Union County Connects is a 501(c)(3) charity that is advocating
for safer trail networks in Union County.

Our organization is working together with government officials
to build a better future for our local community.

If you feel inspired, please join us or donate to help our cause!

Three Union County Inactive Railroad Lines

Rahway Valley Railroad (RVRR) line from Roselle Park to Summit

Take a tour of the RVR from the sky! This inactive rail line is 7 miles.

Central New Jersey Railway (CNJ) line from Elizabeth to Westfield

This unused rail line is close to 7 miles.

Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) line from Elizabeth to Cranford

This inactive rail line is 3+ miles.

Our Mission

Connect Union County with a system of trails

and promote healthy lifestyles through safe

outdoor recreation and active transportation.

  • Promote the conversion of inactive railways into public recreation trails.
  • Assist any agency or agencies involved in such conversions, to make the process smooth, effective and safe.
  • Seek and provide funds.
  • Assist in trail establishment, improvement, and maintenance.
  • Assist in the promotion of the trail as a community resource and as attraction for tourists and visitors.
  • Mobilize trail supporters and the public to advocate in their own communities for safe walking and biking infrastructure.

The Envisioned Network

The above map shows a combination of 3 inactive rail lines that could be converted, potential trails that still need to be developed, and existing trails that are in use.

• 50+ miles of ~ Biking ~ Walking ~ Hiking ~ Running ~ Boating

• 50+ Acres of preserved Greenspace

• All 21 Municipalities Connected

They are listed below by name from top left to right:

• Olmsted Greenway – 7.5 miles of multi-use park and on-street trails from Berkeley Heights to Kenilworth.

• Plainfield/Greenbrook Trail – 10 miles of multi-use park and on-street trails.

• East Coast Greenway (ECG) – 10 miles of mixed on-street and off-road trails.

• Central New Jersey Railroad (CNJ) – close to 7 miles of unused Conrail railroad extending from Elizabeth to Cranford.

• Rahway Valley Railroad (RVRR) – 7 miles of inactive NJDOT owned railroad from Summit to Roselle Park.

• Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) – 3+ miles of inactive railroad from Elizabeth to Cranford.

• Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) – 5 miles of Existing trail and on-street trails.

What?

A unique and exciting opportunity exists

to create trails connecting all towns in
Union County New Jersey.

Trails, spanning from Elizabeth to Plainfield and

Summit to Rahway, will create safe, sustainable, and equitable access to nature as well as new recreational and transportation opportunities.

Why?

• Create a safe, off-road trail to ride a bike, walk, educate, or play.
• Ease traffic by creating alternate transportation options like biking and walking.
• Support local economies.
• Provide close-to-home, easy access to the outdoors.
• The High Line, in New York City, attracts $2.2 billion in new economic activity and is estimated to raise tax revenue by $980 million over the next two decades.

Union County Commissioners & Elected Officials

To contact your local officials and request rail-trails, here are links to their names & email addresses:

Our books picks about alternative transportation (amazon links provided):