6-02-2025 2:46pm

Pompton Valley Rail Trail Opens, 5 Mile Path Atop Former Railroad

Chris Connors Editor

Trail runs from Pequannock to Wayne and marks largest infrastructure project by Morris County Public Works, funded by $32 million federal grant.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — After more than three decades of planning and preparation, Morris County celebrated the official opening of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail on Thursday, May 29, 2025, marking a significant achievement in regional recreation and infrastructure development. A ribbon-cutting ceremony drew around 100 attendees, including county officials, project partners, and local residents, to the trailhead behind the Pequannock First Aid Squad.

“This new trail provides a safe and scenic way to walk or bike to the train station -- cutting down on car traffic and helping everyone breathe a little easier. The 10-foot-wide paved path is fully accessible and has multiple entry points, allowing residents to step onto the trail right from their neighborhoods,” said Director Tayfun Selen.

The new 5.1-mile multi-use trail follows the path of the former New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, extending from River Drive in Pequannock Township to Mountain View Boulevard in Wayne, near NJ Transit’s Mountain View Station. It is now the longest pedestrian and bicycle trail maintained by the Morris County Park Commission, expanding the county’s trail system to over 260 miles and its parkland holdings to more than 20,600 acres, the largest of any county in New Jersey.

Morris County Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Stephen Shaw, and Douglas Cabana joined officials from the Morris County Park Commission, Department of Public Works, Passaic County, and Pequannock Township to mark the completion of the trail, which has transformed a disused rail corridor into a scenic and accessible route for walking, biking, and other recreational uses.

“I want to thank the NJTPA for securing the federal funding made this trail possible. This project is just one example of the many ways that we work together on everything from trails to safety and infrastructure investments. Another example is our shared vision for the Morris Canal Greenway, which we hope will one day stretch from the Delaware River in Phillipsburg, through Morris County, to the Hudson River in Jersey City,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, who also serves as secretary of the NJTPA.

“This project is a great example of how we work together across county lines and across party lines to advance regionally significant projects. This project not only connects folks to the Mountain View train station in Wayne, but also brings us one step closer to our vision for a much larger regional trail network,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who has been a member of the NJTPA Board of Trustees since 2013.

The project was managed by the Morris County Department of Public Works and described by County Engineer Christopher Vitz as the largest infrastructure project in the department’s history. Construction began in 2022 and was funded by a $32 million federal grant administered by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA).

Designed with accessibility and safety in mind, the trail includes upgraded crossings with high-visibility signals, tactile surfaces for the visually impaired, and clear signage throughout. A newly completed bridge over the Pompton River was one of the final features to be installed.

“One of the great benefits of the quality of life here in Morris County is our park system. This trail is nearly twice the length of the Traction Line in Morristown, and we hope it becomes just as popular for families and residents to enjoy,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Park Commission.

During the ceremony, Morris County Park Commission Executive Director Dave Helmer presented commemorative railroad spikes—collected over years and assembled with brass tags by Park Commissioner Richard Seabury—to key contributors. The tags read: “Pompton Valley Rail Trail, Dedicated May 29, 2025.”

“I believe this trail system will probably be our second busiest trail system next to the Loantaka Brook Reservation trail system in Morristown and Morris Township, which receives 850,000 visitors. That's a tough one to beat, but with this one I expect we'll see about 150 to 200,000 visitors this year alone,” said Helmer.

Among the attendees were Pequannock Mayor John Driesse, Councilmembers David Kohle and Melissa Florance-Lynch, Park Commissioner Betty Cass-Schmidt, and representatives of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, including Chris Williams, Director of Community Engagement & Grants. Sheriff James Gannon and Chief Jack Ambrose of the Sheriff’s Patrol Division were recognized for their role in maintaining trail safety, along with local first responders.

The successful completion of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail was made possible through a collaboration of numerous agencies and partners, including NJTPA, New York & Susquehanna & Western Railroad, NV5 (Parsippany), New Prince Concrete Construction (Hackensack), French & Parrello Associates (Wall), Norfolk Southern Railway, and the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

The trail is now open to the public for year-round recreational use and is expected to serve as a key connector and amenity for residents in both Morris and Passaic counties.

(Find the trail at 41 Jackson Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444)