Visitors can combine segments of the Ridge Trail with these trails on the north and south sides to create interesting circuit walks. Most of the land was preserved as open space in 1998 by a consortium of Mercer County, the State of New Jersey, Hopewell Township, and the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space. Most trails involve climbing or descending, sometimes steeply. 0.8 – Come to a T with a gravel path and jog slightly left to continue on BLUE (Summit). Knoxville Urban Wilderness. Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain https://www.mapquest.com/us/new-jersey/baldpate-mountain-365382852 This intersection was passed at 3.6]. Not sure if the visitor center has maps, we’ve never seen it open. On a whim, we decided to revisit Baldpate Mountain on Memorial Day Weekend.. After the earliest pioneers, he reported, came a settlement of African Americans, sometimes as many as 50 families, some from the south and some of more local origin, who farmed as long as they could. Just a short distance further, the walkers’ route leaves the powerline to the right, becoming the Grist Mill Trail (not named on NJTRails map), heads into the trees, then bends again to the northwest, perched on the slope above Moore’s Creek. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. All hiking trails are marked and signed and are maintained by a dedicated group … Pleasant Valley Road Parking Lot: The well-marked entrance driveway is on the south side of Pleasant Valley Road, 1.2 miles west of Bear Tavern Road. Baldpate Mountain is a mountain in Mercer County and has an elevation of 479 feet. trailreport@drgreenway.org. Baldpate Mountain, once known as Kuser Mountain, was previously owned by the Kuser family. The narrow path winds through second-growth forest, at a few spots crossing poorly drained spots sometimes rutted by mountain bikes. Baldpate is flanked to the north by Surplus Mountain, to the northeast by Black Mountain, and to the southeast by Mount Hittie. It curves at first to avoid a poorly drained area, then runs north through scrubby woods for a few hundred yards, and then turns sharp right down to an aging wooden bridge across Fiddler’s Creek. Baldpate Mountain is a mountain located in Oxford County, Maine. This park is more suited for shorter loops from one of the many parking areas; we stitched a bunch of trails together in order to see most of the park. Local old-timers in the 1930s, speaking to Henry Charlton Beck, author of Fare to Midlands, (E.P. Removed links to old maps. 4.8 – At an intersection with BLUE (Creek Spur), turn RIGHT to continue on ORANGE (Copper Hill). Big Bend Ranch State Park. 12 Trails. 2. Ruins of a 19th century settlement and scattered farms can be found on or near some of the Baldpate trails. For access to the Ridge Trail, continue up Pleasant Valley Road 4.5 miles from Route 29, to the entrance to a large parking lot on the right. this area has been maintained and cared for by many hard working farmers and country folk for hundreds of years.it did not pop-up overnight. The map shows the Pleasant Valley trail is straight and leads to another parking area. Beck and his fellow explorers tramped through the woods in the 1930s, and came upon old millstones, several still standing chimneys, evidence of a spring house, and the foundations of houses still visible today. The trail offers a number of activity options. Also closed Wed. – Sat. yes, baldpate mountain and the surrounding area is unique. Its mature woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows harbor a rich variety of native trees and shrubs and a … Baldpate Mountain is part of the largest continuously forested area in central New Jersey, the Sourlands Region, stretching across Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties. Pick up the description at the second to last step below. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. An extensive network of trails, some old logging roads and some specially built trails, lace the southern and northern flanks of the ridge, and a 2-mile trail runs along its spine. During this season, hunting occurs four or five days per week, and on hunting days there is no public access except for hunters registered with Mercer County. There are great views of the Delaware River to the south, historic farmland to the north, and on clear days the Philadelphia skyline to the southwest. Shortly, Pass YELLOW (Switchback) on the left. This short Grist Mill Trail down to Pleasant Valley Road provides dramatic views of the creek, and of maple sugaring lines maintained by the Howell Living History Farm (do not disturb them!). Baldpate Mountain has a peak prominence of 2,240 feet. At roughly its southwestern “corner,” the trail passes the ruins of an old house, with chimney still standing. This post may contain affiliate links. Print out the trail map(s) ahead. Horseback riders and cyclists should continue along the powerline further west, to a second right turn that leads down along the Pleasant Valley Riders Trail to Pleasant Valley Road. Different routes are in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Philadelphia and Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphia. The Northwest Loop Trail (red blazes) begins near the western-most end of the Ridge Trail, descends steeply to the north for .4 mile, runs east, gradually climbing and sometimes muddy in certain stretches, for .6 mile to an intersection where the Pleasant Valley Trail (turquoise) heads north, and there climbs very steeply to the right for .2 mile to rejoin the Ridge Trail (total 1.2 miles). Start off the hike with a little warm-up loop around an attractive pond, located in Washington Crossing State Park. (Do not disturb these remains.). —Hiked: 7/4/20. 5.1 – Turn LEFT and now follow WHITE (Ridge). Great for kids! [WHITE (Ridge) also goes right. 3.8 – Continue on WHITE (Ridge) along the edge of a large parking lot towards a large power tower, passing the other end of ORANGE (Copper Hill). To the north lies Surplus mountain, to the south west, Baldpate looks upon Old Speck across Grafton Notch. 6.7 miles. This mountain is awesome and some of the steepest terrain in the area. 41 Trails. Parking is available at the bottom of this trail, off Route 29. Trails are easy-to-moderately difficult. Straight is a direct route to the ridge trail and farm/pond and is the return route. Paris Mountain State Park. [WHITE (Ridge) also goes right]. An extensive network of trails, old logging roads and some specially built trails, lace the southern and northern flanks of the ridge, and a 2-mile trail runs along its spine. Some muddy/rutted trail sections due to use by bikes/horses. Users interested in entering the preserve here can park at the Howell Living History Farm and walk down Hunter Road to Pleasant Valley Road. At about .5 mile, the trail ascends a stone staircase built by volunteers through a boulder field. Walking the Ridge Trail, however, involves only moderate ups and downs. Fiddler’s Creek Bridge Roadside Parking: On Fiddler’s Creek Road, .5 mile from Church Road, and 1.1 miles from Route 29, it is possible to pull off on the grassy shoulder on the north side of Fiddler’s Creek Road, where the Creek Spur trail begins. [Pass ORANGE (Copper Hill) on the right – might not even notice it, but there was a large tree on the ground across from the trail]. There are wonderful views from the open meadow of the Delaware River to the south, and of the Philadelphia skyline when the air is clear. Check the Trail Blogs linked at the bottom for more photos of this area. For the Church Road entrance, continue another 1.4 miles up Fiddlers Creek Road to the intersection with Church Road; continue straight across Church Road into the Brick Road entrance to Washington Crossing State Park, where there is ample parking room along the margins of the gravel road. From here, turning east (left) along the Ridge Trail brings you to the small farmhouse and pond, and turning west (right) brings you back to the mountain-top meadow. Bald Pate Mountain – not to be confused with the larger, single-word Baldpate Mountain to the North, features a plethora of trails, and directional views from the pitch pine covered summit. The map shows restrooms at the visitor center, which is 1.3 miles up the blue trail or if you park at the main lot instead. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park. Baldpate Mountain offers some of the most extensive and rugged walking in Mercer County. * CLOSED to hikers during firearm season days in December. The AT runs over both of Baldpates peaks. Bald Pate Mountain in Bridgton, part of Loon Echo Land Trust, offers an extensive trail network with numerous view points. The mountain is mostly wooded with some former pasture areas that allow excellent views of the Delaware River valley below. The Ridge Trail (white blazes) runs from Pleasant Valley Road at the eastern end of Baldpate about two miles to an open meadow near the western end (picnic tables there), and then about .2 mile further, curving down to the driveway below the former Kuser Estate house, now renovated as a visitor center. Baldpate Mountain-West Peak (3662 ft/1116 m) Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) 44° 36' 33'' N, 70° 53' 32'' W 44.609287, -70.892316 (Dec Deg) 349846 E 4941290 N, Zone 19 (UTM) From its intersection with the Northwest Loop, the trail first descends gradually through woods for about .2 mile, then contours north and then west, passing the ruined foundation of what appears to have been a barn or house—or both together. from mid-December to mid-February. From Route 29: Half a mile north of Fiddler’s Creek Road, there is visitor parking off Route 29, at the bottom of the Switchback Trail (yellow). Baldpate Mountain is a long ridge, with trails descending on the south toward Fiddler’s Creek Road, and on the north towards Pleasant Valley Road. Find the travel option that best suits you. The Delaware River can be seen on a clear day. A local musician who lived on the edge of what is now Washington Crossing State Park passed on scraps of legend about the succession of residents in Honey Hollow. For the Pleasant Valley Road entrances, continue a total of 1.5 miles north on Route 579, and turn left on Pleasant Valley Road. Built in … Be sure not to leave your car past the Farm’s closing hours, which are posted, since the parking lot gate is then closed. The cheapest way to get from Cleveland to Bethel costs only $85, and the quickest way takes just 6¾ hours. Baldpate Mountain, Maine The Appalachian Trail in Maine will take your breath away, both as you climb 3,662 feet to the summit and then your 360-degree view. The trail leaves the brook, skirts a hillside, bends left and then right, passing the Kuser Connector which runs over to the Copper Hill Trail. It is managed by the Loon Echo Land Trust. 6.1 – At the white farm building from earlier, turn LEFT to now follow BLUE (Summit). There are five entrance points to the preserve—two from Fiddlers Creek Road, two from Pleasant Valley Road, and one from Church Road. Take Exit 1 onto Route 29 north. (scroll down a bit for Baldpate). Baker Creek Preserve. Walking/Hiking, Horseback riding, Dogs permitted on leash. Eventually there will be a BLUE (Summit) marker. Continue uphill on ORANGE (Copper Hill). The lot is marked “Vehicle and Horse Trailers Parking” on the trail map. Signs of past habitation on Baldpate Mountain are obvious, but clear information about who lived there and when is hard to come by. From that point you can turn right and follow Fiddler’s Creek Road 1.3 miles to the parking lot entrance on your right. None of the trails are paved. Grab a trail map and get all the tips you need about hiking Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain. 6.3 – At the junction with the main BLUE (Summit) trail, keep to the LEFT and retrace the route back down the stone steps and to the parking lot. Portable toilet in the lot and also near the Kuser Estate buildings (7/2020); unsure if it’s permanent as that was the first time we’ve seen one in either location. This point allows access to the east end of the Ridge Trail, the Copper Hill Trail, and the Kuser Trail. There the path turns left (northwest) to follow the sometimes muddy downs and ups of the utility line, at .8 mile crossing the same brook, whose banks can also be muddy. Across the stream, the route bends to the right, heading upstream along the creek bank, then curving north to follow the small Honey Hollow Brook, which flows into the larger Fiddler’s Creek. Length 3.3 miElevation gain 820 ftRoute type Loop Hike along the ridge of Baldpate Mountain (former Kuser Mountain) passing old abandoned farm buildings and the former Kuser estate with mountaintop views of the Delaware River. These versions show fewer trails in Honey Hollow area than older maps (map 3,4) so the description below may be affected. Improved it by taking Copper Hill uphill instead of downhill (it’s steep and rocky, more enjoyable as an uphill). Turn LEFT to continue on BLUE (Summit) to the top of the mountain. Some sections of trail may be wet and muddy. 10 Trails. There is a little pond that is not really visible until you walk over to it, it’s by a small stone building and old well. Trail Blog: “Baldpate Mountain on Halloween“Hiked: 5/26/12. Overview: BLUE (Summit) – WHITE (Ridge) – RED (NW Loop) – WHITE (Ridge) – Kuser (GREEN) – Kuser (GREEN) connector trail – ORANGE (Copper Hill) – WHITE (Ridge) – BLUE (Summit). On his explorations along Honey Hollow Road descending from Church Road, he crossed Fiddler’s Creek on a bridge – soon to be succeeded by a footbridge for walkers. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Updated: 7/2020 – Re-hiked; adjusted the route to remove the closed trails in Honey Hollow. Turn RIGHT to continue on WHITE (Ridge). For access to the Honey Hollow area, turn hard left into Brick Road about .75 mile in on Church Road, just opposite the intersection of Church Road with Fiddler’s Creek Road. There are public restrooms in the old lodge just west of the main visitor center near the top of the mountain. 11/9/15 – Directions revised and route modified slightly; photos added; revised GPX. Hopewell Township, NJ 08525. ///. 3. Great views, family friendly hiking, groomed ski trails (for a small fee), hunting, and snowshoeing. Baldpate Mountain is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Lambertville, New Jersey. After passing several cottage-size boulders edged with moss, the path crosses, at about .8 mile trail, the driveway from Fiddler’s Creek Road above the old Kuser Estate House. This route uses the first lot on Fiddlers Creek Road off of Rt 29. Unsure of their availability – we’ve run into them open only once. Our setting is nestled in the pine forest on the side of Twin Sisters Mountain, next to the Lily Lake area of Rocky Mountain … Access to the Ridge Trail parking lot is on the left at 1.2 miles from Route 579. At that point, near the picnic tables, the trail ends at a junction with the white-blazed Ridge Trail, which runs to the center of the meadow, angles back towards the western edge of the meadow, into the woods, and turns sharp left down to meet the driveway below the lodge (1.3 miles total). If you use a smartphone, try the handy georeferenced PDF map created by Hidden Trenton. 40.318542, -74.866162. See Mercer County deer management for closure dates. Go west on Delaware Avenue (from Route 31 at the light at the Pennington Market). In 1986 the property was sold to Trap Rock Industries, who planned to … Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain has 12.0 miles of trails. Mileage now 6.7 from 8.1. Baldpate Mountain Updated: 7/2020 – Re-hiked; adjusted the route to remove the closed trails in Honey Hollow. Summit Trail, NW Loop Trail, and Ridge Trail – Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain – Titusville, Mercer County, NJ Distance: 4 1/2 miles (12 miles of trails in the park) Type: Loop (more trails we did not get to hike) Difficulty: 7 of 10. In spring, the forest floor is brightened by mayflower, columbine, black snakeroot, spring beauties, bunchberry, trout lilies, and numerous other wildflowers. Improved it by taking Copper Hill uphill instead of downhill (it’s steep and rocky, more enjoyable as an uphill). 695 Trails. 37 Trails. (Baldpate Mountain was previously known as Kuser Mountain.) Note: Most of the farm buildings have been demolished since the video was taken. The trails are relatively primitive, but the network has been improving over the years. Continue for 3.0 miles, first straight, then through several twisting sections. The fringes of the forest and orchard areas offer wild raspberries in early summer, and those who know where to look and what to pick safely can enrich their dinners with a variety of wild mushrooms. This lot is also for Fiddlers Creek Preserve. It drops down near a brook, then curves north, until it intersects a power line corridor after another .2 mile. Tennessee. A couple of miles down Route 29, you will soon pass by the county workhouse, Bald Pate Mountain, the village of Titusville, and finally arrive at Washington Crossing State Park. 6/2018 – Added link to a map on park site that wasn’t there before (Map 1) and updated Map 2 link. Do not reach or step blindly into the rocks in warm weather. 133 Trails. Deer hunting, organized by Mercer County to limit the deer population and the damage it does to the forest, takes place on Baldpate Mountain each year from some time in December through early or mid-February. Its mature woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows harbor a rich variety of native trees and shrubs and a diverse bird population. [RED (NW Loop) ends.]. The trail leaves the parking area at the tower and follows the power line cut for a bit. 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