Union Transportation Trail - Monmouth County Parks
WMA of the Month: Assunpink - NJ Fish and Wildlife
DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.20625, -74.53666
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| Sharon Station Road Parking |
TRAIL MAP:
Crosswicks Creek Park and UTT Brochure - Monmouth County Parks
BIKE DISTANCE: 25.5 miles
THE BIKE:
I had hiked the northern and southern sections previously, now biking the entire trail with adding in Assunpink Lake. Although the trail is technically 9 miles long, there is another half mile of paved section at the southern end.
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| This is where I left off when I hiked the southern section at the parking lot (not shown on the map) where the trail turns left along Sharon Station Drive. |
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| Jonathon Holmes Road Parking Lot |
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| I stopped on this bridge because I heard a belted kingfisher. I also saw him for a fleeting moment as he took off so no picture. |
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| After passing the Millstream Road parking lot on the right, the trail goes under I-195. |
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| Then the crushed stone trail suddenly becomes a paved trail that goes beyond the last mile marker. |
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| There was a downed tree to get around but otherwise it was clear except for all kinds of small critters darting around. Guess not too many people come in this far. |
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| Turning back. |
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| That is not a purple martin in the purple martin house. That would be a female house sparrow. Doesn't look like the purple martins are here yet. |
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| Passing by where I parked to continue on the next mile to the north. This did not exist when I was here last. |
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| After passing an access point to Assunpink WMA on the right ... |
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| ... a bridge just before ... |
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| ... the end of the trail. It's private property beyond the gate. |
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| Back to Assunpink WMA. |
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| The trail goes through the woods for a bit ... |
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| ... then along fields. |
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| It comes out on a packed dirt road which makes for easy riding except for the many, many potholes. |
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| There is also some paved road. |
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| A huge parking lot and boat launch ... |
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| ... and views of Assunpink Lake. |
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| Continuing on the dirt road there are several dirt roads to the left that lead to the lake. |
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| Taking East Branch Road to Herbert Road where there is very light traffic. |
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| Coming up on the Union Transportation Trail ... |
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| ... to where I parked at the lot on the left. |
