Pochuck Tourism Impact

For more information contact:

Pegi Adam
973-744-6090

Ed Goodell, 201-512-9348

Trenton, NJ -- The mile-long Pochuck Creek boardwalk and its 110-foot suspension bridge, in Vernon Township, were completed in summer, 2002, and dedicated on October 20, 2002. Forming part of the Appalachian Trail, between Pochuck and Wawayanda Mountains this crossing -- accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities -- is a scenic and safe off-road alternative to a 2.1-mile stretch of narrow, winding local Route 517. Indeed, it allows hikers to walk across New Jersey, from the Delaware Water Gap to the New York State border, staying always in protected national and state forest areas.

This long-missing link of the Appalachian Scenic Trail, from Maine to Georgia, and a town that goes out of its way to welcome and provision hikers are attracting increasing numbers of tourists, turning to nature to escape the pressures of everyday living.

Dedication of the trail provides an opportunity to spotlight "natural New Jersey," as a destination for outdoor activity enthusiasts, countering the all too prevalent image of the state as a crowded ex-urban strip, composed of a turnpike and gas towers.

Most visitors are unaware of New Jersey’s great expanses of rural and "forever green" acres. But, in fact, the state was one of few to follow the dictates of the National Trails System Act, passed in 1968, and begin purchasing lands for the Appalachian Scenic Trail.

"With this unique scenic crossing and a town that goes out of its way to welcome and provision hikers, we expect this Pochuck boardwalk and bridge to attract the growing numbers of tourists who are discovering New Jersey’s rural back roads and natural attractions, " says Nancy Byrne, executive director of New Jersey’s Office of Travel & Tourism.

Studies show that tourists increasingly seek outdoor adventure and nature preserves. Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) estimates that 3- to 4-million people a year use the Appalachian Scenic Trail. Intended thru-hikers (those intending to hike from Georgia to Maine) leaving Springer Mountain, GA, grew from 1,000 around 1993 to nearly 3,000 by 2000.

Hikers are increasingly financially well-off and mature. They spend money on items that provide comfort and ease on the trail, and they spend at stop-off points. An ATC survey in 1999 showed that through-hikers spent an average of $623.41 per person while on the trail, mainly in restaurants, motels, packaged food & beverage.

Hiking trails throughout New Jersey attract the several different types of hikers: "through hikers," cross-New Jersey hikers, who may camp out one or two nights or, more likely, hike from town to town, staying overnight in local hostelries; and day hikers, who drive to a trailhead, hike and return to their cars. Casual hikers may combine a luxury resort vacation with a few hours on a scenic trail.

Any area that can offer a mix of luxury resort amenities and nature has a distinct advantage. In every case, trails draw people away from highways and crowded commercial areas. The Township of Vernon provides just such a desirable mix -- luxury resort accommodations, a spa, golf courses, natural attractions and a downtown of shops and restaurants. Appalachian Trail "through-hikers" have discovered Vernon as an ideal stopover. The township has overnight accommodations and offers such hiker necessities as a laundromat, post-office mail pickup, restaurants and sports shops. Its welcoming atmosphere encourages hikers to spend multiple nights for rest and renewal.

The Pochuck Creek boardwalk and bridge provide a unique opportunity for hikers of all ages and abilities to view a floodplain environment encompassing the state’s largest area of native cattails and other native and endangered species of plants and animals. It is gaining kudos from serious hikers and casual walkers, who describe it as "the best boardwalk they’ve ever seen," "the best part of the Appalachian Trail," "the most interesting part of the trail," "a welcome relief from hill climbing and bushwhacking."

For further information, contact the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, 156 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah NJ 07430. Phone 201- 512-9348. Fax 201-512-9012. Website: www.nynjtc.org 

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