Delaware River Trail (Hunterdon County)

Trail Map

This trail tracks the Delaware River Scenic Byway and then extends beyond it all the way to Milford Bluffs.  Starting in the quaint and historic village of Lambertville on Route 29 and then proceeding up to Prallsville for scenic access points along the Delaware River, the trail then veers off of Route 29 in order to visit the sister parks, Wescott Nature Preserve and Zega Lockatong Preserve.  You will return to Route 29 by venturing down a steep dirt and gravel road that takes you directly to Bull’s Island, where you can walk over a sturdy foot-bridge all the way to Pennsylvania (ok, it’s not all that far).  Kingwood Access, a fishing hotspot, and Frenchtown both offer access to the river and ample wildlife viewing opportunities.  The final stop is Milford Bluffs, where a short, but moderately difficult hike will take you to a stunning view of the River.  Gas, food and lodging are in plentiful supply along this route, as are farm markets, country craft vendors, art galleries and historic sites.

The Trail Directions are in the first posting of the forum below.  Please use the forum to enter any comments or feedback regarding this trail. Registration is required.

 
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New Post 4/24/2008 4:13 PM
  Holotroph
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By far the best trail in guide to see wildlife 

By far, in my opinion, this is the best trail of the Skylands to see not only a diverse array of birds (eagles, owls, turkeys, songbirds, warblers, waders and waterfowl) thoughout the seasons but this trail is your best chance to see black bear and other mammals such as fox, coyote, porcupine and beaver.  Also the area is loaded with numerous species of amphibians and reptiles but note the rocky areas can and do have timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead.  Also some of the best fishing spots in the state for trout and bass.  Note:  much of this area is open to hunting so check the seasons if hiking. However, hunting is not allowed on Sundays in New Jersey.

 
New Post 6/2/2008 3:10 PM
  tcapetta
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Re: By far the best trail in guide to see wildlife 
Modified By tcapetta  on 6/2/2008 2:12:06 PM)

Which of the trails (and which Park) are you refering to? I hiked a small portion of the Sussex Branch Trail in Allamuchy yesterday, where it begins at Waterloo Rd and heads north to Cranberry Lake. Not listed here, but the Boyle book said it was a great place for breeders in May/June. Hiked from 6:30am to 11 and while the habitat was wonderful and diverse, it was quickly over-run by humans. Humans everywhere, most on bike, loudly cutting through the serenity. The real kicker came at 8am when a construction backo came rumbling up the trail, spewing diesel behind it.

By the time I left at 11there were cars waiting for spots (at a very large parking lot to boot)

Any wonder why most of the breeders Boyle spoke of were not even heard?

My question of course is what is the human impact like on the trails described above?

 
New Post 6/2/2008 3:33 PM
  tcapetta
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Re: By far the best trail in guide to see wildlife 
Modified By tcapetta  on 6/2/2008 2:34:52 PM)

Weird, my reply above is showing up under the "Old Mine Rd." thread title under Forums, but it was posted as a reply under "Stephens State Park" one I thought.

 
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