Cushetunk Trail is a 12 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lebanon, New Jersey that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
There is a parking fee of 10$ if you live in NJ and other states 20$. Terrain: There's considerable elevation gain all over the trail with lots of ups and downs so make sure you are ready for it. Sometimes it gets rocky. Shade: You will be under the trees 95% of the time. Scenic View: Round valley reservoir is one of the most breathtaking reservoirs in NJ. Beautiful scenic route and consider taking swimming clothes Campsites: Lots of dispersed campsites and picnic areas around the lake.
Some of the trails are closed seasonally, like the white trail along the ridge, plus part of the red trail was closed due to dam reconstruction, but the trails we were able to take were well maintained. There are some steep inclines up the mountain, but there's access to the reservoir via the camp grounds. When the white trail is open and the leaves don't block your view, there is also a pretty lookout of the reservoir.
It’s beautiful short hike. A bit steep just how I like it. But once you’re at the top of the hill which is approx 0.5 to get to the top, it goes flat and you’ll enjoy the scenery view of the lake throughout the hike. The fall season hike is amazing
Nice trail, good CB late Fall foliage. Fairly busy. Construction and n the reservoir dam takes away from the scenic nature
I wanted something less than the 12 mile trail, and I really disliked the tall hill at the end of it, so I started a couple of miles in, parked on Country Pl because there wasn’t any closer parking, then hiked to the trail. It was a manageable uphill, though the downhill was a little overgrown. Only saw 2 people in 5 hours of hiking. The only thing wrong with it was there were no vistas from the top.