The Paulinskill Valley Trail

A Beautiful Day on the Trail

Article and Photos By Joel Wilson

My family and I recently spent an afternoon hiking the Paulinskill Valley Trail, and let me say that I was quite happy with the experience.  As many Sussex County residents know, the trail is actually a linear New Jersey State Park comprised of old railroad tracks used by the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad up until their abandonment in 1962.    After much political wrangling, the park opened to the public on October 3, 1992 and has since then been enjoyed by thousands of hikers, crosscountry skiers, horseriders, bicyclists, and casual strollers.

The trail overall is officially 27 miles or so, running from Knowlton Township in Warren County all the way to Sparta Junction.  In Sussex County it runs through Fredon, Stillwater, Hampton, Lafayette, and ends in Sparta.   The stretch we visited was in Hampton, intersecting the Newton-Swartswood Road, in an area that we knew contained historic, railroad-related remains. 

An Old Water Tank

We knew we were in for a special day as we drove to one of the handful of State-provided parking lots in the vicinity.  There walking across a freshly plowed farm field was a family of three bears taking an afternoon stroll.   Unfortunately I was not quick enough getting to my camera in the back of the car, as the bears quickly disappeared into the woods.  Our excitement was certainly piqued however, as we parked and then rapidly made our way up onto the trail.

Let me say that our reference material for the day was a walking guide I found on the web at the Kittattinny High School web site.  These web pages present a nice overview of the significant sites that may be found along the tracks and adjacent public properties.  There are many other sources of information that you may employ to maximize your knowledge and appreciation of the trail and its past.  One notable book is The Paulinskill Valley Trail, Before and After that was compiled, written and produced by the The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee, a local group of trail enthusiasts.  This book is available at the Sussex County Library.  You may also contact the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee, POB 7076, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, for more information.

Swartswood Creamery

Rather than present another reference material, I would like to share some reflections I had while hiking that sunny May afternoon.  I went there expecting more of a nature walk then anything else, perhaps with some interesting railroad artifacts thrown in for good measure.  I ended up making a series of connections that in my mind captured the essence of Sussex County's character for the first part of the century. 

An "UdderPass"

The clues were subtle enough -- an "udderpass" allowing cows to cross under the tracks, a creamery built inches from the track, a rail line that was not really close to the center of any particular town.  These were not commuter trains meant to get people out of the county on a regular basis, rather they were our means for staying put.  They connected us with the outside world, allowing our dairy products to be sold in city markets and providing us with required supplies.  These tracks allowed Sussex County to develop and retain its rural charm while at the same time providing many in the county with jobs and prosperity.

So next time you visit the park be sure to take time to think about what the railroads have meant to Sussex County.  It will enhance even more your appreciation of this unique experience!

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