Metuchen Trails and Maps

2008 Reviews



Looking for the best trails around Metuchen?

Explore the best rated trails in Metuchen, NJ, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail) and Old Croton Aqueduct Trail . With more than 121 trails covering 914 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

D&L Trail

Bethlehem Section

November, 2023 by getbobk

Love this trail in the Bethlehem area. You can access downtown Bethlehem from the trail at Main Street. From there, it's about a 10 minute walk up where you can grab a bite to eat and some refreshments. Only downside last time we were there, saw dozens of people long-term "camping" along the trail east of Bethlehem. Probably not allowed but also does not seem to be disallowed. Just want to make people aware so they are not surprised by this while on the trail.

Columbia Trail

Columbia Trail

November, 2023 by thejake91739

On an especially brisk, early morning weekday in late October, I had the pleasure of riding my bike on this beautiful trail. There were plenty of walkers and joggers for the first couple of miles, and then me on my bike.

I started at the High Bridge trailhead. The gravel trail made me wish I had my old mountain bike, but after awhile you get used to it and realize your bike isn't going to fall apart. My hybrid did just fine. Just beyond Califon the trail became hard packed dirt and allowed for a smoother, faster ride. Due to time constraints I only went eleven miles out and then back, so I didn't get to discover what the last four or five miles are like.

The Raritan River views are absolutely amazing, and the fall colors dazzling! The sounds of the river and the chirping birds are an additional joy. After Califon the terrain is more suited to land occupied by charming homes and farmland, but there is still plenty of woodlands and river. If I hadn't stopped so many times to take photos and video, I probably could have done the full thirty mile round trip.

After a couple of hours and eleven miles I turned back. It was then that I started passing many, many bicyclists. I think they preferred the warmer temps of late morning to avoid the frozen fingers I had to endure. In fact, I was surprised at how many cars were in the High Bridge parking lot with their bike racks and many, like this Californian, with out of state plates which attests to this trail's fame and popularity. I'm just speculating, but this trail must be super busy on weekends.

What a gem of a trail! A+

Vanderbilt Motor Parkway

Entire trail now reopened, repaved, with historic signs

November, 2023 by tom0153

The history of the Long Island Motor Parkway (as it was first recalled) is revealed with signage along the length of the Parkway, including the site of the Jacob Johnson Family Burial Ground who appears in the 1830 Census as a "free colored man." At least two of his sons served in a segregated unit in the Civil War. He was a farmer in the area until retirement when he lived very close to Alley Pond.
The length of the entire park roadway, designated as part of the Greenway, has been repaved.
Review other park features when you come. In another area of the larger Alley Pond Park is found the oldest and tallest tree in NYC, already growing at the time of George Washington, known as the Alley Pond Giant. Hiking trails throughout the Park are well maintained.

Accordion

Karl Stirner Arts Trail

wonderful short walk

October, 2023 by jimboedmonds

Loved all the art and garden additions!

Plainfield Township Recreation Trail

scenic trail

October, 2023 by kulickk

A nice ride especially in the fall At the far north end a couple of very steep short sections that are gravel The rest of the trail is on the railroad right of way so an easy ride

Forks Township Recreation Trail

First Time Walking Here

September, 2023 by hbsteph72

This trail was perfect for me…I have some arthritis and the trail was accessible to me. I will definitely walk this trail again.

Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail

Not a trail for anything except a mt. bike with suspension.

September, 2023 by julienneandmom

I can't believe I'm forced to give this trail two stars. It's not due to the location, the scenery or lack of variety. The trail gets five stars for these features. It's due to the condition of the trail. It's HORRIBLE!! Someone got the bright idea to put very large gravel down on the trail. which turned the trail into one that is only suitable for a mountain bike with suspension. Even then, it's not an easy ride. Yes, there are sections that are flat, but there are also sections that are so steep that you're forced to get off your bike to get up it. Though I'm not any sort of professional biker, I am someone who takes 70 mile road bike day trips on a regular basis. It took me five hours to go 36 miles - 18 miles out and 18 miles back. I had planned to do the entire trail out and back. If I'm having issues with a trail, there's good reason. I took my regular mountain bike (no suspension) and my body was shaken all over the place due to the trail condition. Until the trail condition is resolved, I sadly won't be returning to this trail again. It's a darn shame. On a positive note, I did see a bobcat!

* The trail description of the trail on the national park web page, the official Rails to Trails book for PA and other sources need to be updated to reflect the true condition(s) of the trail.

Bethpage Bikeway

Lots of fun!

August, 2023 by fredunger_tl

I started my journey in Bethpage Park ($8 to park for the day) and headed south. The Massapequa Preseve is beautiful and certainly the highlight of the trail. I loved how a small, charming stream ran alongside the trail for most of this leg of the trip.

Once I got to Sunrise Hwy, it was a bit confusing because the trail is not obvious to where it picks up on the other side. I found the trail and completed the last mile. Personally, I would not recommend going south of Sunrise Hwy. The trail becomes extremely bumpy and it ends unceremoniously at the corner of a busy intersection. On my next trip, I am avoiding this leg.

Finally I biked back up to Bethpage and continued north. The Trailview State Park portion of the trail is the best maintained, with a freshly paved roadway and beautiful greenery. I didn't go further than the TSP.

All in all it was a fun ride! My next trip I am parking where the trail intersects with Sunrise Hwy and take it all the way north.

Power Line Trail (PA)

I am not an owner of a dog but coming on this trail and getting to love on so many dogs makes me happy. I met some very nice people with their companions.

August, 2023 by tlasalvia65

I am not an owner of a dog but coming on this trail and getting to love on so many dogs makes me happy. I met some very nice people with their companions.

Barnegat Branch Trail

We started at the south end in Barnegat. We bikes the first 7 miles. There is a lot of opportunities between mile maker 2.5 and 3.5 to eat, drink, restroom.

August, 2023 by sheilahalf1007

We started at the south end in Barnegat. We bikes the first 7 miles. There is a lot of opportunities between mile maker 2.5 and 3.5 to eat, drink, restroom.

Henry Hudson Trail

Awesome! started in Aberdeen

August, 2023 by ed.alba1

12 miles to a awesome payoff. NYC Skyline in the distance. A bit bumpy at times. Great way to get used to clipping in. You do it a lot. Lol Many road crossings. Half the ride under shade. Clean path. 2 hours there and back at 11MPH Enjoy the ride!

Pennypack Trail

La Familia Ladies

August, 2023 by ruthbasco

Todays walk was very enjoyable. It was 5 ladies walking and everyone we encountered was friendly. The walk was clear and even. We did 4 miles and I would have completed more. I would return to this trail again.

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Accordion

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