The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced plans to create the Essex-Hudson Greenway, a new multi-use trail connecting communities in northern New Jersey. The project involves turning an old rail corridor into a public green space for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. State leaders say the project is part of a larger effort to expand open space and improve transportation options across the region.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced plans to create the Essex-Hudson Greenway, a new multi-use trail connecting communities in northern New Jersey. The project involves turning an old rail corridor into a public green space for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. State leaders say the project is part of a larger effort to expand open space and improve transportation options across the region.

The Essex-Hudson Greenway is a planned linear park and trail system built on an unused rail line. When finished, it is expected to run roughly nine miles and connect several communities, including areas near Newark, Jersey City, and surrounding towns in Essex and Hudson counties. The trail will be designed for outdoor recreation like walking, running, cycling, and it plans on connecting neighborhoods with many parks and public transportation.  The project is similar to other rail-to-trail conversions across the country, which turn old rail lines into public green spaces. As of February 2026, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is continuing full speed ahead with the project, recently releasing a plan for the Greenway (The Hoboken Girl). 

Public reaction has been mixed, but generally positive. Supporters like the New Jersey Conservation Foundation welcomed the project, saying that the Greenway should be welcomed for its “green space and nature for communities”. Governor Mikie Sherill expressed her support for it last year, saying it would link communities, businesses, and outdoor recreation altogether. 

The project is set to bring several advantages like better outdoor access to the public, 

more green space in densely populated areas gives residents more places to exercise and relax. The trail could make it easier to walk or bike to transit hubs, helping reduce car dependence. There is talk of environmental improvements, as the Greenway can help reduce heat in cities, improve air quality, and support local wildlife habitats. Not to mention, trails often bring visitors to nearby businesses and can increase property values in surrounding areas.

Others have raised concerns surrounding the costs and the potential maintenance. It has been said that this is a massive project to maintain while New Jersey struggles to keep its other parks and forests in shape. This project has also led to various settlements between the Federal Government and local landowners that wanted compensation for the conversion of old railroad tracks into trails. 

Environmental issues have also been discussed, where the old rail corridors could be contaminated with chemicals that were used when the trains operated. There were reports that about six miles of the former rail had so much debris and metal that could contaminate groundwater (New Jersey Monitor).

Overall, the Essex-Hudson Greenway is going to shake up the New Jersey landscape. While many support the Greenway for its focus on green space, alternatives for transportation, and potential economic growth, while many are concerned about the costs, environmental clean up, and issues surrounding property. 

Sources

Hoboken Girl — Essex Hudson Greenway Rail Line Project in New Jersey (2024–2025 coverage)

Patch (Montclair Edition) — Essex-Hudson Greenway Plan In Jeopardy, NJ Groups Warn (2024–2025 coverage)

New Jersey Conservation Foundation — Speak Up for the Essex-Hudson Greenway (Advocacy / Public Outreach)

New Jersey Monitor — On Celebrated Essex-Hudson Greenway, Some Feeling Buyer’s Remorse (2023 investigative / analysis coverage)

Office of Rep. Mikie Sherrill — Official Statement / Social Media Post About the Essex-Hudson Greenway (Public Official Communication)

Sills Cummis & Gross — Essex-Hudson Greenway News and Legal Updates (Legal / Property / Rail-to-Trail Context)