Walk the Trails in and around Princeton: Revised to Include the Newest Trails 9781400884834

Table of contents :
Walk the Trails in and Around Princeton
In Princeton’s “Central Park”
Walk 1. The Boardwalk and the Lakes
Walk 2. Forest, Fields, and a Waterfall
Greenway Meadows & the Stony Brook
Walk 3. The Scott & Hella McVay Poetry Trail
Walk 4. Along the Stony Brook
In the Institute Woods
Walk 5. The Battlefield to the Swinging Bridge
Walk 6. To the Updike Farmstead in Washington’s Footsteps
Woodfield Reservation
Walk 7. Tent and Council Rocks
The Eastern Princeton Ridge
Walk 8. Hilltop Park to Herrontown Woods
Along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail
Walk 9. Around Rosedale Lake to Hunt House
Walk 10. Mercer Meadows
Walk 11. The Watershed Center and the Pond Loop
Walk 12. Carson Road Woods
Other Great Walks in Nearby Towns
Walk 13. St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Hopewell
Walk 14. Skillman Park, Montgomery
Walk 15. Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve
Walk 16. Along the D&R Canal, Rocky Hill

Citation preview

REVISED TO INCLUDE THE NEWEST TRAILS

WALK THE TR AILS I N A N D A R O U N D P R I N C E TO N

SOPHIE GLOVIER

WALK THE TR AILS I N A N D A R O U N D P R I N C E TO N In Princeton’s “Central Park” Walk 1. The Boardwalk and the Lakes Walk 2. Forest, Fields, and a Waterfall

Greenway Meadows & the Stony Brook Walk 3. The Scott & Hella McVay Poetry Trail Walk 4. Along the Stony Brook

In the Institute Woods Walk 5. The Battlefield to the Swinging Bridge Walk 6. To the Updike Farmstead in

Washington’s Footsteps

Woodfield Reservation Walk 7.

Tent and Council Rocks

The Eastern Princeton Ridge Walk 8. Hilltop Park to Herrontown Woods

Along the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Walk Walk Walk Walk

9. 1 0. 11. 12.

Around Rosedale Lake to Hunt House Mercer Meadows The Watershed Center and the Pond Loop Carson Road Woods

Other Great Walks in Nearby Towns Walk Walk Walk Walk

13. 14. 15. 16.

St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Hopewell Skillman Park, Montgomery Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve Along the D&R Canal, Rocky Hill

All maps in Walk the Trails In and Around Princeton are courtesy of the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association and the New Jersey Trails Association. Other data was acquired from NJDEP and NJDOT; this secondary map product has not been verified or authorized by those agencies. A great resource for complete trail maps of each preserve and others not included here is www.njtrails.org.

1

The Boardwalk & the Lakes

This walk will introduce you to the broad swath of open space sometimes known as Princeton’s Central Park. You’ll enter it via a boardwalk over the wetlands at the edge of Coventry Farm, a historic farm preserved in 2002. This large expanse of open space also includes the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, the John Witherspoon Woods, and Community Park North. There are more than 400 acres and 8 miles of trails to enjoy.

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The Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take the Great Road north and look for the “Farm View Fields” sign on your left. Turn left into the parking lot. things to know: This walk is jog-stroller friendly and suitable for all ages.

2.7 miles

50 min

Walking Directions From the Farm View Fields parking lot, take the paved path that winds through the baseball diamonds and past the soccer fields. When you come to the Great Road, use the crosswalk to cross the street and turn right on the sidewalk on the opposite side. Directly across from the entrance to North Road you will see an opening in the fence —turn left and go through the entrance. You will see a sign marking the J. Seward Johnson Sr. Trail, which runs across the bottom of the preserved fields of Coventry Farm. Follow the grass path to access the boardwalk and enjoy the beautiful view as you continue across. When the boardwalk ends, bear left, then bear right, following the blue trail markers. Continue until you come to a crossroads. Turn left and shortly you will see the picturesque lake. Turn right and walk along the base of the lake until the trail dead-ends at a stream. Turn right, then take a left and cross over the stream. Once you are across the bridge, turn left. When the path splits, bear left along the water. (cont. on next page)

Follow the trail along the lake until you come to the lawn of Mountain Lakes House. Go straight across the grass past the dam and go left over the old stone bridge. Follow the gravel path until it ends, then turn left. Follow the path until you come to and cross a wooden bridge. When the path ends at the base of a set of rough steps, turn left. This path leads down the opposite side of the lake back to the connection to the boardwalk, which is indicated by a marker with a brown bicycle on it and a blue trail marker. Turn right and follow the arrows back to the boardwalk, across the Great Road, and up the path through Farm View Fields back to the parking lot.

2

Forest, Fields & a Waterfall

This is one of my favorite walks because of the variety of terrain that it includes. Beginning in pretty Pettoranello Gardens, you travel through the woods before crossing two picturesque fields. After you pass near Mountain Lakes House, you will enter the historic John Witherspoon Woods and cross a waterfall before returning along the banks of the lake.

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The Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Princeton, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Route 206 north to Mountain Avenue. Turn left. You will see the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve/ Community Park North Parking Lot on your right. Turn in and park here. Things to know: This walk crosses several streams, so wear boots when it has been wet. Watch for roots along the trails through the woods. Volunteers from Friends of Princeton Open Space work hard to maintain the trails in the Greater Mountain Lakes Open Space Area. If you would like to join them, visit www .fopos.org. 2.4 miles

50 min

Walking Directions From the parking lot, walk toward Route 206, and turn left onto the paved path. Stay straight to enter Pettoranello Gardens. At the pond, turn left onto the wood-chip path. Continue over the wooden bridge and bear left (away from the lake) to go over the second bridge. Continue straight into the woods and follow the white trail markers. You will reach a set of stairs that lead down the stream bank; continue across the stream and up the other side to the open fields. Bear left to follow the white trail along the side of the meadow and back into the woods. Cross a second streambed and follow the trail to another field. Turn left at the trail crossing to stay on the white trail. You will see Mountain Lakes House through the trees to your left; continue on until you come to a stream on your left. Keep your eye out for a set of steps to the left which lead down to the stream; take this path to cross at the base of the waterfall. Continue up the hill and then turn left onto the yellow trail toward Mountain Lakes North/Stuart Trail. When you reach the next stream, cross it and turn left, staying straight and following the red markers and then green markers (cont. on next page)

until you see the lake on your left. Continue along the side of the lake before winding to your left along its bottom edge. Follow the path to the right, then go left over the bridge and bear right to follow the green trail. At the trail crossing, stay straight and follow the trail until it ends at the driveway, which you will cross to return to the parking lot.

3

The Scott & Hella McVay Poetry Trail

This trail combines a beautiful view with the opportunity to enjoy 48 poems featuring the work of poets from 14 countries, all inspired by nature. The trail is set within Greenway Meadows Park, 55 acres of open space on the site of the former Robert Wood Johnson estate. The property was preserved by D&R Greenway Land Trust in 2001, avoiding the possibility of a major development. You can make this walk longer by combining it with Walk 4.

Place Stamp Here Greenway Meadows, Princeton, NJ

© Nathan Drezner. All Rights Reserved.

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road west. The parking lot for Greenway Meadows is directly across from the entrance to the Johnson Park School.

1.1 miles

25 min

Walking Directions From the parking lot, head up the hill toward the playground. Take the paved path until you reach the majestic allée of sycamore trees. A sign with background on the McVays, who have dedicated their lives to protecting the environment and celebrating the arts, marks the beginning of the Poetry Trail. Continue up the hill and across the top. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the hill. As you descend the other side, rejoin the paved path and continue downward. Then take the paved path back through the park to where you began, stopping by the D&R Greenway Native Plant Nursery or Meredith’s Garden for Inspiration on the way, if you wish. Things to know: D&R Greenway Land Trust is located in the Johnson Education Center, the historic barn by the playground. Visit www.drgreenway.org for hours and to learn about frequently changing exhibits of art inspired by nature, as well as a wide variety of environmentally focused programming.

4

From Greenway Meadows along the Stony Brook

This trail is one of my favorites on a hot day. It winds along a broad stretch of the Stony Brook, and great blue herons and ducks can frequently be seen. One highlight is the 125-foot pedestrian bridge, which offers a great view up and down the stream.

Place Stamp Here The Stony Brook Trail, Princeton, NJ

© Nathan Drezner. All Rights Reserved.

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road west. The parking lot for Greenway Meadows is directly across from the entrance to the Johnson Park School. things to know: For a longer walk, cross Rosedale Road and take the trail that starts by the bridge and curves around Johnson Park School to the Great Road. From here it is a short walk to the beginning of Walk 1 and the rest of the trail network in the Greater Mountain Lakes Open Space Area. 2.5 miles

50 min

Walking Directions Walk to the end of the parking lot away from the road to pick up the paved path. Turn right and continue straight. Continue into the woods to the sign for the Stony Brook Trail and turn left. Continue straight and follow the trail as it winds along the stream. Cross over the wooden bridge and climb the stairs. You will cross two more wooden bridges as you make your way along the path. When you see the large reddish bridge, turn right to cross over it and then continue up the hill and over the second smaller bridge. Continue up the gravel path; the trail continues until it intersects with Route 206. Eventually, a trail connection is planned which will allow walkers to connect to the Princeton Battlefield area, but for now, retrace your steps back the way you came.

5

The Princeton Battlefield through the Institute Woods to the Swinging Bridge

On this walk, you can learn about the Revolutionary War through a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since that time and experience one of the great open spaces in Princeton, the 589-acre Institute Woods. Skirting the acclaimed Institute for Advanced Study and passing by a beautiful pond, you will get a chance to cross over a very unusual and picturesque swinging bridge.

Place Stamp Here The Institute Woods, Princeton, NJ

© Bentley Drezner. All Rights Reserved.

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Mercer Road south toward Lawrenceville. When you see the Princeton Battlefield, a wide field on either side of the road, make a left into the parking lot. Things to know: These paths are open and flat, making for an easy walk with a jog-stroller.

2.5 miles

1 hour

Walking Directions From the parking lot, walk along the drive toward the historic Thomas Clarke House. Keep the house to your left, and walk straight into the woods until you see a concrete trail marker and then a larger obelisk—this marks the route that General Washington and his troops took through this wood. Follow the path, keeping the larger marker on your right, then take your first right down a dirt road. When the path dead-ends at the field, turn left, and then almost immediately bear right. Follow this trail to the water. The path will veer to the left and then run along the Stony Brook. Follow it along until you see the swinging bridge to your right. Take the chance to walk across the bridge and back, and then continue your walk by going straight when you leave the bridge. When you come to a V, go left. When you come to a trail crossing, continue straight. When the path dead-ends, turn left to follow the trail that skirts the Institute for Advanced Study until you see a marker and a path running off to the right. Follow this through the beautiful wildflowers back to the Princeton Battlefield, and cut across the grass by the Mercer Oak to return to the parking lot where you began.

6

To the Updike Farmstead in Washington’s Footsteps

This walk starts at the Princeton Battlefield and travels through the Institute Woods and along a crushed-stone path next to Quaker Road to the 6-acre Updike Farmstead, home of the Historical Society of Princeton. You will be traveling part of the route followed by Continental troops on their way to the fight that occurred on the Princeton Battlefield in 1777. To return, you will walk through preserved farm fields back to the starting point.

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Near the Updike Farmstead, Princeton, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Mercer Pike toward Lawrenceville until you see the Princeton Battlefield on either side of the road. Parking is available on both sides of the street. things to know: The trail along Quaker Road also connects to the D&R Canal State Park entrance at Quaker Road, and the longer distance makes a great bike ride. For information on visiting hours and other events at the Historical Society of Princeton, visit www.princetonhistory.org. 1 hour 2.8 miles

Walking Directions Start at the crosswalk and pick up the paved path on the side of the battlefield, where you will see the descendant of the famous Mercer Oak tree with its protective fence. The trail runs along the edge of the field toward the Institute Woods. At the marker, turn right toward the Quaker Meeting House, walking on the gravel path. You will pass the first stone monument to Washington’s march. Continue straight until you reach Quaker Road. Then turn left to follow the trail beside the road as it hugs the edge of the farm fields. Watch for a second stone marker on your left. At the parking lot for the Historical Society of Princeton’s home at the Updike Farmstead, turn left and stop in to explore if you are walking during visiting hours. To return, start from the back door of the Updike Farmstead and head toward the barns, keeping the shed to your left. Continue straight onto the farm road toward the woods. Head toward the tree line, keeping the woods to your left. Turn left at the next field and continue along the edge straight until you enter the woods. Continue past a green lamppost on your left, and at the trail crossing turn right at the marker to walk toward the Clarke House. Continue straight past one marker, and at the next marker, turn left to rejoin the path that will take you back to where you started.

7

Council Rock & Tent Rock

This is a walk of discovery—a hunt for Council Rock and Tent Rock. Council Rock is a cliff that overlooks the forest floor from a significant height. You can imagine an Indian chief speaking to his tribe from the top of it. Tent Rock is a massive boulder that can be scaled by the intrepid climber.

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Woodfield Reservation, Princeton, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take the Great Road north. Turn left onto Drakes Corner Road. After a half mile, look for a small white sign for Woodfield Reservation on your left. If you get to Fredrick Court, you have gone too far. There is space to park along the road near the sign. Things to know: These trails can be hard to follow in the fall when the leaves are on the ground. Keep an eye out for the white blazes on the trees marking the trail. Appropriate footwear is suggested. 25 min 1.2 miles

Walking Directions Follow the path into the woods and over a streambed. When you come to a V, turn right. Follow the trail until you come to another V and a sign that points the way to the right to Council Rock and Tent Rock. Continue to follow this trail until you reach Council Rock. After you have enjoyed the view, retrace your steps, looking carefully for the trail that you will take to your right to go the short distance to Tent Rock. When you are ready to return, face the rock the way you came and take the trail to the left. Bear left at the V, and then continue straight until you come to the turnoff for Drakes Corner Road on your left.

8

Hilltop Park to Herrontown Woods

This trail offers an introduction to the Eastern Ridge area of Princeton and is a great example of how trail connections can be used to get across town. Starting at Hilltop Park, you will make your way to Herrontown Woods, a fascinating 142-acre property that was once the home of famed mathematician Oswald Veblen and his wife, Elizabeth. From here, you can easily walk to Barbara Smoyer Park, just down the street from the entrance to Herrontown Woods.

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Near Herrontown Woods, Princeton, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

Take Route 206 North and turn right onto Terhune Road; then turn left onto North Harrison Street and make a slight right onto Bunn Drive. Park in the lot for Hilltop Park, which is located at 782 Bunn Drive. things to know: This walk does have many roots in parts and can be slippery after a rain. There are many trails to explore and a large parking lot at Herrontown Woods. For a complete trail map and to learn more about the property and efforts to save the Veblens’ home and 2.8 miles 1 hour cottage, visit www.veblenhouse.org.

Walking Directions From the parking lot, follow the sidewalk out to Bunn Drive. Turn right and follow the sidewalk to the crosswalk. Cross the street and continue on the sidewalk until you see a grassy road to your left, just across from the Copperwood apartments. Turn left onto the path and follow it past the first trail-map sign you will see on your left. At the second trail entrance marked with a trail map, turn left. Follow the trail through the woods. You will pass the trail connection to All Saints’ Church on your way. Once you reach the sign for Herrontown Woods, turn left and use the stepping-stones to cross the stream, following the red trail markers. At the sign, continue straight; then at the T, turn right onto the white trail. At the next T, turn right and continue across the stream. At the next V, bear right and cross the stream out of Herrontown Woods and back onto the original trail, bearing right at the V. You will again pass the trail connection for All Saints’. Continue straight and retrace your steps back to the grassy road; turn right to head back to Bunn Drive. Turn right onto the sidewalk, and cross at the crosswalk to return to the parking lot where you started.

9

Around Rosedale Lake to Hunt House

This is the first of a group of walks that link to the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, a project that has been in the works since 2001. Eventually, this trail will be a 22-mile loop; to date 18.7 miles are open for public use. This walk is a great introduction to the extensive trails in this area, offers a pretty view of 30-acre Rosedale Lake, and will take you past the historic Noah Hunt House, which dates from 1760.

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Mercer Meadows, Pennington, NJ

© Grace Glovier. All Rights Reserved.

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road to Carter Road and turn left. Take your first right onto Cold Soil Road; then take a right onto Blackwell Road and another right onto Federal City Road. The entrance to the park is located at 422 Federal City Road. Things to know: You can learn more about the Lawrence Hopewell Trail and download a map at www .lht.org.

2.5 miles

55 min

Walking Directions Head toward Rosedale Lake and take the path that winds around the side of the lake. Follow the path as it winds left up a hill, and at the T turn left toward the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. Continue straight on the gravel path past a pond on your right. Continue on until you reach the Noah Hunt House, now home to the Mercer County Parks Commission. Continue straight onto the sidewalk and down the driveway. About halfway down the driveway, take the mowed path to your right and follow it up the hill. At the sign, continue straight toward Rosedale Lake. At the next sign, rejoin the gravel path and stay straight; then turn left, following the signs toward Rosedale Lake and the path from which you started.

10

Mercer Meadows

This walk offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Walking primarily through meadows, you will pass a bird blind identifying commonly seen species and an observation tower from which you can see for miles. You will also walk through the Pole Farm Historical Exhibit, where you can learn how this site served as a major telecommunications center for AT&T in years past.

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Mercer Meadows, Lawrence Township, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Route 206 south to Cold Soil Road. Make a right onto Cold Soil Road. The entrance to Mercer Meadows is on the left, at the intersection of Cold Soil and Keefe Roads. The parking lot is to your left. things to know: Stop by Terhune Orchards on Cold Soil Road for some cider and donuts to enjoy after your walk. 3.1 miles

75 min

Walking Directions Park by the red barn. Exit the parking lot and turn left onto the crushed-stone path. Take your first left, toward the observation tower. You will pass an informative bird blind on your right. Continue straight toward the observation tower, which you will pass on your left. Continue on into a wooded section and over a bridge. Turn right onto the Maidenhead Trail. At the V, bear left onto the wood walkway. Take a right toward the Reed/Bryan Farm; you will see an observation tower on your left. Continue on a crushed-gravel path over the small bridge. At the sign, leave the gravel path and follow the mowed grass lane toward Hunt House. At the V, stay left. Follow the path along the meadow and stay right at the V to go up a small hill. Keep right to continue up the gentle rise. Stay straight, briefly walking on gravel and then returning to grass. Continue toward the Pole Farm Historical Exhibit. Continue straight and then bear left onto the gravel/mowed path, which will shortly turn into a gravel road. At the trail crossing, stay straight. At the sign, continue straight toward Pole Farm. Curve right to pass through the Pole Farm Historical Exhibit, and then turn left to return to the parking lot by the red barn where you started.

11

The Watershed Center and the Pond Loop

This walk begins at the Watershed Center for Advocacy, Science, and Education, the home of the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association. After stopping to enjoy the rain gardens and Kate Gorrie Butterfly house, if you wish, you will walk widely mown paths through meadows before entering the woods and then circling Wargo Pond. Along the way, you will catch a glimpse of Honey Brook Organic Farm, one of the nation’s largest community-supported agriculture organic farms.

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The Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, Pennington, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road west to Carter Road. Turn right onto Carter Road. Turn left onto Elm Ridge Road and follow it until it dead-ends at a light at Pennington-Rocky Hill Road. Turn right, passing Bristol-Myers Squibb, and then turn left onto Titus Mill Road. Follow this until you see the entrance to the Watershed on your right. Go down the drive and turn left into the parking lot. The nature center is the modern building to the left 2.4 miles 45 min of the old white farmhouse.

Walking Directions From the parking lot, walk toward the Watershed Center. You will see the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House on your right. At the V, bear right. Turn right onto the broad mowed path and continue straight to the field. At the trail crossing, turn left along the edge of the field. Follow the trail as it bends right to continue to skirt the field. Just before the poetry statue on your right, turn left into the woods. At the T, turn right; through the shrubs you can catch a glimpse of Honey Brook Organic Farm on your right. Continue on past the Adirondack chairs along the edge of the second field. Continue straight onto the gravel road; you will see a red barn and Wargo Pond ahead of you. Turn left to follow the path around the pond. At the trail intersection, stay straight to cross the stream. Stay straight and follow the boardwalk around the pond. At the gravel lot, turn left and walk to Wargo Road. Here you join with the Lawrence Hopewell Trail route. Continue along the road; shortly you can pick up a sidewalk along the left side. When you reach Titus Mill Road, turn right to cross the street and walk on the grass strip next to the farm fence back to the Watershed’s driveway, where you will turn right to return to the parking lot where you began.

Things to Know: The Watershed Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Watershed Reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk. Information on exhibits and programming can be found at www.thewatershed.org.

12

Carson Road Woods

There are over 5 miles of trails in the Carson Road Woods preserve; they wind around meadows, along hedgerows and through an old peach orchard and a forest of beech trees. This loop works well as a fast walk for a good workout, or you can do it at a more meandering pace, taking time to watch the many birds and creatures.

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Carson Road Woods, Lawrenceville, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road west to Province Line Road. Turn left on Province Line Road. Turn right onto Carson Road. Follow it as it loops around, and you will see the parking lot for the trails on your right. things to know: To learn more about Carson Road Woods and the group that cares for it, Friends of Carson Road Woods, visit www .carsonroadwoods.org. 1.9 miles

50 min

Walking Directions Take the mowed path that begins at the parking lot. At the trail intersection, continue straight. At the first chance, turn left, heading toward the woods. Turn right to pick up the gravel path (crossing the Lawrence Hopewell Trail route), then turn left along the tree line. Take your first left into the woods (you will see a yellow marker to your left as you enter). Follow the path as it winds through the woods. You will cross a brook and continue on. You will see the brook again on your left and cross a little bridge. At the V, bear left to cross the brook once more. You will immediately come to another V; bear right onto the path with the orange trail marker. Follow this along the creek; you will cross a total of four plank bridges as you follow the trail. When you emerge from the woods, turn right to cross the bridge, and then turn left. Take the path until it dead-ends, then turn left to get back to the parking lot where you started.

13

St. Michaels Farm Preserve

The site of an orphanage from 1896 to 1973, these beautiful 340 acres were preserved by D&R Greenway Land Trust in 2010. The walk is entirely around the edges of farm fields, and there is a lovely view of the village of Hopewell and the Sourlands from the gazebo at the top of the hill, which is also the perfect spot for a picnic.

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St. Michaels Farm Preserve, Hopewell, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Rosedale Road to Carter Road and turn right toward Hopewell. Continue through the light at Pennington-Rocky Hill Road and down the hill. Just before you reach the town of Hopewell, turn right into the gravel lot marked with a D&R Greenway Land Trust sign. Things to Know: The terrain along the edge of the field can be uneven in places, so watch your step. The town of Hopewell has many places to stop for a meal before or after 2.3 miles 45 min your hike.

Walking Directions Enter the preserve and continue straight along the side of the field. At the gravel road, turn left. Continue until you see a mowed path leading to another field; bear right here. Turn left to follow the path, which hugs the edge of the meadow. Continue along the trail as it hugs the hedgerow and then runs along the brook. Follow as it turns again and eventually leads you back to the gravel farm road. Turn left to cross the bridge, and then turn left to skirt another field. Continue straight and follow the path as it crosses into another field and then takes you up a small hill toward a scenic overlook. Stop and enjoy the view before continuing your circle of the field and returning to the bridge. Cross the bridge and continue straight along the gravel road past the barn and back to the parking lot where you began.

14

Skillman Park

This is a flat 2.2-mile, 12-foot-wide paved loop trail that offers views of streams, trees, and meadows. Originally six farms, in the early 1900s this land was the home of the New Jersey State Village for Epileptics. It is hard to believe that until 2007 there were over 100 buildings on this property when you are enjoying the scenic vistas, abundant wildflowers, and nearby stream.

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© Bentley Drezner. All Rights Reserved.

Skillman Park, Montgomery Township, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

Take the Great Road toward Montgomery. Cross Route 518 and continue straight. Look for the entrance to Skillman Park on your right. It is clearly marked with a sign. Turn onto Main Boulevard West and park in Lot A on the right. things to know: This walk does not offer much shade, so plan to wear sunscreen and bring water on hot and sunny days. Pair your walk with breakfast or lunch at nearby Blawenburg Market.

2.3 miles

50 min

Walking Directions Take the paved path from the parking lot and turn right, away from the road. At the T, turn left. Follow the path through the allée of trees; the stream will be on your right. Continue to follow the loop until you come to a stop sign and a crosswalk. Proceed straight across the street and continue to follow the loop as it winds to the left. Eventually it will lead you to another crosswalk. Cross the road back to the parking lot where you started.

15

Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve

Located just off the D&R Canal, this beautiful preserve is managed by New Jersey Audubon. The walk is along the edges of fields managed to provide birds with grassland habitat. There are great views of the Sourland Mountain ridge and excellent educational signs along the way.

Place Stamp Here

© Grace Glovier. All Rights Reserved.

Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve, Franklin Township, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Route 206 north to Route 518. Turn right and follow 518 through Rocky Hill and over the D&R Canal. Turn left onto Canal Road. Follow Canal Road for approximately 3.5 miles. Look for a small brown sign on your right which marks the driveway to the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve. If you get to the Griggstown Causeway, you have gone too far. 1.2 miles 30 min

Walking Directions Stand facing the large sign which describes the grasslands. Turn right to walk through the opening in the fence to the field, and follow the gravel farm road (you will pass the entrance to the blue trail on your right, but continue straight). When you come to a mowed path, turn left. Follow the path along the edge of the meadow, then turn right, following the red trail markers. At the V, turn left. The trail will continue to wind around the meadow. At the T, turn left and you will pass some benches, well placed to enjoy the beautiful view of the Sourland Mountain ridge. At the trail crossing, stay straight; you will pass some signs with information about the Sourland Mountains. At the next T, turn left; then turn right onto the blue trail and make a left onto the gravel path to return to the parking lot. things to know: This walk is almost adjacent to the Griggstown Causeway entrance to the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, where you can take another walk or rent a kayak or canoe in season at Griggstown Canoe & Kayak Rental.

16

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park— Kingston to Rocky Hill

This 4-mile walk is a wonderful way to learn about the D & R Canal. The pathway is smooth enough for strollers, joggers, runners, and bikers, as well as walkers. Wildlife is plentiful and frequently spotted. The wildflowers along the second half of the loop are particularly pretty in the fall.

Place Stamp Here

© Bentley Drezner. All Rights Reserved.

The Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, Rocky Hill, NJ

www.walkthetrails.org

From Princeton, take Route 27 north. Once you have crossed the bridge over the Millstone River, take an immediate right and pull into the parking lot.

3.8 miles

90 min

Walking Directions From the parking lot, follow the path to the left of the lot and cross through the tunnel that runs under the bridge. You will walk along a path that runs along one side of the canal for approximately 2 miles. Enjoy the interpretive signs and plentiful flora and fauna. When you reach the first road, turn right, cross over the canal, and return on the other side. Be on the lookout for a sign which indicates the trail connection to historic Rockingham, just a short distance up the hill. When you reach the end of this section of the canal, carefully cross Route 27 back to the parking lot where you began. things to know: These paths are open and flat, making for an easy walk with a jog-stroller. If you have time to combine this walk with lunch or dinner, Eno Terra, a wonderful restaurant, is just a few steps from the parking for this walk.

Copyright © 2017 by Princeton University Press Published by Princeton University Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 In the United Kingdom: Princeton University Press, 6 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TR All Rights Reserved Library of Congress Control Number: 2016953383 British Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available Printed in China 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

A B O U T T H E AU T H O R

sophie glovier is an author and environmental

advocate who has worked to raise awareness of the need to protect and enhance the natural environment in and around Princeton for the last twenty years..

A B O U T T H E P H OTO G R A P H E R S

bentley drezner is an early childhood educator and

photographer. Her photographs reflect a deep connection to the natural world, and she is committed to preserving open space for future generations.

nathan drezner is a graduate of Princeton High

School and attends McGill University. At Princeton High School he was the visuals editor for The Tower, the school’s award-winning newspaper.

grace glovier is a student at Princeton University

and an award-winning photographer whose images have been shown in a variety of exhibitions. Learn more about her work at www.graceglovier.com.

design by maria lindenfeldar maps by nicholas ho Proceeds from this book will benefit the trail maintenance and land stewardship efforts of our local land trusts. All rights reserved. The use of information in this book is at the sole risk of the user.

WALK THE TRAILS IN AN D AROU N D PRINCE TON REVISED TO INCLUDE THE NEWEST TR AILS TRAILS TO DISCOVER AND NATURE TO ENJOY— RIGHT HERE WHERE WE LIVE

Did you know that right here, in the center of the most densely populated state in our nation, there are thousands of acres of preserved open space? Nestled among the many homes, corporate office parks, and busy roads, there are miles and miles of trails to enjoy. These beautiful places remain a mystery to most who live in the area. There are short but extra-special walks, longer walks for serious exercise, walks primarily through fields, and woodsier walks. Many walks also provide a window into the history of our area, and all provide the opportunity to see the birds, plants, and wildlife that share preserved open space with us. This trail guide includes sixteen full-color postcards that capture the beauty of the open space that has been preserved in and around Princeton. U.S. $19.95

www.nathist.princeton.edu