ABOUT THE PARK:
Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New York New Jersey Trail Conference
Hawk Rise Sanctuary to Open in Linden - Suburban News
Hawk Rise Sanctuary - New Jersey Audubon
DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.603003, -74.251767
View Larger Map
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| Parking on the left just before the animal control facility and animal shelter at the end of Range Road. |
TRAIL MAP:
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| Yellow is the existing trail (unblazed). |
HIKE DISTANCE: 1.25 miles
This is not actually a hike but I felt it was worth mentioning since this is a new trail in an area where there are very few trails. It is almost across the street from Merck Pharmaceuticals in Rahway - a great lunch hour place for employees - or a quick leg stretcher if you happen to be in the area. Lots and lots of birds here!
THE HIKE:
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| From the kiosk the trail starts as a gravel path which leads to a boardwalk. |
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| Boardwalk through wetlands with viewing area and interpretive signs. |
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| First bird sighting from the viewing area - a female red-winged blackbird (Thanks, Dan Balogh for the ID!). |
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| There is a stark difference between the boardwalk meandering through the woods and the unattractive industrial area just out of view. |
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| The trail alternates between boardwalk and gravel paths. |
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| Approaching the landfill where birds abound. |
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| Observation deck adjacent to landfill overlooking wetlands. |
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| Path between wetlands and landfill. |
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| At the kiosk it states no pets are allowed yet there is a poop bag dispenser? |
HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] From the kiosk veer left on the gravel path towards the boardwalk
[ 0.15] Keep left at end of boardwalk
[ 0.40] At the end of the boardwalk, veer right on gravel path when dirt road goes left
[ 0.50] Keep left at fork to interpretive sign; retrace
[ 0.55] Left on gravel road coming off trail to interpretive sign
[ 0.65] Turn left on boardwalk towards landfill
[ 0.70] At end of boardwalk turn right along split rail fence (no sign but left on dirt road is not allowed)
[ 0.80] Observation deck at end; circle around and retrace
[ 0.95] At end of split rail fence, turn left on boardwalk when off limits dirt road goes straight
[ 1.00] At T-intersection turn left on boardwalk
[ 1.10] At intersection turn left on boardwalk
[ 1.15] At intersection turn left on gravel path when right goes to parking lot
[ 1.25] Back at parking lot
