Clinton Township Hiking
Clinton Township has several large tracts of Open Space with trails for walking, running, cross country skiing or in some cases mountain biking. Some are owned by the Township, and others are County or State properties.
Clinton Township Properties with Trails, Available Now:
Hackett’s Preserve is located on the north side of Sunrise Circle. From 14 Sunrise Circle, a road goes north about 100 yards to a maintained and fenced parking area. Hackett’s Preserve has two miles of connected trails that loop through meadows and forest. The forest trail at the northwest corner is a beautiful and challenging walk.
Cramer's Creek is a trail system that is a combination of the Kaufelt property (84 acres) and Marookian property (139 acres). The properties stretch along the west side of Highway 31, between Allerton Road and Regional Road. Thanks to a months-long collaboration with Clinton Township, the Rotary Club and North Hunterdon High School, a 3.1-mile path has been established that serves as a regulation cross-country running path, and it is available for public use. Exercise stations, benches, and signage have been installed. The exercise stations were donated by Hunterdon Healthcare (Fitness Station Map). Access is on the south side of Regional Road, immediately west of Highway 31. Parking is available for trail users in the new lot on Regional Road. The hills and beautiful forest views provide a memorable experience for both the hard-core runner and casual walker. Uses last winter included cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Bundt Park is a fully developed multi-use park encompassing 33 acres with parking located just off Red Schoolhouse Road, on the west side of Highway 31. Bundt Park has myriad recreational and walking/running opportunities. Softball fields, snack bar and restrooms are at the main park, the Dog Park and Community Garden are also located here.
Beaver Brook Ravine is a 45 acre parcel used for hiking only due to the environmentally sensitive nature of the property. The trail system is an out and back and features a river and is good for all skill levels. The hike in and back is 4.4 miles total. The trail is primarily used for hiking and bird watching and is accessible year-round. The parking lot and trailhead are located at Foran Field. There are three trails with White, Yellow and Green painted markers. When you enter the trailhead, bear right after the footbridge which will take you along Beaver Brook to Herman Thau. You need to cross over Herman Thau to access the furnace towards David Post Road. Follow the directional signs posted.
Nassau Trail/Springside is a nature trail system in High Bridge and Clinton Township (Springside). This is a multi-purpose trail system; however mountain biking is the highlight. The trails originated from High Bridge and were developed by volunteers and residents. A portion of the trails are located on the Clinton Township Springside property and in 2019, a connector was constructed from the trails to Foran Field. The Foran trailhead provides easy access and ample parking for residents.
Bray’s Hill Preserve is a 94-acre parcel located on Sand Hill Road, with a parking lot on the west side of Sand Hill Road, just south of the intersection with Round Valley Access Road. The 1.3-mile path passes through a meadow and woods, has nice slopes, and connects to an historical house site and newly renovated springhouse. The parking lot has a kiosk with descriptive signage. Bray’s Hill is a favorite of Clinton Township residents, replete with dog walkers, trail runners, and hikers.
Windy Acres 292 acres of Open Space, owned by Clinton Township which is located south of East Main Street and east of Lebanon Borough. Once part of two working farms, the property has a long history that is still evident today. There are approximately 6 miles of wooded and perimeter trails. Educational programs will be conducted under the new pavilion in the near future. Access to the parking area is off of Corporate Drive near the E Main Street Intersection. Due to the environmentally sensitive nature of Windy Acres, only foot traffic is permitted.
Prostak Farms consists of two parcels, totaling 129 acres. Prostak East offers great views of the Raritan Valley from the hilltop overlooking Highway 629, and a mature hardwood/conifer forest. There are 2 miles of newly constructed walking trails with a parking lot off of Stanton Mountain Road.
Clinton Township Open Space with Trails, under County or State Ownership:
Round Valley State Park is in Clinton Township. The park contains 10+ miles of hiking trails (also open to mountain bikes), with highly challenging climbs, beautiful mature forests, and panoramic views of the four-square-mile Round Valley Reservoir. Access is from the park headquarters, two miles south of Highway 22 on Round Valley Access Road, and from the Cushetunk parking lot (maintained by Hunterdon County) The trails in this park attract people from across the state, but generally are nearly empty once one gets away from the trailhead. (Click here for map)
Cushetunk Mountain Preserve is administered by Hunterdon County, and located in Clinton and Readington Townships. Its extensive trail system connects to Round Valley State Park trails. There is a large parking area, just south of Old Mountain Road, immediately west of Old Mountain Road’s intersection with the railroad tracks. The trails take advantage of steep terrain to provide miles of moderate to difficult trails, with the Ridge Trail providing great views of Round Valley Reservoir. This area’s forest is among the best in Clinton Township, and the trails – which are uncrowded by any standard – have a loyal following of hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The Preserve encompasses five+ miles of well-marked trails. Go to Cushetunk Brochure for a brochure and trail map (which is somewhat outdated; more trails have been developed). (Click here for map)
Hunterdon County Arboretum is on the west side of Highway 31, just north of Stanton Station Road. The Arboretum has extensive trails extending to the east, and connects on the west (via a tunnel under Highway 31) to trails at Hunterdon County’s South Branch Reservation and the Echo Hill areas. (Click here for map)
Echo Hill is a County Park located in Clinton Township. Hikers can enjoy a circular trail around the perimeter of the park. It winds through a wide variety of habitats and affords a beautiful overlook of the Prescott Brook. Throughout the year, the County provides Educational Programs such as Maple Sugaring Sugaring and seasonal Nature Clubs for children. Organized Group Camping is also available.
South Branch Reservation contains another parcel in the north end of Clinton Township. It is located just east of the Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center, and parking and trailhead are from the southeastern corner of the Wellness Center parking lot. The trails have great views of the Raritan River, and the area is a mature forest. The trails can be wet in areas, depending on weather and time of year. (Click here for map)