Traction Line Recreation Trail:
New Jersey
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Description:
In June 1986, the Morris County Park Commission dedicated this recreation trail that runs parallel to the New Jersey Transit Line railroad tracks. The path utilizes a little over three miles of right-of-way that might have been an overgrown, littered wasteland.

The trail was developed with the cooperation of the Jersey Central Power and Light Company and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. In April of 1990, a nine-station Parcourse Exercise unit was installed to enhance the health aspects of the trail. The addition was made possible through matching grants from Allied-Signal Foundation, Crum & Forster, and the Jersey Central Power and Light.

The Traction Line Recreation Trail is popular for biking, jogging, cross country skiing, walking and strollers. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Trail.

The northern end of the trail is near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Washington Avene across Morrris Avenue form Washington's Headquarters National Historic Park. This is a residential area and there is only on street parking. The southern end of the Tracion Line is at Danforth near Fairleigh Dickenson University's College at Florham in Madison, NJ. There is no public parking at this location.
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Parking & Trail Access:
FROM Route 124: Traveling EAST through Morris Township, turn LEFT at Rods/Madison Hotel onto Convent Road. Cross railroad tracks to path entrance on LEFT. (Parking is available in adjacent lot.) These directions lead to the Convent Station on New Jersey Transits Morris and Essex Line in about the middle of the trail.

FROM Route 287 South: Exit 35 to Route 124 EAST, (Madison Avenue). Turn LEFT on Madison Avenue, follow to traffic light at Convent Road. Turn LEFT, proceed as above.

FROM Route 287 North: Exit 35 to light. Turn LEFT onto South Street. Bear RIGHT onto Route 124 (Madison Avenue) Turn RIGHT on Madison Avenue Route 124 East. Follow directions as above.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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Start in Morristown, lunch in Madison, combine with Loantaka
By dhoerl in July, 2010
Wife and I parked in Morristown, took this trail into Madison, and had lunch at Atlanta Bread (Memorial Day 2010). What we should have done is figured out how to best take roads to the Loantaka Brook park that has many bike trails (http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/loantakatr.asp) - combining these would make for a nice days of riding.

There are several trail panels with this trails history - I found it quite interesting (there is a real story to how the right of way was obtained!)

We have biking in Loantaka many years ago, so cannot comment on current conditions, but when we were there it was quite nice.
Nice trail but...
By Eddieboy1 in June, 2010
This is a very nice trail in the middle of Morris Twp. I have been looking at trails that are longer and longer. I found the trail is not 3.2 miles but only 2.7 miles. I have noted this on quite a few trails. They need to update some information on the trails. I was disappointed it was shorter than advertised. It is a very nice trail and it is something to see the trains and not hear the noise (or the smell) of a diesel.
A Trail for all seasons!
By Fred in March, 2002
" This 3 mile trail is a wide paved pathway that slopes gently along its route. It is suitable for walking, biking and in-line skating. Perhaps the most interesting feature of this trail is that the Morris County Park Commission clears this trail of snow within 24 hours of the snowfall. While this precludes cross-country skiing, it provides an outlet for ""cabin-fever"" in winters with heavy snowfall.
There is a small parking area at the west end, and available street parking at either end. The only roadways crossed are private entrances, so traffic is minimal. The train traffic on the Morris and Essex line alongside the trail is anything but minimal. It is amazing how quiet the electric trains are!

Rates a 7 out of 10!

Fred"
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Morris Avenue & Washington Avenue, Morristown, NJ to Danforth Rd, Madison NJ
Counties: Morris
Trail Length: 3.2 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016584