The Raritan Inn at Middle Valley, Califon, NJ

Guests of the Raritan Inn at Middle Valley will find a treasure trove of outdoor activities just outside our door. We have highlighted just a few of our favorite places to enjoy the scenic Skylands region of New Jersey.

Photo courtesy of Joe Belmaati

Teetertown Ravine / Mountain Farm
(1.3 miles from the Raritan Inn)

The Teetertown Ravine Nature Preserve's 147 acres were acquired to protect one of the most significant natural areas in Hunterdon County. This park offers the solitude of a densely wooded area, including a variety of hardwoods, shrubs, and animal life, and the contrast of a spectacular rushing stream winding its way through the Ravine's dramatic rock outcroppings. In 1999, the adjoining property, which is now called Mountain Farm Section, was purchased, raising the total acreage to 302. The additional property adds large fields and two ponds to the diversity of the park. Rare birds, such as Bobolinks, have been seen here, and volunteers maintain a Bluebird trail. Trails on the farm, for the most part, are easily traversed and are great for cross-country skiing.

Photo courtesy of Joe Balmaati

Whittemore Wildlife Sanctuary
(8 miles from the Raritan Inn)

Located on Rockaway Road in Oldwick, the Sanctuary is dedicated to environmental education. The park has approximately 180 acres of trails for hiking, dog walking and horseback riding. The trails traverse mainly wooded areas with wetlands, ravines and hilly terrain. The Rockaway River flows along the southern border of the property.


The Columbia Trail (0.3 miles from the Raritan Inn) What is known as the Columbia Trail was formerly the Centrail RR line (High Bridge line). The trail is mostly dirt with some cinder base, and accommodates hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. This seven-mile trail runs along Lake Solitude and the South Branch of the Raritan River. It begins just beyond the rear of the pasture at the Raritan Inn at Middle Valley, passes through Califon and on to High Bridge, giving the rider some of the best scenery of any NJ rail trail. This trail is truly beautiful and great for anyone as there isn't more than a 2.5% grade on any part of the trail.
	Ken Lockwood Gorge (4 miles from the Raritan Inn) The Raritan River's name originates from an American Indian term meaning "forked river." The headwaters of the south branch of the Raritan start in western Morris County and meander through Hunterdon and Somerset counties before combining with the north branch of the river on its final journey east to Raritan Bay. From just outside the Raritan Inn down to High Bridge, this glorious river passes through a natural area called Ken Lockwood Gorge. It's primarily known as a "fly-fishing only" waterway, although it is visited often--and in all seasons--just for the spectacular wild scenery of glacial boulders strewn about the river.
Hunterdon County Arboretum (10 miles from the Raritan Inn) This 73-acre arboretum is also the headquarters of Hunterdon County's extensive park system. Here visitors will find collections of distinctive trees, shrubs, and native and exotic plants. An additional 32 acres, named after the former property owner, J.C. Furnas, features a mixed hardwood community that serves as a haven for a wide variety of birds and animal life. The Edmund Laport Greenhouse features a colorful assortment of house and garden plants that are grown on site and used for demonstration purposes. As well as enjoying the beautiful landscape, visitors can hike nature trails through a network of forest plantation. One of the trails includes the boardwalk of the Vincent Abraitys Wetlands Study Area, a perfect wetlands ecosystem for observing life forms ranging from insects and aquatic plants to amphibians and reptiles. Cross-Country skiing is popular here during the winter.
"We had a lovely time here at the Raritan Inn. The setting is beautiful, and we truly felt that we "got away from it all" for a day. We loved walking the trail to Califon and back - the leaves are still spectacular this late in the season..." ...Jim and Suzanne, November 2007		Hacklebarney State Park (8 miles away) is a favorite place for avid anglers, hikers and picnickers, yet in the 19th century the park was a mined iron ore site. The gushing river against the grey boulders and dark green hemlocks creates a majestic beauty in any season.