| BACK ABOUT LOCATION TRAILS RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HUNTING SUMMARY OF RULES AND REGULATIONS PRINTABLE BROCHURE (NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required for brochure: Click for FREE Plugin) TRAIL MAP PARKS DEPARTMENT HOME |
|
||||
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.
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: Travel Route 31 north to the jug handle exit for Payne Road. Cross over Route 31. Proceed on Payne Road until "T" intersection with Lilac Drive and turn right. Follow Lilac Drive to Allerton 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 prior to 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.
Additional Information
|
|
|
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.
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.
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.
Valinsky's Section trails of the South Branch Reservation are not available at this time.
Click HERE to view Valinsky's Trail Map
