You’re probably used to the standard Cape May routine. You walk the Washington Street Mall, grab a massive cone at Kohr Bros, and maybe stare at the Victorian houses until your neck hurts. It’s classic. But lately, people are skipping the beach for a bit to sit on what basically looks like a go-kart fused with a bicycle, pedaling down abandoned railroad tracks. Cape May rail bikes have become the "it" thing to do, and honestly, if you haven’t booked your slot weeks in advance, you’re probably not getting on.
It’s weirdly addictive.
The whole operation is run by Revolution Rail Co. They took over a stretch of the old Cape May Seashore Lines, and now, instead of locomotives, you have tourists in athletic gear sweating through their shirts. But here’s the thing—it isn’t just a workout. It’s a way to see parts of the Garden State that are usually walled off by private property or thick marshland. You’re gliding over the Garrett Family Preserve, seeing ospreys and goldfinches, all while your quads scream at you just a little bit.
What’s the actual deal with the route?
The tour starts at the Cape May City Welcome Center. You can’t miss it; there’s usually a crowd of people looking slightly confused about how to board a bike that stays on tracks. The "South’s End" excursion is the big one here. It’s about a 4-mile round trip. That sounds like a lot, but the rails are remarkably flat.
Physics helps.
Because you’re on steel wheels hitting steel rails, there’s very little friction compared to a mountain bike on a trail. Once you get the momentum going, you’re basically cruising. You head out toward the Cape May Canal, crossing over the marshes. The scenery shifts fast. One minute you’re looking at the back of a warehouse, and the next, you’re surrounded by wildflowers and the sound of the wind through the reeds.
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The turning point is the Garrett Family Preserve. This is a massive win for birdwatchers. The Nature Conservancy has done a ton of work here to make it a haven for migratory birds. When you reach the end of the line, the guides actually have to physically rotate the bikes on a pivot to send you back the way you came. It’s a low-tech, charmingly manual process that gives everyone a 15-minute breather to drink water and take photos of the Cape May Lighthouse in the distance.
Is it actually hard to pedal?
I get asked this constantly. Look, if you’re a marathon runner, this is a joke. If you haven’t touched a bike since 2012, you might feel it in your calves the next morning. But it's accessible.
Revolution Rail offers doubles (two people) and quads (four people). The quads are actually easier in some ways because you have four sets of legs powering one frame. If one person slackens off to take a selfie, the other three pick up the slack. Most people find they can maintain a steady 7 to 10 miles per hour without much gasping for air.
The bikes are equipped with hand brakes. This is important because, despite the "on rails" nature of the trip, you still need to maintain distance from the group in front of you. Nobody wants a low-speed rail bike fender-bender.
Why the Garrett Family Preserve Matters
It isn't just a random field. This area is a critical stopover on the Atlantic Flyway. During the fall, the concentration of hawks and butterflies is staggering. Even if you aren't a "nature person," being that deep into the preserve without the noise of a car engine is transformative. It’s quiet.
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Well, except for the rhythmic clack-clack of the wheels.
That sound is a callback to the 19th century when these lines were the lifeblood of South Jersey. Bringing life back to these tracks prevents them from being ripped up or becoming overgrown eyesores. It’s a smart use of historical infrastructure.
Real talk: The logistical hurdles
You can’t just show up and ride. That’s the biggest mistake people make.
- Reservations: You need them. Often a month out for summer weekends.
- Weather: They ride rain or shine. If it’s pouring, you’re getting wet. There’s no roof on these things.
- The Sun: There is zero shade on the tracks. You will bake. Wear more sunscreen than you think you need.
- Age Limits: There isn't a strict upper age limit as long as you can pedal, but for kids, they need to be able to sit in their own seat (usually 4 years old or up). They do have attachments for smaller kids, but you have to call ahead to confirm availability.
The cost usually hovers around $80 to $90 for a double and roughly $150 to $160 for a quad. It isn't "cheap," but compared to a dolphin-watching cruise or a high-end dinner in Cape May, the price-to-memory ratio is pretty solid.
What most people get wrong about the experience
A lot of visitors think this is a "train ride." It isn't. You are the engine. If you go into this thinking you can just sit back and let a motor do the work, you’re going to be disappointed. Also, don't expect a high-speed thrill ride. This is a slow-burn experience. It's about the salt air and the unique perspective of the landscape.
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One thing people overlook is the "rail gap." If you have a phobia of being trapped on a fixed path, this might feel a little weird at first. You can’t steer. You can’t pull over to look at a cool tree. You follow the leader. For some, that loss of control is relaxing. For others, it’s a bit stifling.
How to make the most of your trip
The morning slots are the gold standard. 8:00 AM or 9:30 AM. Why? Because by noon, the humidity in South Jersey feels like a wet wool blanket. Plus, the birds are more active in the early hours.
Check your footwear. Flip-flops are a terrible idea. They slip off the pedals, and if you have to hop off the bike for any reason at the turnaround point, the gravel on the rail bed is unforgiving. Wear sneakers.
Bring a backpack with a "leak-proof" water bottle. The bikes have small cubbies, but things can jiggle around.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To secure a spot, head to the official Revolution Rail website specifically for the Cape May location. If the dates you want are full, check for mid-week openings which tend to be more flexible. Plan to arrive at the Welcome Center on Lafayette Street at least 20 minutes early for the safety briefing—they won't wait for stragglers. Once you finish, grab a sandwich at the West End Garage nearby to refuel; you'll have earned the carbs.