Find Your Connection
New Jersey
9 counties • 100+ trail miles • Two routes to Liberty State Park
Counties Crossed
Trail Miles
Partner Trails
Routes to NYC
Gateway to Ground Zero
New Jersey serves as the eastern gateway to the World Trade Center site, with two distinct routes converging at Liberty State Park. The northern route descends from the Delaware Water Gap, while the southern route follows historic canal towpaths from Trenton.
From Liberty State Park, cyclists and walkers can see the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island—and take ferries directly to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Trail Map
Two routes converge at Liberty State Park—one from the Delaware Water Gap, another from Trenton via the D&R Canal.
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Northern Route
Delaware Water Gap → Liberty State Park via Liberty-Water Gap Trail, Paulinskill Valley, and Sussex Branch trails.
Warren, Sussex, Morris, Essex, Hudson Counties
Southern Route
Trenton → Liberty State Park via D&R Canal Towpath and Morris Canal Greenway.
Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Hudson Counties
Trail Segments
Delaware Water Gap
Warren CountyThe northern route begins at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a National Park with full amenities for cyclists and hikers. This scenic entry point connects Pennsylvania to New Jersey's trail network.
Key Highlights
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Appalachian Trail crossing
- Scenic river views
Liberty-Water Gap Trail
Warren & Sussex CountiesAn earthen surface trail best suited for wide-tire bikes. This rustic trail follows the historic railroad corridor through rural northwestern New Jersey.
Key Highlights
- Historic railroad corridor
- Rural New Jersey scenery
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Paulinskill Valley & Sussex Branch Trails
Sussex & Morris CountiesThese connected rail-trails provide shared-use paths through Sussex and Morris Counties. Off-road bikes are suggested for the varying surface conditions.
Key Highlights
- Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail
- Sussex Branch Trail
- Historic rail heritage
Trenton Connection
Mercer CountyThe southern route enters New Jersey via the Lower Trenton Bridge from Pennsylvania. This historic crossing leads to the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath.
Key Highlights
- Lower Trenton Bridge
- Historic Trenton downtown
- State capitol access
Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath
Mercer & Somerset CountiesA natural limestone surface trail running from Trenton to New Brunswick through the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. This 34-mile section is one of the finest canal towpaths in the region.
Key Highlights
- Historic canal locks
- Shaded tree-lined path
- Princeton area access
Morris Canal Greenway
Middlesex & Union CountiesA mix of paved paths and city routes following the historic Morris Canal corridor through Edison, Rahway, and Cranford toward the Jersey City waterfront.
Key Highlights
- Historic Morris Canal route
- Urban greenway sections
- Connection to Hudson County
Liberty State Park
Hudson CountyBoth New Jersey routes converge at Liberty State Park, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline including the World Trade Center site. Ferries connect to the 9/11 Memorial.
Key Highlights
- Statue of Liberty views
- Ellis Island access
- Manhattan skyline panorama
- Ferry to 9/11 Memorial
Partner Trails in New Jersey
The 9/11 Trail utilizes these established trail systems throughout New Jersey.
Trail Towns
Communities along the New Jersey routes offer services, lodging, and local flavor.
Liberty State Park
Your New Jersey journey culminates at Liberty State Park, with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. From here, ferries connect directly to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Start Your New Jersey Journey
Whether you ride the canal towpath or traverse the northern trails, every mile brings you closer to Ground Zero.