Clinton Road, Rural thoroughfare in West Milford, United States
Clinton Road is a rural thoroughfare that stretches for 10 miles (16 km) through the dense forests of Passaic County, connecting Route 23 near Newfoundland to Upper Greenwood Lake. The route passes through uninhabited woodland with few side roads and crosses several ponds and streams that belong to the Newark watershed.
The route was established in the 18th century and took its name from the former settlement of Clinton, serving as a passage through New Jersey. Over the decades the area remained largely undeveloped as much of the surrounding land was reserved for regional water supply.
Local stories tell of a ghost boy at the bridge who tosses coins back from the water when travelers throw them in. This tale has spread over generations and draws curious visitors from across the region who want to experience the phenomenon themselves.
The traffic light at the Route 23 intersection can cause waits up to five minutes, making it one of the longest in the country. The route is narrow and winding, so careful driving is recommended especially after dark or in poor weather.
The remains of Cross Castle from 1905 stand along hiking trails near the route on Newark watershed property. The building was torn down in 1988, but foundation walls and staircases remain visible among trees and undergrowth.
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