HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – In honor of National Trails Day, which is held on June 5, the Warren County Board of County Commissioners and officials from the New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Hackettstown to announce the opening of a new 5-mile trail segment following the completion of a new footbridge.
As part of the The The Morris Canal Greenway – Warren County, New Jersey, the Waterloo Valley Trail follows the route of the historic Morris Canal from Bilby Road (County Route 665) in Hackettstown along the Musconetcong River to Waterloo Village Historic Site.
Beginning on county property along Bilby Road, the Waterloo Valley Trail passes through the 2,400 acre Allamuchy Mountain State Park, with several trail intersections that offer visitors an extensive range of hiking options.
There are more than 14 miles of marked trails available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the Allamuchy Natural Area and more than 20 miles of unmarked trails in the northern section of Allamuchy Mountain State Park.
This extensive network of trails includes a 3-mile section of the Sussex Branch Trail that starts at Waterloo Road and goes northwest to Cranberry Lake and provides easy access from Waterloo Road through Kittatinny Valley State Park to Branchville, New Jersey. Additionally, a 10-mile section of the Highlands Trail goes from the northern boundary of Allamuchy Township (off Route 206) through Stephens State Park/Allamuchy Mt. State Park.
As part of the National Trails Day pledge, visitors are asked to take a trash bag with them whenever they hike or go for a walk and to collect trash on local trails, along their neighborhood sidewalks, or in any nearby natural space. Trail users are also urged to keep themselves healthy, protect their public lands and waters, and help make the outdoors enjoyable for all.
“I cannot think it a more fitting place to be for National Trails Day than here. The past year has brought many residents and visitors to Warren County’s beautiful public open spaces and investments like this will certainly be well used. We are so grateful to have such dedicated staff and volunteers who continue to make our parks and trails some of the finest in the state. I encourage everyone to get outside and explore Warren!” County Commissioner Director James Kern, III said.
