The Rail Trail Makes Its Mark

SPANNING MORE THAN five miles through Pequannock and into Wayne, the Pompton Valley Rail Trail has become a popular spot for both bikers and walkers. Surrounded by lush shrubs and natural beauty, this modern trail is the result of two decades of planning and effort. We had the chance to speak with several key individuals leading efforts to bring this already-beloved trail to life.

The project has been one of the biggest undertaken by Morris County in recent history, costing $32 million, which was funded through a federal grant administered by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the State of New Jersey and private donors. Design and right-of-way purchases accounted for nearly $11 million, while construction cost about $21 million, according to a recent press release from the County of Morris Office of Communications and Digital Media.

Christopher Vitz, director of public works and county engineer, details how this funding was a transportation alternatives grant aimed at encouraging people to leave their cars behind and opt for walking or biking to transit centers. The NJTPA seeks out projects that align with these goals, and this trail fits those criteria, creating opportunities for Pequannock and Wayne residents to walk or bike to the Mountainview train station and take the train to work.

Gerald Rohsler, retired director of the county’s Transportation Division, worked with the NJTPA to secure the funding. Once secured, the project became an all-hands-on-deck effort. Project manager Danielle Malavarca, Morris County senior engineer, took charge of the project, specifically overseeing construction aspects.

COMPLEX EFFORT

Securing the funding for designing and constructing the trail—and even naming it— was no easy feat. The original moniker was The New York, Susquehanna & Western Bicycle & Pedestrian Shared Use Path because it was built on a retired railway link.

Every phase of the project required the efforts of a dedicated team committed to creating something sustainable, functional and beautiful. “It sounds easy when you say ‘trail;’ people think of a little foot path…but this is a wide, paved trail… it’s complex, with street crossings and, of course, the bridge with the guardrails,” says Stephen Shaw, reflecting on the project’s complexity.

Shaw is the Morris County commissioner deputy director and the Morris County representative to the NJTPA. Dave Helmer, executive director of the Morris County Park Commission, went on to describe some details. Challenges were abundant, from meeting sustainability requirements for the grant to careful coordination with the North Jersey District Water Supply Company, the township of Wayne and many parties—not to mention securing approvals at both the state and federal levels. It truly was a monumental effort. “This was a significant regional project for the county,” Helmer remarks.

BEAUTIFUL—AND BEING USED

Pequannock residents have truly embraced the rail trail, integrating it into their daily lives. As Vincent Vitale, director of communications for Morris County, put it, “that’s the most important thing” to have come of this long-term project.

A perfect example of this personal connection is the creation of the “Rock Snake.” Trail-goers have started leaving hand-painted rocks along one stretch of the trail near the Jackson Avenue entrance, gradually forming an extensive and colorful display. In recent months, the Rock Snake has grown longer, with new stones being added almost daily.

One standout feature of the Pompton Valley Rail trail is its thoughtful design. Unlike most linear trails, which typically have access points at the beginning and end, this trail offers multiple entry points from neighborhoods, allowing trail-adjacent residents to easily walk onto the path from their own yards.

Shaw observes that residents who once had a train running through their backyard now enjoy a beautiful walking trail. “It’s a win-win all the way around,” he says.

The rail trail has garnered widespread praise and positive feedback from the community. True to the generous spirit of Pequannock residents, many have stepped forward to contribute their time, make donations and organize fundraisers to support the trail’s development.

The Pequannock Polar Plunge group, for example, raised substantial funds that have helped further improve the path. “Residents are not only using it, but improving it,” Shaw says. Interpretive signs will soon be strategically placed along the trail, highlighting key aspects of local history, landmarks and the surrounding nature.

EXPANDING SUCCESS

For some perspective among relative trails in the park system, the Columbia Trail has about eight miles in Morris County, and last year saw about 200,000 users. The Pompton Valley Rail Trail is projected to see even more in 2025, according to Helmer.

“Once the Pompton River bridge is completed, we’ll see a lot more people visit as a destination; it’s a beautiful site along the trail line,” he says. “We think we’ll see close to a quarter million users.” (The Pompton River bridge was not yet completed at the time of this interview.)

These numbers are impressive and their significance is summed up by Shaw: “Our trails are part of what makes Morris County a great place to live, work and play.”

The Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program was started about seven years ago based on feedback received from the 39 municipalities in Morris County. The program has been quite popular, according to Shaw.

“We definitely see the benefit to our residents to have an extensive trail network, and it really came to light during the pandemic,” he says. Based on statistics from the Park Commission, trail use increased four-fold during the pandemic and these numbers have remained steady ever since.

IT TAKES A TEAM 

Planning and construction of the Pompton Valley Rail Trail took coordinated efforts from many, including key team members such as these.

• Douglas Cabana, Morris County commissioner

• David Helmer, executive director of the Morris County Park Commission

• Danielle Malavarca, Morris County senior engineer, bridges/ county project manager

• Gerald Rohsler, retired director of the Morris County Transportation Division

• Stephen Shaw, Morris County commissioner deputy director

• Vincent Vitale, director of communications

• Christopher Vitz, director of public works and county engineer

BY DANIELLE CLEMENTS