The terrain provides a lesson in the importance of soils and slope to plant communities. Limestone-rich soils give rise to sugar maples. A white pine plantation, laid out by the Civil Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, offers habitat for sharp-shinned hawks. The trail crosses paved Union Valley Rd. As the path grows steeper, soils get thinner and more acidic.
Sugar maple is displaced by chestnut oak and sweet birch, dominant flora of Highland ridges.
The path ascends over ledges, and attains a grassy summit at 1.8 miles. These are river trails that parallel the Whippany and Black Rivers, plus the South Branch of the Raritan. You'll see the familiar Patriots' Path marker right at NJCF's front door. This section, in the Black River Greenway, is a key NJCF project area, part of our regional efforts to protect the Highlands. Take I-80 to US 206 South for 8.0 miles to Chester.