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Trail Guides
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Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve
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4
 
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30 Pleasant Grove Road, Lebanon Township, NJ
Phone: (908) 782-1158
www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/Teetertown/info.htm
Hunterdon County
To access Teetertown Ravine, turn Left onto Hoffman Crossing Road and then turn Right onto CR 513 North. After 1.5 miles turn Left onto Sliker Road. Proceed 0.8 miles and turn Right onto Teetertown Road and after 0.5 miles bear Left at the fork to remain on Teetertown Road. After 0.9 miles turn Left at stop sign onto Hollow Brook Road. The ravine starts approximately 0.1 miles up the road. There is parking on the shoulder for two cars at the trailhead at approximately 0.4 miles. Map4a) Mountain Farm Section There are two ways to access Mountain Farm section from the ravine. Once in the ravine continue on Hollowbrook Road for 0.7 miles where it ends and turn Left onto Pleasant Grove Road. Continue 0.5 miles to the Mountain Farm entrance on the Left. If Hollowbrook Road is impassable due to inclement weather, return to Sliker Road and turn Right. Proceed 0.8 miles and turn Right onto Pleasant Grove Road and proceed 0.5 miles turning Right into the driveway of Mountain Farm.
Open daily from dawn to dusk. Gates at the Mountain Farm section are open 9:00 a.m. to posted closing hours, which change seasonally; call the parks department for more information. There are several pull-offs for parking along the road through the ravine and in the Mountain Farm section. Please note, some parking areas may be designated for campers only, and some areas are posted for permit-hunting September thru February. Contact the county parks department or visit www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/hunting/instruct.htm for hunting and fishing seasons and regulations. Potable water is available at an outside spigot at Mountain Farm.
The Geology Trail in Teetertown Ravine gives a perspective on the ancient geological processes that formed the terrain of the Skylands region.
| | Teetertown Ravine, along with the adjacent Mountain Farm section and recently acquired Crystal Springs section, encompasses a wide variety of terrain and natural habitats representative of northern Hunterdon County. Hollowbrook Road follows the rushing stream that carved the ravine through dramatic rock outcroppings. Signboards tell the history of mining and mill operations that occurred here. In the Mountain Farm section there is a visitor center along with picnic areas. Trails lead from here to wildflower-filled meadows, upland deciduous woods, two ponds where fishing is permitted and wetland areas, each with their associated diversity of plants and wildlife. A trail has recently been opened in the Crystal Springs section that descends through a mature beech forest dissected by springs that become the headwaters for Spruce Run Creek. Future plans are to extend access to the ponds in this section, where there is the possibility of seeing beaver.
The Pond Trail passes through a variety of habitats and boasts the most readily viewable wildlife.
Stave off the winter blues and take a walk along the ravine in winter. The fairy patterns of frozen water, icicles sparkling in the sun, twittering of winter birds and crisp cold air pierced by the sounds of nature make braving the winter chill worthwhile.
Hollow Brook rushes through Teetertown Ravine in the spring, while brook trout rest in the deeper pools. Louisiana Waterthrush can be found here. Listen for the ethereal song of Veery and other residents of wet woodlands. At Mountain Farm, Eastern Bluebird will be setting up housekeeping in the nest boxes along the trails. Sunlit wood edges on the perimeter of the old orchard are good places to look for migrating warblers and other songbirds as they glean insects made active by the sun’s warmth.
Great Blue Heron can often be found fishing in the Mountain Farm ponds, and there are plenty of large bass to go around. Baltimore Oriole, Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat nest near the ponds. The wildflower-filled meadows attract butterflies, and birds usually found here include Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch and possibly Bobolink. Barn Swallow inhabits the old farm buildings, and in late summer Tree Swallows convene in the Crystal Springs section before beginning their southern migration.
Be alert that this is bear country and bears are feeding heavily in the fall in preparation for hibernation. The fields of Mountain Farm are likely places to find various sparrows that are relocating southward. A short walk from the parking area down the exit road leads to a splendid view of the colorful fall foliage in the valley and a good vantage point to observe migrating raptors following the ridge line.
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