Ken Lockwood Gorge Hike

Had a super hike in a little known but wonderful area of NJ.

We will meet near by in Annandale and car pool over (as parking is limited at the K L Gorge). We will enter through the High Bridge, NJ entrance (NOT in Califon which has only a few parking spaces) Once there we will take a hike up on the trail along the creek, cross up the hill, on to the new bike/hike path of the ol train bridge, etc. We expect to do a couple hours of hiking with no real mileage expected, perhaps turning back at some point instead of looping around. (After hiking, those that wish to join us for a late lunch are welcome to do so. We will either hit a local High Bridge Mexican restaurant or travel over to near by Clinton to their Mex. or Thai spot (when you sign up for this event, please indicate in the notes area if you will be joining us for lunch so that I know how many to make the reservation for). Please not that at lunch each person  should pay for their own items/whatever you order  (food, drink, tip, tax) as some eat/drink more, some less (bring small bills so that you have the exact amount so we don't have to scrape up change)

Here is a little bit of information about the hiking area:
Nestled between Califon and High Bridge in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, the Ken Lockwood Gorge WMA 445-acres were purchased in 1948 by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. This area has been referred to as “the most picturesque in the state.”  Steep, hilly woodlands host a plethora of flora and fauna including both game and non-game varieties, including a diverse population of birds and mammals. Towering hemlocks lining the steep walls of the gorge provide shade and contribute to a sense of isolation.  A 2.5-mile stretch of the South Branch of the Raritan River flows through the gorge, cascading over boulders, spilling over small waterfalls, and pouring into quiet pools.  It is a wild and scenic river particularly in the spring and autumn.

Ken Lockwood Gorge is best known as a trout fishing destination. The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated the area as a "Trout Conservation Area".

The gorge is named after Kenneth Lockwood, an outdoor journalist and conservationist. Ken Lockwood was best known for his column, "Out in the Open", which ran in the now-defunct Newark Evening News. He was also a strong advocate for land conservation, promoting setting aside land for hunting and fishing.  Ken Lockwood Gorge was named after him.

More info on this location/trail can be found on http://www.nynjtc.org/park/ken-lockwood-gorge-wildlife-management-area