Short, easy trail along Farrington Lake that can connect to Davidson’s Mill Pond and Ireland Brook Conservation Area.
2.0 miles. Easy, level, roots, stone steps over wet areas. Requires a very short walk along the shoulder of a somewhat busy road.
- Shorter: Turn around sooner.
- Longer: Continue on to Forest Brook Trail.
- Longer: Add in the trails at Davidson’s Mill Pond or Ireland Brook Conservation Area.
- Nearby: Tamarack Hollow; Van Dyke Farm.
- Bonus: Kayak the southernmost section of Farrington Lake and you’ll be on the same stretch of water this trail runs along.
Hike Info:
Our two cents:
Nice little local trail tucked into the sliver of forest between Farrington Lake and Riva Avenue that can be done on it’s own or with other nearby trail systems.
Multiple nearby parks in this area can be combined to make longer hikes. See the map for the Mill to Brook Trail.
Suffers from traffic noise, the electric hum of a building complex in one section, and requires a very brief walk along Riva along the road shoulder before crossing Davidson’s Mill Road.
None of these are deal-breakers but do detract from an otherwise pleasant trail.
Updated: 4/2021 – re-hiked; added photos.
Map/Books:
Often in the trail kiosk or print ahead from the park site, under Ireland Brook Conservation Area. In no books that we know of.
Parking: N40.41254° W74.49590°
Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, Riva Ave, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902. Enter the driveway for Davidson’s Mill Pond and turn left into the small lot near the entrance.
Restrooms:
Porta-john the parking lot.
Hike Directions:
This is an out-and-back on Farrington Lake (ORANGE).
0.0 – Farrington Lake (ORANGE) starts a few steps from the parking lot, and almost immediately crosses Riva Ave.
In a few more steps, turn LEFT at the trail split [either left or right ends up at the same spot – we come back the other way].
Farrington Lake (ORANGE) meanders along the edge of the water.
There are stone steps built into the trail here and there.
And some plank boardwalks over wet areas.
0.4 – Turn LEFT and walk on the shoulder of Riva Ave, then cross Davidson’s Mill Road. The trail continues from a paved parking pull-out along Riva Ave once across Davidson’s Mill.
There is a metal sculpture in the water just after crossing Davidson’s Mill Road, in front of a house.
Always cool to get a little random art on your hike.
Farrington Lake (ORANGE) continues to meander along the edge of the water.
Plenty of spots to view Farrington Lake.
1.0 – Farrington Lake (ORANGE) ends at a small parking area, retrace the route back.
Optional extension: Continue on to the Forest Brook trail.
Nearby but requires a walk along the road shoulder: Turn left down Riva, go about 500 ft, cross a bridge, then look for a small dirt parking lot on the right.
—
Hiked: 4/18/21. with Forest Brook Trail.
Hiked: 8/7/16.
Hiked: 3/24/13.