Patriots Path from Morris Country Park Commission

Location: Patriots Path runs throughout all of Morris County. In Mendham Borough, access to Patriots Path is available at:

  • Mountain Valley Park Pond (Mud Hole) at 72 Mountain Ave
  • India Brook Park at 270 Mountainside Road
  • Across from Mendham Commons on Cold Hill Road off of East Main Street

Description:

Patriots Path Stepping Stones

For the most part, the trail in the Mendham Borough follows the Raritan River and the Rockaway Valley Railroad, a historic railroad that expired in 1913. The level trail is well maintained, but can be muddy in spots. The two stream crossings are provided with man-made stepping stones, making the trail passable in all but the wettest weather.

Patriots Path crosses Mountain Avenue and, for a stretch, runs alongside the Mountain Valley Park Pond (the "Mud Hole") which includes two playgrounds with bridge access to Pastime Fields. One of the playgrounds was worked on by Girl Scout Senior Troop 95084 for their senior award - the park is called "Welcoming Woods" and was officially opened on May 23, 2021. The playground has many features and attractions.

Patriots Path, as a whole, offers roughly 74.4 miles of hiking, cycling, and riding trails, following the corridors of the Whippany and Black Rivers and the South Branch of the Raritan River. It links federal, state, county, and municipal parks and trails, as well as watershed lands, historic sites, and many other points of interest throughout Morris County and neighboring Essex, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Warren counties. With its extensive network of trails, Patriots’ Path is easily accessible for most county residents and provides a local option for dog walking, fishing, enjoying green spaces, and more. More information can be found on the Morris County Park Commission website here.

Welcoming Woods SignWelcoming Woods Grill Area

History:

Patriots PathPatriots Path is owned, run, and maintained by the Morris County Park Commission. The first plots of land were acquired in 1968 before a “bikeway dedication ceremony” was hosted in 1975. The long project was finally finished in 2014 before completely opening to the public. Along the trail, there are many historic sites, landmarks, and sights to be seen. Additionally, the Morris County Park Commission partnered with many other states, counties, and communities to become a part of the “September 11th National Memorial Trail.” This trail reaches all 3 of the destinations where the hijacked planes hit. This includes the Department of Defense Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia then the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania where a group of brave Americans fought off the hijackers, making a heroic sacrifice to save many others. The final location of the path is Ground Zero of the Twin Towers, where a memorial now sits. Although the path may not be major in Morris County, a piece of Patriots Path will be included, which is located at the Liberty Water Gap Trail section.

Patriots Path holds many great adventures, wildlife, and landmarks, and an experience. One such beautiful sight and landmark is Jockey Hollow, which dates back to the Revolutionary War, where General Washington’s soldiers once camped. Other popular sites on this path include Washington’s Headquarters, Historic Speedwell, The Ford Mansion, The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, and Lewis Morris County Park, although there are way more.

The path is peaceful with the sun shining through the trees onto the paved concrete or laid gravel, which makes it perfect for someone who just wants to experience the beautiful wildlife of New Jersey.

 

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