Henry Hudson Trail hiking , New Jersey, United States

Why hike at Henry Hudson Trail ?

The henry hudson trail (Atlantic Highlands section formerly known as the Bayshore Trail) is a rail trail in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The trail is named for Henry Hudson, who explored the harbor at Atlantic Highlands and the Raritan Bayshore coastline in the early 1600s. The trail is not near the Hudson River. The 24-mile-long (39 km), 10-foot-wide (3.0 m) paved multi-use trail is part of the Monmouth County Park System. The rail trail traverses the Raritan Bayshore and connects inland to Freehold Borough using the former rights of way of several rail lines. Although trees line much of the trail, it affords some views of surrounding wetlands, streams, woodlands and fields . The Garden State Parkway is the dividing line between the northern and southern sections of the trail. The northern section runs 12 miles east from the Aberdeen-Keyport border to Highlands, north of and roughly parallel to NJ route 36. A missing link in Atlantic Highlands requires on-road travel between Avenue D and the Atlantic Highlands marina. The southern (inland) section runs south from Matawan to Freehold. A long missing link in Marlboro divides this inland section into its own north and south segments. The property for the inland sections is currently railbanked by New Jersey Transit (NJT), which leases the line for trail usage to the Monmouth County Park System. The trail is administered by the Monmouth County Park System and is leased through 2020 for use as a trail. If future economic conditions warrant resuming operation, NJT reserves the right to restore rail service at any time. The railroad line was never officially abandoned, unlike most rail trails. The henry hudson trail was the first rail-trail developed in Monmouth County, and was joined by the Union Transportation rail-trail in 2010.

The henry hudson trail is a beautiful, paved trail that follows the course of the Henry Hudson River for nearly 40 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the river and its surrounding forests, as well as plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail is also great for biking, running, and walking, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

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