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Things to do
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Fishing and Boating
Flowing through the center of Califon, under the iron bridge, is the south branch of the Raritan River. The Raritan River's name originates from an American Indian term meaning "forked river."
From Califon down to High Bridge, this glorious river passes through a natural area called Ken Lockwood Gorge. It's primarily known as a "fly-fishing only" waterway, although it is visited often--and in all seasons--just for the spectacular wild scenery of glacial boulders strewn about the river.
Spruce Run Reservoir contains at least 18 varieties of fish. The two most sought-after are the hybrid bass - a cross of a female striped bass and male southern white bass. The state record northern pike was caught at Spruce Run, weighing 30.2 pounds, and many like to fish for pike. Huge carp live in Spruce Run, plus trout, perch and other bass.
Spruce Run offers a boat rental facility, where you can get a rowboat, canoe, sailboat or motor powered craft for a day.
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Golf
The Skylands region features 17 public 18-hole courses, ranging from breathtaking mountain scenery to level courses that lend themselves to a peaceful day's walk. It's all at your disposal without even paying membership dues. Here's a small sample...
Closer to home, just 3 miles away, the new High Bridge Hills club is open to all comers. Home to championship golf in the British-Irish tradition. Its par-71, 6,700 yard course provides both great golf and a splendid view of the Spruce Run resevoir.
In nearby Clinton, known for its hilly vistas overlooking the Hunterdon Hills and scenic gardens throughout the course, Beaver Brook presents a combination of par 3s, some challenging but fairly open par 4s and good, narrow par 5s. There are 74 bunkers on the par 72/6184 yard course and a moderate amount of water with four ponds and the Beaver Brook running through the course.
The new county golf course, Heron Glen, is a half-hour away and is ranked in the Top 35 New Public Golf Courses Opened in 2002 by GOLF Magazine.
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Hiking and Biking
The "Rails to Trails" program has really taken off in this part of New Jersey. Several old railroads have metamorphosed into wonderfull paths for walking, bicycles and in some places horses.
What is known as the Columbia Trail was formerly the Centrail RR line (High Bridge line). The trail was recently upgraded with a stone base, and accommodates hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. This seven-mile trail runs along Lake Solitude and the South Branch of the Raritan River. It passes through Califon and on to High Bridge, giving the rider some of the best scenery of any NJ rail trail. This trail is truly beautiful and great for anyone as there isn't more than a 2.5% grade on any part of the trail.
There are also many hiking and biking trails in the State parks at Voorhees, Spruce Run and Round Valley.
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