Ken Lockwood Gorge Conditions?

[Linda Frank]

Any information on the conditions of the Ken Lockwood Gorge/Columbia Trail conditions after all the recent rains, not to mention Hurricane Irene's damage?

Thanks much.

Linda

[njHiking.com]

I'd seen a report of some damage, but that was back in the end of September. I was curious if it had changed so I asked on our NJH Facebook/Twitter pages for an update.... received some comments from FB (http://www.facebook.com/njhiking)

 

"I rode the whole Columbia Trail in Sep and it was fine."

 

"The Columbia trail is in good shape, but the path along Ken Lockwood Gorge is pretty rough in patches. You have to walk across long patches of rock, which is particularly difficult if you're walking a bike."

 

"I biked the entire length of the Columbia Rail Trail on 9/25 and encountered no problems!"

 

-Dawn

[Linda Frank]

Thanks for the update, Dawn. Taking into consideration that what's generally impassable for some bikers isn't usually a  problem for hikers, this seems doable.  

IMO, the biggest problem I have w/this trail is its vagueness.  I've researched the gorge and the Columbia Trail itself and even drove the gorge many, many years ago when it was still open to cars (which I think it no longer is). But as far as hiking it, I have never been able to peg down exactly where one starts hiking; what trail (loop and/or out & back) to follow; and where the heck to park when starting out.  We've only one car, so a shuttle version isn't possible.    Any input on any of these greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Brom Vermeulen]

There is limited parking at the Hoffmans Crossing Bridge, and at the gate 1/4 mile down River Rd. From there you could walk down the Trail to Cokesbury Rd. , make a jog down to River Rd. and walk back through the gorge. This would be only about a 4 mile walk. You could start in Califon at the RR Station (now museum), which would add about 3 miles, but isn't very interesting. Island Park, off Bank St., also in Califon, has plenty of parking and access to the trail.

You could also park at the end of the trail in High Bridge, the lot is just off Main St, and go in the opposite direction.

We live about a mile from the gorge, and have probably done every possible combination!

 

[njHiking.com]

We biked the Columbia Trail over the summer, you can check out our blog post, Biking: Columbia Trail – Ken Lockwood Gorge, if that helps any.

 

Dawn

[Linda Frank]

Thanks for the feedback & suggestions.  This was going to be a 'second choice' in lieu of doing Farny (Four Birds South & lower Split Rock Loop/Wildcat) because of the bad weather they were predicting for today (Sat.).  After checking the weather today for the Califon/High Bridge Area, it looks like snow accumulations in that area as well.  Either way, both areas aren't (IMO) a consideration under those conditions.  

While Sunday is supposed to be sunny, the continued below normal temps will probably continue unsafe trail conditions in those areas and any others we may have opted for as alternatives. 

I may have to break out my snowshoes earlier than I expected.

Linda

[Linda Frank]

I may have to break out my snowshoes earlier than I expected. Linda

 

I think I may have spoken too soon. :(  Looks like we'll have to start another "trail conditions" topic only this time instead of reflecting damage from Hurricane Irene, it'll be regarding yesterday's surprise blast of early winter white.  Wow!  18" in West Milford.  Not too far from our original selection of Farny prior to considering Ken Lockwood.  Guess we'll have to pencil Farny in for either a big snow-melt weekend before the end of the year or next year or even next Spring.  

Well, at least I've done all the research for Farny so on that level I'll be somewhat prepared.  

Linda