For those who don’t know, rail trails are former or unused railroad tracks that have been converted to bike paths, hiking paths, or both!
Exploring a rail trail can be an extremely unique way to see a new place, so check these out in North, Central, and South Jersey.
Note: All mileages are one-way unless otherwise specified.
North Jersey
Columbia Trail (Hunterdon and Morris counties): Ride or walk parallel to the Raritan River on this rail trail, enjoying the forest scenery. The beginning of the trail starts in High Bridge, home to Voorhees State Park and Ken Lockwood Gorge, and the end wraps up at Schooley’s Mountain Park in Long Valley.
- Usage: walking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
- Length: 11.3 miles
- Surface: Crushed stone
Paulinskill Valley Trail (Sussex and Warren counties): This lengthy ride or walk will take you through the heart of Sussex and Warren counties and past many lakes, including Smartswood Lake in Smartswood State Park. You’ll go past abandoned buildings and over bridges, too, which makes this a pretty cool destination. This intersects with Sussex Branch Trail when you enter Sussex County, too.
- Usage: walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
- Length: 27 miles
- Surface: Cinder, dirt, grass
Sussex Branch Trail (Sussex County): This ride or hike takes you through Sussex county past lakes, through forests, and into abandoned structures along the way. This intersects with Paulinskill Valley Trail, too.
- Usage: walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing
- Length: 13.3+ miles
- Surface: Cinder, dirt, grass
Central Jersey
Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway (Monmouth County): This rail trail is so unique because it starts (or ends) at Allaire State Park an and ends (or starts) in Manasquan just a couple of miles from the ocean! Check out this trail if you want a unique adventure.
- Usage: walking, biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, wheelchair accessible
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
Henry Hudson Trail (Monmouth County): Take this rail trail if you want a tour of upper Monmouth County. At 24 miles long., this trail takes you from Atlantic Highlands all the way down to Freehold by way of Keyport along Sandy Hook Bay.
- Usage: walking, biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, wheelchair accessible
- Length: 24 miles
- Surface: Asphalt and dirt
Kingston Branch Loop Trail (Somerset County): Travel up one side and back down the other side of the Delaware and Raritan Canal on this tree-lined rail trail.
- Usage: walking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding
- Length: 1.7 miles
- Surface: Dirt, gravel, crushed stone
South Jersey
Atlantic County Bikeway (Atlantic County): Get away from the hustle and bustle of Atlantic City and check out this trail! You will be biking or walking along a mix of residential neighborhoods and undeveloped woodlands.
- Usage: walking, biking, roller blading, wheelchair accessible
- Length: 7.5 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
Monroe Township Bikeway (Gloucester County): Bike between Glassboro and Williamstown on this rail trail that passes through open spaces and residential areas.
- Usage: walking, biking, roller blading, cross-country skiing, wheelchair accessible
- Length: 6.25 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
Pleasantville to Somers Point Bike Path (Atlantic County): Start in Great Egg Harbor Bay and walk or bike along the bay up to Pleasantville.
- Usage: walking, biking, roller blading, cross-country skiing, wheelchair accessible
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Surface: Asphalt
Mountain Bike Spots
Kayaking, too!
Hiking & Camping
Get outside!
