The Liberty State Park bike trail is a 3.0-mile loop trail located near Jersey City, New Jersey, offering unparalleled views of Manhattan’s skyline and a car-free, enjoyable experience for cyclists of all skill levels.
What is the Liberty State Park Bike Trail?
The Liberty State Park bike trail is part of the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, a 18.5-mile-long promenade along the Hudson River, stretching from the Bayonne Peninsula to the Lincoln Tunnel. The trail is a car-free, paved path that provides a safe and scenic cycling experience for visitors.
Accessing the Liberty State Park Bike Trail
To access the Liberty State Park bike trail, you can start at the Newport PATH station and head south onto the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway from Pavonia Avenue. From there, you can follow the walkway south along the waterfront, passing the Exchange Place and enjoying the views of downtown Manhattan to your left.
The trail terminates near the historic Colgate Clock, where you can turn right onto Essex Street and continue along Essex to enter the Paulus Hook neighborhood. Paulus Hook is known for its restaurants, and there are plenty of delicious options along Warren Street if you want to grab a bite.
Exploring the Trail
Once you’re ready for part two of your ride, you can pick up a bike and get back on Essex Street heading west. At the end of Essex Street, you can turn right onto Van Vorst Street and continue south on Jersey Avenue. The road appears to end, but keep straight onto the pedestrian bridge.
From there, you can continue south to the Hudson River and the Empty Sky Memorial, the moving New Jersey monument to 9/11. The waterfront path now heads south with Ellis Island directly ahead. From here, you can continue south to Morris Pesin Drive and choose to take a right onto Freedom Way to head back north to the Liberty Light Rail station, take the Hudson Bergen Light Rail back to downtown, or ride back over the pedestrian bridge to downtown Jersey City and PATH train stations.
Amenities and Facilities
The Liberty State Park Bike Map is available online and provides more information on the trail, including restroom locations, water fountains, and bike repair stations. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no cost to use the trail.
Bike Rentals
If you plan to rent a bike, Citi Bike offers single rides, day passes, and annual memberships, with the first 30 minutes of each ride on a classic bike included in the price of a single ride and day pass.
Conclusion
In summary, the Liberty State Park bike trail is a scenic and accessible option for cyclists of all skill levels, offering stunning views of Manhattan and Ellis Island, as well as access to historic neighborhoods and delicious food options. With no cost to use the trail and easy access to bike rentals, it’s a great way to explore Jersey City and the surrounding area.
References:
– AllTrails – Liberty State Park, New York Bay
– Trailforks – Liberty State Park
– Citi Bike NYC – Jersey City Waterfront