Morris Canal Greenway Hike Series • Summer/Fall 2012
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n 1824 the Morris Canal & Banking Company was chartered to build a canal that would carry coal, mined in Pennsylvania, to developing markets along the eastern seaboard. When completed in 1831, the canal extended 102 miles across the rugged Highlands of New Jersey, from Phillipsburg on the Delaware River, uphill to its summit level at Lake Hopatcong, and then down to New York Harbor at Jersey City. The canal promoted commerce and shaped the economic development of Northern New Jersey. Today, plans are underway to develop the route of the canal as a trail that will connect the many places where remains of the canal can still be seen. This hike series will visit some existing and some proposed areas for future Greenway development. Joe Macasek, a noted canal historian, will guide the hikes.
Wayne
Sunday, August 5 • 10:00 AM - 12:00PM This hike will start at Riverside Park on Farmingdale Rd. at Deerfield Rd., near the children’s playground and end at Pompton Aquatic Park on Maple Ln. at Cole St. We will spend time in the park exploring the history of the Morris Canal, showing historic photos and plans for a future Greenway. We will then walk north along the route of the former Pompton Feeder. Along the way we will pass the Passaic County Farm and see the only lock in Passaic County. This tour will be approximately two hours of easy hiking on trails. Parking at Riverside Park is limited. Bring water and a snack. No facilities are available. Only a downpour will cancel the hike.
Paterson
Sunday, September 16 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM This hike will start at Lambert Castle and end at the Great Falls National Historical Park. We will discuss the history of the ‘Silk City,’ then hike through Garret Mountain Reservation to New Street along the route of the Morris Canal Greenway. The remainder of the hike will be walking through the Great Falls Historic District, exploring Passaic County’s industrial heritage. This tour will be approximately four hours of moderate hiking on trails with some steep inclines and easy walking on sidewalks. Parking is available at Lambert Castle and at the Great Falls. Bring water and lunch. No facilities are available. Only a downpour will cancel the hike.
Pompton Lakes
Sunday, October 14 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM This hike will start at the Mathes Avenue Woodlands on Mathes Ave. at Riverview Rd. and end at Pompton Aquatic Park on Woodlawn Ave. at Birch Ave. We will walk south along the former Ramapo River towpath through Stiles Park, the Blue Acres Riverway, and the Ventimiglia tract. This tour will be approximately three hours of moderate hiking on trails and some sidewalks. On-street parking is available on Mathes Ave. Bring water and a snack. No facilities are available. Only a downpour will cancel the hike. All hikes are free, please RSVP to: Jennifer Gonzalez, Planning Dept. jenniferg@passaiccountynj.org 973-569-4045
For more information: www.passaiccountynj.org/Morris-Canal-Greenway-Study www.facebook.com/MorrisCanalGreenway