50-Mile BIG Walk: Metropark NJ to NYC
The original FreeWalk covering up to 50 miles from NJ to NY; the route provides many easy shorter distance options.
Date and time
Location
Metropark Rail Station (start)
Thornhall St Iselin, NJRefund Policy
About this event
- 15 hours
A rigorous and beautiful 50-mile walk along the East Coast Greenway for those seeking a challenge. Turn-by-turn directions will be provided. The group does not stay together along the route. Walk as slow or as fast as you choose and do as much as you can. There are many rest stops for bathrooms and snacks, but it is recommended that you carry the basics - drinks, food and clothing for whatever weather may be on that day.
Start: MetroPark Station Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ
Finish: NY Penn Station
Distance: 24-50 miles
Where to find us: Parking lot south of the station
Optional endpoints: Rahway: 4mi, Elizabeth: 24mi, Newark Penn Station: 28mi, Jersey City PATH: 41mi, many other rail stations and options.
Mini: Metropark to Rahway Station (4mi)
Terrain: paved, neighborhoods with some hills and roadway crossings.
Transit: NJ Transit to Metropark leaves Penn Station at 5:10 am. From other locations, please check your schedule to arrive by 6 am.
Return: NJ Transit: NYPenn to Metropark
Parking: Parking at Metropark Station
Difficulty: Expert
Category: urban, scenic
Return: NJTransit train
Coordinator: David Ascher
You can shorten this as you please. You can also meet the group along the way. One good spot to catch the group might be Cranford Train Station. Another is Boston Market in Union, NJ where they stop for lunch. Times may vary, so check in with the walk leader ahead of time for the ETA of these locations.
Highlights: Merrill Park, Nomahegan Park, Rahway River Parkway, Weequahic Park, Ironbound, Lincoln Park, Liberty State Park, Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline views, Hudson River Greenway.
Partners:
The East Coast Greenway Alliance is a non-profit organization developing a public multi-use 3,000 mile trail from Canada to Key West through New Jersey and New York. Donations and memberships help make this dream trail a reality.
Frequently asked questions
Fluids, snacks or a small meal for most events. Some walks have planned stops, some may not. Depending on weather and route, consider a hat, sunscreen, extra socks, rain poncho, umbrella, insect repellent, first aid or foot care and a fully charged cell phone with back up battery.
FreeWalkers mostly works with the weather the day provides, but occasionally an event will be rescheduled or cancelled if there is the expectation of substantial rainfall or dangerous conditions. Registrants will always be emailed of such changes. If no notice is provided, the walk is a go!
FreeWalkers are free to walk as much of the route as they choose. There are often optional endpoints where transit is available. Uber and other options can be considered. If you do leave the walk, it is best to let the walk coordinator know, so the group does not wait or look for you.
Many FreeWalks start and/or end at mass transit points for ease of access and return, however some do not. If driving to the event, you often may park at the start and return, or park at the end and ride to the start. Check the event description for details.
Generally, yes, but pets and children may be less able to tolerate a longer distance. Walks that include indoor segments will require walkers with pets to wait outside, of course.
No need. You will be checked in at the event by providing your name.
Every FreeWalkers event is different, so this will depend on the the route. In residential areas there are optional rest stops, but if it's a hike one trails it may be tougher.
Freewalker events are self-guided. The walk leader will decide if the group will stay together or NOT. This depends on the distance and the number of walkers who come. With a small group it's easier to stay together but with 40 plus people it is NOT. Plan on having your directions with you.