Columbia Trail
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Columbia Trail is a rail trail in New Jersey created from portions of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey High Bridge Branch stretching from High Bridge, in Hunterdon County, to Flanders, in Morris County. Built in 1876, the branch was used for passenger and freight traffic. The type of freight most commonly moved was iron ore from mines in Morris County to be used in the foundries at High Bridge or Wharton.
In 1976, the branch was deemed redundant by its new owner Conrail and the rails were ripped up. Since then it has been a recreational trail serving the surrounding communities. In the mid-1990s, Columbia Gas Company laid an underground gas pipeline the length of the right-of-way from Morris County to High Bridge. The trail and bridges were resurfaced in 2004. The Hunterdon County Department of Parks and Recreation and Morris County Department of Parks and Recreation now operate and maintain the trail. Beyond the northern end of the trail at Flanders, an active rail line is still in service to Wharton. The trail connects to the New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line at High Bridge.
A notable portion of the trail is the Ken Lockwood Gorge, between Califon and High Bridge. The South Branch of the Raritan River, which parallels the trail through the gorge, is a fast-flowing small river with recreational activities. A 60-foot trestle carries the trail over the river in the gorge.
