Starting from the cul-de-sac at the end of Ogden Way and heading north, the trail has completely collapsed less than a mile in. There is a giant sinkhole in the old railbed, approx. 30 feet across and 15 feet deep. There is no way around it; because at this point in the trail you are traveling on an elevated path, with un-negotiable (I suppose hikers could do it) drops of 30+ feet on either side. Too bad, because this is a pretty, quiet trail. Upon leaving I did see a dirtbike rider but he did not enter the trail.

Nice trail - remarkably little litter despite it's proximity to civilization. Tried the trail on my hybrid bike - much better suited for a mountain bike. Trail bed is too soft for thin tires.

"If you intend to travel the entire length of this trail by bicycle, I’ll offer you some words of advice: (1) start at the lowest elevation - 700 feet AMSL - and work your way to highest – 990 feet AMSL; (2) don’t attempt to ride anything other than a mountain bike equipped with either front or dual suspension; (3) wear a helmet; (4) bring plenty of water; and (5) use a low gear, take your time, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and foliage as you move along. This is a fine trail, even though I’m sure it isn’t on most of our “top 10” lists.

An excellent starting point for bicyclists is located at the dead end circular turnaround of Ogden Way in Ogdensburg. There is plenty of on street parking here and the trailhead is immediately adjacent to the street. Hikers and walkers may choose to park in designated parking areas on nearby NJ State Highway 23 (mid-trail) or on Beaver Lake Road in Franklin (near the active railroad line at the trail’s endpoint).

The trail surface beginning near Ogden Way starts out extremely rocky, but this lasts only for about 100 feet or so. Beyond this point you’ll encounter loose ballast for the most part, with some packed dirt and moderately rocky surfaces as well. An active stream shares a short section of the trail bed, so depending upon time of year and precipitation levels you might run into some running water. The are also a small number of tree roots and left in place railroad ties to negotiate.

This trail lies completely within a very popular NJ State Wildlife Management Area; that is, a public hunting region. Regardless of posted safety notices warning hunters not to fire into the trail’s right-of-way zone, during hunting season I would use this trail only on Sundays (it is currently illegal to hunt on Sundays in NJ). Also, wearing bright orange might be a good idea as well.

I had a great time on this trail. It was very quiet, the trail was a perfect length based on effort required to pedal up the incline, the foliage was nice to look at, and there were one or two cleared areas that provided excellent panoramic views of some nearby Sussex County communities. Come prepared and you will likely have as enjoyable experience as I did.

One other note: there was much evidence on the trail of unlawful ATV and dirt bike use. Be on the alert for fast moving motor vehicles at all times."