ABOUT THE VALINSKY'S SECTION

The Valinsky's Section along the South Branch accounts for 64.3 acres of the 1000 acres of the South Branch Reservation. The area is named after Frank and Jean Valinsky from whom the County acquired the property in 1975. Prior to the Valinsky's, the land can be traced back to 1884 and through 3 generations of the Moser Family.

The Reservation provides recreational opportunities and helps preserve the South Branch of the Raritan River Watershed, and provides habitat for wildlife. The large meadow on the south side of the river is the former Estabrook property. This area is managed for grassland birds. The bird houses on the short poles provide habitat for Eastern Bluebirds along with other species such as Tree Swallows and House Wrens. The boxes on the taller poles are for American Kestrels, the County's smallest falcon.

Acreage 64.3 Meeting Room NO Softball Field NO Biking Mtn. NO Bridle Trail NO Canoeing YES X-Country Skiing NO Fishing YES Fitness Trail NO

Gardens NO Greenhouse NO Hiking/Nature Trails NO 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: Valinsky's Section is located on River Road in Clinton and Franklin Townships. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. No restroom facilities are available.

Directions from the Flemington Area: Take Route 31 north to the jug handle exit for Payne Road. Cross over Route 31. Proceed on Payne Road until the "T" intersection with Lilac Drive and turn right. Follow Lilac Drive to River Road and turn left. Proceed to Hamden Road and turn left again. Travel past the YMCA Camp Carr. Park in the small lot on the left before the bridge or cross over the river and park in the pull-off area on the left before the open field.

Directions from the Clinton Area: Take Route 31 south to Payne Road exit. At the end of the ramp turn right onto Payne Road and proceed as above.

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RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Fishing: Adjacent to the South Branch of the Raritan River, Valinsky's offers access to the river's edge for fishing. The river is stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout. A state fishing license must be displayed.

Canoeing: River access for canoes exists at this area just beyond the parking lot. Canoeing the South Branch of the Raritan River is a wonderful way to view wildlife. The corridor along the river provides excellent habitat for waterfowl, which can be viewed all along the river. Aquatic reptiles, such as Painted Turtles, are regularly observed perched on the stone and tree outcroppings along the banks of the river.

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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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