ABOUT UPLANDS RESERVE

The name "Uplands" pertains to thegeographical area located along the eastern rim of the Hunterdon Plateau. Totaling 101 acres, Uplands reaches 500 feet in elevation. The reserve consists of steep slopes, open fields, and hardwood forests. The Walnut Brook meanders through the property.

The reserve, originally a farm and estate (called "Uplands Farm"), was purchased in 1931 by George Knowles Large, a prominent prosecutor and judge. Large's notoriety came in 1934 as part of the prosecutor's staff for the Lindbergh Kidnapping Trial. The Lindberghs stayed at the farm during part of the trial to avoid the media. After Judge Large's death in 1958, the property changed hands until the County acquired it in 1986.

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: 6 BARTON HOLLOW ROAD, FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822

Location: Upland Reserve is located in Raritan Township. There is no direct parking at the reserve. Access is gained through the Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve which offers parking. Both areas are open from sunrise to sunset. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at these locations.

Directions from the Clinton Area: Travel south on Route 513 until the junction with Route 617. Turn left on to Route 617 and travel about 8.5 miles. Turn right on Barton Hollow Road and continue to the stop sign. Turn left onto Old Croton Rd, then make the first left onto Capner Street. The parking area is located on the left hand side.

Directions from the Lambertville Area: Take Route 202 north to the jug-handle for South Main Street for Flemington. Follow South Main Street to the junction with the Main Street Circle and proceed west on Route 12. On Route 12, continue past the next circle to the traffic light. At the traffic light turn right on to Old Croton Rd. Proceed to Capner Street, turn right. Continue to the parking lot on the left.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Uplands offers a moderate 1.1 mile loop trail adjacent to the Bernadette Morales Trail System. The trail meanders through a mixture of hardwood forest, fields in natural succession, hedgerows, and thickets. The trail was constructed by Doug Pictroski of Boy Scout Troop 62 for his Eagle Project. The scout troop still maintains the trail. To access the Uplands Trail, take the Main Trail from the Bernadette Morales parking area to the junction of the Eagle Trail. The Eagle Trail turns into the Uplands Trail. This stretch adds 1.6 miles for a round-trip hike.

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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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BERNADETTE MORALES NATURE PRESERVE

The Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve is maintained by the Morales Sub-Committee of the Flemington-Raritan Parks and Recreation Committee. Bernadette Morales, Mine Brook Park, the Dvoor Farm, and Uplands form a contiguous greenway.

For more information on Bernadette Morales Nature Preserve contact the Flemington-Raritan Parks and Recreation Committee at (908) 782-7094.

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SUCCESSION AT UPLANDS

Uplands provides a unique look at succession. Since its time as an estate, different areas have been reclaimed by nature. Along the trail, evergreens are still present in the canopy. These evergreens have been enclosed by hardwoods and will eventually die out. Also, observe the young growth that is occurring throughout the park.

While most of the hardwood canopy consists of oak trees, the new growth consists mostly of young maple trees. This is due to wildlife, such as White-tail Deer, Eastern Grey Squirrels, and Wild Turkey,
foraging on acorns. This consumption of acorns is preventing the re-growth of oak trees. Eventually these young maple trees will grow and dominate the canopy.

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TRAIL INFORMATION

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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