Sussex Branch Trail:
New Jersey
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Description:
The Sussex Branch Trail got its start in the late 1840s as the narrow-gauge, mule-drawn Sussex Mine Railroad, whose primary purpose was hauling iron ore from the mines in Andover to Waterloo Village on the Morris Canal. The railroad was eventually upgraded and expanded before being merged into the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in the mid-1940s. Though the railroad was out of service several decades later, the state of New Jersey—which owns much of the area parkland—preserved the right-of-way for trail use.

The trail begins on the outskirts of Branchville at a parking area along Augusta Hill Road. (The trail extends about 1 mile north from this location, but limited access and parking make this the best jumping-off point.) The Sussex Branch Trail is generally oriented north-south, while the Paulinskill Valley Trail, which it intersects at Warbasse Junction, is generally oriented east-west.

The trail hugs the banks of the Paulinskill River, and a series of bridges cross the stream. After crossing County Route 565 the trail runs parallel with NJ Route 15 into the historic village of Lafayette. Antique shops and the Olde Lafayette Village outlet shops line Route 15.

From here the Sussex Branch Trail travels through fairly dense forest until Warbasse Junction, where it meets the Paulinskill Valley Trail. Only 300 feet west along the Paulinskill Valley Trail from the intersection is a trailhead with parking and restrooms.

A break in the trail corridor requires on-road travel for 1.1 miles. A large sign just north of Newton directs trail users to Route 663/ Hicks Avenue. This tree-lined, two-lane road has limited narrow shoulders that require extra caution. The trail resumes on the south side of Hicks Avenue near the intersection with Sparta Avenue.

Kittatinny Valley State Park is a highlight of this trail. The park's maples, hickories and tulip poplars contribute to a riot of fall color. In spring, wildflowers flourish and flowering trees and shrubs brighten the park's glacially formed valleys and limestone ridges. Birders flock to the park to view some of the 200 bird species spotted in the area, and hikers and mountain-bikers seek their thrill on a network of trails throughout the park.

The town of Andover, with eateries and shops, lies on the south side of the state park, beyond US 206. The parking area at the intersection of Smith Street and Railroad Avenue is a good point to end your trip. The trail is 13.3 miles long to this point. The remaining 5 miles of corridor to Waterloo Road becomes difficult to follow, as it passes through residential areas, alongside US 206 and around Cranberry Lake before entering Allamuchy Mountain State Park. The remaining corridor to Waterloo Road becomes difficult to follow, as it passes through residential areas, alongside US 206 and around Cranberry Lake before entering Allamuchy Mountain State Park. The trail ends at Waterloo Road/SR 604.

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Parking & Trail Access:
From Branchville, proceed south on US 206. Turn right onto Augusta Hill Road. The trailhead will be on your right.

To reach Andover from I-80, take US 206 north. In Andover, turn left onto Brighton Avenue. Turn right onto Railroad Avenue. Parking is at the intersection of Smith Street and Railroad Avenue.

To reach Kittatinny Valley State Park in Andover from Route 80, take Route 206 north about 8 miles through Andover Borough. Turn right onto Goodale Road and follow it about 1 mile to the park entrance on the right.

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Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
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Trail much improved - second trip end to end
By dhoerl in August, 2011
First rode this trail end to end last year (see earlier post). The section proceeding North from Waterloo Road is well maintained and is perfectly family friendly for the 3 miles to Cranberry Lake. From there to Andover, the trail is rough and in a few small sections its narrow, bumpy, and not family friendly. That said, yesterday I saw at least 3 couples doing proceeding South on it. In Andover you must take a road detour (albeit a lightly traveled road) before you can get back onto the North section. Everything is just fine and dandy til you pass through Lafayette Mill and cross Hampton Cross Road. From then on the trail is much less maintained with large loose ballast, huge mud puddles, and roots.

Overall this is a great day trip - it took me 5 hours to do the 40 miles up and back. Many gorgeous areas to see, and the route offers varied terrain. Also, its not flat - there is at most a 2 % grade - so you get more of a workout than you would on say the D&R canal.

As the last poster said, this is not a trail for inexperienced rider - you should have a mountain bike with fat knobby tires. That said, if you stay within the two state parks the trail is very even and perfectly for families.

I twittered my journey yesterday with photos and mile markers if interested in more details.
8/2010 Sussex Branch Trail, N.J.
By harvecon in August, 2010
I feel that folks should be alerted that this is not a trail for the faint hearted. It is rough and dangerous in spots. It is not appropriate for children or inexperienced bikers.
Trail really goes from South End of Allamuchy to Branchville
By dhoerl in July, 2010
Rode the trail from trailhead at Allamuchy to termination Branchville - approx 22 miles - will post photos later. The ride through Allamuchy is easy and well maintained (and pretty!) - in mid summer the light filters through the trees, creating a nice effect, and it was much cooler than out in the sun. At Cranbury lake, the trail gets more difficult - rocky and narrow - but is rideable. A convenience store is across 206 (light). The trail is unmarked but hugs 206, and finally brings you to Kittatinny Park, ending at CO 616. Cross the road, pick up trail again, ending at CO 663. 1.5 miles on the road and you can get back on the trail (just after mile marker 1.0). The trail from there goes un-interrupted to Branchville. This section is less maintained - some gravel, narrower single track in some areas, and a 100 yard bog that was damp with puddles in the middle of a dry spell in July. The trail apparently ends at a point where a bridge is missing - believe this was Mill Rd but not positive. From the road, cross over a bridge going North and get back onto the trail (unmarked). This bit takes you to a blocked steel bridge. Make a clockwise circle from that point to the other side and see a well preserved rail road car that's being used for storage. Had a small lunch then turned around for home. I did the round trip in a bit over 5 hours. There was an ice cream shop (Millside Cafe?) where I got more water, and I did see the Andover Diner (but it appeared closed).

I very much enjoyed this ride - mostly in the shade, lots to see, varied terrain. If its just rained the "bog" near Branchville will be impassible - I met a guy on the trail who had turned around given its current (good) condition!
A snowy day in March.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Mill St. (Branchville) to Waterloo Rd./CR 604 (Allamuch State Park)
Counties: Sussex
Trail Length: 18 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Gravel, Ballast, Grass, Dirt, Cinder
Trail Activities: Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032069