From the Express-Times

November 07, 2008

Hikes planned to celebrate improved Jones Memorial Footpath in Delaware Twp.

By Kurt Bresswein

Local, state and Hunterdon County officials plan Sunday to celebrate the opening of the expanded and improved Jones Memorial Footpath, a scenic trail along the Wickecheoke Creek in Delaware Township.

Events include a ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m. at the new information kiosk off Lower Creek Road a mile north of Stockton.

The Jones Footpath meanders on and off quiet country roads, connecting preserved lands along the creek. The trail begins near Prallsville Mills in Stockton and extends northward to the Locktown Stone Church, passing the covered bridge about mid-point.

During the past several months, New Jersey Conservation Foundation has blazed new trails, installed bicycle racks and automobile pull-offs, posted trailhead signs in addition to building the information kiosk. The foundation received a $23,500 National Recreational Trails Act grant for the work, matched with more than $5,000 worth of volunteer labor.

The 5.5-mile footpath is named in honor of Beverly Jones and her late husband, Donald, both conservation leaders who helped preserve local landmarks including Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge, the Locktown Stone Church and Prallsville Mills.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set in conjunction with the annual Donald Jones Memorial Hike, sponsored by New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the Delaware River Mill Society.

Planned are three separate hikes of varying lengths.

The first and longest hike, about 6 miles in length, begins at 11 a.m. at New Jersey Conservation Foundation's new Thompson property off Route 519 in Delaware Township. A moderate hike, about 4 miles in length, begins at noon at the Prallsville Mills. The relaxed hike, about 2 miles, begins at 2 p.m., also at Prallsville Mills. A high tea at Prallsville Mills is slated after the ribbon-cutting, about 3 p.m.

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