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Trail Guides
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Echo Hill Environmental Education Area
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Lilac Drive, Cinton Township, NJ
Phone: (908) 782-1158
www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/EchoHill/info.htm
Hunterdon County
Take exit 17 off I-78. Follow signs for Route 31 South and proceed approximately 6.2 miles turning Right at the traffic light onto Stanton Station Road. After 0.3 miles turn Right onto Lilac Drive and proceed 0.4 miles to the park entrance on the Right. Follow the signs to the main parking area. Map
The North Branch Watershed Association headquarters is located at this site, near the pond in the old stone house.
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| Fox Kits | Scott Elowitz |
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| | Originally a farm, Echo Hill was converted to a summer camp for boys and girls in the early 1900s. Today the property is preserved and is available for outdoor enthusiasts and campers alike. Summer camps are offered, and group camping is available. Most of the original buildings still exist and many have been renovated and are used for nature education programs. This area is a magnet for migrating birds and a number of rarities have been spotted here, including Prothonotary Warbler and Western Tanager. Herons, Belted Kingfisher and turtles are often found near the pond, and it is worth walking one of the short loop trails to see what else might be migrating through, or making a home in the variety of habitats in this park.
The pond and the streamside trail are the best areas to look for wildlife.
This is the time of year to check the many evergreens for Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Nuthatch and winter finches. Visit the bird blind, which is a converted cabin, and enjoy some time watching the bird feeders. Don’t forget to take a look at the pond. In February, look for nesting Great Horned Owl in the pine woods.
In early spring, the mating calls of frogs signal the warming of the water in the pond and wetland area. Mid-April kicks off songbird migration season, which will last in earnest through the month of May. The open wooded areas near the cabins are likely places for warblers, orioles, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Listen for the ethereal song of Veery in the lowland woods.
This is a reliable site for breeding Pine Warbler, and Eastern Phoebe nests under the eaves of the old cabins. Wildlife activity centers on the pond, where anglers can compete with Great Blue and Green Herons or Belted Kingfisher for catching the many small fish. Indigo Bunting is a standout in the cedar and shrub-edged grassy area. Along the stream in early morning or evening, stay alert for river otter. Extremely agile in the water, otter may glide by without a ripple or sound. Summer nature camps for children are held at this location so it is best to visit early or late in the day when looking for wildlife.
Abundant fruiting vines and berry plants attract migrating birds and small mammals. The pond may be a good place for migrating waterfowl to stop. Warblers will move through, such as Pine, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white Warblers, Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart, along with Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets.
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