Get DirectionsPlease note that due to trail closures for eagle nesting on Cushetunk Mountain, part of the route of this hike is closed from January 1 to August 1. There are only partial views of Round Valley Reservoir from the ridge of Cushetunk Mountain when there is foliage on the trees so the best time to hike for views and to avoid trail closures would be November/December.
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Hike Description:
Please note that due to trail closures for eagle nesting on Cushetunk Mountain, part of the route of this hike is closed from January 1 to August 1. There are only partial views of Round Valley Reservoir from the ridge of Cushetunk Mountain when there is foliage on the trees so the best time to hike for views and to avoid trail closures would be November/December.
From the parking lot at Pickell Park, face the ball field then head to the right towards a kiosk, which denotes the beginning of the blue-blazed Readington Connector Trail. Proceed on the paved path between the ball field and the chain link fence. Be sure to look to your left in case hot air balloons are taking off from Readington! At the corner of the ball field, turn right on a gravel path, which becomes a mowed grass path following the perimeters of old Vislocky Farm fields.
In another tenth of a mile follow the markers to the right, then left, then right again on a pretty tree-lined woods road separating farm fields on either side. At a yellow marker, turn right then right again to another field. This last right turn is not marked but you will see yellow markers up ahead. Follow the mowed path around the perimeter of the field, exit the field downhill into the woods and rock hop a creek at the ruins of an old dam.
When yellow ends at blue, turn right on blue, rock hop a creek then enter a power cut. Another yellow trail leaves to the right and will join back in with the blue power cut trail in .15 mile. This trail is not on the map but can be used as an alternate route. Follow the blue trail through the power cut as it veers left into the woods and begins a steady uphill climb that will become steeper as you ascend Cushetunk Mountain.
In .35 mile, when almost at the top, turn left on a white-blazed trail when blue continues to the right. This white-blazed trail is not shown on the map. The white blazes end at a seasonal view of Round Valley Reservoir but the trail continues along the ridge. This trail is also not shown on the map. Keep following this unmarked, yet well-defined trail, which follows along with the signs marking the preserve boundary on the right. There will be additional seasonal views of Round Valley Reservoir along this ridge as well as a few rock scrambles.
In half of a mile, meet up with the white-blazed Ridge Trail at a trail closure sign and turn left. This white-blazed trail will continue to follow the rugged ridge of Cushetunk Mountain. In .6 mile at a T-intersection turn right on white. The white-blazed trail is now called Parking Lot Trail and descends to a parking lot in a power cut in a little over half of a mile.
At the parking lot, turn right at the chain barrier and proceed into the power cut. Watch for the yellow-blazed Scout Trail a short distance ahead and turn right on this trail. The yellow trail ascends, steeply at times, on steps built into the mountainside through very pretty forests. When yellow ends in .8 mile, turn right on white for .3 mile then left on blue. In .6 mile, turn left on blue as it descends where the white trail taken at the beginning of the hike leaves to the right. From this point, retrace your steps back to the Pickell Park parking lot.
Turn By Turn Description:
[ 0.00] Facing the ball field, turn right and walk towards the kiosk then follow the blue diamond markers along the chain link fence
[ 0.15] At the corner of the paved path, veer right on gravel path into farm field; keep right
[ 0.25] Jog right then left then right on tree lined woods road between farm fields
[ 0.40] Turn right on yellow then right again at field (no turn marker)
[ 0.55] Exit field downhill into the woods
[ 0.60] Rock hop creek at old dam
[ 0.75] Right on blue when yellow ends
[ 0.80] Rock hop over creek
[ 0.90] Straight on blue into power cut when yellow (not on map) goes right
[ 1.05] Straight on blue when yellow (not on map) comes in from right; blue leaves power cut to the left uphill into woods
[ 1.40] Left on white when blue goes right
[ 1.60] White blazes stop at seasonal view; continue on unmarked foot path along preserve boundary
[ 2.10] Unmarked trail ends at trail closure sign when white comes in from the right; keep left on white around large downed tree trunk and continue along ridge
[ 2.70] At T-intersection turn right on white (Parking Lot Trail)
[ 3.25] Turn right into power cut at parking area
[ 3.30] Turn right on yellow trail (Scout Trail); keep straight at fork
[ 3.80] Keep right at fork
[ 4.10] Right on white Readington Connector Trail when yellow ends
[ 4.40] Turn left on blue trail
[ 5.00] Turn left on blue when white goes uphill to the right
[ 5.40] Blue trail goes through power cut
[ 5.45] Turn left on yellow (not on map) when blue continues straight in power cut
[ 5.60] Turn left on blue when yellow ends
[ 5.70] Continue on blue through farm fields and tree lined woods road
[ 5.80] Keep right at fork
[ 5.90] Straight on blue when yellow goes left
[ 6.15] Enter ball field on gravel path
[ 6.30] Back at Pickell Park parking
Pass through old Vislocky Farm fields at the foot of Cushetunk Mountain before climbing to the ridge for seasonal views.
40.607862, -74.778427
Hunterdon Co., NJ
7 mi
4 hrs
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
I-78 West to Exit 24 for County Road 523/Oldwick toward County Road 517/Whitehouse. Turn left on County Road 523/Oldwick Road and proceed for 2.1 miles. Turn left on US-22 East and immediately get into the right lane to turn right on County Road 523/Main Street in .2 mile. Continue for 1.1 miles, turn right on Mountain Road then left into Pickell Park. Proceed to the right in the parking lot towards the kiosk at the far end of the ball field.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Not available
Give $10 to support trails.
December 31, 1969
19:00 pm
Trip Reports
rate experience December 05, 2014
Ditto - did hike on 12/4/14
<p>Top of ridge was overgrown with barberry making it a challengeing (and unpleasant walk). Also, many large trees are down (from Sandy or Irene?) requiring scrambling and detouring.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Turn at Mile 2.7 has no white blazes. I hiked downhil 0.1 mile before I found the first blaze. Additionally, The Park's trail map doesn't show the other trails that come in here. If you continue straight past this intersection, you find yourself on a red-blaze trail (not on map). </p>
August 03, 2014
not a good idea at the present time
<p>On a soggy day, we climbed Cushetunk Mountain through overgrown, unmaintained trails with multiple blowdowns, thought we had found the T intersection mentioned in the directions but climbed down the white trail to the power cut to find no parking lot or markers, and had no choice but to road walk back to Pickell Park. The county's map seems to bear no relationship to what is out in the field.</p>
December 23, 2012
GPS coor
GPs coor I have been told are wrong. Some blow downs added by Sandy but the trail can be navigated.