Millstone Valley Scenic Byway
Details
- DesignationNational Scenic Byway (2009)
- Intrinsic QualitiesHistoric
- LocationNJ
- Length25 miles
Overview
This Byway consists of two parallel roadways that circle around the beautiful Millstone River in central New Jersey. Along this route visitors can travel through this gorgeous river valley with plenty of activities that are possible along the way. There is no shortage of opportunity to enjoy the scenic views of the area on one of the many walking paths that can be found throughout the Byway!
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Somerset County Visitor Information Center
Story of the Byway
If you want to be able to witness some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the state of New Jersey while also learning the rich history of an area, the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway is the perfect answer. Millstone Valley acts as a floodplain for the Millstone River which creates gorgeous scenes for visitors. This 25-mile-long route is a gem that can be found in central New Jersey and can provide so much to its visitors. The history of this area is also incredibly rich, as this area played a very large role in the Revolutionary War. Native Americans also play a huge part in the history of the Millstone Valley, as the Lenni Lenape had a large presence in the area in the past.
The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway cannot be travelled without fully experiencing the nature and scenic views of the area. Arguably the heart of this Byway and the entire area, the D&R Canal and the State Park runs directly around this road and truly is a beautiful sight. There is plenty of opportunity to experience this beautiful area in D&R Canal State Park through one of the many walking or hiking trails, bodies of water to fish in, and even stables where visitors can take a horse out and go horseback riding. The Park is also a prime location for birding and photography, as there have been a reported 160 species of birds spotted within the park, 90 of which had nested there. All of this information can be found at the Griggstown Bridgetender’s House, which serves as a Visitors Center for the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway. Here visitors have the chance to see a full layout of the byway with plenty of different locations along the way that can be stopped at.
Located in the heart of New Jersey, the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway is full of history from the State’s historic past. There is early colonization history located here with plenty of Dutch heritage located along the way. However, the major historical significance along this Byway is how important this area was during the Revolutionary Way for troop movements and military campaigns. All of this history can be taken in and taught through multiple locations along the way. This includes one or more of the many historic districts, historic sites, or villages found along the way that have carried this history and heritage with them for generations.
The historical, recreational, and natural qualities that can be found along this Byway are what make it so special, as they are truly all gems of the area. D&R Canal State Park is 70 miles long with what seems to be endless possibilities for visitors and travelers who want to have a memorable time. The history is embedded within the area, so it is almost impossible to avoid it with there being beautiful landscapes and architecture throughout the route. The possibilities along the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway are endless and can prove to be an amazing time for just about anybody!
Driving Directions
The Millstone Valley Scenic Byway can begin for visitors at the intersection of Route 206 and River Road in Montgomery, New Jersey. This route takes you down the west side of the Millstone River to eventually cross and then go back up the east side.
Points of Interest
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Old Millstone Forge in Millstone Borough
Visitors can come and learn the history of blacksmithing in rural America located right along the Byway.
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Hillsborough Reformed Church in Millstone Borough
A beautiful and historic church that dates back all the way to 1766. Visitors can take a tour and learn the rich history of the building and the adjacent cemetary.
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Six Mile Run
This 3,037 acre portion of land has a multitude of hiking, walking, and biking trails for visitors to enjoy through beautiful forests and streams
Itinerary
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Experience the History of the Millstone Valley
Starting from route 533 in Millstone, this 25-mile-long Byway is a perfect loop around the Millstone River and the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Right from the beginning there is an opportunity to experience the rich history that this Byway runs through, as you can stop by Old Millstone Forge which celebrates the history of blacksmithing in rural America. Heading south from Millstone on route 533, you can take in the natural beauty of the area, as this road provides wonderful views of the flowing river.
From there, you can make the turn onto route 632 to cross over the river and canal, and then turn onto Canal Road to start the loop around. There is a chance to stop by a portion of D&R Canal State Park and view the beautiful river and Canal firsthand. After that, you can head south along Canal Road to take in even more gorgeous views. For those who want to take in even more history, the Rockingham Historic Site can be found directly along the Byway, which was the site of George Washington’s final headquarters during the Revolutionary War. From that point the loop begins to bring you back north on route 605, while giving you a great view of Lake Carnegie and the town of Kingston. The ride back is the perfect time to take in the beauty one more time and appreciate just how well this area has been protected and preserved throughout the years.
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