Biking the Union Transportation Trail
The Union Transportation trail is a flat rail trail that goes through wide farming areas.
If you are looking to get away for a ride that is rural and beautiful, yet isn’t that far from the NYC or Philadelphia metro areas, you can’t beat the Union Transportation Trail, or UTT for short. This is a 10-mile long rail trail that can easily be combined with quiet back roads to make a nice loop. It’s also a great trail to use if you are biking from High Point to Cape May.
The UTT trail is a gravel/stonedust surface and is generally flat for its entire length. While it is ideal for hybrid bikes and mountain bikes, some road bikers may find the surface to be too loose to ride comfortably. But this trail is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace since there are so many scenic vistas to enjoy.
A typical road crossing on the UTT trail.
The UTT trail generally travels across Upper Freehold Township, located in the western panhandle of Monmouth County. It’s not really practical to take public transit here, although you could potentially ride to this trail from either the Trenton or Hamilton NJ Transit rail stations if you like riding longer distances. The trail goes north to south between Old York Road and Monmouth Road. South of Monmouth Road it is a short ride to the hamlet of New Egypt in Plumsted Township. While there are a variety of stores and services located in New Egypt, the rest of the trail is not near any businesses. The main exception is Cream Ridge Winery which is a wonderful stop for cyclists looking to try local wine.
Make sure you stop at Cream Ridge winery. It’s close to the trail, about halfway.
When you are on the trail, there really aren’t any services or restrooms, except near the south end in New Egypt, so plan accordingly. Also, on hot summer days, be aware that you are very exposed on this trail because you are going through a lot of flat farming areas. So sunscreen and plenty of water are a must for summer rides! Also keep in mind that horses also use this trail, so you will encounter piles of horse manure as you ride. If you are riding and you see someone on a horse, please stop and let the horse pass!
Check out the official webpage for the trail here.
