Secrets of Watchung: Summit & Deserted Village Loop
Details
- Read Before Signing Up: Please read the entire description carefully before registering.
- Terrain & Fitness: A 11 mile town and park walk featuring short road walks without sidewalks and a few brief, rugged sections requiring steady footing. There are no mid-route dropouts—if you are unsure of your ability to navigate these tricky spots, this hike is not recommended for you. Not suitable for slow or weak walkers.
- Sturdy hiking boots and insect repellent are strongly recommended for this trek. You may also bring trekking poles based on your personal preference.
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Join us for an immersive 11-mile loop trek blending industrial archaeology, ghost town history, scenic woodland trails, and historic downtown charm. We will start at Summit train station and immediately head onto the overgrown right-of-way of the abandoned Rahway Valley Railroad line into Watchung Reservation. Deep within the woods, we will explore the historic Deserted Village of Feltville, old flood-control dams, historic stone masonry, and century-old quarry ruins. After looping through the reservation's rugged trails back toward town, we will take time to explore Summit's vibrant historic district before boarding the return train.
Meeting point: Summit train station platform, Just wait on the platform after you get off the train.
From NYC by train: Take the 9:11 AM NJ Transit train from Penn Station → arrive Summit at 10:08 AM.
(return NJ Transit Morris & Essex Line trains to NYC PennStation run approximately hourly at 3:42 PM, 4:42 PM, etc.).
Please bring enough water, lunch, and sunscreen.
Sam Chen 732.447.3275
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Reminders
- Read Before Signing Up: Hikes in New Jersey often involve detailed logistics and coordination. For safety and smooth operation, please read the entire hike description carefully. You will be prompted with a question during RSVP—please read it attentively and answer correctly to join.
- Drop Early: If your plans change, cancel immediately. Do not wait until the day before or the morning of the hike.
- Waitlist Policy: Priority is given to reliable hikers. Everyone remains on the waitlist until responses are confirmed. You may be passed over if you skip the sign-up questions, have a history of late cancellations and no-shows, or fail to demonstrate a commitment to group punctuality, maintaining the shared pace, and cooperating with team coordination.
- Stay Updated: Weather and train/bus schedules are subject to unexpected changes. Please check the comments and pinned updates the night before and the morning of the hike.