Mercer
East Windsor
Etra Lake Park
East Windsor, NJ 08520
Last Updated: 05/14/2014
Overview of Selected Trail
Etra Park is a small park in East Windsor, east of Hightstown. It surrounds Etra Lake, formed by a dam across Rocky Brook, the same stream that flows through Hightstown. Lands along the Rocky Brook to the south are being preserved by D&R Greenway Land Trust. See D&R Greenway Land Trust.
The parking area has many picnic facilities, play equipment, a full basketball court, soccer fields, bandstand, rest rooms, and an environmental center. The park has two large mowed meadows separated by the Sandy Acres Farm (an active farm in summer) and a native tree arboretum. The trail skirts the meadows, passes through the farm, and surrounds the arboretum. The arboretum is accessible via many grassy (mowed) paths. There are markers labeling some trees.
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Distance:
1.8 miles(round trip)
Time:
About 40 minutes
Markings:
Trail is obvious
Trail Usage:
Walking/Hiking, Accessible by wheelchair and baby stroller, Dogs permitted on leash, Mountain biking
Elevation:
Flat
Difficulty:
Easy walking
Parking:
Plenty of parking
Tips:
The environmental center is another source for guides and maps.
Amenities:
World Exercise Trails are a real plus along the way.
The Boy Scouts have done a great job on the Arboretum.
Directions:
Etra Lake Park is near the intersection of Milford Road and Etra Road (Rte. 571)in East Windsor Township, Mercer County. The parking is reached from Disbrow Hill Road, a short distance from its intersection with Etra Road. From Hightstown, take Etra Road from S. Main St., and signs show Etra Park at the intersection with Disbrow Hill Road.
From points west of Hightstown, take the Hightstown bypass (Rte. 133) to its end and continue on Milford Road until it meets Etra Road; turn left and soon see the signs mentioned above.
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The trail begins at the parking area. At 0.4 miles it enters Sandy Acres Farm, and exits at 0.7 miles. At this point the trail loops around the Arboretum, a distance of 0.4 miles. A number of World Travel Exercise Stations lie along the trail. The trail is well-maintained sand and fine gravel, suitable for walking, running, biking, etc.
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The Arboretum has native trees. Sandy Acres Farm has summer vegetables. Please stay on trails.
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Etra Lake Park has existed for many years. The name Etra comes from the initials of E. T. R. Applegate, an early farmer. There is currently a trail that links Lake Drive in Twin Rivers to the Park.
Do you have information about this trail?
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