By subkron in September, 2011
We started on the trail at the northern access point off of Rt. 538 on Labor day, just a week after Hurricane Irene came through. About 0.8 miles in is a small stream that completely washed out the trail from all the water of the storm. There was originally a 3' diameter, 10' steel culvert that was under the trail to channel the stream, but the water carried that 15' or so downstream. The washout left about a 15' gap from one side of the trail to the other. Luckily someone placed orange barrels on the north side, otherwise if you were not paying attention the drop from the trail to the stream was about 8'-10'.
We chatted with a local fellow and his son who came up to check it out on their quads, also saw another person on a quad and another on horseback
The stream was small at this point, so we went off the trail to the left, down to the water and forded it across - it was shallow but moving fast. We continued for another 1/2 mile or so and then encountered a number of fallen trees completely blocking the trail. We attempted to get around that but there is private property on either side (very well posted) and water channels all over that prevented us from going on further.
Very disappointing, but the actual trail we were on was very nice and we will go back. We were out of time so we did not try to enter from the southern access.
Hopefully there will be trail maintenance efforts - it looks like a great place for a ride.
By joshsarner in July, 2011
I really enjoyd this ride. I entered at the North terminus and parked at the rear of the township recreation facility. Most of this ride, more that 90%, is under tree canopy, which made it extra enjoyable in the summer heat. At the end of the ride in Elmer, NJ, is the Elmer Diner, which was packed this Sunday morning. It's a great place to stop before the return ride back.
By sumoe in June, 2011
Elephant Swamp Trail is a hard-packed dirt trail. By US 40, the rocks and dirt are usually stirred up by the 4-wheelers that go through, but north of Island Road it's pretty nice and smooth. You can see the farmers at work, view the swamps and a rolling stream crossing. I usually chase a turtle or two off the trail for their safety, and once in a while a black snake...and sometimes I startle a deer! Pretty flat with some whoop-de-dos, it is easy for any mountainbike to negotiate. I have seen walkers up by the Elk Road entrance. The Elephant Swamp sections has markers for plant and animal life in the area, and a few benches to sit upon.
Hopefully this trail will survive the encroaching development in the area.