ABOUT CHARLESTOWN RESERVE

Charlestown is named after a handful of residential homes and a one-room schoolhouse. Charles Hovies (1898-1972) acquired three abandoned farms on this site in 1943 and established apple and peach orchards. In 1958, he married Harriet Mathison, and also planted Christmas trees and groves of beech, tulip poplar, black locust, and persimmon.

Following Charles's death, Harriet remained on the farm and sold 203 acres to the County in 1981. She retained 12 acres around the house for herself, which she deeded to the County in 1989 with a clause granting her a life-right to the property. After she passed away in 2000, the County acquired additional acreage, now totaling 269 acres. Serving as an island of green in the area north of Interstate 78, the land has been held in trust as a conservation area. Adjacent state land adds additional area where plants can thrive and animals can roam.

Wildlife and Habitat The main habitat at Charlestown is second generation oak-hickory forest. Along the trail are stone walls, which provide evidence of Charlestown's agrarian past. Today, these stone walls provide habitat for snakes and small mammals such as chipmunks.

The rocky hillsides and other secluded areas of Charlestown provide a haven for Hunterdon County's more reclusive mammals. Gray Fox evidence, such as scat and tracks, has been found.

The preserve also supports a wide range of woodland bird species. Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees are common sights. Red-tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures can usually be seen flying above. Wild Turkeys take advantage of the large supply of acorns and other nuts. Woodpeckers, such as Downy or Red-bellied Woodpeckers, can be seen and heard drilling the trees.

Acreage 215 Meeting Room NO Softball Field NO Biking Mtn. YES Bridle Trail NO Canoeing NO X-Country Skiing NO Fishing NO Fitness Trail NO

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

Picnic Sites NO 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:

Location: Charlestown Reserve is located at 40 Charlestown Road, Hampton 08827 (Bethlehem Township). The park is open from sunrise to sunset. No restroom facilities are available.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 40 CHARLESTOWN ROAD, HAMPTON, NJ 08827

Directions from the Bloomsbury Area: Take Interstate 78 east to exit 12. From exit 12, travel north on Route 635 (also known as Charlestown Rd). Proceed on Route 635 for approximately 4.5 miles to the park. The parking lot will be on the left-hand side.

Directions from the Clinton Area: From the junction with Interstate 78, travel north on Route 31 for approximately 6 miles. In Glen Gardner, make a left at the second traffic light onto Glen Manor Road. Proceed to the end of the road. Turn left onto Black Brook Road and then make the first right onto Charlestown Lane. At the end of Charlestown Lane, make a left onto Route 635. The entrance to the reserve is on the right.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Charlestown offers a moderate hiking trail. The trailhead is located at the right corner of the parking lot. The trail starts with a moderate climb up a hillside and eventually intersects with an old field road. The old road meanders through the park and loops back on itself. Mountain biking is permitted within the park, but horseback riding is prohibited.

Hunting In order to control the population of deer on park property, hunting is permitted. Hunters must obtain a special permit issued by the Parks Division to be able to hunt on the preserve. Visitors during hunting season are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange or confine visits to Sundays. See additional information on the Hunterdon County Park System Controlled Hunting Program.

 

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TRAIL MAP AND GUIDE INFORMATION

NOTES: Trail Guides are set up as foldable brochures. Please print and fold in half vertically to view in proper order. Additionally, you may have to rearrange pages. Maps should be printed on Legal Size Paper.

• Park Brochure and Trail Map
• Trail Map

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