HISTORY AND FEATURES

Limestone Ridge Preserve, a 97-acre preserve, is a forested tract immediately south of the Paulinskill, a Delaware River tributary. The preserve hosts various deciduous and evergreen species and the northern section is dominated by hemlock trees.  Large tulip poplars, successional black birch and mature oak, hickory and maple trees are also present. 

A perennial stream flows within a deep ravine on the eastern end of the property. The topography throughout is the characteristic “pinnacle and trough” found in areas underlain by limestone within the Kittatinny Valley.  It is in these areas, where the resistant strata of limestone stand out in bold relief while less resistant beds weather into narrow trough-like alleys.  The western edge of the preserve is bounded by a steep escarpment that exposes the carbonate rock.  On the northern side of the preserve, facing the Paulinskill is another steep escarpment.  A third escarpment bounds the stream valley in the eastern part of the preserve.  Wetlands make up a minor part of the preserve and are found principally along the northwestern edge along Hope Road.

Ridge and Valley Conservancy’s Limestone Ridge Preserve was acquired in 2014 through a property exchange with NJDEP.  Prior to that, since 2002, Ridge and Valley Conservancy managed all stewardship activities on the preserve under an agreement with NJDEP.

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO

This past week was one of those busy weeks, complicated by a lot of possible pending “stuff” just waiting to be triggered into action! In other words, “waiting for the other shoe(s) to drop.” I had no time for short-term planning, just had to wait to see which way circumstances sent me!

Toward the end of the week, had to add “What shall I present for my Photo of the Week?!” 

FIRST, going to need to be a place I can get to pretty quickly AND once there, not a place I need to spend a lot of time actually getting through the site.  AND looks like Sunday is going to be rainy! So, I’m planning on Saturday. Came up with some places, but checking my list of articles, I’ve BEEN THERE DONE THAT! 

Suddenly, Limestone Ridge Preserve comes to mind! I have visited there several times. It is a nice, easy, interesting, and SHORT visit! Fingers crossed, I don’t remember doing this as a Photo of the Week article. Let me check the list… Phew!  I’m safe! 

Okay, Saturday, Nov. 14 early afternoon I am off to Blairstown. The trail head is located at the parking lot of the American Legion’s Givens Belet Post 258, located on CR 521 a short distance from the intersection of CR-521 and Route 94.

OBSERVATIONS DURING MY VISIT

Our trip begins in the parking lot.  The visitor is treated to some military artifacts on display along with a nice picnic area under roof.  Our journey begins at the far end of the parking lot, walking into the woods.  I have been here several times before, but this time I took a map from a dispenser at the beginning of the trail and read the information on the map before starting.  What a difference a map makes—even if you have been there before, and think you know or remember everything!!  The trail is very well marked, and that helps, especially this time of year with the freshly fallen leaves! 

OBSERVATION #1: Your entire visit is pretty much level! Remember earlier I mentioned several key words? Well your journey here is EASY, really no climbing.  Referring to the features of the site, remember the western, northern and eastern edges of the property Are all high escarpments. Your journey begins at the south end of the property, which is the high end, so the Limestone Ridge Hiking Trail (YW) stays on top of those escarpments. 

During my journey, my game plan was to always turn right at all trail intersections. This would allow me to complete the entire perimeter loop. 

Need an even shorter loop? Turn left at the second intersection of trails, and then stay left again to avoid the Northwest corner loop! 

OBSERVATION #2:  If it sounds like I am emphasizing EASY, I am. My game-plan is to use sites such as this, to encourage our non-hikers of all ages to partake and tryout a wonderful nature experience. Plus, it also encourages those who like nature but don’t necessarily feel comfortable being away from everything! 

This site is perfect for people who like to be close to civilization, especially this time of year when you can look through the woods and get snippets of neighbor’s houses. 

CAUTION:  If you visit the northwest corner of the Preserve, make sure you are not hungry!  The aroma coming from Buck Hill Brewery and Restaurant WAS WONDERFUL!

OBSERVATION #3: With leaves down, your view through the woods gives multiple opportunities to see the lay of the namesake limestone physical features—and many opportunities to view wildlife from near or afar!  Case in point, I walked near some deer. I didn’t notice them until after I heard their snorts and high-pitched grunts, at which time I witnessed four white tails, sticking straight up, bounding over the ridge!

In closing, keep in mind that, whether huge tracts of land out in wilder areas or smaller parcels within our very communities, open space such as this contributes to the well-being of our natural ecosystems and wildlife, along with the well-being of the visitor. Open space offers quality sites/sights for enjoyable recreational, educational and cultural experiences!!

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran

Charlie Fineran is Allamuchy’s Director of Open Space, Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission Chairman and Allamuchy Historical Society President.