Greg Englesbe’s delight in the hikes and campout spots of New Jersey has resulted in visits by his family to a number of the most popular natural regions of the state. Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area, Barnegat Branch Trail and Parkway Trail, which accesses what is known as the Greater Philadelphia trail network, are only a few of the greenway and bikeway trails the Englesbes have explored. The Capoolong Creek Wildlife Management Area, site of the Capoolong Creek Trail, or part of the Skylands Trail network, is around 4 miles long and is quite linear, featuring a ride through an impressive hardwood forest of some age which features sycamores and red and silver varieties of maples. The Capoolong Creek Trail sees the Englesbe’s bikers, or hikers, as the case may be, following the route of the defunct Lehigh Valley Railroad, a spur of the line which once ended in Pittstown, known for its luscious peaches which were shipped back to the city. A double whammy: history and forest beauty on this short ride for a morning.
The Englesbes can view occasional reminders of the railroad bed, especially at the south end of the trail where the old train station awaits restoration. The Trout Lily and Spring Beauties bloom along the trail in spring and summer, and views of the stream alongside the trail are relaxing. Birds include the Northern Parula, Yellow, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white along with Ovenbird and Wood Thrush. On the outer edges of the trees one might spy Blue-headed, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed varieties.
http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/SkylandsTrails
http://www.njwildlifetrails.org/SkylandsTrails
