The total distance: approximately 8.5 miles. The terrain is relatively flat with several rises of approximately 100 ft. which occur gradually over the course of several long city blocks. Walk the length of Metropolitan Avenue through Brooklyn and Queens from its western terminus by the East River (River Street) to the eastern end at Jamaica Avenue. According to Wikipedia, Metropolitan Avenue was "originally an Indian trail, [it] was constructed in 1816 as the Williamsburgh and Jamaica Turnpike, a toll road which connected the then villages of Williamsburgh (as it was originally spelled) and Jamaica, New York. The road became a farmer's and stage coach route to the Williamsburgh ferries across the East River to Manhattan.” There is one planned rest stop at the Rentar Plaza shopping center (65th Lane and Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village, Queens) which is approximately half way. The Q54 bus runs along Metropolitan Avenue, so there are numerous opportunities to drop off to take that bus or other bus lines that intersect Metropolitan. There are also at least two locations where there is a subway stop. The walk will end at the border of Richmond Hill and Jamaica, Queens, where Metropolitan Avenue runs into Jamaica Avenue, one block east of the Van Wyck Expressway. There is a nearby E train station at the Van Wyck and several bus lines in the area, which can be taken the short distance to Sutphin Blvd and the Jamaica Center, where there are several bus, subway and LIRR stations. Please bring snacks, lunch and drink. There are numerous food stores along the way, including fast food and old style deli/bodega shops. There will be limited stops at points of interest, but the primary meal/rest room break will be at Rentar Plaza.
New York, NY