13.5 Miles Of Mountain Biking Trails Proposed At Watchung Reservation

SUMMIT, NJ — A total of 13.5 miles of new trails is being proposed at Watchung Reservation to open the area up for mountain biking.

This new addition is part of the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation's Trails Master Plan that has been developed for the Watchung Reservation. This plan will create new trails and open the Watchung Reservation to mountain biking.

A meeting to present this plan will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center. Trailside is located in the Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside.

Representatives of the Parks Department and its trails planning consultant will explain the master plan and answer questions. There will be ample opportunity for those who use the trails and other features or facilities in the Watchung Reservation to offer their input on the plan. There is no sign-up or reservation required to attend or to speak at the meeting. A similar meeting was held last October, primarily for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Trails Master Plan includes the construction of 13 1/2 miles of new trails which will be restricted to mountain biking only. The new trails will be spread throughout most areas of the park. Portions of the Sierra Trail and other existing hiking or equestrian trails will be shared by all users, including mountain bikers. Some sections of existing hiking trails will be closed.

(Image via ucnj.org: Union County Department of Parks & Recreation's Trails Master Plan for Watchung Reservation)

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