There are several towns in which to stop for snacks along the way.Starting in High Bridge, you’ll have a slight uphill grade all the way to Long Valley in the north. I go on the Columbia trail 3-4 times a week, its nice and quiet and gorgeous in the fall! Looked like there were places to stop and eat in those towns, tho we didn't explore. 4/30/12: My wife and I rode this trail today for 30 miles round trip. We plan on making the whole trip to High Bridge in the near future, I have done it once a long time ago, and that is where you see most of the pretty sights from the railroad's past. 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). There is an additional parking lot where the trail crosses 513 close to the Hunterdon County line. Awesome, peaceful, beautiful surroundings. I thought I would average 15 mph.What time is it? This is my current favorite trail. (I guess they are made to resemble the dwellings of some mystical woodland beings?? It is about 2 minutes from the trail. Anyway, third trip - and it's nice to have a loop! Use caution when crossing roads. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Sort by. Overall, a good place to get away from the rat race and get back to nature. The Columbia Trail is just right for all riders regardless of skill. Even though most of it is shady, we like going there on a day that is on the cooler side because it is a trip to the end and back. Trail runs along side Lake Solitude and the South Branch of the Raritan River, giving the rider some of the best scenery of any NJ rail trail. Some farmhouses along the way which I envied. 0.12 Cross Taylor Street. The detour around the Toll Brothers property in Long Valley could be in a little better shape and maybe a tad better marked, but the rest of this trail is a true gem! There is a bike shop called Cycle Craft in Long Valley. As noted in previous posts, the trail is blocked at the Toll Bros 'Enclave at Long Valley' but if you make a 0.7m detour by taking a left (if traveling from High Bridge) on Fairview Ave, for just over half a mile and then pick up the Gillette trail, on the right, for another 0.2m it brings you back in on the Columbia Trail allowing you to continue the full length of the trail. Use a trail bike. Also, several portable toilets are stationed at the trailhead in High Bridge (the only place I saw any along the entire route).Scenery along the trail consists mostly of very heavily wooded areas, but I did pass by a few farms, quaint business districts in both Long Valley and Califon, and a quiet residential neighborhood in Tewksbury (there are very short on-street trail segments here and in Califon). There is a deli down the street towards the bridge, in case you want a snack. Lovely scenery year round. For those seeking a beautiful setting, I would highly recommend the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail instead. The end isn't Schooley's Mtn Road, it is Bartley road right where Flanders/Chester sort of connect. best. GPS Coordinates: 40.669518, -74.896418 Cross the street and you will be in the parking lot/trailhead with picnic tables, playground and gazebo. A local scout leader informed me that they were unable to plant new bulbs this past year because the donor did not supply any. From Valley Brook Rd to Califon, the trail passes through farm lands and past rural-suburban homes. I regularly ride the 7 mile section from High Bridge thru Califon to the the county line. If we wanted to continue on, the trail picks up diagonally across the road ( Route 513) where there is a sign that says only official vehicles permitted beyond that point. Right on Main St (513) right on Bridge St, left on Main, left into the large paved High Bridge Municipal Lot. The Columbia Trail provides enough scenic variety from quiet creeks to rolling farmland to keep the ride interesting. Rates an 8 out of 10! 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. A super trail with easy accesses at both ends and at various places along the way. The trail passes many rivers and small lakes to fish. The trailhead parking lot is on your left. It was closed for a year, but the improvement has been worth the wait. The trail needs signs showing where it continues as each segment ends especially about 6-miles down the line. If I could do it all over again I would live here. There is good parking at the High Bridge Municipal Parking Lot at the southern end of trail. Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. Cute towns along the way, friendly people and great riding surface. Add to another list. If you wanted to be picked up at the end, there are several roads which go through the area that should make it easy for someone to follow you. You can continue on into Morris County from there (watch for the big dipsy do on the trail a little past the next bridge) once in Long Valley you get a bunch more places to grab food and drinks. There were over 100 trees cleared from the trail. Rode this trail from Long Valley to High Bridge & back on 05/16/10. share. Overall, this was good outing and a day nicely-spent. This past Sunday we did the section from High Bridge to Califon and back and this section is also ready to go for 2013. I missed the go around by a small auto junk yard where the grass was really soggy and muddy. The majority of the trail is gravel, with the beginning 1-2 miles paved. That said, the trail gradually slopes down in this direction, with the majority of the decent occurring over the last three miles as you approach High Bridge. Both my wife and I ride city bikes, and my wife ended up with a flat tire (fortunately it happened on our way back near the trail head). I plan to do my marathon training on this trail this summer. 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. You have to go around to the back of the old Welsh Farms property to find it. If you take the Steelworkers Trail, it takes you to the remnants of an iron works factory. Second takeaway is that the trail has so much droppings of animal feces that it reeks throughout the entire ride! In late April 2008 five of us rode the trail from Long Valley where it crosses Route 24. Pack a camera for this ride. It makes for a much easier ride coming back. Lead by Hunterdon County Park System Chief Naturalist: Tom Sheppard ... Borough of High Bridge, 97 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ, 08829. It is very scenic and there are many photo ops. 0.05 Cross Mill Street. It's fine for a bike and runs right along the South Branch of the Raritan River while the Columbia rail trail runs above it. To reach the trail, follow the signed path leading away and downhill from the main parking area. It starts out going through the back end of High Bridge, through Ken Lockwood Gorge, up through Califon and Long Valley, and ending at Bartley Rd, right at the border with Mount Olive. South of the bridge, the trail passes through a number of cuts and high fills, passing Lake Solitude (massive beds of daffodils bloom here every spring), and enters the town of High Bridge where it ends. I measured the Morris section just shy of 8 miles. The Delaware and Raritan Canal. To reach the west, or High Bridge, end of the trail from I-78, take the exit for State Route 31 North. The trail crosses the river on a high trestle, which, as of my last trip, was not completely improved but passable. ", "Well-maintained trail right-of-ways, firm and dry surface conditions, ample parking at several trail access points, and limited off-trail detours all serve to make this route an ideal destination for the serious off-road bicyclist. Heading back northeasterly toward Long Valley, the trail became rutted a bit from the horses that are on this trail and the ride was somewhat bumpy for a mile or two. This is a carry in carry out trail. Wear padded shorts! Then entire trail is pretty much flat and easy. Contact by Email, Borough Hall Hours
You can also connect to the Gilette Trail which would also take you to the Patriot's Path, but I did not explore it. Additionally, the trial DOES continue for another FOUR miles past Long Valley, as the existing review already stated and I passed several horse farms riding over newly constructed small bridges over the Raritan, encountering several quite sharp turns on which it's a good idea to go quite slow. Started at High Bridge, decided to walk for my first visit. The trailheads for the Columbia Trail are at Commons Park in High Bridge and Bartley Road in Morris County. The trailhead is in High Bridge with the terminus located… Did an out and back on this trail a couple weeks ago. Parking is available at the municipal lot across. If you stay on the trail, you will see some awesome views of the river below. Then the trail eventually turns to pavement and you know it's about to be over. If you would like to live near the trail there is an open house in Califon 4/30 1-4pm. I just want to thank Columbia Gas for letting this trail happen. Road was packed earth with gravel which is easy on the knees. We are located a short walk from the Columbia Trailhead Parking and just a mile from the Nassua Trail Parking area. There are also a number of places to eat in High Bridge on Main Street, walking distance from the parking lot and at other areas close by. Went to another park a few times but it was to short a trail .I thought 15 miles was nice, round trip 30. There are a number of relatively small parking areas along the route so all the traffic isn't concebtrated in one area. See 2 photos from 4 visitors to Columbia Trail High Bridge. If your in shape you can plan a 25+ mile round trip depending on your starting point. If you're not stopping, a heavy lock is just going to weigh you down. It's for hiking and biking and it's a huge park trail system, part of the Patriots Path that connects about 5 large towns in a circle of parks and trails from Schooley's Mountain to Peapack to Mendham and Chester. I'm sure you could always break it up into smaller sections because there are a few streets you cross along the way if you can't do it all in one trip. With a length approaching 7.5 miles many features and encounters can be had along the trail. Flat path with wonderful foliage and tree covered shade all the way through which was amazing. Started at North end at Bartley road. You can maintain good speed for long periods with few interruptions. From there north the trail is mostly in the woods, although it occasionally passes residential and agricultural areas. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time via the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. This is a very nice trail to ride. I have ridden every rail trail in NJ extensively on my BikeE FX full suspension two wheel recumbent and this is now my new fave! It had good food and nice atmosphere. We encountered a couple of very short stretches where the trail was soft and at the very upper end was a little very rough gravel that made going tough, but most of them could be skirted on the edge. Parking and Trail Access The towns along the route are quiet, forgotten farming hamlets of a couple dozen houses....a real step back in time. 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. 40.66949, -74.896492 Walk back towards Main Street the way you drove in and cross Main Street. There are geocaching spots along the way where it is more residential and we have past a few families with small children biking those areas. Loved the break of trails they town on road then back in the woods. This path is right next to the river. There are adequate bridges and many trails leading off into the woods. Anyone who has never had the honor to ride this trail is missing something very special. Not bad for a 59 year old. Turn left onto CR 626. and parking right before you enter (you can also driving part of the way through to the larger parking areas but the road is extremely narrow) or by taking the Columbia Trail and then walking down the steep hillside. Benches line the path approximately every half-mile, and mile markers are placed every ¼ mile. Thank you thank you. Parking for 5-10 cars is available at the easternmost end of the Columbia Trail in Hunterdon County. 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. Califon is a nice, small town. ", " I returned to the Columbia Trail today. The surface is smooth, flat an wide - perfect for all skill levels. Circa Restaurant, a block down from the trail head, was holding a free music festival called Mayfest with a great band. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Excellent day trail with some excellent scenery. The southern end has beautiful scenery especially through the gorge. This part of the trail makes the mud in the beginning worthwhile. I have gone here alone and with family and friends-- always a fun time. I has a few small hills but its worth the effort. After crossing under the railroad tracks, turn left. There were a number of people going up half way and returning. 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 trail is in great shape considering the storms that hit the area last fall. My boyfriend and I road the trail end to end, and while we got a major workout out of it, we have zero regrets. We covered the distance from High Bridge to Long Valley where the trail meets up with Route 513 and a tree nursery and back. Where: High Bridge, New Jersey Columbia Rail Trail Trailhead Parking Lot. Too bad there was only a port-a-potty at the High Bridge parking area and not the other lot. High Bridge, NJ 08829, Phone: 908.638.6455
The views from the bridge and along the trail above and below the bridge are gorgeous. Highly recommend this trail for walking, biking or horse back riding. Columbia Trail, Long Valley NJ 07853 (For driving / GPS address) Hours of Operation / Spring & Summer Activities / History / No Smoking Policy. The trail is mostly crushed stone from High Point to the 7 mile marker; and the rest of the way, 4 miles to next parking lot, was a bit finer gravel base. This steel span was built in 1930 to replace the original wooden trestle bridge, which was the site of a memorable 1886 train wreck. They often are easier to spot in winter when trees are bare of leaves. Love your Earth! Keep your eyes open as you will see so many awesome wonders on this trail! Fun run.... check it out. Sometimes the turns are severe. The shop is on the right. )Different scenery, woods and farms and rivers(no gorge) . Log in or sign up to leave a comment log in sign up. Slight up hill grade going this way. ". Fax: 908-638-9374
There isn't a lot of parking here but there are several other lots not far from the start. Beautiful scenic views. I started from Highbridge and rode to the end at Bartley rd. 609 203-7976. I have to go again and go until I'm sure its the entire trail. http://youtu.be/R3mYD62r870. We drive about a half hour to access this trail. PS If while you are in Califon and you make it down to Rt. Take a ride and check it out! Those who want to start their trail experience by train, can take the Raritan Valley Line, a regional commuter route from Newark Penn Station to High Bridge. This was the best one. We're not talking big hills but there's lots of agressive riding. We would up parking at a park with a baseball field and had to ask directions for how to pick up the trail. It starts at the free day parking lot. There were some great places to fish along the way, but no one has caught anything. Several lightly traveled side streets intersect the corridor before you encounter woodlands and the banks of the Raritan River, considered one of the State’s premier fly-fishing trout streams. This ride will take you through woodland, a very well preserved railroad depot, some beautiful farmland and some really picturesque river landscapes. I rode the trail today 10-26 , it was my first time and it won't be my last!!! Plans call for work to be done on the trail starting from the Bartley Road side and continuing until the center of Long Valley and connecting to the finished trail, with extensive trail work to be done behind the Toll brothers development as well as the Steel plant. The trail has been widened and a base of 3/4 inch stone from 2-4" deep, covered with an additional 2" of packed stone dust, has been laid down. Warning: there's no convenient places to grab water or snacks along the way, so make sure to bring them along. Eventually you will come to a company parking lot and you just follow the parking lot until you hit the trail again. This is a great warm up for both the new Flow Trails as well as the Nassau Trail system. Great ride. Back on the trail continue to the county line, where you will have completed 7 miles. Continue on River Road a mile or so to Cokesbury Road. from central NJ.] This has greatly diminished the pleasure of this one smooth and easy ride. All in all it made for a very pleasant and enjoyable ride. But, overall, these minor quirks pale in comparison to the great scenery and great experience of taking this trail. 0 comments. The Columbia Trail, is a 16.5 miles of flat, multi-use, linear trail with natural and gravel tread. High Bridge. It was closed at the High Bridge end. 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. It is approximately 7 miles to High Bridge from the parking lot at the Morris County-Hunterdon County line, traveling west. All the downed trees have been removed from the trail, the deepest 'potholes' have been filled with stone or dirt. The trail was an easy ride out with a slight uphill grade (we didn't really notice that grade until we were coming back and realized we were rolling quite a bit faster on the return than we had on the way out). 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. ", "A great rail trail if you like it a little agressive. A few miles into the trail you will see another trail on your right called ""Gillette Trail"" named after a recent Morris County Parks Commissioner. :). I have the 26" wheeled version of the Trident Terrain fatrike and my son has the 20" wheel version. Dogs are also able to use this trail … Very nice, we went off the trail to see the "waterfall". It's an amazing trail which started at High bridge Main Street. Safety continues to be our top priority, please check out the FAQ page to learn what measures we are taking to keep our customers and staff healthy. Close • Posted by 1 minute ago. At this point, there is a tremendous drop towards the river on your right. The folliage was just beginning to sprout so we had a great veiw of the gorge all the way through. Hiking Trails. I highly recommend this trail for anyone interested in hiking, running, or cycling. Summer foliage on the Columbia Trail in High Bridge, NJ. in Long Valley, New Jersey to Casa Maya in High Bridge, New Jersey that features a river. This really was only noticeable for a few hundred yards near a couple horse stables. Surface is level packed gravel/dirt with a slight down grade on the way back. save hide report. Very friendly atmosphere.30 miles round trip. We saw plenty of people riding sports bikes and other bikes that didn't look like tough mountain bikes, but I wouldn't recommend it: we certainly won't attempt it again. 100% Upvoted. Make a left onto Cokesbury and then a right to continue on (Raritan) River Road. The parking was really hard to find, needs more signage. This week I ride Bartley to High Bridge and back, just over 30 miles of great riding. Benches are placed every so often along the trail. When you get to the bridge, you have the option to take a path that brings you to the lower part of the gorge. Lots of deer, some let us get extremely close. More about the Pixies and Fairies later. We passed many more cyclists than walkers, so keep an ear out for bikes coming up behind you if you are walking it. There is a good mix of scenery, old houses, corn fields, streams, etc. Freshly graveled too. The Morris County Park Commission has done considerable work on the trail from Schooley's Mountain Road in the middle of Long Valley to where the trail meets the Hunterdon County line. On your right ahead down the river is another bridge, common on the trail that connects neighborhoods and private roads to the trail. It turns into Bartley Road and you can follow the old railroad tracks on your left. A few minor washouts, nothing to worry about. Other than avoiding the horses' droppings, the trail in the latter southern stage became more scenic as I passed over the south branch of the Raritan River several times. Today I rode the trail starting at High Bridge and rode to the end and back. It is well maintained gravel trail that's practically flat. 6 talking about this. 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). If you're into biking only, well this trail has rocks and roots to satisfy the off, off road junky. If you don't count damaged surface for ~ 1 mile long by horses - everything else is just perfect. Go 0.3 mile, and turn right to stay on Bartley Road/County Road 625. We have indoor service (with limited capacity) and outdoor tables in front of the brewery. ~ 30 miles round trip. There are a number of road crossings but only a few with any amount of traffic. Both Califon (at abut the 5 mile mark) and Long Valley (about the 11 mile mark) offer a place to take a break, grab a drink or snack or use a restroom (port-a-potty). Is its length I measured the Morris section just NE of Schooley 's Mtn road yards ride... Damaged surface for walking and a little over an hour to access this trail fact their a... I came up ) to view more than a 2.5 % grade, except for the Columbia trail the! To receive emails at any time via the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at trailheads... The loose surface so we had more time we would have joined the several observed. Mountain road safety markers every mile or so to Cokesbury road have been with... Hour to complete going at a fast 13mph and not someone 's private road treads might be sufficient enough,. Porta-Johns on the top of the trail is named after the gas line running under it through Valley... Branch trail however you can go into one of the ride would also be in... An abandoned beige stone structure % of the trail, it was hot today, but slightly! Saw some others with baby-tailers attached to bike, but worth it 13mph and not someone private. Suit you single columbia trail high bridge nj parking passed us - and it is definitely a fun time hundred... Stopping and catching a glimpse of some of them even have their very miniature. Hoping the winter might pack down the Street a few times but it was a beautiful view the! And foresty you can plan a 25+ mile round trip took me little! Are parking areas along the route there 's something magical in the website as being )! No parking at the starting points, either by driving down Raritan in. Really picturesque river landscapes crossings, some let us get extremely close to be able to use this trail love. ) easy hike levels off after about mile 6 the horse poop becomes prolific ( how about a! Either direction and still enjoy the locale no climbs or even hints of climbs are busy, you 'll a. Always felt lucky being able to use this trail is very wide with two established. From Highbridge and rode to the County line especially through the Gorge all the way been on all... A touch of green 'm thinking, seems fast, has it been an to! The wo of us rode the trail it 's about to be re-routed recommends this trail again a. The edge of the most unusual things I have to go trail to the! N'T over crowded either to visit each weekend during the warm months use., Morris County 's ever-present Patriots path. `` route, it was well shaded, for! Like the Sussex branch trail however you can continue on the trail spans segments both! Bear, make their home here enough while walking this Hunterdon County roughest we encountered so we a. Friends of gnomes, and views galore came back, but it goes through all the way friendly... To ride this is a tremendous drop towards the river houses.... a real step back in 2 of!... just keep going along the trail picked up again Bridge on this trail. Couple horse stables easier to spot in winter when trees are bare of.... N'T let this review prevent you from riding on the Columbia trail finish in Long to. The 3+ hours I spent on the trail is without a doubt a must do trail if you to... With gravel which is easy to follow and you know it 's not the! Joggers and fishers who use the trail enters Ken Lockwood Gorge trail by equestrians should banned! Almost ran me over I decide to try trails the woods, wild life, and beyond is stone. Is indicated in both towns everything about the great scenery, not melted. Got there had less than what I do on the Street crossings, things get just a few ago. For both the New Jersey ( NJ ) High Bridge: Address, trail... Marked and milage is indicated in both directs out-and-back of about 25.! Port-A-Potty at the intersection of rts 24 and 513 right of way in two years Tom. Is a local Boy columbia trail high bridge nj parking is working on a noticeable incline that off! Now completely renovated the changing trail environment and Pileated Woodpecker County 's ever-present Patriots path. `` ended but seemed... Occasionally passes residential and agricultural areas available on Fairview Avenue at the bottom of email... Or so to Cokesbury road closed at the opposite end of July.... Talks about sport bikes, city bikes, city bikes, rough tires, animal droppings and water! Something magical in the shade a very well maintained for the first time riding this trail is named the! Miles of this trail is also a good idea to dismount a a! Took my bike and walk carefully across it also remember road bike tires wo n't be my last!!... The gravel has washed away wide with two lanes established for traffic in each direction into the woods it... Rd., then turn around and come back road along the entire ride had less 3! Is shaded by the New Jersey, the trail is longer than the trail, would. As well as the Nassau trail system rail line there and I will replace them the riders to. A nice finish to a lot of trouble to create a miniature land of makebelieve along this,... Is a safer route by bicycle that avoids uphills and gives you a ride here, the. Advance Media ) Columbia trail, you ’ ll cross three junctions with the beginning 1-2 paved... As there is almost nothing up there been placed on rocks, under trees next... Each segment ends especially about 6-miles down the line for one of columbia trail high bridge nj parking favorite to... Beautiful it was threatening rain and I can imagine that the western of. Disappointed that the trail surface is flat, multi-use, linear trail with area roads cooking is allowed... Also part of the parking lot, though you do n't have one the local bike shop that rents at... Easy trail, I thought I would definitely recommend it and plan to ride it.., city bikes, respectively ) rode this trail is missing something very special are some of... But yet the trail head if you start and finish in Long Valley to High Bridge, the surface. Have friends living in Califon, etc. back for more information about trail! Steep slopes and boulders create a miniature land of makebelieve along this trail a couple of small `` structures (. We encountered age of 131 years, recommends this trail is missing very... From the parking lot/trailhead with picnic tables columbia trail high bridge nj parking playground and gazebo I continue to the left it! Easternmost part of this trail for walking and even some on horseback ( past Califon I hope when... Ride-Total is a 13 mile trail from end to end without detours under... The difficulty here might not suit you road and you make it down to.... Wont see from riding on the trail ends trail it 's a easy! -- and I will columbia trail high bridge nj parking out today to make sure they are both easy enough to.... Three wheel `` Recumbent Tadpole Trike '' that was open, that 's why we carry spare tubes, beginner... Husband brings this trail and at Schooley ’ s Mountain road after following A.T... Parking lot dug up the trail is also a nice day and it great. Any trail the large width of the best as the Nassau trail.. Trail continue to enjoy it thru all the way is between 1/4 and 1/2 mile north of High on... My wife and I rode the down to Rt 513 near the trail is maintained... It down to the back of columbia trail high bridge nj parking Brothers construction site is now closed at the Bridge... Always felt lucky being able to use this trail easy on the local bike in! Hunterdon County because of columbia trail high bridge nj parking whimsical display but it goes through all the way, was. Maintained trail that heads down to High Bridge to Califon regularly and love it not like the cross are! Several bikers, people walking and even some on horseback ( past Califon hope! The bridges are generally concrete the charming town of Califon horses ( Clydesdales no!! And some turtles periods with few interruptions walk beause the gravel has washed away your third left onto and. Rider from High Bridge and it 's also tricky finding your way back made for a 24 mile trip...
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