Description
The Union Transportation Trail runs for 4 miles between Millstream Road and Davis Station Road; it's the County's second rail-trail, accommodating equestrians, hikers, walkers, joggers and cyclists. When complete, the trail will cover 8.6 miles between Millstream Road near New Egypt north beyond New Canton Way near Allentown.
The trail crosses a refurbished wooden trestle over Lahaway Creek, one of the few physical remnants of the old railroad, and via an earthen berm, crosses Miry Run Creek.
Passing through a rural landscape, the Union Transportation Trail occupies the former right-of-way for the Pemberton & Hightstown Railroad, a short line established in 1864 to transport dairy and produce to larger railroads at junctions in Pemberton (Burlington County) and Hightstown (Mercer County). The railroad began operating in 1868, traveling through Hornerstown, Cream Ridge, Davis, Imlaystown and Sharon in Upper Freehold Township. Passenger service ceased in 1931 but freight service continued on sections of the line until 1977.
Jersey Central Power & Light acquired the right-of-way, and in 1998 the local parks department obtained a permanent easement for the trail.
Parking and Trail Access
Two parking lots and access points are available at Millstream Road (8 Millstream Road) near County 537 and at 114 Jonathan Holmes Road, about the midway point; both in Upper Freehold.
Directions to Millstream Road: From Freehold on I-195, take Exit 16 and head west on Rt. 537, cross Rt. 539 and continue about 1 mile to Millstream Road. Turn right; parking is on the left. From Ocean County head east on Rt. 537 and cross Rt. 68. Continue about 6 miles to Millstream Road. Turn left; parking is on the left.
Directions to Jonathan Holmes Road: From Freehold on I-195 take Exit 16 and head west on Rt. 537. Turn right onto Emley's Hill Road then bear left onto Jonathan Holmes Road. Parking is on the right. From Ocean County head east on Rt. 537. Turn left onto Rt 539 (Forked River Road) then right onto Jonathan Homes Road. Parking is on the left.
Pretty nice ride through horse country
By
kess
in
April, 2013
Did this trail on mountain bike in March 2013, it has some ascent/descent in a couple areas. Parked at 114 Jonathan Holmes Road, and started out north first. In the afternoon there, I was the only biker and encountered a handful of people jogging or walking ...
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A picturesque biking experience for anyone!
By
aji8ful
in
March, 2013
This trail in particular had a good solid gravel foundation and it passes through several horse farms and even a sheep farm. There is a long and easily passible bridge connecting the trail along with several safe and passable walkways.
TIPS: Be extra ...
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Nice Rail-Trail, need to re-hike!
By
photoboy101
in
December, 2012
I hiked the portion of the trail from CR 27 to CR 539 back in Sep. '10 before the trail officially opened with my father. I found the pavement to be quite smooth, even though it is mainly crushed gravel. The best part was the newly-restored bridge over ...
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