High Bridge Branch - The Branch Today

The Branch Today

There are few remnants of the former High Bridge Branch rail line along the present rail trail, except for the occasional rotting railroad cross tie along the trail. The former wye connection to the CNJ mainline is still partially present in High Bridge in the parking area for the trail as is the CNJ Ken Lockwood Gorge Trestle, high above the South Branch of the Raritan River in High Bridge. In the late 19th century, the trestle was the site of the worst wreck ever on the High Bridge Branch when it collapsed as a train was going over it, sending several freight cars and at least one locomotive into the river.

There is a small section of track preserved in Califon and a small but rarely open museum dedicated to the High Bridge Branch history in the beautifully preserved field stone railroad station in the Califon town center.

The saving and restoration to service of the currently active portion of the High Bridge Branch (Bartley - Kenvil) was accomplished by Frank Reilly, Executive Director of the Morris County Department of Transportation Management with cooperation from the late Benjamin Friedland, President of the M&E.