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TRAIL MAP updated 10/02/2007 |
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Location: Melick's Bridge Section is located on Hamden- River Road in Clinton and Franklin Townships. The park area is open from sunrise to sunset. No restroom facilities are available.
Directions from the Flemington Area: Travel Route 31 north to the jug handle at Allerton Road. Use the jug handle and cross over Route 31. Proceed from Allerton Road straight to Wellington Drive. Turn left off Wellington Road onto Hamden- River Road. Parking is on the left before the bridge or on the right after the bridge.
Directions from the Clinton Area: Take Route 31 south to Allerton Road. Turn right onto Allerton Road and proceed as above.
ABOUT THE MELICK'S BRIDGE
SECTION
Photo provided by June Quick
Melick's Bridge is named after the family who owned the land around the 1880's double truss Pony bridge. George E. Melick and his family purchased the property in 1930 from his parents, Arten and Elizabeth, and established a 162 acre dairy operation known as "River Bottom Ranch". While dairy was the principle income, they raised other livestock and operated a small peach orchard. The farm continued in 1971. His widow, Helen, then began selling off parcels of land. Today, the county has acquired 151 acres of the old farmstead, all of which is included within the South Branch Reservation.
Today, the South Branch Reservation totals over 1,000 acres. Besides providing recreational opportunities, the reservation helps preserve the South Branch of the Raritan River Watershed and provides wildlife habitat.
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.
View Melick's Bridge Trail Map - updated 10/02/2007
FISHING: Adjacent to the South Branch of the Raritan River, Melick's Bridge offers access to the river's edge for fishing. The river is stocked with Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout. A state fishing license with a trout stamp must be displayed.
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 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.
CANOEING: River access for canoes exists in the area just beyond the parking lot. Canoeing the South Branch of the Raritan River is a wonderful way to view wildlife. The river corridor provides an 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.
