ABOUT THE ARCHES SECTION
of The South Branch Reservation

High Bridge is named after the wooden railroad trestle, which spanned 1300 feet. By 1859, railroad officials determined that this bridge should be replaced as a precaution against locomotive fires. Over the next six years, the bridge with its eight massive stone piers was buried with earthen fill and other debris. Two arching stone culverts were built at the base, one for the South Branch of the Raritan River to flow through and the other for vehicle travel along Arch Street. The main parking lot of Arches was the sight of the Dorland's Mill (Dorland's dam is pictured to the left), which existed in the early 1800s.

The County acquired the property in 1989 as an addition to the South Branch Reservation. This reservation, which totals over 1000 acres, helps to preserve the watershed along the South Branch of the Raritan River as well as provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

Acreage 3 Meeting Room NO Softball Field NO Biking Mtn. NO Bridle Trail NO Canoeing NO X-Country Skiing NO Fishing YES Fitness Trail NO

Gardens NO Greenhouse NO Hiking/Nature Trails NO Horseshoe Court NO Hunting NO Information Board YES Nature Study NO Picnic Pavilions NO

Picnic Sites YES Playground Area NO Restrooms NO Scenic Overlook NO Soccer Field NO Wedding Gazebo NO Parking YES Group Camp Sites NO Reservable Facilities NO

The Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources, providing safe parks and facilities, and offering educational and recreational opportunities, all contributing to an enhanced quality of life for present and future generations.

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LOCATION:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 55 WEST MAIN STREET, HIGH BRIDGE, NJ 08829

The Arches Section is located in High Bridge Borough. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. No restroom facilities are available. Parking is available on West Main (513) and Arch Street.

Directions from the Clinton Area: Proceed north on Route 31 for 1.7 miles past the intersection with Route 78, to Route 513 north. Turn right and follow Route 513 north for 1.9 miles to Arch Street. The first parking location is on the right just beyond the turn for Arch Street. To park at the second location, turn onto Arch Street and bear to the left. The parking area is on the left.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

This three-acre site provides a popular location for fishing along the South Branch of the Raritan River, and a great view of the historic railroad arches. There is a small trail from the parking area on Route 513 to access the west side of the river and a couple of points along Arch Street. The river is stocked with Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout. A state fishing license must be displayed while fishing.

There is one picnic site (first come, first served, no reservations) along Arch Street for public use. Alcohol is not permitted at this location.

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Home | Division of Parks and Recreation | Park Guides & Trail Maps | Arches Section of the South Branch Reservation