New Jersey's Ken Lockwood Gorge Is A Beautifully Brilliant Green
By Kim Magaraci|Published June 03, 2022
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
New Jersey’s parks and preserved natural areas are always so beautiful! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone just looking for a scenic spot for an afternoon stroll, it’s easy to find green space just about anywhere in the Garden State. One of the most underrated places to get in touch with New Jersey’s wild side is in Hunterdon County at the Ken Lockwood Gorge. The Gorge was formed by the South Branch of the Raritan River, and it’s a lovely stretch of river where you’ll find wildlife, waterfalls, beautiful views, and so much more.
The Ken Lockwood Gorge WMA is located in Raritan Township, Hunterdon County. It's an underrated spot to go for a hike, and a favorite place for local fisherman to cast their lines.
The entire creek is catch-and-release, and it draws plenty of outdoor lovers on any given day.
The Gorge was named after Conservationist Kenneth Lockwood. Lockwood was a journalist who wrote and spoke about the environment in print and over the air.
Be sure to keep your dogs on leash! Keeping your dog on leash protects wildlife and other visitors. The out-and-back trail is narrow, so do the polite thing and leash up.
The South Branch of the Raritan carved this gorge over millions of years, and the entire 2.5 mile stretch of water is littered with rocks and boulders.
That means there are small cascades just about everywhere you look! The water is safe for wading but can be strong and powerful, so know your abilities and conditions before getting your feet wet.
Spending a day at the Ken Lockwood Gorge is sure to brighten up your spirits, and the 4-mile flat out-and-back trail is an easy way to get out to experience nature.
For more information, including trail maps, conditions, rules, and regulations for visitors and fishermen, see the Ken Lockwood Gorge’s page at NYNJTC.
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