Biking Henry Hudson from Aberdeen/Keyport to Atlantic Highlands to Popamora Lake Park, and back.
I’d totally forgotten about the Henry Hudson Trail until being recently reminded of it by some photos.
Many years ago I’d biked part of this with a friend who lived near it, but I hadn’t thought of it since. With only one morning available this weekend we wanted something no more than 30-minutes away… and this fit the bill.
Miles: 24.9 round trip.
For a detailed bike guide visit our main Henry Hudson Trail and the Bayshore Bike Trail page.
The north section of the Henry Hudson Trail runs for about 10 miles from Keyport to Avenue D in the Atlantic Highlands.
A little road riding through a neighborhood connects it to the Bayshore Bike Trail, for an additional 2.5 miles or so.
The southern Henry Hudson Trail contains two 5-mile sections, with several busy road miles between them (it’s not recommended to connect them).
We haven’t tried either section, but they could be an option for a 10-mile round trip. [Update: we’ve now done Henry Hudson Trail – Marlboro to Freehold]
Unlike most rail-trails, the Henry Hudson is paved and not dirt. It still can be a bit of bumpy ride with all the roots that have buckled the asphalt along the way.
The scenery runs from marshlands to shady forests, to backyards and a few industrial areas, to views of Sandy Hook Bay, the Verrazano bridge and the NYC skyline.
There are many bridges and boardwalks…. and the smell of salt air.
It also runs right next to Route 36 for a bit and there are a LOT of street crossings.
About 80% or more of these are little-trafficked streets, but the frequent crossings are the biggest negative of this trail.
The road riding from Avenue D to connect to the Bayshore Trail is not bad at all, though it is a hill.
We cut over on Bay Ave based on our map planning, but the signs direct you on Center… we went there on Bay and returned following the signs on Center.
The Bayshore Trail then travels past a parking lot with 2 tight blind turns along a fence before switching to packed dirt and running along the water’s edge.
The Bayshore Trail ends at Popamora Lake Park where there are restrooms, and a bike rack lets you lock up your ride and walk down to the beach.
It’s not the prettiest beach by any means… but hey, it’s always nice to sit on the beach.
Bayshore Bike Trail on the way back
Henry Hudson Trail on the way back
Randomness: We were waiting to cross one of the busier intersections when we heard a bike flying up behind us and not slowing down.
We watched in amazement as he flew right out into the street without even a pause or a glance for oncoming traffic, causing a car to slam on its breaks and just miss him. He sped off without a missing a beat. Yikes.
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Biked 8/19/12.