Farrington Lake Trail

Updated:
Farrington Lake Trail.

Short, easy trail along Farrington Lake that can connect to Davidson’s Mill Pond and Ireland Brook Conservation Area.

2.0 miles. Easy, level, roots, stone steps over wet areas. Requires a very short walk along the shoulder of a somewhat busy road.

Our two cents:

Nice little local trail tucked into the sliver of forest between Farrington Lake and Riva Avenue that can be done on it’s own or with other nearby trail systems.

Multiple nearby parks in this area can be combined to make longer hikes. See the map for the Mill to Brook Trail.

Suffers from traffic noise, the electric hum of a building complex in one section, and requires a very brief walk along Riva along the road shoulder before crossing Davidson’s Mill Road.

None of these are deal-breakers but do detract from an otherwise pleasant trail.

Updated: 4/2021 – re-hiked; added photos.


Map/Books:

Often in the trail kiosk or print ahead from the park site, under Ireland Brook Conservation Area. In no books that we know of.

Parking: N40.41254° W74.49590°

Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, Riva Ave, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902. Enter the driveway for Davidson’s Mill Pond and turn left into the small lot near the entrance.


Restrooms:

Porta-john the parking lot.


Hike Directions:

This is an out-and-back on Farrington Lake (ORANGE).

Wooden trail map box at a trailhead

0.0 – Farrington Lake (ORANGE) starts a few steps from the parking lot, and almost immediately crosses Riva Ave.

Orange trail markers on a tree

In a few more steps, turn LEFT at the trail split [either left or right ends up at the same spot – we come back the other way].

Farrington Lake (ORANGE) meanders along the edge of the water.

Trail next to a stream
Orange markers on trees

There are stone steps built into the trail here and there.

Rock steps on a trail

And some plank boardwalks over wet areas.

Plank boardwalk surrounded by skunk cabbage

0.4 – Turn LEFT and walk on the shoulder of Riva Ave, then cross Davidson’s Mill Road. The trail continues from a paved parking pull-out along Riva Ave once across Davidson’s Mill.

View of Farrington Lake

There is a metal sculpture in the water just after crossing Davidson’s Mill Road, in front of a house.

Metal sculpture in a lake

Always cool to get a little random art on your hike.

Close up of a metal sculpture that looks like a sea serpent

Farrington Lake (ORANGE) continues to meander along the edge of the water.

Plenty of spots to view Farrington Lake.

Farrington Lake
Lake seen through tree branches

1.0 – Farrington Lake (ORANGE) ends at a small parking area, retrace the route back.

Optional extension: Continue on to the Forest Brook trail.

Nearby but requires a walk along the road shoulder: Turn left down Riva, go about 500 ft, cross a bridge, then look for a small dirt parking lot on the right.


Hiked: 4/18/21. with Forest Brook Trail.
Hiked: 8/7/16.
Hiked: 3/24/13.

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