Gateway

NEW YORK/PHILADELPHIA METROPOLITAN AREA

OPEN SPACE RESOURCE LIBRARY

GATEWAY

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

  

Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park

Managed by Middlesex County

Acreage: 39

Map: http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/Alvin%20Williams%20Park%20map.pdf

Parking: Lat 40°33'16.13"N Long 74°15'10.54"W

Trails: There are a few short trails which loop around this tiny park which borders Smith Creek and the Arthur Kill.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Bayview Park

Managed by Perth Amboy

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking: Along Front street (unlocated)

Trails: This small park has paths going across it, but it is indeed tiny. Despite it's size, it has a beautiful set of steps leading down from it's higher level to the waterfront where there are boat moorings and walkways out onto the Arthur Kill, which make it worth the visit.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Cliffwood Beach Park/Cliffwood Recreation Area

Managed by ?

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking:

Off Raritan Blvd: La 40°27'5.99"Nt Long 74°13'29.28"W

Trails: Paved trailways and a short boardwalk observation area grace this small but pretty park.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Dismal Swamp Preserve

Managed by ?

Acreage: 650

Map: http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/raritanvalley/dismal_swamp/index.asp

Parking: Unlocated, probably on street.

Trails:

The map shows a completed section of trail between Talmadge and Tyler Roads, but it has not yet been scouted by Metrotrails. The swamp is skirted on the east side by part of the Middlesex County Greenway.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Edison State Park

Managed by borough of Edison

Acreage: 36

Map: None found

Parking:

Christie Street: lat 40°33'49.04"N long 74°20'22.03"W

Trails:

There are no real trails within this area, just a few informal paths through the woods of the site. It would be an excellent urban park area if they were to be developed. The Tower, which rises 131 feet above the Terrace, is topped by a 25 foot high Bulb made of Pyrex segments, a memorial to the great inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The park was once the site of his Menlo Park laboratory where the first demonstration of this bulb took place. The site could be incorporated into larger hikes with creativity. Roosevelt Park with walking paths is just down Evergreen Road from the site.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Joseph Medwick Park

Managed by Middlesex County

Acreage: 82

Map: None found

Parking:

Post Blvd: Lat 40°35'57.40"N Long 74°14'10.15"W

Pauline Street: Lat 40°35'45.17"N Long 74°14'52.34"W

Trails:

Paved pathways lead through the park along the Rahway River.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Laurence Parkway

Managed by town of Laurence Harbor

Acreage: N/A

Map: None

Parking:

Laurence Parkway Lat 40°27'28.31"N Long 74°14'46.53"W

Trails:

Laurence Parkway is not really a trail, but actually an island in the middle of Laurence Parkway median with a sidewalk. The significance of this is that it is the only convenient route to hike between the Raritan Bay and Cheesequake State Park. Laurence Parkway becomes Matawan Road to the south, and accesses Cheesequake at 1.05 miles.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Middlesex County Greenway

Managed by Middlesex County

Acreage:

Miles: 5.38

Parking:

Description: This trail follows the abandoned original route of the former Lehigh Valley Railroad, and before that the Easton and Amboy constructed in 1875. It became part of Conrail in 1976 and was finally abandoned in 1991. While it gets a fair amount of use, this trail is quite strange in that it does not have a discernible beginning or end. For the purposes of this guide, we will say the beginning of the trail is Talmadge Road just out of Edison where the former rail line crosses at grade. It remains clear to the north of here, but it becomes an active industrial spur into South Plainfield and is probably not a legal walking route. To the south and east, we will say the trail ends at the spur where the proposed East Coast Greenway will run. Beyond, the right of way crosses the Garden State Parkway. This too is probably not a legal route, but would be an excellent trail, for the bridge over the Parkway offers amazing views of the highways approaching the Raritan crossing.

Part of the route is proposed to become part of the East Coast Greenway.

0.00 Begin on the rail bed at Talmadge. The only possible parking appears to be on street, but not very close to the rail bed crossing. The rail bed skirts Dismal Swamp on the west side, and a development to the east.

0.63 Development to the left ends. Small pond on the left. There is a ball field park to the left after this.

0.79 Pass beneath another rail line, entering Metuchen ahead.

0.90 Cross Liberty Street at grade

1.45 Pass beneath Durham Ave.

1.72 Cross Middlesex Ave. Notice how there are two rights of way crossing this street, one at a higher elevation with abutments still in place. This was so the LV Railroad could make a connection with the former Pennsylvania Railroad which it passes beneath ahead.

1.82 Pass beneath former Pennsylvania Railroad tracks, still active for passenger service.

1.98 Cross under Lake Ave, Rt 27.

2.12 Pass under Chatham Ave.

2.20 Pass beneath Rt 531

2.40 There is a large cemetery to the south of the rail bed.

2.83 Cross Pierson Ave

2.90 Reach a new pedestrian overpass crossing Rt 1! This is one of the only pieces of this trail that truly look like a developed system.

3.00 Leave the east end of the bridge and continue through

3.50 Cross Liddle Ave.

3.65 Pass beneath the NJ Turnpike via an underpass. There are some messed up chain link fences which may cross the right of way in this area, but they are knocked down. None of the area was posted when explored by Metrotrails.

3.95 Pass beneath Rt 514

4.33 Small park is to the south of the right of way.

4.54 Pass beneath King George's Post Road

4.64 Raymond Street is to the left, and an access may be open.

4.70 A foot path comes in on the right from apartments along Sunnyview Oval development.

5.20 Pass beneath Crow's Mill Road

5.38 A connector track to the south continues along the proposed route of the East Coast Greenway southbound. Tracks are still in place, but it shows no activity. This rail bed continues to skirt Raritan Center, a huge industrial complex built on the shore of the Raritan River. It has many abandoned spur lines that would make amazing trails off into the brackish estuaries and wetlands along the river, but for now please do not trespass.

If the rail bed ahead were a public trail, it would lead across the Garden State Parkway, with amazing views to the south toward the Raritan Bridges, and beyond to Perth Amboy where hikes can connect to the Raritan Bay waterfront. The total mileage to Perth Amboy comes to 6.4 miles.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

New Market Pond/Pond Park

Managed by

Acreage: ?

Parking:

There are several parking areas along the south shore of the pond, along Lakeview Ave, with the westernmost one being at the following GPS coordinates: Lat 40°34'42.95"N Long 74°26'44.26"W

There are three more small lots along the lake up to the south side of the spillway dam, and one north of the spillway on county Rt 665.

Trails:

It is possible to walk parallel with Lakeview Ave from the spillway dam to the parking area along the creek for a total of 0.7 miles. The eastern end is a concrete walkway, while the western end toward the spillway requires walking on cut grass to remain along the waterfront. There are lovely views of the lake, as well as beautiful floating docks out onto the water.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Old Bridge Waterfront Park

Managed by Middlesex County

Acreage: 52

Map: None found

Parking:

Along Rt 35: Lat 40°27'41.95"N Long 74°15'16.83"W

Laurence Parkway: Lat 40°27'28.31"N Long 74°14'46.53"W

Trails:

1.3 mile walk and bikeway spans from near Cheesequake Creek to Margritt's Creek

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Raritan Bay Waterfront Park

Managed by Middlesex County

Acreage: 136

Map: http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/parksrecreation/Raritan%20Bay%20Waterfront%20Park.pdf

Parking:

Keenan Way: Lat 40°28'40.92"N Long  74°16'20.10"W

Trails:

Paved paths criss cross this park, and there is a nice section of beach front for hiking. See Perimeter of NJ in Long Distance Trails

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Sadowsky Park

Managed by Perth Amboy

Acreage: ?

Map: None found

Parking:

Sadowsky Parkway: Lat 40°30'0.17"N long 74°16'1.62"W

Trails:

A lovely walking route, like the boardwalks further south, leads along this, the first real section of beach visitors would encounter traveling south from New York/Newark city areas. The route leads along the beach, to a beautiful dock out onto the Raritan Bay, and curves to the north. More walkways along the Arthur Kill exist not far to the north as well.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

PASSAIC COUNTY

Wawayanda State Park

Managed by NJ Parks and Forests

Acreage: 34,350

Map: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/docs/Wawayanda%20State%20Park%20no%20bleed%202.pdf

Parking

AT lot, Rt 94: La 41°13'9.86"Nt Long 74°27'18.54"W

Park access road, headquarters from Warwick Tpk: Lat 41°11'53.07"N Long 74°23'50.45"W

Bearfort Waters, Clinton Road: Lat 41° 8'34.41"N Long 74°24'26.56"W

Cherry Ridge Road: Lat 41° 9'24.78"N Long 74°24'52.46"W

Stephens Road: Unlocated

Trails:

Appalachian Trail: White blazed, see Long Distance Trails

Hoeferlin Trail: 2 miles, blue blazed. This trail connects the Appalachian Trail with Double Pond Trail. From the AT, it heads south and passes by the main park office. It then crosses the park entrance road and continues south, making a connection with Black Eagle Trail along it's way to Double Pond Trail.

Double Pond Trail: 1.7 miles, yellow blazed. Beginning at Wawayanda Lake, this former Double Pond Road makes it's way along the north shore of Wawayanda Lake and on to the historic Wawayanda Furnace. It continues past a restroom and over a bridge. Along it's route it makes connections with Wingdam, Laurel Pond, Red Dot, Hoeferlin, and Cedar Swamp Trails. Double Pond Trail ends at the end of Banker Road where there is no parking. A short walk down Banker Road will lead to Banker Trail on the right. Note: If you hike from Banker Trail to Double Pond Trail, hikers may find "no trespassing" signs and such. There is a new house built at the end of Banker Road on the left, but the access to the trail is still there. There are even yellow blazes on utility poles on the way down to Banker Trail.

Laurel Pond Trail: 1.5 miles, yellow blazed. This trail connects Double Pond Road at Wawayanda Furnace with Cherry Ridge Road. It follows an old woods road across a bridge to the south, and then makes it's way near to Laurel Pond, a minor pond fed by outlet water from Wawayanda Lake. There is an unmarked side trail to the west, leading to a rock outcrop with views of the pond. There are many lily pads in the pond in the Summer.

Sitting Beat Trail: 1.2 miles, orange blazed. This trail connects Wingdam Trail with Laurel Pond Trail. One of the newest additions to Wawayanda, Metrotrails has not yet scouted this trail.

Red Dot Trail: 1.5 miles loop, 2 miles point to point, or 2.8 total with side loop, red blazed. This trail connects Double Pond Trail with Cherry Ridge Road directly, but has two alternatives along the way, so out and back lollipop loop hikes could also be made. The trail passes mostly through woods, but crosses a couple streams. One crossing can be difficult during high water.

Black Eagle Trail: 0.8 mile, green on white blazed. This trail travels between the dirt Wawayanda Road and Hoeferlin Trail, crossing the state park entrance road along the way.

Wawayanda Road: 2 miles, unblazed except for AT section. This dirt road travels from the state park access road north to the NY/NJ state line before entering private land. The road is still used to the north. It can be used within the park to make loops using the AT and other trails. It is necessary to hike a section of Wawayanda Road to reach the north end of Black Eagle Trail.

Cross Road: 0.3 mile, unblazed. This woods road connects Iron Mountain Trail with Wawayanda Road.

Cedar Swamp Trail: 1.4 miles, blue blazed. This trail begins at Double Pond Trail and descends to Banker Trail. It starts on an old woods road, but soon enters an Atlantic White Cedar swamp on a long set of puncheons. This trail should not be attempted during cold weather, as there is a good likelihood of getting wet feet. Many of the puncheons are now floating, probably due to beaver activity. Nevertheless, it is an incredible route and probably one of the best trails in the park. It also intimately passes through groves of Rhododendron.

Banker Trail: 1.7 miles, yellow blazed. This trail travels from south to north between the end of Cherry Ridge Road to Banker Road, and connects Cedar Swamp Trail on the way. It follows relatively easy terrain on the eastern side of the park, and isn't so far away from development. Note that when the trail terminates at Banker Road, there is no parking, and in order to continue hiking, it is necessary to walk Banker Road to the left to Double Pond Trail. Land owners have posted the road even though there is an access.

Cherry Ridge Road Trail: 2.6 miles, unblazed. This old road once crossed over Wawayanda connecting Lake Lookover near Upper Greenwood Lake with Highland Lakes. Either end of the road is still drivable, but there is only parking on the east side. It passes over the mountain and makes possible connections with Banker, Old Coal, Lookout, Red Dot, Laurel Pond, Pump House, and Cabin Trails.

Cabin Trail: 0.5 mile, yellow blazed. This trail has not yet been scouted by Metrotrails, but may be a portion of the proposed Iron Belt Trail.

Turkey Ridge Road Trail: 2 miles, blazed blueish? This trail apparently follows old Turkey Ridge Road. Metrotrails has not yet scouted this trail, which connects Cabin Trail with Old Coal Trail.

Lookout Trail: 1.3 miles, white blazed. This trail connects Cherry Ridge Road with Old Coal Trail, and passes by the secluded Lake Lookout, one of the most private areas in Wawayanda State Park.

Old Coal Trail: 2.8 miles, red blazed. This trail connects Cherry Ridge Road with Bearfort Waters on Clinton Road, where the Terrace Pond Trail heads are. From just south of the parking lot along Clinton Road, Old Coal Trail enters the woods at the Wildcat Mountain Center. The entire length of the trail follows an old woods road gradually heading up hill to Cherry Ridge Road, making connections with Bearfort Waters-Clinton Trail and Lookout Trail along the way.

Iron Mountain Trail: 2.8 miles

Terrace Pond South Trail: 1.5 miles, yellow blazed. This trail begins with Terrace Pond North Trail at Beafort Waters on Clinton Road and ascends south of where Terrace Pond North Trail does. It too crosses through wet areas, then reaches woodes roads which is follows for some time. It also makes connections with and follows part of Yellow Dot Trail and Terrace Pond Red Trail before reaching Terrace Pond.

Terrace Pond North Trail: 3.8 miles, blue blazed. This trail begins at Bearfort Waters and ascends the Bearfort Ridge. The Terrace Pond South Trail is co-aligned shortly at the beginning. There is recent rock work to alleviate wet crossings that is impressively doen by NY/NJ Trail Conference. The trail joins the Tennessee Gas Pipeline briefly, then turns right to continue up to Terrace Pond. From Terrace Pond it crosses the outlet to the left and ascends the next section of the Bearfort Ridge steeply. It then continues along the ridge intimately fighting through dense undergrowth of blueberries and scrubby vegetation. When it crosses the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, it turns right and heads down hill briefly, then turns  left on a recent re-route and passes a few east facing view points toward West Milford before descending to Warwick Turnpike. Bearfort Ridge Trail continues across the highway in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest.

Terrace Pond Red Trail: 2.6 miles, red blazed. This trail connects Stephens Road with Terrace Pond, and the rest of the trail system. It is co-aligned with Yellow Dot briefly as well. This trail passes over many ridges of puddingstone conglomerate. Geographic features are the highlight of this trail with many interesting formations.

Terrace Pond Circular Trail: 1.1 miles, white blazed. This trail makes a loop around the beautiful Terrace Pond. It connects with all trails leading to to the pond, and traverses rough terrain including rock scrambles and wet crossing. Several side paths lead to overlooks of the lake.

Yellow Dot Trail: 1 mile, yellow on white blazes. This trail connects Terrace Pond South Trail with Terrace Pond Circular Trail, and connects also with Terrace Pond Red. It leads along woods roads and over rock outcrops, with one expansive view east to the NYC skyline before terminating at Terrace Pond Circular.

Spring North Trail: 1.9 miles, blue blazed. This trail connects Stephens Road with Terrace Pond Red Trail, following old woods roads, gas pipeline, and foot path.

Bearfort Waters-Clinton Trail: 4.6 miles, yellow blazed. This trail breaks away from Old Coal Trail shortly from it's southern terminus and leads south to Clinton Reservoir on NPW property. See Newark Pequannock Watershed for description.

Livingston Ponds Trails (abandoned): This trail shown on old Wawayanda maps and somewhat on USGS quads had an east and west section. Beginning near the beach area at Wawayanda Lake, it travelled north, broke in two, and led to the developments at Livingston Ponds. Metrotrails has not attempted to scout this trail yet. We hope to add a description later.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNION COUNTY

Central Railroad of NJ (Former)

Not an official park

Mileage: 3.5

Trails:

A 3.5 mile section of the abandoned former Central Railroad of NJ extends from Elizabeth to Cranford. Much of it is overgrown, but it would make a fantastic urban trail. Many people use it as such in areas already regardless. Please do not trespass, but reach out to local governments, and plead with them to make this right of way a trail! This section was part of the original Elizabeth and Somerville Railroad, one of the first successful railways in America, and predecessor to the CNJ.___

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mathias Clark Park

Managed by Town of Westfield

Acreage: 9.5

Map: None found

Parking:

On street, Tuttle Parkway.

Trails:

What makes this park so significant, is that it's border between Roosevelt Intermediate School is followed by the original route of Old Yorke Road, possibly the only section left in it's original dirt state, now a jogging trail through the park between Tuttle Parkway and Clark Street.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mindowaskin Park

Managed by town of Westfield

Acreage: 12.6

Map: None found

Parking:

Off North Euclid Ave: Lat 40°39'25.52"N Long 74°20'51.14"W

Trails:

Pathways connect Euclid, Mountain, Park, and Broad Ave, and pass around Mindowaskin Pond.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hosting courtesy of Firebrand Communications. Website design by SGF Studios

©2012 Metrotrails unless otherwise noted • All rights reserved