Columbia Trail: Bartley Road to Long Valley

This is a relatively easy hike through Hacklebarney State Park that is great for families with younger children, rock scrambling, photography, and just hanging out in nature. There are two different ways to explore Hacklebarney, either by staying on the packed gravel path or by following the banks of Trout Brook and scrambling down the sides of some waterfalls. My suggested route is to follow t...

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 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.The trail is very easy to follow and you will d...

One of New Jerseys best kept secrets has to be the Ken Lockwood Gorge. If you are looking for a relaxing, beautiful, and nature packs place then this area is perfect for you. You can access the gorge from two different points, either by driving down Raritan River Rd. and parking right before you enter (you can also driving part of the way through to the larger parking areas but the road is extr...

Nestled within the more urban and suburban communities in Northern New Jersey, you can escape back to nature at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The name says it all - this place is the perfect opportunity to get up close to a variety of different wildlife that call this protected land home. Commonly seen animals include fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, fish, and frogs. There are also more tha...

Merrill Creek Reservoir Perimeter Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Stewartsville, New Jersey.

Start out on Ridge Trail (yellow blazes), found at the rear of the parking lot. Shortly, you will come to a stream crossing, followed by a set of wooden steps. Just before the next stream, turn left following the white blazes. This section of the trail makes a moderately rocky descent, as it follows the stream downhill.Around 2 miles in, you will reach a gravel path, where you will turn right a...