TAKE A
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The Middlesex Greenway is
a picturesque open space resource within
the communities of Metuchen, Edison and
Woodbridge. It provides a 10-foot wide
paved trail suitable for walking, biking
and jogging, with several fully accessible
entrances along the length of the trail
connecting a diverse array of neighborhoods
to area parks, schools and shopping.
Situated along a historic portion of Lehigh
Valley Rail line, this 3.5-mile, 42-acre
corridor was purchased by the County
of Middlesex in 2002 as a rails-to-trails
project for recreational use. A portion of
the Middlesex Greenway is also part of the
East Coast Greenway, a developing trail
system spanning nearly 3,000 miles between
Canada and Key West. For more information,
please visit www.greenway.org/index.shtml.
The nonprofit Edison Greenways Group
was instrumental in the acquisition of the
abandoned Lehigh Valley Rail corridor,
bringing together local, county, state and
federal agencies to secure this rail line.
They provide educational walks along the
Middlesex Greenway, organize clean-ups
and promote the Greenway as a viable
transportation alternative for local residents
and a living classroom for educational
initiatives. Join their efforts at
www.edisongreenways.org.
To enhance and improve your experience
along the Middlesex Greenway, download
the Middlesex Greenway App before your
next trip: mcgisweb.co.middlesex.nj.us/
TheMiddlesexGreenwaywebapplication.
HEATHCOTE MEADOWS
South Brunswick (near Kingston)
A picturesque trail leads through a meadow.
Connecting trails take you to nearby Cook
Natural Area, Mapleton Preserve and D&R
Canal State Park.
FARRINGTON LAKE TRAIL
South Brunswick
A rocky trail that leads along Farrington Lake
towards the Ireland Brook.
JOHN A. PHILLIPS PRESERVE
Old Bridge
Observe New Jersey Pine Barrens plants
and animals on nearly 5 miles of hiking trails.
A self-guided Nature Trail can be found here.
THOMPSON PARK & THOMPSON PARK
CONSERVATION AREA
Monroe
Some of the oldest and most well-used
trails in the county. Great for fall foliage and
seasonal bird migration. Many trails originate
near the dog park area. The TPCA trailhead
is located off Prospect Plains Road. Some
trails have moderate inclines and wander in
the floodplain of the Manalapan Brook.
TAMARACK HOLLOW PRESERVE
East Brunswick
Enjoy trails that travel through deciduous
forest dominated by beech, maple and oak.
SCOTTS CORNER
CONSERVATION AREA
South Brunswick
A short loop trail through an open beech
forest. The trail borders some wetlands,
former agricultural fields and sports fields.
JAMESBURG PARK
CONSERVATION AREA
Helmetta/Monroe/Spotswood/East
Brunswick
Experience the unique habitat of a
pine barrens “outlier.” Pitch pine, oaks,
blueberries and huckleberries dominate the
sandy uplands. Atlantic white cedar can be
seen in the wetlands. Rare and threatened
plant and animal species can be found here.
DAVIDSON’S MILL POND COUNTY PARK
South Brunswick
More than 2 miles of trails along historic
Davidson’s Mill Pond, through fields and
forests.
IRELAND BROOK
CONSERVATION AREA
East Brunswick/South Brunswick
Several miles of trails through deciduous
forest and open meadows, and along the
Ireland Brook.
VAN DYKE FARM
South Brunswick
Mile-long trail along the wooded, eastern
portion of this preserved, historic farmland.
PIN OAK FOREST
Woodbridge
Over 2 miles of trails meander among the
marshes, ponds, swamps and woodlands
of the Woodbridge Creek headwaters in this
natural oasis within the urban environment.
Dog Parks
Middlesex County hosts two dog parks
where owners can bring their pets
to exercise and play in a leash-free
environment, in Thompson Park and
Donaldson Park. The County also partnered
with the Township of Edison and the
Borough of Metuchen to create the 5-acre
Edison-Metuchen Dog Park on Whitman
Avenue in Edison.
All the dog parks are divided into separate
sections for large and small dogs. These
facilities are extremely popular and a great
place to bring your family and friends—
both two- and four-legged!
The American Hiking Society states
that even low-intensity hiking can
promote weight loss, reduce risk
from heart disease, diabetes and
hypertension and can improve
mental health. Middlesex County
maintains many miles of walking
and hiking trails on county-owned
property. From paved pathways
around the Lake in Roosevelt Park
to the rocky trail along Farrington
Lake, to the sandy Pine Barrens
trails in Phillips Park and Preserve,
visitors can find hiking locations that
are suitable for families with small
children, for novice hikers or for more
experienced trekkers looking for dayhikes.
Middlesex County Parks are
open daily from sunrise to sunset.
HIKE!
Photo by Jenifer Rutherford
hiking trails
fitness trails
Five Middlesex County Parks are
equipped with Health Trail Fitness Trails.
This exercise system combines a series
of scientifically designed exercise stations
along a 1- to 2-mile paved jogging trail.
Each station is equipped with a detailed
exercise instruction sign to accommodate
beginner, intermediate and advanced
fitness levels.
Donaldson Park, Highland Park
Thomas Edison Park, Edison
Johnson Park, Piscataway
John A. Phillips Park, Old Bridge
Roosevelt Park, Edison
William Warren Park, Woodbridge
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/www.edisongreenways.org
/mcgisweb.co.middlesex.nj.us
/www.greenway.org
