Paul's Big Walk: XNJ
Our original 50-mile BIG WALK renamed for our Founder, Paul Kizcek. Walk up to 50 miles from NJ to NY - with optional shorter distances.
Date and time
Location
Metropark Station Daily Parking
3 Woodbridge Township, NJ 08830Refund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 15 hours
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 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
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 2025 Cross Jersey Challenge
Mar 22 Spring Ahead Walk (optional) 14mi
Apr 5 Great Canal Walk 28/40mi
Apr 27 Kruimer Walk 13mi
May 17 Big Walk 24/50mi
May 31 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 9/11 National Memorial Trail is a network of over 1,300 miles of trails connecting New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in tribute to the heroes who perished on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who, in response, answered the call for their country.
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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Frequently asked questions
Fluids(32 to 64 ounces), snacks or a small meal are recommended for most events. Some walks have planned stops for provisions. Depending on weather and route, you may consider a hat, sunscreen, extra socks, rain poncho, umbrella, insect repellent, first aid or foot care.
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.
Most FreeWalks start and/or end at mass transit points for ease of access and return. 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.