Information
Landmark: Historic Savage MillCity: Columbia MD
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America
Historic Savage Mill, Columbia MD, USA Maryland, North America
The Middlesex Greenway is a multi-use trail located in Edison, New Jersey. It follows a former railway corridor.
Visual Characteristics
The trail is primarily paved asphalt, approximately 3 meters wide. It is bordered by mature deciduous trees and occasional open grassy areas. The terrain is largely flat with gentle inclines. Drainage culverts are visible at regular intervals along the path.
Location & Access Logistics
The Middlesex Greenway extends for approximately 4.5 miles. Access points are located at the intersection of Oak Tree Road and Plainfield Avenue, and at the end of Central Avenue near the Edison Public Library. Parking is available at the Oak Tree Road access point in a designated lot. Public transport options include NJ Transit bus routes 814 and 615, which stop within 0.5km of the Oak Tree Road entrance.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Greenway occupies the former right-of-way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which ceased operations in the late 20th century. The land was acquired by Middlesex County for recreational purposes. Ecologically, the corridor supports a riparian buffer zone along sections adjacent to Willow Creek.
Key Highlights & Activities
Walking, jogging, and cycling are the primary activities. The trail is suitable for inline skating. Birdwatching is possible due to the surrounding vegetation. The trail is marked with distance indicators every 0.5 miles.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available at the Oak Tree Road trailhead. Benches are positioned at approximately 1km intervals. Shade is provided by the tree canopy. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent along the trail. No food vendors are located directly on the trail; nearest options are in commercial areas adjacent to access points.
Best Time to Visit
For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting due to the tree cover. The months of April through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activity. No tide considerations apply.
Facts & Legends
A section of the Greenway passes near the site of the former Menlo Park laboratory, where Thomas Edison conducted significant experiments. Local lore suggests that some of the original telegraph poles used by Edison's companies still stand, though this is unverified.
Nearby Landmarks
- Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park (1.2km Southwest)
- Roosevelt Park (2.5km East)
- Edison Public Library (0.3km West)
- Oak Tree Road Shopping District (0.1km North)