In December 2002, the Middlesex County Freeholders acquired 3.5 miles of the old Lehigh Valley Railroad freight line, which was abandoned for railroad use in 1996. The railroad right-of-way runs through Metuchen, Edison and Woodbridge. Metuchen’s portion is approximately one mile in length. Current plans are for the County to develop and maintain the Greenway as a public park for biking, jogging, hiking and nature study. The flora and fauna along the Greenway include many native species in a variety of microenvironments due to changing conditions from wet to dry and from sun to shade. Acquisition plans for the Greenway were begun 13 years ago by the Borough of Metuchen’s Mayor and Council.
The Metuchen Environmental Commission aggresively pursued the goal, gained the interest of the other towns, and helped establish a citizens’ Greenway Coalition. This linear park will now become part of the national Rails to Trails program. Major extensions of the trail into Perth Amboy and South Plainfield are being considered.
Kahn's Crossing:
This pedestrian bridge over the Greenway is named
after an Environmental Commission member. The
Greenway passes under several bridges, making it
an open and natural tunnel under the roadways above.
Named jewel weed, this plant grows wild along the Greenway.
It can be used to treat poison ivy.
The Greenway is a quiet, undisturbed place to hike, walk a dog or ride a bicycle.
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