Keyport Self-Guided Historical Parks Tour
Stop 9 of 12
Henry Hudson Trail
Now
This scenic multi-use trail follows the route of the former rail line — Central Railroad of New Jersey — and is named after explorer Henry Hudson, who charted the region’s waterways in the early 1600s. Portions of the trail through Keyport and bordering towns were opened in the early 1990s as part of the Monmouth County Park System’s broader vision to create recreational, scenic access to open space along the Raritan Bayshore.
Then
This trail follows the route of a former rail line built to connect inland farms with Keyport’s busy waterfront. In 1880, a line from Freehold to the Keyport Pier was completed, allowing fresh farm products to be transported quickly to shipping points along the bay. By 1889, the line was extended to Atlantic Highlands by the Freehold and Atlantic Highlands Railroad, later part of the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey (CNJ). This expanded rail access gradually reduced the need for long piers reaching into the bay, reshaping how goods and passengers moved through the region.
Rail service remained a vital part of Keyport’s infrastructure for decades. Passenger service ended in 1966, and freight operations continued until 1984. With the rail line no longer in use, the corridor was ultimately transformed into the Henry Hudson Trail—preserving its legacy as a route of connection. Standing here today, the path beneath you follows that same historic line—once carrying goods and passengers, now guiding exploration, exercise, and reflection.
Top Picture: A work train powered by a steam locomotive is stopped at the Keyport Station which is located where the skate board and exercise areas are today. The station burned down July 4, 1968. The station was not rebuilt since passenger train service ceased in November 1966. Broad Street, in the foreground, was protected by a watchman in the shanty to the right. He lowered the gates before trains passed. The small box by the shanty and the one next to the locomotive held coal for heating the station and the shanty. Date unknown. Picture courtesy of Tom Gallo.
Bottom Picture: Train is approaching Atlantic Street. Conover Lumber, one of Keyport’s many iconic businesses of the past is located on both sides of the tracks. Steam locomotives were replaced in April 1953. Picture courtesy of Tom Gallo.