Passaic County officials joined local leaders, partners and residents today to celebrate a major milestone in the Highlands Rail Trail Project, the County’s first recreational facility in the Borough of Wanaque.
The event, held at one of the trail entrances, included remarks from Commissioner John W. Bartlett, serving as Master of Ceremonies, Mayor Dan Mahler of Wanaque and David Behrend, NJTPA Executive Director. Attendees also participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a brief inaugural walk along the trail.
Phase I of the Highlands Rail Trail spans approximately 1.72 miles from Union Avenue to F.A. Orechio Drive and transforms a former railway corridor into a safe, walkable and bikeable greenway. Construction, which began in May 2024, was funded by a federal Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program grant through the NJTPA and New Jersey Department of Transportation.
“Phase I of the Highlands Rail Trail is about more than recreation,” said Commissioner Bartlett, who represents the county on the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “It’s about connectivity, community and preserving our local heritage. We’re thrilled to see families, neighbors and visitors enjoy this safe and scenic route for years to come.”
The trail also provides an alternative route to the busy Ringwood Avenue corridor while connecting residents to local businesses, schools and parks. Interpretive elements along the greenway highlight the history of Wanaque, bringing the community’s story to life for residents and visitors alike.
“The opening of this first section of the Highlands Rail Trail represents years of planning, partnership and commitment,” Mr. Behrend said. “The NJTPA is proud to have provided funding for this segment and the next phase of work. Once completed, this trail — combined with other projects and existing trails — will bring us one step closer to realizing a larger regional trail network for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Phase II is already under design and will extend the trail an additional 1.4 miles to Conklintown Road with construction scheduled for 2026. The NJTPA provided funding for this phase though its Transportation Clean Air Measures Program.