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.
AllTrails / Joe D’Andrea 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.
AllTrails / Peyton Petty
The area attracts all sorts of unique and rare wildlife, particular birds.
Flickr / Doug Davey Spend some time sitting by the riverbank and watch for herons, ducks, deer, and more.
It’s a dog-friendly area, and pups love to splash in the water or hike the easy, graded trail that follows the river.
AllTrails / Ed Brandman 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.
You’ll find all sorts of beautiful wildflowers on your hike in the spring and summer, and in the fall, the Gorge is absolutely… gorgeous.
AllTrails / Peyton Petty
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.
Flickr / Doug Davey
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.
AllTrails David Cucchiara
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.
AllTrails / Ed Brandman
For more information, including trail maps, conditions, rules, and regulations for visitors and fishermen, see the Ken Lockwood Gorge’s page at NYNJTC.
AllTrails / Joe D’Andrea
The entire creek is catch-and-release, and it draws plenty of outdoor lovers on any given day.
AllTrails / Peyton Petty
Flickr / Doug Davey
Spend some time sitting by the riverbank and watch for herons, ducks, deer, and more.
AllTrails / Ed Brandman
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.
AllTrails David Cucchiara
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Address: Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area, Raritan River Rd, Califon, NJ 07830, USA
