Bergen Arches

Overview: The Bergen Arches are an urban forest growing in the heart of Jersey City. Located right next to a highway (Rt 139), all you hear are singing birds.

Abandoned in 1957, nature is reclaiming the Bergen Arches/Erie Cut, a mile-long railroad trench through Jersey City created by the Erie Railroad to run passenger trains from the Palisades to the waterfront.

Note: Accessing the Bergen Arches may require walking over/around fencing and signage intended to keep people out. This is not an official park or trail. It is not yet intended to be open to the public, although some great organizations are trying to do just that. Sadly, people throw garbage over the edge and into the trench. It is also frequented by people experiencing homelessness, so don’t necessarily expect to be alone. Access at your own risk.

Length: About a mile.

Elevation Gain: It’s flat. Probably close to 0.

Parking: (If you need to park) On the street near William L. Dickinson High School, 2 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ. Pay close attention to street regulations.

How to access the Bergen Arches. Follow the red path from the Dickinson High School parking lot.

Getting there: This is the only hard part. This is not an official park or trail, so it’s not obvious how to access it. There are several ways to access the Bergen Arches. This page explains how to get there from the William L. Dickinson High School parking lot.

Note the trampled fence to the left

You’ll see a locked gate with a sign – “DANGER CONSTRUCTION AREA AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.” To the left is a fence which has been trampled over. You’ll need to walk over the fence and onto the paved service road.

Follow the road as it goes steeply downhill, then turns 180 degrees to the left.

The Bergen Arches forest begins right after this overpass

At the bottom, stay slightly to the right and you’ll see a sign stating “STATE PROPERTY NO TRESPASSING” on both sides of the overpass. Walk through the overpass and you are in the Bergen Arches forest.

Another view showing how to access the Bergen Arches from the Dickinson High School parking lot.

Trail Description: It’s not an official trail. Just keep walking straight. Turn around when you’re ready to turn around. Watch out for glass, garbage, and even people who may be living there. It can also be wet and muddy.Dogs: Sure, but watch out for glass.
Kids: I took mine. Use your judgement.

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