JULY 21, 2020
This is a revisit for us. We rode this trail in 2012 while spending a week riding mostly in Pennsylvania. That was the trip that inspired us to ride 100 miles in all the lower 48 states. At that time we road from Long Valley to High Bridge which was about 22 miles round trip. Today we road from High Bridge to the end of the trail which is a 30 mile round trip.
The trail is named for a natural gas pipeline that runs beneath the old trailbed of the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Leaving High Bridge we had an uphill grade all the way to Long Valley. That’s about 10 miles and we were determined to make good time! 🤪 The trail ran high above the valley with the south branch of the Raritan River below. We needed to pay close attention as it was a long way down to the river.
We passed through the historic town of Califon, a Victorian-style town with 240 structures on National Register of Historic Places. Local legend says that the town was originally named California but the sign painter ran out of room and the name became Califon.
Near the end of the trail we saw kids being lead on horseback. They were having such a good time. That’s the kind of summer job I would have enjoyed growing up.
We enjoyed an easier pedal on our return. With temps in the 90’s we really appreciated the shade and downhill grade. Just for the record that uphill grade seemedl less severe 8 years ago. 🤔
Another flag picture to add to my collection. This was near the end of the trail in the middle of nowhere. Hope all enjoy it as much as we did. God bless America!!