Ogden Mine Railroad Path:
New Jersey
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Description:
This trail is located in the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation which is a unit of the Morris County Park Commission. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed through hardwood forests, past ponds, swamps and wetlands. At the southern end, the trail can be reached from a parking lot off of Weldon Road at Saffin Rock Rill. Follow the yellow trail blazes on the left which lead to a slight uphill grade to the rail bed. The trail surface is a mixture of dirt and gravel. The trail is intersected on the left by the Highlands hiking trail. Here the trail flattens and follows the contours of a ridge to Saffin Pond where there are picnic tables and a large parking lot along Weldon Road. The trail crosses Weldon Road and passes ponds and wetlands. Look for fallen trees near the ponds from activity by resident beaver. Some of the ponds contain beaver lodges. The section of trail north of the Saffin Pond parking area has had a large amount of gravel laid down to stabilize the surface; it makes for rough bike riding. The trail leaves the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation and enters the Weldon Brook Wildlife Management Area. The surface changes back to dirt and signs along the trail indicate that you have entered the Wildlife Management Area. The trail passes through the lower end of Pine Swamp and over the Wallkill River. The trail ends at Hayward Road in a residential development where there is only on street parking. Maps of all of the trails in the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation are available at the parking lots.
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Parking & Trail Access:
From Interstate 80, take Exit 34 for New Jersey Route 15 north. In Hurdtown take the exit for Weldon Road, approximately 4 miles. Follow Weldon Road east about 1 mile where you will enter the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation. Look for parking at Saffin Rock Rill or Saffin Pond on the right side of the road.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Great views; so-so trail surface
By Tony in November, 2002
"This trail is located entirely within the confines of Morris County’s Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, which contains over 3,200 acres of beautiful near wilderness and recreational areas. In addition to the Ogden Mine Railroad Path there are several other trails in the Reservation available to bikers, walkers, and equestrians. Printed trail maps are available from the Morris County Park Commission. Maps are also posted at each parking area.

Indeed scenery along the trail route on the day of my mountain bike ride was extremely beautiful; I was fortunate enough to have picked a peak fall foliage day to visit this trail. The most breathtaking vistas were located in those areas adjacent to Saffin Pond, where you may also choose to fish or ice skate depending upon the season. Unfortunately regardless of the great views, trail surface conditions detracted somewhat from my enjoyment.

Like most rail trails maintained by the Morris County Park Commission, an excess amount of gravel has been deployed along most of the route. My assumption is that the Park Commission has chosen to lay down gravel in an effort to stabilize the trail surface and prevent mud from taking over. Regardless of the Commission’s good intentions, the excess gravel makes bicycle riding and walking very difficult. Instead of just piling on the gravel, actions should be taken to improve drainage conditions along the trail (e.g., excavate a run-off trench adjacent to the trail at spots most prone to flooding).

For those who don’t mind a rough ride, this trail is indeed worth visiting. The Mahlon Dickerson Reservation is a particularly good location to stop at if you’re interested in having a variety of trails to explore."
Away from it all
By Fred in March, 2002
" This relatively short trail has a ground cinder surface good for hiking and biking. Parking is only available at Saffin Pond at about the 1/3 point from the southern end. The trail passes some very scenic wetlands and ponds that teem with wildlife. The frogs can be symphonic at times!
The Wallkill River begins near here, and the crossing of the river (a brook at this point) is deeply eroded, necessitating a scramble - bikers beware! In the summer, a large percent of the wildlife consists of biting insects, so take proper precautions.

Rates a 6 out of 10!

Fred"
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Saffin Rock RIll - Mahlon Dickerson Reservation to Hayward Road, Jefferson Township, NJ
Counties: Morris, Sussex
Trail Length: 2.7 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Ballast, Dirt, Cinder
Trail Activities: Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016572