Conceived by employees of Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2001 to support an active lifestyle in the neighboring communities, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT) links a main street business district, corporate campuses, parks, preserved open space, schools, and towns as it travels through Lawrence and Hopewell Townships in Mercer County, N.J. Since 2002 Trustees of the LHT have worked with major sponsors to design and build the trail, raising over $9 million dollars for the project. Today all but 4 miles of the eventual 22-mile loop are complete, offering walkers, joggers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, and in-line skaters a tranquil route through both public and private lands. A unique feature of the trail is that it has been built using environmentally sensitive construction techniques and materials (such as porous pavement).

Along the LHT enjoy views of farms and woods, stop to visit historic sites such as Hunt House, Brearley House, and the Whiskey House, as well as downtown Lawrenceville. The trail connects to the extensive Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park Trail, which allows for the potential to cover a wide swath of central NJ on an off-road route. The family-friendly LHT has limited inclines and the majority of the trail is off-road, but note that while sections are paved, portions have a cinder dust/gravel surface. Refer to the excellent website run by The LHT for detailed maps that show the various sections, options of where to pick-up the trail, updates and other details.

Photos: Courtesy of Lawrence Hopewell Trust