Outbound Collective logo

Hiking in Musconetcong Gorge Preserve

Bloomsbury, New Jersey

3.3/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by Brian Scott Wiebel

Hike past many small cascades in this green, rocky gorge...the waterfalls are best after a heavy rain, otherwise the rocky stream can be more of a trickle.

Start out on Ridge Trail (yellow blazes), found at the rear of the parking lot. Shortly, you will come to a stream crossing, followed by a set of wooden steps. Just before the next stream, turn left following the white blazes. This section of the trail makes a moderately rocky descent, as it follows the stream downhill.

Around 2 miles in, you will reach a gravel path, where you will turn right as you follow the rail line, no longer in use. There is a waterfall, here, visible from the trail. In about a mile, turn left onto the Railroad Trail (red blazes).

A half-mile later you will reach a somewhat confusing intersection. Follow the orange and blue blazes towards a series of waterfalls. Spend some time exploring this area and taking photos!

When you're ready to head back, cross the stream and follow the blue and orange blazes as they ascend out of the gorge. Keep left at the next two trail splits, continuing on Nature Trail (blue blazes) back to the parking lot.

NOTE: Look out for poison ivy along these trails!

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Hiking
Forest
River
Waterfall

Hiking in Musconetcong Gorge Preserve Reviews

Decent hike to start the season for and has beautiful small continuous waterfalls. Has a lot of hills

Not too scenic but a good variety of terrain and a couple good spots to see. If you want to kill 2 hours on a solid loop hike, give this a try. I went in spring and will return in the fall as it is probably gorgeous when the leaves start changing.

Took my dog for a hike here last month, while the gorge was frozen over. Pretty easy for most of the trail. Some of the trails up the hill were challenging for my dog. It was an enjoyable way to get some exercise close to home. Wouldn't recommend coming far out of your way for it though.

This hiking trail is open year-round but you need to wear blaze orange from Sept-Feb or go on a Sunday. Wish I knew that before I came out here on a Saturday.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Marble Hill Ice Cave via Warren-Highlands Trail

Merrill Creek Reservoir Perimeter Trail

Hike to the Devil's Tea Table

Hike the High Rocks State Park Loop

Hike the Henry's Woods Loop in Jacobsburg State Park

Hike to the Hidden Lockatong Waterfall