
What we’re about
**FreeWalkers.org** is a social network dedicated to exploring life on foot, for walkers and hikers interested in participating in long-distance walking events in the Mid-Atlantic region. Membership is free and open to everyone. We support each member's effort to reach their own goals of fitness and enjoyment as we walk together, explore our surroundings, and promote pro-pedestrian interests.
FreeWalkers has thousands of members and hosts dozens of long-distance walking events each year in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as many in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Most walks are supported by mass transit for easy access and return, and are between ten and fifty miles in length. Some walks are longer multi-day or shorter distance events. We have all kinds of walks, but we are most known for our longer distance walking events. Some of our walks offer shorter 5k to 10k options.
Walkers are free to move at their own pace and distance. It is not necessary for a walk to be completed or timed, only enjoyed. Our walks expose members to countless locations of scenic beauty, historic importance, and pedestrian convenience, all with the benefit of social support, event organization and the opportunity to engage with interesting fellow walkers.
We are an IRS-approved 501(c)3 non-profit and your tax-free donations help us create free and low-cost walks that are interesting, challenging and open to everyone. We manage multiple regional FreeWalkers groups on Meetup. We do encourage joining freewalkers.org and actively supporting our partners and sponsors who help make these events possible. At our website, you can browse photos of our events, learn about our history and mission, and read about the experiences of some of our walkers.
Look for our many walks every year in greater New York City, many parts of New Jersey including Hudson, Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Union, Morris, Monmouth, Mercer and Burlington County; Southeastern Pennsylvania including Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County; Delaware and greater Washington DC. Join us on nature hikes, city walks, history walking tours, long-distance walks, scenic walks and themed walking outings.
Why you might like to join the FreeWalkers:
• Did you ever wonder how far you could walk?
• Would you like to know more about the places you walk?
• Are you more interested in accomplishing personal goals than winning a race?
• Are you the type of person who can't pass up an interesting challenge or adventure?
• Have you ever longed to get out of your car and experience what a community is really like?
• Do you believe you spend nearly as many calories walking as running but over a longer period of time?
• Are you looking for a sport where social interaction is possible?
• Are you looking for an alternative exercise routine that's both easy on the body and builds endurance?
We look forward to seeing you at our next event. Walk the Walk! It's good for you, good for us and good for the greater community. Get out there for your first FreeWalk, and you will be glad that you did.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Black River Trail HikeCooper Gristmill, Chester, NJ
Please register for FREE to attend.
This hike is moderately challenging with 675 feet of elevation gain. Bring snacks and plenty of water. We’ll hike along the Black River through forest and open fields. The route is mostly on trail with one short stretch where we’ll be walking along the road.
After the hike, whoever is interested is welcome to join us across the street at the Old Mill Tavern Restaurant for a bite, on your own tab.Start/Finish: Meet at the Cooper Mill County Park Parking Lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UrRgikqdWhxEWEmZA
Distance: approx. 6 mi
Terrain: Rocky. Poles recommended.
Transportation: Best reached by car.
Parking: Plenty of free parking.
Difficulty: Moderate, some hiking experience is required.
Category: nature, history, river, scenic
Coordinator: Joan NetskyA useful map covering our hike is available from Morris County Park Commission:
https://www.morrisparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/TrailMap_CMEKC.pdfMore about FreeWalkers:
Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips
New Jersey walks | Pennsylvania walks | New York City walks
Not open - Philly Freedom Tour - guided 11 to 15 mile history walkThe Porch at 30th Street Station, Philadelphia , PA
Enjoy a slow-paced history-rich guided exploration of America's most walkable downtown.
Please register for FREE to attend.
Start: Porch at 30th St Station
Finish: Center City or 30th St
Distance: 11-15mi
Where to find us: Outside the south side of the station
Optional endpoints: Many
Terrain: paved
Transit: Septa, Amtrak or Megabus
Return: on foot or via Septa
Parking: Many lots and garages. Try 3101 Market St or Cira South Garage.
Difficulty: Beginner
Category: history, urban
Coordinator: Charles Updike
Walk with us through the city of Brotherly Love and explore the scenery and oft-forgotten historic facets of a city that has shaped our modern world as much as any other. Where in history might one have seen the world's first steamboat, first computer, longest bridge, first television broadcast, first penitentiary, the tallest building, first department store, and much more? Join us and find out.
Arrive before 10am at the Porch at 30th Street Station to walk the Freedom Walk. This scenic 15-mile walk through Philadelphia explores several neighborhoods and parks and visits a multitude of historic and cultural landmarks including: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row, City Hall, South Street, Penn's Landing, Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, Independence Mall, Elfreth's Alley, Eastern State Penitentiary, Society Hill and more.
We will make a lunch stop at Reading Terminal and finish in the evening with cheesesteaks.
Free and open to public. Bring friends and family.
Highlights:- Fairmount Waterworks- Art Museum - Eastern State Penitentiary- Ben Franklin Parkway- City Hall- Chinatown- Independence Hall- Liberty Bell- Christ Church - Elfreth's Alley- Race Street Pier- Penn's Landing- Spruce Street Harbor Park- South Street- Society Hill- Washington Square
and a lot more!
Our walk will conclude in Center City with multiple easy transit options available.
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.
Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America's largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation's premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.
More about FreeWalkers:
Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips
New Jersey walks | Pennsylvania walks | New York City walks
- Staten Island Marathon Walk: XNJElizabeth Public Library, Elizabeth, NJ
The most pleasant walking route from Union County to Manhattan, with miles of trail, beach, boardwalk and great views. Part of the 100-mile Cross-Jersey Challenge.
Please register for FREE to attend.
Start: Elizabeth Public Library 11 S Broad St Elizabeth NJ 07202
Finish: NY Penn Station
Distance: 22-26mi
Where to find us: In front of the library
Optional endpoints: World Trade Center PATH
Terrain: flat but rugged dirt trails, pavement, beach, boardwalk
Transit: NJ Transit to Elizabeth Station, walk three blocks south on Broad St
Return: NJ Transit or Path train
Difficulty: Advanced
Category: nature, urban, seashore
Coordinator: Charles Updike, 916-225-0569.
Join us on this scenic and colorful marathon walk to complete our trek across New Jersey. We start three blocks from the train station, where parking is available. Walk along the Elizabeth River and across the Goethals Bridge with views of Manhattan. A rambling trail with easy terrain, which can have a few muddy spots, takes us to the beachfront of Staten Island. A walk along the beach and through the park leads us under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and into the fascinating relic that is Fort Wadsworth. A trip up Bay Avenue ends at the Staten Island Ferry and a free ride into Lower Manhattan. A walk along the Hudson River, with optional visits to the World Trade Center and the High Line, finishes at Midtown and Penn Station.
This is a beautiful walk for those not able to complete the 50-mile Big Walk beyond Elizabeth or Newark. If you are unable to complete this one, you can finish three miles early at the PATH station. There are also many bus stops along the way on Staten Island with buses to the ferry.
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
- Elizabeth River Parkway
- Goethals Bridge
- Willowbrook Park
- Staten Island Greenbelt
- Cedar Grove Beach
- FDR Boardwalk and Beach
- Midland Beach
- South Beach
- Fort Wadsworth
- Verrazano Narrows Bridge
- Bay Avenue shops
- Staten Island Ferry
- Battery Park
- World Trade Center
- Hudson River Greenway
- High LineSpring 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) 22/26miPartners:
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.
Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America's largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation's premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.
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.


- The "Original" Hudson River Loop Walk!Exchange Place, J Owen Grundy Park, Exchange Place, NJ
Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-original-hudson-river-loop-walk-tickets-1109102217589?aff=oddtdtcreator
A FreeWalker CLASSIC! Incredible views of NYC from the NJ side and of NJ on the NY side. There are many rest stops and options to shorten your walk if you choose, or challenge yourself and do it all!
Start: Exchange Place
Finish: Exchange Place or wherever you choose.
Distance: 28 - 30 miles
Where to find us: On the plaza in front of Gregory's Coffee near the Path Train.
Optional endpoints: You can end your walk at any time in NJ or NYC - your choice.
Lunch Stop Optional: Whole Foods in Edgewater. Pack your own or purchase there.
Bathrooms: Several along the route.
Terrain: Sidewalk mostly flat with elevation on the GW bridge.
Public Transit: Subway to Path Station. In NYC Path or Ferry back to Exchange Place depending on finish time.
Driving: FREE street parking (check signs carefully).
Difficulty: Beginner to Advance walkers, depending on your choice of distance.
Category: Urban
Coordinator: Risa Olinsky
Partners:
The East Coast Greenway Alliance is a non-profit organization developing a public multi-use 3,000 mile trail from Canada to Key W