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Six Mile Run is a hidden natural gem offering trails for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. While this 3,000 acre site provides an oasis of wetlands, forest, fields and farmland in central New Jersey, it also has a rich cultural heritage. 18th century farmhouses, granaries and barns remind us of the Dutch farmers who settled here during the 1700s. The different habitats (open field, hardwood forest and floodplain) are home to a variety of plants and wildlife. Songbirds live at the edge of forest and field. Great horned owls and hawks hunt the open fields. The wetlands are home to ducks, great blue heron and kingfishers. Other wildlife includes woodchucks, turkey vultures, red fox and deer. Combine this ride with the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath for a full day of riding. Turn right at the entrance, take the first left onto Blackwell Mills Causeway and the towpath trail will be on the left.
The Trails: Unlike the nearby D&R Canal towpath (flat rail trail), the trails at Six Mile Run are rolling singletrack and doubletrack. The terrain is comprised of grass and dirt with some exposed rocks and roots. There may be a couple of seasonal shallow water crossings. Water levels will obviously be higher after periods of rain. The trail has just enough obstacles and hills to make it challenging for the beginner mountain bike rider. The easy technical sections make this a good place to learn and practice mountain biking skills.
The blue blazed trail follows along the edge of the forest, sometimes traveling through the woods. Several stream crossings may be necessary, depending on seasonal rains. You can connect with the yellow trail in two places to make short or longer loop rides. Yellow Trail : .9 miles The yellow blazed trail begins traveling through a lowland floodplain, before heading into a heavily forested area of pin oaks, box elders and ash. Watch for painted turtles basking on logs in the river. You can connect with the Blue Trail in two places to form a 1 mile loop or a longer 2.5 mile loop ride. The trail can be muddy after wet periods. White Trails: These are connecting trails. One connects the blue with the yellow for a short loop ride.
Red Trail: 1.5 miles (HIKING ONLY) The red blazed trail travels through woods. The more rugged terrain contains steep slopes and requires several stream crossings including crossing Six Mile Run to connect with the Blue Trail to form a 5.3-mile loop. (No bridge). Use caution during high water periods.
Note: Where is the Six Mile Run Reservoir? The New Jersey DEP acquired the land in 1970 for future use as a reservoir and recreational area. In 1993 an alternative water supply was found and the property was transferred to the NJ Division of Parks & Forestry and now The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site is part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
You can pick up a detailed trail map at the park office located at Blackwells Mills. From North : Take Rt. 206 to Rt. 514 East (Amwell Road). Turn right onto Route 533 south (Millstone River Road). Continue 2.1 miles and turn left across bridge onto Blackwells Mills Road. Cross the Canal Bridge and turn right onto Canal Road. The park office and parking will be on the left. From South : Take Rt. 206 north to Rt. 518. Turn right onto Rt. 518 East, through Rocky Hill. Cross over the Millstone River and D&R Canal and turn left at traffic light onto Canal Road. Follow Canal Road to the end. Turn left onto Suydam Road. Suydam Road will curve to the right and become Canal Road again. Watch for D&R Canal State Park signs on your right. Office and parking area are on the right before Blackwells Mills Road.
For more information: Six Mile Run Reservoir Phone: (732) 873-3050
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Trail Description