There seems to be some confused folks here. Are you looking to start in High Point? Hightstown is pretty far from there (near Trenton) and I'm not sure if the trail goes through there.
The OFFICIAL Trans NJ Trail Thread
- Thread starter Xplorr313
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Member I
I just drove the entire trail last week. To anyone concerned about driving this trail alone, do not be. Most of the area in the North is on paved roads. The South is in the Pine Barrens, which any decent offroad rig can go through without any difficulty. The most hazardous water crossing has been rocked in. The other one to the North was no problem, and there is also a nearby bypass if you are in a subaru or something. I posted the navigation file (I use Gaia, for now) that I relied on for the trip. I did the trip in four plus days, but I had to stop once to work, and I also took a detour to Atlantic City to see the Hard Rock Casino there. Could have easily done it in three days. I provide the following observations for anyone looking to go.
1. The Delaware Water Gap area near buttermilk falls is a disaster. Bridges and roads closed. There was one alternative route I thought about exploring, south of Buttermilk Falls where the Bridge is closed, but it was posted official vehicles only, and I did not want to get busted for trespassing. Looked like a great route. I regret not risking it. Regardless, the safer option is to go to Buttermilk Falls, then turn back around and go the way you came, then go over towards the River and McDade Trailhead. Otherwise you will be putzing around for two hours, like I did.
2. Make sure you have a small chainsaw. On one offroad route, trees had fallen over powerlines. I was able to shove one tree off of the powerlines, and squeeze under the powerlines (and having to move the powerlines onto the top of my tent--super smart). Regardless, I could have easily addressed this by having a small chainsaw. I promptly went to Home Depot and bought a small battery powered Dewalt chainsaw that run off the batteries I used for my light and my fan. I will never leave home without it again.
3. The bridge on Alexauken Creek Road is out. Easy to just go up and go around the corner, but..... there is a bitchin' winery right there that is worth seeing. Bought a great bottle of Rasberry Rose that I enjoyed when I got to the Washington Crossing State Park. The name of the place is Angelico Vineyards. The lady who runs it lives there, and is super cool. Definitely a great spot.
4. Camping at the Washington Crossing State Park is over by soccer fields. No services, so make sure you have water.
5. The water crossing on Fort Dix on Central Avenue is no problem for a properly built rig. I have a Gladiator Rubicon with an AEV overlanding 3 inch lift and springs, and 35 inch Yokohama Geolander AT Tires. I also have a snorkel, but that was not even close to being necessary. Drove right through it, zero issues.
6. The two water crossings south of Mount Misery Brook Road (Brendan Byrne State Forest) have been rocked in by the State of New Jersey. The nav file talks about needing a snorkel. Not anymore. It is now subaru safe. Not even a water crossing any more.
7. The dirt roads to Moore's Beach and near the Cape May Lighthouse are blocked off.
This trail was really easy, but it was also a lot of fun, especially in the Pine Barrens in the South. I am going to do that part again. I would recommend that part to anyone interested in wheeling in New Jersey. Hope the file helps. Happy Trails. Bob Keach
1. The Delaware Water Gap area near buttermilk falls is a disaster. Bridges and roads closed. There was one alternative route I thought about exploring, south of Buttermilk Falls where the Bridge is closed, but it was posted official vehicles only, and I did not want to get busted for trespassing. Looked like a great route. I regret not risking it. Regardless, the safer option is to go to Buttermilk Falls, then turn back around and go the way you came, then go over towards the River and McDade Trailhead. Otherwise you will be putzing around for two hours, like I did.
2. Make sure you have a small chainsaw. On one offroad route, trees had fallen over powerlines. I was able to shove one tree off of the powerlines, and squeeze under the powerlines (and having to move the powerlines onto the top of my tent--super smart). Regardless, I could have easily addressed this by having a small chainsaw. I promptly went to Home Depot and bought a small battery powered Dewalt chainsaw that run off the batteries I used for my light and my fan. I will never leave home without it again.
3. The bridge on Alexauken Creek Road is out. Easy to just go up and go around the corner, but..... there is a bitchin' winery right there that is worth seeing. Bought a great bottle of Rasberry Rose that I enjoyed when I got to the Washington Crossing State Park. The name of the place is Angelico Vineyards. The lady who runs it lives there, and is super cool. Definitely a great spot.
4. Camping at the Washington Crossing State Park is over by soccer fields. No services, so make sure you have water.
5. The water crossing on Fort Dix on Central Avenue is no problem for a properly built rig. I have a Gladiator Rubicon with an AEV overlanding 3 inch lift and springs, and 35 inch Yokohama Geolander AT Tires. I also have a snorkel, but that was not even close to being necessary. Drove right through it, zero issues.
6. The two water crossings south of Mount Misery Brook Road (Brendan Byrne State Forest) have been rocked in by the State of New Jersey. The nav file talks about needing a snorkel. Not anymore. It is now subaru safe. Not even a water crossing any more.
7. The dirt roads to Moore's Beach and near the Cape May Lighthouse are blocked off.
This trail was really easy, but it was also a lot of fun, especially in the Pine Barrens in the South. I am going to do that part again. I would recommend that part to anyone interested in wheeling in New Jersey. Hope the file helps. Happy Trails. Bob Keach
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Hey folks, I've been out for a while and haven't noticed anyone mention it - the road to Moore's Beach in the Southern end of the trail appears to now be permanently closed. The gate is supposed to only be closed in the Summer but it was locked today with a sign saying closed to vehicles and authorized use only. The only thing I found online was a PDF file from last year talking about the road degradation and some crab nesting areas. I was with my kid so I didn't feel like making the 2-mile round trip on foot, but it looks like that area will be inaccessible for now.
Yeah that’s a shame. I got there last spring to a similar sign about birds.
Sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for all the details. I have been hoping to do this for years. Never seen to find the time.
Thanks again.
