About this Event
A rigorous and beautiful 50-mile walk along the East Coast Greenway for those seeking a challenge. Part of the 100-mile Cross-Jersey Challenge. This was the walk that launched FreeWalkers in 2010. We've renamed it to celebrate and is now called Paul's BIG WALK!
Start: Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ
Finish: NY Penn Station
Distance: 24-50 miles
Where to find us: By the ticket office.
Bathrooms and Food: Bathrooms along the way. Pack lunch/snacks unless you prefer to stop and buy food. Usual lunch stop is Boston Market in Union.
Optional endpoints: Rahway: 4mi, Elizabeth: 24mi, Newark Penn Station: 28mi, Jersey City PATH: 41mi, many other rail stations and options.
Please note that this group DOES NOT STAY TOGETHER. Everyone walks at their own pace.
Mini: Metropark to Rahway Station (4mi)
Terrain: Paved, neighborhoods with some hills and roadway crossings.
Pet Policy: Please leave your dogs at home. This is for the safety of all.
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: Paid parking at Metropark Station
Difficulty: Advanced walking, unless you choose to do a small section of the route.
Category: Urban, scenic
Return: NJ Transit train
Coordinator: Matt and SarahJane Rath/Charles Updike
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.
The FreeWalkers are again offering the Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge, with a goal of walking the 100 miles of the East Coast Greenway across the entire state at any time during the year. This walk is part of the ECG trail from Trenton to New York City. You have the option of completing the challenge over three to five days. Option 1: Complete the 40-mile Great Canal Walk from Trenton to New Brunswick in one day, or walk the Spring Ahead to Princeton and do the 28-mile Great Canal Walk from Princeton. Option 2: Complete the 50-mile Big Walk in one day, or walk 24 miles of the Big Walk to Elizabeth and complete the remaining 26 miles on the Staten Island Marathon Walk.
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.
Spring 2026 Cross Jersey Challenge
Mar 21 Spring Ahead Walk (optional) 14mi
Apr 11 Great Canal Walk 28/40mi
Apr 19 Kruimer Walk 13mi
Apr 25, Paul's Big Walk 24/50mi
Jun 13 Staten Island Marathon Walk (optional) 22/26mi
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.
The FreeWalkers are again offering the Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge, with a goal of walking the 100 miles of the East Coast Greenway across the entire state at any time during the year. This walk is part of the ECG trail from Trenton to New York City.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Metropark Station Daily Parking, 3, Woodbridge Township, United States
USD 0.00
