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Trail Guides
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Sunnyside - Awossagame Grove Picnic Area
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11
 
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Kiceniuck Road, Clinton Township, NJ
Phone: (908) 782-1158
www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/ParkAreas/Sunnyside/info.htm
Hunterdon County Department
Continue across the bridge and the road turns into Camp Buck Road. After 0.2 miles, turn Right at the stop sign onto Hamden Road. After the bridge, Hamden Road becomes River Road. At 1.2 miles Spring Hill Road is on the Right, continue another 0.2 miles and turn Left onto Kiceniuk Road. There is no sign but look for the bridge, cross over, and the parking area is immediately on the Right. Map
Open daily from dawn to dusk. Limited parking is available. The trail begins at the parking lot. Fishing is allowed further upstream past Old Clinton Road, and cross-country skiing is allowed.
Awossagame Grove is dedicated to the residents of the county who were lost on September 11th, 2001. “Awossagame” is the Lenni Lenape word that means “heaven” or “a sacred place.” Sixteen of the trees have been dedicated, one for each county resident lost. A stone monument carries a plaque that reads “To plant a tree is to trust in the future.” Five Arrowwood Viburnum bushes planted in the grove represent the five points of the Pentagon. Four benches along the riverbank symbolize the four planes lost that tragic day.
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| Parula Warbler | Kristin Mylecraine |
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Don’t let the words “Picnic Area” be deceiving; the trail that runs along the South Branch of the Raritan River offers many wildlife viewing opportunities. Pack a lunch or set up a picnic site--grills are present--and spend the afternoon appreciating the wildlife opportunities this riparian habitat has to offer. Early spring will offer a chorus of spring peepers and wood, pickerel or green frogs. Painted turtle and snapping turtle will use the rocks and logs to sun themselves as the weather warms up. Fresh water always attracts wildlife. Eastern Phoebe is an early spring arrival and can be found along the river sitting on overhanging tree branches. Spring warbler migration begins mid- to late-April. Look for American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Northern Parula, Palm and Black-and-white Warblers. Some of these migrants may even stay to breed. As the season progresses, mimic thrushes may be spotted; look for Gray Catbird and Northern Mockingbird. Baltimore Oriole, Chipping Sparrow, Carolina and House Wrens, Wood Thrush, Veery and White-breasted Nuthatch are also summer possibilities. Do not forget to check the river for waterfowl passing through or staying the summer; potential sightings include Mallard, Gadwall, Common Merganser or Wood Duck, just to name a few. Waterside viewing may also reveal mammals utilizing the water source; red fox, raccoon and coyote may be found in this habitat.
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