 Parks and Recreation
Saxton Falls River Trail
DIRECTIONS: Take CR 517 south to Bilby Rd. and turn (left). Go to “T” intersection and turn (left) which is CR 604. Proceed north about 2 miles to Saxton Falls, which is on the right side of the road. There is a small parking lot.
NOTE: The trail begins about 350 feet north of the parking lot adjacent to the actual falls. Walking to the trail and falls you will see several interesting sights. The remnants of the Morris Canal can be seen alongside the Musconetcong River and there are signs explaining various operations of the locks. Fishing must be good here as I usually see a fisherman or two in their waders below the falls in season. Above the falls the Musconetcong River is like a lake and then it becomes a wide marshy area just where the trail ends.
TRAIL INFO: The trail is a half mile long. It begins adjacent to the small pump house located on the Warren County side of Saxton Falls. This trail is literally the river bank for its entire length and provides a great opportunity to see all forms of wildlife. One quarter mile out and you start to realize that there is now water off to your left, which widens as you continue on.
At this point your path is about six feet wide. The trail bends gently left and looking upriver you see a small wooden bridge, one of three which crosses over wet areas where the River on your right meets the Marsh to your left. A short distance after crossing the third bridge the trail dead ends into the River. You are now surrounded on three sides by water with a four foot trail behind you. This is the halfway point of your walk, turn around and head back.
I would rate this an easy walk for all ages. The trail itself is very clean with solid footing and there is absolutely no inclines. During the Spring, Summer and Fall months half of this trail is shaded by trees, lining its entire length. Visibility is excellent for your entire trip. The only time you might lose sight of anyone is around several gentle bends along the River. Many times, close-up encounters with aquatic birds flying over the water occur. The trees, while providing you shade, don’t block your vision. Aquatic wildlife can be observed near the River and even under-water, without you getting wet or dirty. You are able to hear or see many types of wildlife jump into the water at your feet as you walk along the river.
Come Autumn, remember this path!! This site provides a wonderful setting for observing all the spectacular colors of the season.
NOTE: One damp area on the path. The location is just after you see water along both sides of the trail and just before the first bridge. This is not a problem when river is at normal flow. There are boards at this location to help cross here if the water is high. This problem area is all of about 4 feet of the trail.
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