Central Jersey : Hunterdon

Hun 08:
Deer Path Park

Summary
Trail Description
Trail Map
History
Flora & Fauna
Print Guide
Print Map

Summary

Distance: 2.8 miles of walking trails; 1.2 miles of bridle trails going south from Deer Path Park
Time: 45 minutes - 1 hour depending on pace
Markings: Deer Path has no markings except of the fitness indicators. Some bridle trails are marked with triangular white "RTA" markers.
Trail Usage: Walking/Hiking, Horseback riding, Dogs permitted on leash, Mountain biking
Elevation: Essentially flat
Difficulty: Easy
Parking:

Shortly after crossing the South Branch of the Raritan River, turn right on West Woodschurch Road and turn right into the park driveway after 0.6 mile. Keep left past the YMCA building and park in the next lot on the left.

Tips: Consult the Hunterdon County website for further parks information Hunterdon County Parks.

Amenities: Deer Path Park has a small gazebo surrounded by a Memorial Garden that overlooks Deer Path Pond. The gazebo can be rented for weddings and other special events. There is also a five acre wildflower field located in Deer Path Park.
Overview:

The South Branch Reservation is a collection of 12 small parks totaling about 1000 acres, and running, with two minor exceptions, about 10 miles along the South Branch of the Raritan River between Flemington and Clinton. The southern half is more developed from a hiking trail perspective, and forms a contiguous area with Deer Path/Round Mountain Park, also owned by Hunterdon County. Included in this half are the Wings Section, the Stanton Station Section (see HUN 7 and HUN 3), and the Assiscong Marsh Natural Area, the latter having no hiking trails. In general, the entire reservation seems to be a work in progress, and some of the trails indicated on the county maps either don’t exist yet or tend to disappear without warning. Trails are generally marked with orange diamonds, and trail maintenance varies considerably. All trails are designated for hiking, biking and horseback riding, but most are used very infrequently.

Deer Path and Round Mountain are separate sections of the same park, separated by West Woodschurch Road in Readington Township. Deer Path is a flat, active recreation area, with soccer and softball fields, picnic and play areas, and a three acre pond. In this section are walking and fitness trails, notably around the perimeter and consisting mainly of paths mowed in the grass. The Round Mountain section, on the other hand, is hilly and wooded, with narrow trails and old logging roads on the sides of the mountain. Hunting is allowed by special permit at certain times. There are also marked bridle trails associated with both areas that are maintained by the Readington Trails Association, which are open for hiking as well.

Directions: Deer Path Park is located in Readington Township, four miles north of Flemington off Route 31. Take the right turn off Route 31, West Woodschurch Road and turn right into the park driveway after 0.6 mile. Keep left past the YMCA building, and park in the next lot on the left. To access the Round Mountain section walk to the left of the soccer field on the left hand side and look for the park signs across the road. For Deer Path trails walk in any direction until you come to the mowed trail.
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