Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail for One of the Most Unique Hikes in New Jersey

If you're looking for a cool, colorful, and refreshingly calm trail winding through New Jersey, you've come to the right place — we're about to let you in on a secret. After all, some of the best trails in New Jersey are also the least-known. One hidden rail trail in Mount Holly, the county seat of Burlington County, is almost always empty and a beautiful, shady spot to get your steps in. But what sets this trail apart are all the hidden gems along the way.

Where to Find the Creek Island Park Rail Trail

The Creek Island Park Rail Trail starts off Pine Street, which is a short walk from downtown Mount Holly. You can find street parking along Pine Street or park in the lot for Mill Iron Park, which is less than a block from the trailhead. If you walk from Downtown, you'll pass interesting landmarks like the country's oldest continually operating fire station. Note that the entrance to the Mt. Holly Rail Trail can be a little hard to find. Look for St. Andrew's Graveyard on Pine Street — the trailhead is just past the gate.

What to Expect Along the Way

The short and sweet 0.75-mile trail follows an old, abandoned rail line. This stretch of the old Burlington & Mt. Holly Railroad was built in the 1830s and decommissioned in the 1920s. It's a flat, easy trail. Though it's not regularly maintained, it's tamped down enough that you'll find it easy to pass at almost any time of year.

It can get a bit muddy if there has been a lot of rain or if the creek is particularly high. There is evidence of the rail line just about everywhere you look. Railroad ties are scattered about, there's an elevated platform, old Line Poles that held up insulators and helped to power the trail, and two creek-crossing railroad bridges.

Why the Creek Island Park Rail Trail Is Unlike Any Other New Jersey Hike

What sets this trail apart are all the reminders of its former identity, mixed in with some unexpected beauty. You can see the old line poles as you continue along the path. You'll also see a good amount of graffiti on the bridges and abandoned structures. Some of this art is absolutely beautiful, but we'd like to remind our readers to leave no trace of their visit and to leave this trail the way they found it. This is a very low-traffic trail, but recently some conservationists have been working to clean up litter along the sides of the creek that runs alongside the trail. The North Branch of the Rancocas will keep you company as you walk. The two rail bridges cross this creek, bringing you onto and off the aptly named Creek Island.

The creek views along the short walk are beautiful, and you'll see a lot of wildlife. There are foxes, deer, possums, raccoons, and plenty of other critters who call this quiet park home.

Tips for Your Visit

Speaking of critters, this is a great trail for your dog! Just be sure to keep them on leash, and to watch that they don't accidentally chomp on the occasional litter that ends up on the side of the trail. When you come out of the other side of this one-way trail, you'll be right next to Train Wreck Distillery. A perfect excuse to stop for a drink before heading back! The trail also opens onto Madison Avenue. If you're walking through in the morning, there's a fantastic bagel shop (Bagel Stop) on the corner of Madison and Washington Street.

You can return the way you came, or take a long walk through Downtown Mount Holly to get back to your car. The town itself has fun shops, restaurants, a brewery, and a bakery, so it's definitely worth the day trip! Have you ever explored the Mount Holly rail trail in New Jersey? If not, share this article with a friend and let the hiking adventures begin!