Pequannock: Trails, Nature, and Township History

Pequannock offers several points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the Pompton Valley Rail Trail, Woodland Lake Park, and the township’s natural and historical features. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pequannock, you can start by considering what you’d like to focus on during your stay: a linear trail, activities on a lake, or a look at local history. The locations also differ in the conditions that may affect your plans.

The Pompton Valley Rail Trail

The Pompton Valley Rail Trail is 5.1 miles long and is a multi-use trail. It begins on River Drive in Pequannock and ends at the Mountain View Train Station in Wayne. Pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists share the linear trail. Since the start and end are in different locations, you can take the trail’s layout into account when planning rather than treating the route as a loop.

The trail is paved and separated from automobile traffic, except at road crossings along the corridor. This limitation is important for orientation: the separation does not apply at road crossings. The trail was built on the former New York, Susquehanna, and Western (NYS&W) Railway right-of-way; several access points are in the Township of Pequannock. The route brings together its current shared use and its origins on a former railway corridor.

Lakes and Natural Areas

Another option is Woodland Lake Park in Pequannock Township: the 40-acre lake is stocked with fish and designated for fishing and boating. A permit is required for both activities; they are available to township residents with a Woodland Lake membership card and a valid New Jersey fishing license. Keep these requirements in mind when choosing: fishing and boating here are subject to clear eligibility requirements.

Pompton Aquatic Park is a riverside wildlife preserve in Pompton Lakes, Wayne, and Pequannock. Activities to consider there include birdwatching, fishing, and hiking; conditions may vary. The natural areas differ in the activities they offer: at Woodland Lake Park, boating and fishing are subject to permit and eligibility requirements. At Pompton Aquatic Park, birdwatching and hiking are also options, in addition to fishing.

Museum and Township History

The Museum of Pequannock Township is located in the Pompton Plains Railroad Station, 33 Evans Place, Pompton Plains. The Pequannock Township Museum displays physical artifacts, images, and other objects related to the township’s history. It is usually open on the second and fourth Sunday of each month from noon to 3 p.m., as well as by appointment and for special events. The regular Sunday hours and visits by appointment are two different ways to plan a museum visit; check the opening hours locally before your visit.

As a separate historical landmark, the Martin Berry House in Pequannock Township dates to around 1720. The two offer different perspectives: the Martin Berry House is notable for its date, around 1720, while the museum focuses on objects and images related to township history. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between a single historic site and a collection about the township’s history.

Discover more destinations: Florham Park, Roxbury Township, Chatham, Flanders, Mount Olive, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Mt Arlington, Morris Plains.

For the broader travel guide: Morris.