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Print Friendly MapThe Ogden Mine Railroad Path is located in the Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a unit of the Morris County Park Commission. The trail follows an old railroad bed through hardwood forests, past ponds, swamps and wetlands.
About the Route
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.
Some of the ponds that pass by the trail 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 then enters the Weldon Brook Wildlife Management Area. The surface changes back to dirt and signs along the trail indicate that the trail has entered the Wildlife Management Area.
The Ogden Mine Railroad Path runs between 31 Hayward Rd. (Sparta) and Weldon Rd. (Lake Hopatcong), with parking available at the southern end.
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Very nice trail, like some others have said some parts of the trail have larger rocks but its not an issue just pay attention to the terrain while shredding!
Fall is a beautiful time of year for a hike through Mahlon Dickerson. The Ogden Railroad trail is a very nice level walk (meander) through the forest. Going past Toomey's Pond I have spotted the long legged blue herron. The peacefulness and quiet walking is relaxing and almost meditative for the soul. I walk through here often with my little black dog, you may see me sometime, be sure to say hello, as I will to you.
Large parking area and lake to fish and swim at right off trail. Went biking here and I loved it. Just has a lot of gravel every where so it makes it a little challenging at certain points. But VERY scenic
Part of this trail has fallen during big strorm. Not passable
I parked at the lake, crossed the road and headed north. Nice beautiful morning, not a person out... I loved the light coming through the trees into the lakes and swamppy sections. Flat as could be, nice gravel, and I even found a coyote carcas (I think). I stay at the Adirondack shelters close by and love the trails through here!! One of my favorite spots
"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."
" 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"
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