The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site, named after the stream that passes through the area, is located in central New Jersey and provides crucial open space for appreciating nature’s beauty. The 3,037 acres of preserved property, initially intended to be part of a reservoir, now features 13.5 miles of defined paths for hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding. The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site has maintained an oasis of farm fields and forests in an otherwise residential area. Each path has its flavor, allowing tourists to see a wide range of woodland types, expansive farm fields, and breathtaking views of Six Mile Run.
In the late 1950s, it was recognized that the state of New Jersey needed new water supply resources. The area near Six Mile Run Creek has been highlighted as a potential site for such a facility. The state acquired the property intending to establish an additional water supply in central New Jersey over several years in the 1960s. To that aim, the area was placed under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey State Police in 1970. It was purchased by the Division of Water Resources of the Department of Environmental Protection to develop it into a reservoir site. By 1993, however, other and sufficient water sources had been located, and the Six Mile Run Reservoir project, had been abandoned. The administration of the newly acquired estates at Six Mile Run was handed to the Division of Parks and Forestry when it was no longer required. Soon after, the existing path systems were established across the former farmlands.
Today, the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site is an important location for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and hunting. In addition, visitors can get a sense of the region’s rich cultural history thanks to the trail network. The area was included in the National Historic Register in 1995 and is New Jersey’s most prominent agricultural district. While enjoying preserved open vistas of unspoiled land in the heart of central New Jersey, trail riders can observe the remains of 18th and 19th-century farmhouses, Dutch-framed barns, windmills, and silos that hint at the tale of the early colonial residents who lived the area in the 1700s. Call 609-924-5705 for additional information.
Hiking, biking, and equestrian riding are available on four paths totaling 13.5 miles. Please be mindful that the soil here is easily eroded; do not utilize the trails if they are muddy. For trail access, park at 625 Canal Road in Somerset, Jacques Lane, or 2186 Route 27 in New Brunswick (shared with NJ Knights Soccer Club). Because this is a multi-use trail, trail users must respect one another and follow trail etiquette.
