MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — After more than three decades of planning and preparation, Morris County celebrated the official opening of thePompton Valley Rail TrailonThursday, 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 thePequannock 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,” saidDirector Tayfun Selen.
The new5.1-mile multi-use trailfollows the path of the formerNew York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, extending fromRiver Drive in Pequannock TownshiptoMountain View Boulevard in Wayne, near NJ Transit’s Mountain View Station. It is now thelongest pedestrian and bicycle trail maintained by the Morris County Park Commission, expanding the county’s trail system to over260 milesand its parkland holdings to more than20,600 acres, the largest of any county in New Jersey.
Morris County CommissionersTayfun Selen,Stephen Shaw, andDouglas Cabanajoined officials from theMorris County Park Commission,Department of Public Works,Passaic County, andPequannock Townshipto 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,” saidCommissioner 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,” saidPassaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who has been a member of the NJTPA Board of Trustees since 2013.
The project was managed by theMorris County Department of Public Worksand described byCounty Engineer Christopher Vitzas thelargest infrastructure projectin the department’s history. Construction began in2022and was funded by a$32 million federal grantadministered by theNorth Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA).
Designed with accessibility and safety in mind, the trail includesupgraded crossings with high-visibility signals,tactile surfaces for the visually impaired, andclear signagethroughout. A newly completedbridge over the Pompton Riverwas 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,” saidCommissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Park Commission.
During the ceremony,Morris County Park Commission Executive Director Dave Helmerpresented commemorativerailroad spikes—collected over years and assembled with brass tags by Park CommissionerRichard 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,” saidHelmer.
Among the attendees werePequannock Mayor John Driesse,Councilmembers David Kohle and Melissa Florance-Lynch,Park Commissioner Betty Cass-Schmidt, and representatives ofCongresswoman Mikie Sherrill, includingChris Williams, Director of Community Engagement & Grants.Sheriff James GannonandChief Jack Ambroseof theSheriff’s Patrol Divisionwere 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, includingNJTPA,New York & Susquehanna & Western Railroad,NV5 (Parsippany),New Prince Concrete Construction (Hackensack),French & Parrello Associates (Wall),Norfolk Southern Railway, and theNorth 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 bothMorris and Passaic counties.
(Find the trail at 41 Jackson Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444)