The southern seven miles are the best as the surface is better and the scenery is also better. More about the Pixies and Fairies later. 513 there is a Pet Supply store stop in and say hello. Unluckily after about mile 6 the horse poop becomes prolific (how about carrying a shovel folks?) What a fantastic ride. We had a quiet and peaceful walk along the trail, but were slightly disappointed by its lack of colorful scenery. Passenger service ended in 1935, followed by cancellation of freight in 1976. This was a very enjoyable ride through forest and farmland, and most of it was in close proximity to the river. There is a local coffeeshop in High Bridge and a great new coffeeshop (The Coffee Potter) on the trail in WShington Township. Parking lots were jammed too—fortunately we parked down in high bridge and walked up via Columbia Trail. Trail is paved. email if you think we need more work on the trail in Morris County. Enter an optional name and contact email address. It was closed for a year, but the improvement has been worth the wait. You can read my full review and see pictures on my blog:http://www.heidi-and-the-fat-man.blogspot.com/2012/10/cruising-columbia-bike-trail.html. It’s generally level and the elevation difference is minimal from end to end. Rode part of the Columbia trail today but had to stop due to the rainy weather. Despite the rocky portions of the trail, the cleanliness and consistency of the path itself made the ride a pleasant one, filled with deer, a waterfall, and gorgeous overlooks. Approx 1/4 mile from the High Bridge municipal parking lot (right side) is the trailhead of the Taylor Steelworkers Historical Greenway a 6.4 mile trail encompassing most of high bridges historical properties. I used a GPS watch, so this figure is accurate. 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 can also be accessed from Solitude House Museum (circa 1717), the historical Taylor Ironworker and Steel Company Complex, the oldest standing example of ironworks administrative structure (TISCO)(circa 1742) and Springside Farm (circa 1803). We have indoor service (with limited capacity) and outdoor tables in front of the brewery. Freshly graveled too. This is by far one of the most unusual things I have encountered on a trail. Columbia Trail 2015-03-05T20:36:43-05:00. 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. This is a carry in carry out trail. Started at the Highbridge hub and completed the trail both ways, definitely some nice scenic value with the gorge plus the trail was in great shape had a total of 31.2 miles I guess I got sidetracked when I found that little bakery, other than that fantastic definitely recommend this trail and I will do it again. This parking area is located just off Highway 176 just before it crosses the Columbia Canal. The crushed-stone trail rolls along the South Branch of the Raritan River, passing through historical communities such as High Bridge and Califon, as well as a steep, natural gorge.The Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation buried the gas pipeline beneath the old railbed of the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey in the 1990s. The sign only states Authorizes Vehicles Only. If we have to pick up after our dogs ..I think the same should apply with horses. 40.66949, -74.896492 You will be on a paved, gated path crossing several side streets through town before the trail becomes crushed stone at the Columbia Trail sign and information board. 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. Can't wait to ride it again! This week I ride Bartley to High Bridge and back, just over 30 miles of great riding. Unfortunately, east of Califon horses (Clydesdales no less! Up ahead is a parking lot and park and it will go through a neighborhood on streets but it's very quiet and barely any traffic. We have ridden the pine creek trail at the grand canyon of PA and other rails to trails in Elk county Pa. 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. Take time to stop and take a closer look at them. stretch as much as we use to! Lead by Hunterdon County Park System Chief Naturalist: Tom Sheppard ... Borough of High Bridge, 97 West Main Street, High Bridge, NJ, 08829. Very nice short trail. If you're going to bike the whole thing, my recommendation would be to start in High Bridge and go north, as it felt like the entire trail is almost entirely (albeit slightly) uphill going northward, and there is a lot more parking on the High Bridge end too, as there's a decent sized free municipal lot just across East Main St from the trail head. 22, and go 0.3 mile. 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. All is the reviews below are pretty much on point but I must add that there are no usable bathrooms. We love this trail, and make a point to visit each weekend during the warm months. Columbia Trail, Long Valley NJ 07853 (For driving / GPS address) Hours of Operation / Spring & Summer Activities / History / No Smoking Policy. They were able to help me out right away. It was a very hot day, high 90 degrees, but it didn't feel too awful because there is so much tree shade cover. Once you get to the parking lot in High Bridge the trail ends. 4/30/12: My wife and I rode this trail today for 30 miles round trip. The wo of us have been riding sections of this trail from Long Vallet to Califon regularly and love it. The Taylor Steelworkers Greenway in High Bridge, the Ken Lockwood Gorge in Califon and Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley. But still nice. The whole trail overall was well shaded, good for our late-August trip in the heat. The trail is meticulously maintained with only one or two brief sections that are not super smooth. I continue to enjoy it thru all the seasons. My wife and I enjoyed the trail from Long Valley to Califon and back on "opening day" March 30th. It is great to walk even in the snow. I believe this Columbia trail is in or above them.You have farms ,fields ,rivers,horse ,cows and even a vintage car junk yard.Somebody has placed over 30 small houses ,nomes ,smurfs and numerous birdhouses along the trail to keep your interest. After crossing the bridge, the trail proceeds north along the South Branch of the Raritan towards the Lake Solitude and Lake Solitude Dam (circa 1858), Solitude House Museum and the Union Iron Works ruins (circa 1742). If you like to picnic, stop at Califon. 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. A few short portions are asphalt and the bridges are generally concrete. I missed the go around by a small auto junk yard where the grass was really soggy and muddy. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! Does anyone know the current status of the mile markers on the Columbia Trail? 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!! Overall, this was good outing and a day nicely-spent. Get your walking stick shield ($3.00) from Troop 149, 8 Robin Lane, High Bridge NJ … … Everything about the Columbia Trail is just right to me. Found a cool country sandwich place in Califon up the cross road. It is very scenic and there are many photo ops. 15.1 Trail ends at CR 625/Bartley Road. This is the perfect trail for wildlife watchers and history buffs alike. Some parts require mask wearing, please comply. Lots to see on this trail: wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, muskrat, ground hog, deer [4]); rural areas with old barns, cows, and fields; a nursery; wildflowers; trees changing color; water running along either side of the trail; canopy of trees over the trail in several places. Went there to experience the Taylor Steel Mill Greenway. We typically walk a couple miles in, then turn around and come back. Right around the Corner From Cycle Craft in Long Valley, NJ. Most of the surface is crushed stone. 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). Had a great lunch in Califon before returning to our car. The Taylor Steelworkers Greenway in High Bridge, the Ken Lockwood Gorge in Califon and Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley. 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