Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge

The Ken Lockwood Gorge Bridge is a steel plate girder railway structure that crosses over the South Branch Raritan River and connects both sides of the gorge. It now functions as a pedestrian crossing within the Ken Lockwood Gorge Wildlife Management Area, a protected property managed by state wildlife officials.

This structure was built in 1891 to replace a collapsed wooden bridge that previously spanned the gorge. It operated for the Central Railroad of New Jersey's High Bridge Branch until train service ended in 1976.

The bridge connects to the Columbia Trail system where hikers and nature enthusiasts regularly pass through to explore the surrounding gorge. Local visitors use this crossing as part of their walks through the protected management area.

You can walk across the bridge freely as it is open to the public along a maintained hiking trail. The best conditions for visiting are during spring through fall when trails are dry and views are clearest.

The bridge stands above a designated Trout Conservation Area with specific fishing regulations protecting the aquatic environment below. These rules help maintain the health of the fish populations that live in this section of river.

Location: Lebanon Township

Inception: 1891

GPS coordinates: 40.69756,-74.87236

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24