New Trail Connecting Morris and Passaic Counties Now Open To The Public

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A brand new trail has been unveiled by Morris County, allowing residents to get to and from Pequannock Township to Wayne.

The Pompton Valley Rail Trail is a 5.1-mile multi-use path that was built on a former railroad. Nearly 100 residents and officials turned out last Thursday to celebrate its grand opening.

It specifically runs from River Drive in Pequannock to Mountain View Boulevard in Wayne, near NJ Transit’s Mountain View Station.

“This new trail provides a safe and scenic way to walk or bike to the train station -- cutting down on car traffic and helping everyone breathe a little easier,” Director Tayfun Selen said in a statement. “The 10-foot-wide paved path is fully accessible and has multiple entry points, allowing residents to step onto the trail right from their neighborhoods.”

The trail’s construction began in 2022 after the county was issued a $32 million federal grant by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). During its construction, several safety factors were kept in mind, including upgraded crossings with high-visibility signals, clear signage, and “tactile surfaces” for visually impaired walkers.

According to officials, the Pompton Valley Rail Trail is now the longest bike and pedestrian trail maintained by the Morris County Park Commission. Additionally, officials expect the trail to attract as many as 200,000 visitors this year.

“One of the great benefits of the quality of life here in Morris County is our park system,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Park Commission. “This trail is nearly twice the length of the Traction Line in Morristown, and we hope it becomes just as popular for families and residents to enjoy.”

Key contributors to the trail’s construction were given commemorative railroad spikes as a token of appreciation. The spikes read “Pompton Valley Rail Trail, Dedicated May 29, 2025.”

“This project is a great example of how we work together across county lines and across party lines to advance regionally significant projects,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, who has been a member of the NJTPA Board of Trustees since 2013. “This project not only connects folks to the Mountain View train station in Wayne, but also brings us one step closer to our vision for a much larger regional trail network.”