You Can Get There From Here
Hiking Hunterdon County Trails
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Cushetunk Mountain Nature Preserve If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. Distance: 3.17 miles Location: Clinton Township, Readington Township Level: Difficult Highlights: Views, rocks, solitude Restrooms: No Parking: Dirt and gravel Hunting: Yes Directions: from Clinton, take Route 22 east. Turn right at Rt. 629, also known as the Round Valley Access Road. Proceed 1.4 miles and turn left at the Boat Launch Ramp. Follow this road for another 1.4 miles to Old Mountain Road. Turn right and travel 1.5 miles. Parking for the park is just before the railroad tracks on the right. As a result of the steep inclines, the Cushetunk Mountain trail, adjacent to Round Valley Reservoir, is definitely not for the faint of heart. Long pants are in order and hiking shoes recommended. Do not forget your water, and chances are you would be glad for an energy bar. The mountains were formed by volcanic activity over 160 million years ago. The Lenni Lenape Indians called the area Cushetunk, which means place of hogs; and you can almost envision the wild hogs traversing the narrow trails. Although we’ve not seen them, we know there is a pair of nesting eagles there, and we have heard the eaglets. The trail is closed April 1 to August 1 so as not to disturb them. A great two-hour hike from the parking area starts where the trail is closed seasonally for the nesting eagles. The trail is well marked with white markers, and you are heading up. When you reach the top, there is a great view of the reservoir. Now proceed along the ridge trail, which is very rocky and dotted with rock outcroppings perfect for a break or a little personal meditation. The markers on this trail stop abruptly, which may present a dilemma whether to go on or turn back. If you feel a little adventurous, do go on, keep the yellow Park System signs in sight, and you will encounter a “trail,” which may or may not be marked where you pick it up. Head down the hill, and you will see white blazes painted on the trees. This is an easy walk back, which will probably make you smile after your earlier exertion. Just follow the power lines back to the parking area. Suppose you have only 30 minutes, or perhaps you want to introduce your children to this bit of County history. Walk out from the parking area along the power lines till you reach the start of a trail. It is single track, through the woods, fairly level, not too long – probably 30 minutes. Bring the kids.
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About the Book
What are you looking for in a hiking trail -- a place to reflect, a place to engage friends for lively conversation and debate, a place to spend quality family time . . . Whatever you seek in a hiking trail, it is right here among the trails within Hunterdon County. Our trails offer a wide variety of distances, hiking levels and scenic views.
Sunnyside near the 9-11 Memorial is an ideal place to think, listen to the river and reflect. The Columbia Trail is well used and a great place to share a walk and talk with friends. The Arboretum and Deer Path Park offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with the family.
Whatever you are looking for, the trails within Hunterdon County can support your hiking needs. We have discovered many of the beautiful, hidden places our County has to offer. We hope this book will pique your interest and passion and move you to discover these treasures for yourself and to share them with others who are seeking health and fitness for themselves, their friends or their families.
About the Author
Longtime resident of Hunterdon County, Alice Oldford is a Realtor, Land Use Board Administrator and freelance writer. Having raised 5 children, Alice says “I grew to appreciate the benefits of walking to mind and body 15 years ago and got hooked on the endorphins.” Sue Dziamara is the Hunterdon County Planning Board Director and has completed one marathon. She has raised 4 children. Sue says, “I need to keep moving.” Alice and Sue met when Sue was serving on the Clinton Township Planning Board and completing her Master’s Degree in Planning from Rutgers and Alice was working as the Clinton Township Land Use Board Administrator. “We love discussing land use issues and open space acquisitions.” Alice and Sue have been walking/running/hiking/biking enjoying what Hunterdon County has to offer for a decade.