The Union Co. Dept. of Parks & Recreation hosted a meeting and presented a 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. The meeting was held on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Trailside Nature & Science Center. The map above shows proposed biking trails in light blue, hiking trails in light green and horse/hiking trails in purple.
Reps of the Parks Department and its trails planning consultant explained the plan and answered questions. Those attending had an opportunity to offer their input on the plan. 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. Debate is still ongoing regarding possible effects on wildlife and neighboring property.
NJ Train Town Tidings 