Ken Lockwood Gorge Trestle - near Califon, NJ
Posted by: 
scornell1
N 40° 41.859 W 074° 52.340
18T E 510786 N 4505201
A trestle spanning the beautiful and deep Ken Lockwood Gorge. In my opinion one of the prettiest spots in New Jersey.
Waymark Code: WM7DCF
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 10/08/2009
Views: 8
A 290 foot long, trestle bridge which crosses the South Branch of the Raritan River 80 feet above Ken Lockwood Gorge. From the center of the bridge, the views of the gorge and the river tumbling over the boulders and ledges below are outstanding. The railroad now abonded serves as the basis for the Columbia Trail. It is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque spots in the state.
Completed in 1876, This former rail line was established by the Central Railroad of New Jersey as the High Bridge Branch. The line ran from High Bridge to Wharton. The line accommodated passengers, but was highly regarded for its shipments of iron ore from the mines in Morris County. The most spectacular wreck occurred on April 18, 1885 when Engine #112 (known as The Columbia), pulling 45 cars plummeted off a 60' wooden trestle into the South Branch of the Raritan River. The wooden trestle was replaced by steel piers in 1930 and is now known as the Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge. The last passenger excursion occurred in 1935 and the last freight train ran on April 1, 1976.
Bridge Type: Tresle
Bridge Usage: Pedestrian
Moving Bridge: Not listed
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