Map of the Columbia Trail
Columbia Trail
Columbia Trail
LENGTH:
15 miles
SURFACE:
compacted crushed stone / natural
COMMUNITIES:
High Bridge, Califon, Washington Township, Long Valley, Chester and Flanders
HIGHLIGHTS:
views of Lake Solitude, bridge over the South Branch of the Rariton River, forests, wildlife
CONNECTIONS:
Patriots' Path
LINKS:
The Columbia Trail is a 15-mile long unpaved pathway located in Northern New Jersey. The trail extends from High Bridge to a point 1.5 miles southwest of the middle of Flanders. The trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way and travels across the New Jersey countryside. The route takes trail users past residential communities, farmland and through thick forests teeming with wildlife. The southern section of the trail has views of Lake Solitude. There are historic railroad bridges along the way going over Cokesbury Road and the South Branch of the Raritan River.
A portion of the trail is managed by Hunterdon County and the other portion is managed by Morris County.
Conditions
The Columbia Trail has a surface of compacted crushed stone for most of the way, but there are also sections that are in a more natural state with a narrow beaten path. The trail is open for bike riding and hiking. Horseback riding is allowed in some portions of the trail. The route has relatively few road crossings and the grades are gentle.
Communities
The Columbia Trail goes past the following New Jersey communities: High Bridge, Califon, Washington Township, Long Valley, Chester and Flanders.
Connecting Trails
Patriots' Path: The Columbia Trail intersects the Patriots' Path just east of Schooley's Mountain County Park in Long Valley.
Points of Interest
The Columbia Trail goes past the following schools, parks and other points of interest: High Bridge Public Library, High Bridge Middle School, Califon Island Park and West Morris Central High School.
End Points
The southwest end of the Columbia Trail is located at Main Street and Church Street in the town of High Bridge.
The north east end of the trail is located at a point along Bartley Road, 0.6 miles northeast of the intersection of S. 4 Bridges Road, in Chester.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Columbia Trail in Northern New Jersey.
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