Sawmill Creek Trail & Transco Trail

Anyone who has driven along the northern section of the New Jersey Turnpike will be familiar with the large salt marsh known as the Meadowlands, and those wishing to explore this area may think their only option is a small boat, but unbeknownst to many there are a series of trails from which one can explore, bird watch, and fish this area. Parking for these trails is just north west of the trailhead along Disposal Road. The road may have signs that make you believe you cannot drive down it, but be assured you can. There are no toilets or facilities of any kind at the trailhead, and while there are benches along the trails, there are no picnic tables. The Saw Mill Creek Trail follows an old access road built above the tidal marsh in the 1920s to allow utility workers access to the power lines. The lines and road appear on a 1935 geologic survey map. Unlike other such trails, this hiking trail still maintains its original purpose as the power lines are still in active use requiring periodic maintenance. The trail is wide, flat, and level, and topped with gravel. The surface drains well and is not muddy even after heavy rains. The official trail ends just under 1 mile out after crossing the Saw Mill Creek Bridge. However, the utility service road does continue, so you can keep exploring, but note a significant low spot in the trail will flood as the tide comes in, so take note of the tides and time. The trail was washed out sometime in early 2003 and has never been repaired since. The whole trail itself is subject to occasional flooding at high tide, as evidenced by the marsh grass stems packed against the rocks bordering the trail. Much of the stone the trail is topped with is weathered brick, and many old bricks can be found scattered about. We found one clearly stamped with the name Metropolitan, possibly from the historic brick works in Canton, Ohio. Just before crossing the bridge the trail changes to concrete, possibly a hint to what the original road surface was. When the road was first constructed the surrounding marsh appeared very different. Rather than large open water, it was thick vegetation. A storm in the 1950s broke the dykes leading the land to reflood. However, that earlier landscape was also not this area’s natural state as ditches to drain the marsh had been constructed as far back as the 1820s. Before that this area was a white cedar forest. Some maps from the 1700s identify this area as such.

A former landfill and natural gas pipeline location, transformed into a natural oasis by concerned citizens. Biked up here from Newark with a new friend, and I def recommend.

a lot of trails and space to run, bike, and walk Great views and very peaceful. The only caveat is the safety: be careful walking on the trails! There are no fences and it’s up to the individual to be cautious

Sawmill Creek and Transco Trails are a pair of nature trails located at the southern end of Richard DeKorte Park. These twin trails provide marvelous views of opposite sides of Kingsland Creek, an inlet of the Hackensack River and the wildlife within. They were built on drained land from Kingsland Creek, and while several feet above water level, the trails at extremely high tide, can be impassable. During my most recent visit here, I had an opportunity to get pictures of a few herons, egrets, and mallard ducks.

A fantastic little dare I say hidden gem in the meadowlands area. I recently discovered this and now I’m there at least once a week, taking a walk or riding my bike. Great place for bird watching and photography too! I could do without the smell but hey you’re in the meadowlands! It’s nice to know that there’s a place like this in the middle of the burbs and really odd to see the New York City skyline while waking the trails. Kinda cool actually!