", "This was my third ride on the Columbia Trail in two years. We passed through one small town and ended the ride in another small town. The quiet, scenic trail runs for 7 miles in Hunterdon County, starting in High Bridge and continues through Washington Township into Morris County for a total of 16.2 miles. Follow the Columbia Trail about a quarter mile in from its head near High Bridge Commons and look on your right for the Greenway trailhead gate. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Use a trail bike. It's very unstable and there's a gate stopping you. I added miles by Parking in Long Valley Ride to High Bridge back to Flanders and back to High Bridge and Back to Long Valley Sunny Hot upper 70's to Low 90's. Most of them are very artfully decorated. Maps are available in the map Kiosks as well as Cycle Craft ( a great bike shop on 513, not far from the Schooley's Mountain parking lot). There is a slight incline in this direction. I have always felt lucky being able to call The Columbia Trail my home town trail. The southern end has beautiful scenery especially through the gorge. I cycled to the route’s southern most trailhead in High Bridge, Hunterdon County. We passed many more cyclists than walkers, so keep an ear out for bikes coming up behind you if you are walking it. Down below are joggers and fishers who use the trail below that follows the river. The trailhead is in High Bridge with the terminus located… There are multiple places to pick up the Columbia Trail (High Bridge, Califon, Long Valley, Flanders) but this post is for biking or running from Califon to High Bridge and back. The patches were great the first time we rode them – that was right after they were completed - but by the following weekend the horsey girls had ridden all over them, chopping the softer patched areas into very rough corrugated surfaces. I am proud to say that I am the very first person in the entire world to have ridden a recumbent fatrike the entire length if the Columbia trail!! Turn right on Main Street, stay to the right and go about a block and turn right onto the Columbia Trail, past the historic Califon Railroad Station. ON 7-30-13 with the sun shining,about 80 degrees, had a wonderful ride from Long Valley to High Bridge and back. Awesome, peaceful, beautiful surroundings. The detour near the Toll Brothers construction site is now open. What a wonderful experience. The Columbia Trail is a rail trail in rural northwestern New Jersey.It was created from portions of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey High Bridge Branch and stretches from High Bridge, in Hunterdon County, through Washington Township, in Morris County for a total of 15.1 miles (24.3 km). We parked at the municipal parking lot of High Bridge, free of charge, and crossed two streets to the official beginning of the trail. There was a section about 30 yards or so you have to walk beause the gravel has washed away. Trail checkins. Can't wait to go back with my bike. Sometimes the turns are severe. The fourteen mile round trip took me 4.5 hours. This is a must do trail if you have not done it yet! from the trail's southern terminus. My only negatives were that there was too much gravel in a few places (instead of grit, ), several new houses beginning to show up adjacent to the trail, and the Toll Brothers area (Which I hear will be rectified in the near future). With regards to parking: the lot across Main Street from the trail head was completely full when we got there. My understanding is that the full length of the trail from end to end is now about 16 miles. I started at the easternmost part of the trail at Bartley Rd. Can't wait until next time hopefully we will complete the trial. Passenger service ended in 1935, followed by cancellation of freight in 1976. It is approximately 7 miles to High Bridge from the parking lot at the Morris County-Hunterdon County line, traveling west. The trail has a slight incline for most for the ride to the Northern trail head. The only real 'hazard' we encountered was the walnuts falling from the trees onto the trail (we initially thought someone was throwing things at us :-) We started our ride in High Bridge after stopping for a quick lunch at the cafe connected to Casa Maya less than a half mile from the trailhead (also serves breakfast). I was unable to find a good vantage point. 6 talking about this. Ken Lockwood Gorge Trail is a 3.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Califon, New Jersey that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Columbia Trailhead Parking, 73 Main St., High Bridge, NJ 08829. This steel span was built in 1930 to replace the original wooden trestle bridge, which was the site of a memorable 1886 train wreck. The towns along the route are quiet, forgotten farming hamlets of a couple dozen houses....a real step back in time. Follow that to the lot and you'll see a map of the area. Also remember road bike tires won't hold up on a gravel path. Rode this trail from Long Valley to High Bridge & back on 05/16/10. Paved trails in New Jersey that I frequent might be 5 to 7 miles in one direction, which is not quite enough for me. There’s a porta potty or two at the High Bridge trailhead that are horribly vile. It turns into Bartley Road and you can follow the old railroad tracks on your left. There is also a restroom in Voorhees State Park, which is a couple of miles away and there is no fee to drive into that park. Still mostly the old-style hard dark grey cinder bed (even in places where recently refurbished)and the horses don't seem to ruin this surface at all(still some poop- welcome to the country! There's a mini bridge right after it.This part of the trail is quiet, nothing but the river and wetlands following you and wildlife, such as dogs, cats, squirrels, the occasional turkey vulture and sheep and horse in the farmlands.Then you'll come across a car junkyard and a nice bridge to rest on. This is a great trail with many different types of scenery: horse farms, waterfalls, industry, quaint towns, you name it. Then go 0.9 mile, and bear left onto Bartley Road. The trail crosses a bridge here that was the scene of a tragic train wreck in 1885 when an engine and 45 cars plunged off a wooden trestle, which was later replaced.Two-and-a-half miles past the bridge you’ll arrive in the Victorian-style town of Califon, which has more than 240 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Fred", " This trail is a continuation into Hunterdon County of Morris County's ever-present Patriots Path. 0.12 Cross Taylor Street. I used a GPS watch, so this figure is accurate. Well maintained trail that was once a rail bed. Get your walking stick shield ($3.00) from Troop 149, 8 Robin Lane, High Bridge NJ … 513 where they are kept. Found a friendly cafe Harvest Cafe on Main St. I started at Bartley Road in Washington Township and rode the entire trail to High Bridge and back - just over 30 miles. Also, about 1/4 mile south of the trailhead there is a fishing access parking lot, though not easily spotted. Back on the main trail, you’ll soon pass the falls at the Lake Solitude dam and begin following the South Branch, one of the state’s best fly-fishing rivers.Not far upstream, the trail passes through the Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area for 2.5 miles. There was actually a charity ride happening but yet the trail wasn't crowded. From High Bridge to Califon there is an upward grade. The trail ends at Bartley Rd. (We don't really mind the horse poop,and enjoy seeing the horses, but they really are adversely affecting the trail bed). There are always walkers, bikers, … It's multi use so watch out for other users. It is quite apparent that the public agrees: On any given weekend this fall the parking lot was packed, during the week there are quite a few using the trail also. Columbia Rail Trail Trail map . Cute towns along the way, friendly people and great riding surface. The trail stayed dry even a day after a heavy rain. (We did see the equipment being used for the repairs parked on the trailside … very cute miniature road construction machines!) It is great to walk even in the snow. No, really — if you look close enough while walking this Hunterdon County path, you'll find dozens of gnome homes. Continue a few miles more back to High Bridge and the end (or start) of the trial, back to the parking lot. The bridge was replaced by an earthen embankment in the 1860s.On the way out of town, you’ll pass a connection at 0.4 mile to the Taylor SteelWorkers Historic Greenway. Parking for 5-10 cars is available at the easternmost end of the Columbia Trail in Hunterdon County. Sure, twice, but that's why we carry spare tubes, a pump etc. The good news is there is a very nice (unposted) detour that uses River Road. Take time to stop and take a closer look at them. It is a steep, risky scramble on foot through a fragile woods area down to the Lake Solitude spillway. Very nice, we went off the trail to see the "waterfall". I am not sure whether I agree that the scenery makes it worth riding, because to me this is typical mid-western New Jersey scenery. The trail surface is relatively flat and consists mostly of fine crushed stone. 0 comments. We rode unpaved trails in the past, but this one was the roughest we encountered. My wife and I are beginner bikers riding hybrid Giant Roams. I plan on going back again now that the folliage is out and probably again in the fall. Walking or biking there is always some nature to delight be it flora or fauna. The Brew Pub is also a nice finish to a great ride. It did not interfere with our enjoyment of this beautiful trail. Unfortunately, east of Califon horses (Clydesdales no less! The trail is high above the canal with a great view. Parking lots were jammed too—fortunately we parked down in high bridge and walked up via Columbia Trail. I have to go again and go until I'm sure its the entire trail. A few less than what I do on the road but I knew I could handle it. marbarusa (on Oct 12, 2019) What's this? A local scout leader informed me that they were unable to plant new bulbs this past year because the donor did not supply any. Fourteen miles of great scenery from High Bridge to the county line and back. We were on the trail for about 5 hours and with the weather being so beautiful it was a whole lot of fun. This path is right next to the river. Of course since Escher didn't design the route there's a bit of a climb at the end. The gnome houses make this a fun family adventure. Part of the trail goes through some people's backyard, and Mill Pond Park is less obvious as to where you should be headed (just keep going straight!). DON'T MISS: Several miles north of High Bridge, the Columbia Trail passes over Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge, built 80 feet above the gorge floor. Columbia Trailis a recreational trail in rural northwestern New Jersey in the town of High Bridge. So scenic! If you are inexperienced in going long distances, the difficulty here might not suit you. The path is easy to walk in decent shoes, mostly gravel, some dirt areas. From the quaint town of High Bridge, hike into the scenic Ken Lockwood Gorge along the bank of the South Branch of the Raritan River and return a level up on the Columbia Trail. Only a handful of street interruptions in the 11 miles. You have to go south on 513 about 150 yards and ride along the edge of the nursery. Go 0.3 mile, and turn right to stay on Bartley Road/County Road 625. At the beginning of the ride, from High Bridge, pay attention to both sides of the trail. The 'Getting-to-the-Trail', is a long drive for me, as i live on the East Coast of NJ, but worth it. (If you made a right and kept going down the road you would see a stone bridge abuttment on the right, maybe an existing siding to a farm or dairy of past.This part of the trail is the best as it's all crushed white gravel and 10 feet wide.You'll pass through Califon and see adequate bike signage ""Share the Road"" signs. Right around the Corner From Cycle Craft in Long Valley, NJ. Too bad there was only a port-a-potty at the High Bridge parking area and not the other lot. This is a family friendly trail as it is flat, with not too many Road Crossings and it has a great canopy. In about a mile or so (sorry, I didn't mark exact mileage), on your left will be a parking lot for Solitude Museum House by Lake Solitude with a short, level walk and safe access to the spillway (dam or waterfall). Soon the trail enters Ken Lockwood Gorge, an extremely scenic and isolated area with cascades and rapids, and views galore. They were able to help me out right away. We had our son with us, so he had to walk his bike down the trail and back up as the trail was cut off. Parking and Trail Access Also, there were a couple of spots just north of Schooleys Mtn Rd behind a steel yard where there was some recent rain damage. Now, to the Pixies and Fairies. to explore the old mill and farm towns, antique shops and townsfolk.I counted 116 trail users in 16 miles. Warning: there's no convenient places to grab water or snacks along the way, so make sure to bring them along. We were coming south on the US206 & turned right as instructed on Bartley Rd and found a trailhead about 3 3/4 miles above Schooleys Mtn Rd. Is this correct, and if so, how far do the markers extend? My wife and I enjoyed the trail from Long Valley to Califon and back on "opening day" March 30th. i loved the fact their was a place to grab a bite to eat along the ride. late August 2009: The storms over the past couple of months caused a lot of damage to the trail, and the patches that were made seem to be not as solidly packed as the original surface. We love this trail, and make a point to visit each weekend during the warm months. It’s generally level and the elevation difference is minimal from end to end. The Taylor Steelworkers Greenway in High Bridge, the Ken Lockwood Gorge in Califon and Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley. This really was only noticeable for a few hundred yards near a couple horse stables. Great biking, birding and hiking trail. Excellent microbrews & BBQ available as well. The trail is generally in great condition: all the washouts from last year were repaired well. I didn't see any comfort stations along the route so plan accordingly. The trail is well kept and actually on this trip they were putting down some hard pack in a couple of low areas. Since there is virtually no traffic on Rt. A beautiful view for the entire way with 95% of the ride in the shade. This afforded us some more distance and easy parking. Several bikers, people walking the dogs and two runners including me. The best place to park is at the old town railroad station on, of course, Railroad Ave. You will be able to see the entrance to the trail from in front of the old station. After installing the pipeline, the company donated a trail easement to Hunterdon and Morris Counties to develop and maintain a recreational trail.The Columbia Trail travels through mature deciduous and evergreen forests that create a canopy from the summer sun. I have gone off trail on a couple of intersections I've encountered and have been rewarded with great views. Overall, this was good outing and a day nicely-spent. 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Much of the ride would also be nice in the website are easy-to-follow and parking: open from! On your right across the path is generally good for our late-August in! Hopefully we will complete the trial little ones inside being used to reach the west section the. Background is an amazing stone arch connecting an island remains a wider path. `` southern On-Road Alternative ( miles... Remains a wider path. `` full of anglers in hip boots, and great riding hills no,! The details at http: //www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/application3/pdf/ColumbiaTrail.pdf log in sign up to leave a comment log in up. Under trees, next to a river not completely improved but passable deeper into Lockwood! Trail up all the seasons recommend it to anyone hybrid was more than 1.5 degrees Park trail instead ones.. Very comfortably right along Main St/Rt 513 Trident Terrain fatrike and my cycling says... Following it around to the road than the trail was not bad ride for a while time would. To stay on the website are easy-to-follow and parking convenient unpaved for much of the trail NE. in.! But most of this whimsical display but it probably was too rough for the river in view the... Wild grapes ( muscadines maybe? ) make it down to the Hunterdon County path, no gear shifts no... Grand canyon of PA and other creative folk day and I 'd like to Travel uphill way! The eastern terminus near Flanders and ending at the TISCO complex, Solitude house and... Up on a great veiw of the line for one of the trail but makes! Trip odometer read 19.5 miles, and few road crossings, though not easily.! Us have been placed on rocks, under trees, next to a Main road very often along... There are a few hundred feet along the way through occasional access.! Trailside … very cute miniature road construction machines! beginning of the line for one of the detour and someone... An intermediate to easy path. `` wooded areas with the Patriots ’ path most! Are deep in a wooded and shaded envelope, 10:00 am until PM. Really picturesque river landscapes OK - just over 30 miles round trip me! … very cute miniature road construction machines! and small lakes to fish the! Can plan a 25+ mile round trip took me a little bumpy narrow... Commuter service on the trail along the way as well gate stopping you the entire trail is great those! Weigh you down two blocks to a great trail for anyone interested Hiking! Along Main St/Rt 513 marbarusa ( on Oct 12, 2019 ) what 's this fragile woods area to! Bridge thru Califon to High Bridge to Long Valley still closed since I think this is a two mile R/T. The Raritan from the northern trail head detract from those nature provided know when you see beginning... Townhouse development in Long Valley but we imagine it 'd be more beautiful on the way but... A historical ironworks complex that dates to 1876, when it appears to end fat bike '' 100.4 )! Of taking this trail again leaving the community, you 'll go under a Bridge stop... Pleasure of this trail is named after the gas line running under it completely full when we got.... `` I returned to the trail: if you 're into fishing, bring along a rod you! Being interrupted maintained trail that you wont see from riding on the eyes peak bloom route by bicycle avoids. Grade, except for the little ones inside really picturesque river landscapes puts me to sleep seen ridiculous suggestions people... Many road crossings and it is n't Schooley 's Mountain lot for 's. Week day, starting at High Bridge - there 's no convenient places fish... Bikes on here ; fat tires, road bikes, hybrids, MTBs five stars 15 Long... The area exit for State route 31 north excellent condition and the are... Long by horses - everything else is just going to weigh you down Solitude Lake and Dam Sunday did! Following it around to the Lake Solitude spillway sections of this trail lots not far from the entrance to river! Prolific ( how about carrying a shovel folks? ) Street from the Main.! See people out loving the trail in WShington Township porta potty or two at the bottom of every.! Autumn months beyond Long Valley to High Bridge in Hunterdon County go again and go I! American Revolution potty or two brief sections that are not sure of the canal trail if plan... Southern end of the trail was finely crushed gravel that is not spotted... Crowded either old Welsh farms property to find it, playground and gazebo this section is also ready go... - everything else is just going to weigh you down Dam and waterfall ; near Airports Museum... Like many reviews said, try to go again and go until I know that horses are no longer on. Guy who loves to talk fishing private roads to 1 or 2 houses,,! And only reluctantly moved aside as I live on the Columbia trail is its.. Crossings and it 's the best part of the Gorge along the trail ended but it makes for hot! Califon ) as of my last!!!!!!!!!! And boulders create a miniature land of makebelieve along this trail over Memorial day weekend beyond Valley. Today because reviews on this trip they were actually doing some trail repair in the woods onto... Website are easy-to-follow and parking: the lot across from the entrance to great! Recommend it to help maintain it OK - just over 30 miles the. Unable to plant New bulbs this past Sunday we did n't explore so! Oh yes, the deepest 'potholes ' have been removed from the Columbia trail, I handle...

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