Morris County to host official opening of Pompton Valley Rail Trail on May 29
Bring your bicycle, scooter or just your walking shoes!
PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – The Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Park Commission are inviting the public to join in the official ribbon-cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail on Thursday, May 29, at 3 p.m.
The event will take place behind the Pequannock Township First Aid & Rescue Squad building and the township municipal building, 528 and 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains. Ample parking on-site parking will be available, and the trail is easily accessible from this location. About a quarter-mile north is the historic Pompton Plains Railroad Station, which is currently undergoing restoration and also part of the trail route.
The former New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad’s Greenwood Lake Branch has been converted into a 5.1-mile paved trail traveling through Pequannock Township in Morris County to Wayne Township in Passaic County.
“This trail is a shining example of how strategic investment in infrastructure can enhance quality of life, transportation options and recreation all at once. It’s a win-win — honoring the corridor’s historic past while paving the way for a healthier, more connected future,” said Morris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Park Commission.
The $32 million project, funded through a federal grant administered by the North Jersey Transportation Authority (NJTPA), is one of the largest trail initiatives in Morris County history. Design and right-of-way purchases accounted for nearly $11 million, while construction cost about $21 million. Work kicked off in June 2022 after decades of planning between the county, the Morris County Park Commission, Pequannock Township, Wayne Township and others.
The trail was originally dubbed the New York, Susquehanna & Western Bicycle & Pedestrian Shared Use Path, recognizing its roots as a retired railway line. However, as planning and construction carried on, the tongue-twisting moniker eroded with time and a more user-friendly Pompton Valley Rail Trail emerged.
“This project shows how transportation alternatives can reshape communities. Residents now have a safe, scenic way to walk or bike to the train station, helping reduce car traffic,” said Christopher Vitz, county engineer and Morris County Director of Public Works.
Built with accessibility and safety in mind, the trail features ADA-compliant access points, upgraded intersections, warning signals and a stunning bridge over the Pompton River. The 10-foot-wide paved path starts at River Drive in Pequannock near Route 23 and extends south to Mountainview Boulevard near NJ Transit’s Mountain View rail station.
“This was a monumental undertaking and a truly regional effort. Public enthusiasm has been incredible, and we expect it to become one of the most popular trails in the park system,” said Dave Helmer, executive director of the Morris County Park Commission.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their bicycles and be among the first to ride the trail on May 29. For more information, contact Morris County Director of Communications Vincent Vitale at vvitale@co.morris.nj.us or 973-285-6015.
