Columbia Trail:
New Jersey
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The relatively flat trail curves along the mountainside above the South Branch of the Raritan River for seven miles from High Bridge north to the Hunterdon/Morris County line. From here, the trail continues for eight more miles to Flanders in Morris County.

Two bridges carry the trail over Cokesbury Road and the South Branch of the Raritan River. The latter bridge is elevated approximately 80 feet and spans a length of 260 feet over the river bottom. This bridge is located near the Ken Lockwood Gorge. Several roads bisect the park making for easy access. Benches located along the trail provide areas to rest and enjoy the scenery.

The trail's natural surface allows visitors to enjoy the park in a couple of ways. Hiking is probably the most popular. The trail is wide enough to provide a great opportunity for biking as well as cross-country skiing in the winter.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
Location: The trail is located in portions of High Bridge and Califon Boroughs, Clinton and Lebanon Townships. The trailhead is in High Bridge with the terminus located on Valley Brook Road. No restrooms facilities are available.

Directions from the Clinton Area: Directions from the Junction of Route 78 and Route 31 in Clinton: Proceed north on Route 31 for 1.7 miles to Route 513 north. Turn right and follow Route 513 into High Bridge. After approximately 1 mile and passing under the train tracks, turn left into the center of High Bridge. Just before the Boro Hall, turn left onto Van Syckles Street. Public parking is available in the municipal parking lot.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [5 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Can loop between High Bridge and Califon
By dhoerl on July 24, 2010
What a gorgeous trail! Could not agree more with others. My wife and I took the trail this AM going from High Bridge to the "Taylor SteelWorkers Historical Greenway" (on this site) trail, took it to River Road, and biked the road to Califon (read my post on that trail on how to get to River Road). Not a single car passed us - and about 2 miles of the road is currently closed to traffic. You actually get a better view of the Raritan from the road than the trail. Anyway, third trip - and it's nice to have a loop!

Ditto on Califon General Store (really a small deli) for lunch!
my home town trail
By jckofheart on June 19, 2010
How lucky I am to be able to call this my home town trail. This little bit of heaven on earth is a can't miss for anyone that rides. Park at the Commons in High Bridge and head towards Califon. The first part of the ride is a bit of an up hill battle but just past the second trestle it levels off real nice. Talk about views stop on that trestle and enjoy the scene it is one of the most beautiful the state of New Jersey has to offer!
Continue on to Califon, there is a porta-potty in the Island Park just off the trail and several places to grab a bite to eat or get a drink. If it is not Sunday do Rambo's it's a slice of Americana you will love, it's easy to find when you hit the front of the fire house turn left it's just ahead on your right, it is closed on Sundays so if you need to refuel go a bit further and over the bridge on the left is the Califon General Store.
Back on the trail continue to the county line, where you will have completed 7 miles. You can continue on into Morris County from there (watch for the big dipsy do on the trail a little past the next bridge) once in Long Valley you get a bunch more places to grab food and drinks. For you really good riders the trail will continue into Flanders and at some point, don't ask me where but I do believe it links to the Patriot Trail.
Regardless how far you go it will be a ride you will be glad you did and will want to come back for more.
PS If while you are in Califon and you make it down to Rt. 513 there is a Pet Supply store stop in and say hello.

My home trail
By jckofheart on June 18, 2010
I have always felt lucky being able to call The Columbia Trail my home town trail. Anyone who has never had the honor to ride this trail is missing something very special.
I regularly ride the 7 mile section from High Bridge thru Califon to the the county line. The parks department keeps it in excellent condition and the views are breath taking.
Browse Trails by Activity: