Читать книгу Rail-Trails New Jersey & New York. The definitive guide to the region's top multiuse trails онлайн

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The trail offers a pleasant mix of rural fields and woodlands.

Starting at Elk Township Recreational Park, follow the wide, trail-like sidewalks through the park past baseball fields and a soccer complex, where the wooded area becomes heavier and the trail begins. The recreational complex falls behind as greenery flanks you on both sides. Civilization is never too far, with the parallel Railroad Avenue—a nod to the trail’s history—just barely peeking through the trees to the right. This section attracts many hikers and dog walkers.

After 1.2 miles, you’ll arrive at the trailhead at Elk Road, with a parking lot on the left. Equestrians may enjoy the trail from this point on. Along this portion, you’ll find burbling brooks, bunnies hopping across the path, butterflies crowning your head, and a farm to the left completing this nature scene. Elk Township has provided nine interpretive signage stations detailing natural features, such as the pitch pine trees that define the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey. No need to memorize what you read—if you have a smartphone, you can take this information with you thanks to the town’s Elephant Swamp Guide app, or you can download the brochure from the trail’s website.