"Take in panoramic views of thousands of acres of salt marsh and mudflat against an urban backdrop in the easternmost section of Gateway National Recreation Areaa sanctuary that also happens to be the citys single best location for spotting dozens of species of migrating birds from all over North America."

--Ben Keene, Best Hikes Near New York City (Falcon Guides).

"Jamaica Bay is part of the 26,000-acre Gateway National Recreation Area and one of the most important wildlife refuges in the country, encompassing natural habitats that range from bay waters to salt marsh to upland fields. Taking in an area that’s larger than Manhattan, it harbors more than 330 species of migratory birds.

This ride circumnavigates the bay along 20 miles of bikeways, crossing creeks and estuaries along the way, and brushing through a range of eco- systems. From the bridgeway peaks you’ll catch some singular views of the diminutive skyline and Verrazano- Narrows Bridge in the distance and a stretch of boardwalk biking brings you to the ocean."

--Mary Staub, Best Bike Rides New York City (Falcon Guides).

"Jamaica Bay is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a major urban wildlife refuge on 9,155 acres of salt marsh, upland field and woods, fresh and brackish ponds, and a massive bay full of small islands. The park is home to hundreds of bird species, rare coastal flora, over sixty butterfly species, and nearly fifty species of fish. The bay is located at the confluence of several estuaries, contributing to the ecological richness and diversity of the area.

This is a fairly flat ride on mostly car-free bikeways through a beautiful section of Brooklyn and Queens, near the JFK airport. Starting at Canarsie Pier, the trailhead is just before the entrance, extending left and right. Facing the park entrance and sign, turn left, heading northeast, to begin the ride. This portion of the trail runs parallel to the Shore Parkway, separated by a wide grassy median and highway railings on the left. The trail makes three scenic bridge crossings in a row, leaving Brooklyn into Queens on the final crossing, overlooking the Old Mill Creek on the right."

-- David Streever , Best Bike Rides Long Island (Falcon Guides).