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SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
 
Department of Parks and Recreation PO Box 2900, Flemington, NJ 08822-2900 1020 State Route 31, Lebanon, NJ 08833 Phone: 908-782-1158 * Fax: 908-806-4057 parks@co.hunterdon.nj.us Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday, & Fridays: 8:00am - 4:30pm Thursday: 8:00am-6:30pm Saturdays & Sundays: Office Closed |
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Echo Hill was established in 1836 as a farm, consisting of the stone house, a barn, chicken coops, and a peach orchard. In 1936, the property was purchased by Robert and Hermia Lechner, who established a summer camp for boys. They called their facility "Camp Echo Hill." The first summer 65 boys attended.
The camp was expanded the following year to permit girls. During the transition from farm to summer camp, many of the existing structures were demolished or converted to new uses. Salvaged beams from the barn were used in the dining hall (what is now the Main Lodge).
The orchard was cut down and replaced by 200,000 evergreens by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. In 1943, the Lechners acquired the Stanton Station Railroad Station from the Lehigh Valley Railroad for $75.00. This structure was transported to the property the same year and converted into what is now known as the South Activity Center.
The Stone Farm House was originally the camp infirmary and then became the home for the Lechners in 1942. They retired from the camp in 1959 and sold the operation to a local church. The county acquired the property in 1973. Today, Echo Hill still continues its tradition of teaching local children about nature through the Summer Nature Program and other scheduled or requested programs.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED: 41 LILAC DRIVE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822
MAIN ACTIVITY CENTER: 42 LILAC DRIVE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822
SOUTH ACTIVITY CENTER: 43 LILAC DRIVE, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822
Echo Hill Section is located on Lilac Drive in Clinton Township. The park is opened during posted hours.
Directions from the Flemington Area: Take Route 31 north about 5.6 miles from the Flemington Circle. Make a right onto the jug handle for Stanton Station Road. Travel 0.4 mile to Lilac Drive. At Lilac Drive turn right and proceed another 0.4 mile. The entrance to the park will be on the right. Follow the sign to the main parking area.
Directions from the Clinton Area: Take Route 31 south about 6.2 miles from Interstate 78 to the traffic light for Stanton Station Road. Turn right onto Stanton Station Road and then follow the corresponding directions above.
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Additional Information:
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The Hunterdon County Parks and Recreation Department 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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Anglers can fish for a variety of species at the pond, including Largemouth Bass, catfish, and sunfish. The pond is designated for catch and release and State Fish and Wildlife rules apply.
In order to control the population of deer on park property, hunting is permitted. Hunters must obtain a special permit issued by the Parks Department 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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The Main Activity Center offers two meeting rooms which may be reserved. The Main Lodge can accommodate up to 100 people and has an attached kitchenette. The décor of the lodge room includes wagon wheel lighting, a rustic fireplace, a small stage, and camp artifacts. The Multi-purpose Room can accommodate up to 50 people, and offers a projection screen and a sink and refrigerator.
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Primitive tenting sites are available for qualified groups. Water is available at the lodge.
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The walk-in picnic site is located off the corner of the parking lot and adjacent to the playground. Grills are located within the site for public use.
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Reservations for use of the building or tent sites must be made at the Main Office located at the Arboretum on Route 31. See the front of this brochure for the address, hours of operation, and phone number. Also visit our webpage regarding facility reservation information.
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Hikers can enjoy a circular trail around the perimeter of the park. It winds through a wide variety of habitats and allows a beautiful overview of the Prescott Brook.
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Throughout the year the Department offers special programs at Echo Hill, including
Summer Nature Program, Maple Sugaring, and our seasonal nature club for kids.
The Summer Nature Program, Maple Sugaring Program, and Haunted Walks are some of special events held at Echo Hill. Please contact the Main Office for scheduled events or visit our Programs and Workshops Webpage.
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SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
The South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA) is located in the old stone house on the property. The SBWA, a non-profit organization, monitors activities relating to the water quality of the South Branch of the Raritan River. They also provide water testing to the general public and will schedule stream study programs for school groups. For more information contact the SBWA at (908)-782-0422.
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TRAIL MAP AND GUIDE INFORMATION
NOTE: 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.
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Home | Department of Parks and Recreation | Park Guides & Trail Maps | Echo Hill Section