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Trail Guides
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Melicks Bridge/Round Valley Reservoir Pumping Station
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7
 
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Hamden Road, Clinton Township, NJ
Phone: (908) 782-1158
www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/MelicksBridge/info.htm
Hunterdon County
Turn Right out of Hunts Mill Park and take the first Left onto Mitchell Lane and turn Right at the stop sign onto Leigh Street which becomes CR623/Hamden Road. After 0.8 miles turn Right to remain on Hamden Road. Melick’s Bridge is 0.2 miles farther; there is limited roadside parking before the bridge. Map
Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking is by the bridge or at the end of the Hamden Road on the shoulder. The pumping station is managed by the N.J. Water Authority. Canoeing is not permitted next to the station. Wildlife viewing is only allowed from the bank along the old road. Deer hunting is allowed by special permit. Contact the county parks department or visit www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/hunting/instruct.htm for hunting and fishing seasons and regulations.
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| South Branch of the Raritan River | Dwight Hiscano |
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| | Melick’s Bridge offers some birding opportunities throughout the year. From waterfowl and gulls in March to breeding songbirds in summer, the South Branch of the Raritan River attracts wildlife to this area. A variety of wildlife habitats, including meadows, woodlands and stream edges, all can be visited by following a short series of trails.
the lagoon by the pumping station. It is a routine stop for those in search of waterfowl in March; follow the trail south along Hamden Road and the South Branch River to reach it.
Search among the shrubs for common winter residents like White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Also keep an eye toward the trees for Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned Kinglet foraging on trunks and branches.
Early spring is a great time to focus on waterfowl spotting. In the lagoon and river, Common Merganser, Bufflehead, Gadwall and Ruddy Duck are just a few of the species possible. Great Black-backed, Herring and Ring-billed Gulls are also present. Look along the river banks for Killdeer and then to the sky for a passing Osprey. Don’t forget about spring warbler migration; check treetops for Palm, Pine, Worm-eating and Black-and-white Warblers, as well as Northern Parula.
The meadow near the bridge may have breeding Eastern Bluebird and Tree Swallow, both cavity nesters. The woods or woodland edges may produce Scarlet Tanager, Great Crested Flycatcher and Indigo Bunting. Investigate the trail downriver of the pumping station for Wood Thrush, Ovenbird and Veery, along with other woodland species.
Migration can bring exciting opportunities to see passing shorebirds, fall warblers and hawks. Possibilities include Yellow-rumped, Yellow, Black-and-white and Black-throated Blue Warblers, American Kestrel, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Great Blue Heron, Green Heron and Great Egret may make use of the lagoon.
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