As I saunter through the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Area, following newly posted blazes, I can hardly believe this 2,000 acre site in the heart of NJ's Central Highlands was once planned for thousands of homes in cluster villages with retail outlets and golf courses. Thanks to The Friends of the Sparta Mountains, Sparta Township (Sussex Co.) listened and put limits on this proposed sprawl. 

By 1997, 1800 acres had been permanently preserved with the purchase by NJ Green Acres and the Victoria Foundation. Now, with consent from Fish & Game and with advice from co-owner NJ Audubon, a system of trails has been designed and NYNJTC volunteers have nearly completed construction. Balancing the needs for public access with respect to a wildlife sanctuary, I have had the pleasure of helping with the solutions for over five years now.

Situated in south eastern Sussex County, in the heart of New Jersey's Central Highlands at the very western edge of the Newark Pequannock Watershed, the Sparta Preserve beckons the hiker.

One way to reach the area is along the Highland's Trail, traveling north from Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, or southwest from the Newark Pequannock Watershed, the hiker travels in a contiguous greenway. I particularly like the stop at Ryker Lake for rest and lunch. Then, follow the shoreline trail for an excursion to a largely intact eighteenth century millrace at Hopewell Forge (18th Century). Look out for the subtle NJ Audubon Marsh Hawk blazes. Then circle around to the western shore and come back to the HT over the raceway of the dam. At this spot in April, I saw a Bald Eagle scouting out the lake. Besides access by the HT, there is a trailhead to the Sparta Preserve, with parking, near Ryker Lake at Edison and Glenn Roads. Visit NJ Audubon's kiosk showing trail map and historic markers.

There is another trailhead reached by driving north along Edison Road. Park at the big sign and look over the historical monument dedicated to Thomas Edison and the 19th Century iron works he built (National Register of Historic Places). The brand new monument features lithographic depictions of the works and it is so accurate that, from where you are standing, you can identify the buildings, mines and machinery out of the remnant foundations. The trail begins there and takes you through the works for two more past centuries of mining. 

In two miles, the ancient cuts of human labor give way to an overlook of the environmentally spectacular Edison Bog. The trail is placed close to the bog, but not too close. As in so much of the route from now on, I walk in careful observation with binoculars ready. The path is barely visible and quite narrow and Warblers abound. By now, I am not so much hiking as sneaking along trying to spot an Egret or Heron out on the bog or an Osprey perched on a lofty pine as I come upon rocky overlooks. Continuing on a combination of nature trail and forest road, crossing pristine streams, edging along a great swamp, I bask in a spectacular wilderness and marvel at this miracle of preservation.

Martin Treat