions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the scenic coastal views, the rookery near the Welcome Center, and the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful. Reddit

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting, while mornings can provide softer light and fewer people. Reddit

The rookery is a unique spot for wildlife photography. The open stretches of the path also offer great opportunities for landscape shots. Reddit

Drone usage may be restricted in public areas and near wildlife. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the scenery. A zoom lens can be helpful for wildlife at the rookery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Haven Avenue Bikeway is a great option for families looking for a safe and scenic outdoor activity. The path is wide and has a divider from car traffic, offering peace of mind for parents. Reddit The 2.8-mile length can be managed by breaking it up; consider starting at the Welcome Center and turning back when little legs get tired. Remember to pack plenty of water and sun protection, as there's not much shade. The rookery near the Welcome Center can also be a fun point of interest for curious kids. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Runners

For those who prefer to walk or run, the Haven Avenue Bikeway provides a well-maintained concrete surface that's ideal for a steady pace. The path's length and relatively flat sections (with some inclines) make it suitable for both casual strolls and more serious training runs. Reddit The separation from traffic adds a layer of safety, allowing you to focus on your workout or simply enjoy the coastal air. Be prepared for the sun, as shade is minimal. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists Seeking Leisure

If you're looking for a relaxed bike ride rather than an intense training session, the Haven Avenue Bikeway fits the bill. Many sections are on city streets with closed cross-streets, creating a pleasant, less interrupted cycling experience. Reddit It's perfect for a leisurely cruise to enjoy the scenery and feel the ocean breeze. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as the path is quite exposed. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Haven Avenue Bikeway

The Haven Avenue Bikeway offers a unique blend of coastal scenery and urban accessibility. While it's a concrete path, it's well-maintained and provides a pleasant experience for both cyclists and pedestrians. The path is approximately 2.8 miles long, featuring a mix of flat stretches and some noticeable inclines, making it a moderate challenge for some. A key feature is the divider separating the bikeway from adjacent car traffic, enhancing safety and providing a sense of security for users. Reddit

Community Insights: Travelers often highlight the peaceful nature of the bikeway as a welcome respite from the more crowded tourist spots like the boardwalk. It's described as a great place for a relaxing run, walk, or birdwatching. However, a recurring point is the lack of shade, so visitors are strongly advised to come prepared with sun protection and hydration, especially during warmer months. Reddit

For those concerned about the full 2.8-mile trek, parking at the Welcome Center is recommended. This allows visitors to enjoy as much of the path as they are comfortable with and turn back to their vehicle. It's noted that while some sections are on city streets, many cross streets are closed, contributing to a more uninterrupted cycling experience. Reddit

Wildlife and Scenery

One of the unexpected joys of the Haven Avenue Bikeway is its potential for wildlife observation. A specific mention is made of a rookery located near the Welcome Center, offering a fantastic opportunity to see various bird species. This makes the bikeway more than just a recreational path; it's a chance to connect with local nature. Reddit

The scenery along the bikeway is predominantly coastal, with views that provide a refreshing backdrop to your activity. While not directly on the beach, the proximity to the ocean means you can often feel the sea breeze. The path itself is a well-maintained concrete surface, making it suitable for a variety of activities from leisurely strolls to more brisk walks and bike rides. Reddit

Traveler Tip: Photographers will find the rookery a compelling subject, and the open stretches of the bikeway are ideal for capturing the expansive coastal sky, especially during sunrise or sunset. The overall atmosphere is one of tranquility, a stark contrast to the bustling energy of Ocean City's main attractions. Reddit

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