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Columbia Trail (High Bridge)
4.8 ★★★★★ 123 Google reviews · Running trail in High Bridge, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Columbia Trail (High Bridge)'s own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Columbia Trail (High Bridge)
“The High Bridge trailhead is a great starting point, offering the convenience of clean porta-potties and easy parking before you hit the path.”
“The ride takes you scenic mountains and through farms depending on how far you’re willing to ride.”
“The trail itself is great for walking, jogging, bicycles, and horseback riding.”
“Follows and crosses the river, but it is mostly a shaded forest trail.”
Probably one of the best rail trails in New Jersey. This is the southernmost trail head that follows the former right of way for the High Bridge Railroad, later the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Very well maintained 15 mile rail trail from high bridge to Flanders. Being a rail trail the slope is very small, but I park at high bridge (entrance is on main St near church st) and bike to Flanders (40°47'12.7"N 74°46'51.4"W US) since it is easier being slightly downhill going back.
I will assume you mean The Columbia Trail. Starts / ends in High Bridge, NJ depending on where you start. Larger parking area (in High Bridge), small parking lot in Califon and coffee shop / small lot in Long Valley. Very secluded former train line. Popular 16 mile total length High Bridge to Chester.
This is a great 15 mile, one way, flat, packed dirt/gravel trail. Tons of trees provide ample shade on hot summer days! Perfect trail for Fat Tire/ E*bikes! I rode my Wired Freedom on this trail and had an absolute blast! Beautiful scenery along the entire trek, open meadows, flowing streams, very peaceful.
Trail conditions & character
“The High Bridge trailhead is a great starting point, offering the convenience of clean porta-potties and easy parking before you hit the path.”
“The High Bridge trailhead is a great starting point, offering the convenience of clean porta-potties and easy parking before you hit the path.”
“Enjoy a lovely trip along this packed gravel trail, starting in High Bridge and continuing for about 16 miles toward Chester.”
“The ride takes you scenic mountains and through farms depending on how far you’re willing to ride.”
“The trail is wide and flat and mostly surfaced with crushed stones, though a short section right at the start is paved.”
“Enjoy a lovely trip along this packed gravel trail, starting in High Bridge and continuing for about 16 miles toward Chester.”
“Follows and crosses the river, but it is mostly a shaded forest trail.”
“This is a great place to bike with the family without worrying about hills, cars and crowds.”
“The other portion of the junction connecting to the main line north followed the road back towards the dog park.”
Plan your run at Columbia Trail (High Bridge)
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance15 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near High Bridge
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 722 reviews
Picturesque forestland offering hiking along the Columbia Trail, mountain biking or stream fishing.
Landsdown Trail Access
4.9 ★★★★★ 7 reviews
