MONTVILLE, NJ – Montville Township officials, county representatives, and community members gathered at 620 Main Road (Route 202) on the afternoon of Aug. 18 to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Waughaw Valley Trail.
Although the 1.31-mile gravel trail has been walkable for a couple of months, Tuesday's 5 p.m. ceremony marked its formal opening. The new path features bridge crossings over several creeks, bench seating for rest, and integrated safety and security cameras, providing residents and visitors with a new opportunity for recreation.
The trail creates a recreational connection surrounding Route 202 and the Towaco Center area, stretching between a trailhead at 620 Main Road and another trailhead near Abbott Road.
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"Today, we celebrate the opening of a 1.31-mile gravel trail with bridge crossings, designed to provide residents and visitors with a safe and enjoyable way to walk, hike, and bike through this beautiful part of our community," said Montville Township Mayor Frank Cooney during the opening remarks. "The trail provides an important connection around Route 202 and the Towaco Center area, creating new opportunities for recreation, exercise, and enjoying the outdoors."
A Multi-Agency Partnership
The land for the trail was originally acquired in 2001 using Open Space funds. Design work was supported by a $73,000 grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council, while major construction funding was secured through the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program, which contributed more than $530,000 toward the total project cost of approximately $648,000.
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, a longtime Montville resident, highlighted the county's ongoing commitment to expanding outdoor infrastructure.
"The trail construction program started in 2014. Since then, we've funded $7.8 million in trail construction," Commissioner Mastrangelo stated at the event. "This is what makes Morris County great. Between our open space and our trails, this is what Morris County is about."
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the New Jersey Highlands Council, the Morris County Park Commission, members of the Montville Township Recreation Commission, members of the Township Committee and members of the Montville Open Space Committee.
Visitor & Parking Information
Visitors accessing the trail from the 620 Main Road trailhead should note that parking is currently situated on the designated grassy area adjacent to the trailhead. Drivers are advised not to park in the paved lot for Vervain/Mile High Physical Therapy.
Due to recent weather, the grass lot can become waterlogged; the Township Committee may discuss adding a gravel layer to the parking area in an upcoming meeting to improve traction and accessibility.
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