NEW JERSEY TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Distance:

1.1 Mile, One-Way

Time:

40 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Markings:

All trails are marked with blazes or trail markers.

There is a short on-road section along Riva Avenue and users must cross Davidson’s Mill Road.

Trail Usage:

Hiking and pets on leash.

Elevation:

Mostly flat with some elevation and stone staircases.

Difficulty:

Easy

Parking:

There are two public parking areas for this trail. One at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park that is paved, and a small stone pull-off on Riva Ave.

Tips:

Note: This Park is secluded, the chances of seeing other hikers is low.

The trails are open from sunrise to sunset. All dogs must be on leashes. Please feel free to pick up any litter you find.

Trail is not suitable for bicycles or horses.

Trails are mostly dry after a day of rain. Some areas would be undesirable to walk during rain, because of slippery rocks and bog-walks.

For assistance, Park Ranger Unit #732-745-3800

Amenities:

A kiosk is located at the beginning of the Farrington Lake Trail at Davidson’s Mill Pond Park. Maps are available in the map box next to the trailhead.

Directions:

From New Brunswick: Take the exit for Rt. 130 South off Rt.1. At light after Middlesex County Offices & Correctional Center, make left (Davidson Mill Rd.). Make first right onto Riva Ave. Park is on the left.

From New Jersey Turnpike: Take Exit 8A. Follow signs for Rt. 32 West. Take Rt. 130 North (New Brunswick). Make right onto Davidson Mill Rd. Make first right onto Riva Ave. Park is on the left.

Farrington Lake Trail (Orange): This trail is marked in orange and connects Davidson’s Mill Pond Park and the Ireland Brook Conservation Area.  Starting at the kiosk near the entrance of Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, the trail quickly crosses Riva Ave and comes to a junction at 0.05 miles. Turning right, the trail gently slopes downhill to the bank of the Lawrence Brook. Turning left at this junction, the trail descends a small stone staircase and turns right along the Lawrence Brook. Following the brook, the trail climbs down a stone staircase and eventually reaches Riva Avenue. Turn left and follow Riva Avenue down to Davidson’s Mill Road. PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD.

Once across the road, the trail re-enters the woods and follows the edge of Farrington Lake. As you proceed, you will come across some stone staircases, rock walls, and a small bridge built by the Middlesex County Conservation Corps. There will be an exit at 0.82 miles to the right, leading up to Riva Avenue, and the trail ends at a stone pull-off at 1.1 miles. From here hikers can turn left, carefully cross Riva Avenue and across the bridge over the Ireland Brook to connect with the Forest Brook Trail at the Ireland Brook Conservation Area.

The Farrington Lake Trail, guides visitors along the edge of Farrington Lake. Revealing spectacular views of the lake and unique rock formations found nowhere else in the county. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and great egrets are commons sights along the trail. Farrington Lake trail only goes a long 1.1 miles of 290 acres of Farrington Lake. Fish species in the lake include chain pickerel, channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, brown trout, yellow perch, and rainbow trout.

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Farrington Lake is named after Edward Farrington, mayor of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1915-1918. Edward Farrington thought that the construction of the dam would help increase the supply of water to his city. Farrington Lake has a depth of 6 feet and at its deepest, 12 feet.

Farrington Lake is a scenic freshwater reservoir in Middlesex County. Its main tributaries are the Ireland Brook, the Beaverdam Brook, and the Oakeys Brook.

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