Lawrence Township and the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation have announced the opening of a new segment of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail.
The completion of this almost half-mile section, which winds through scenic wetland habitat, marks a significant milestone in the creation of one of New Jersey’s premier multi-use trails, said a LHTC press release.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Maidenhead Meadows elevated boardwalk is set for Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. It will be followed by an informal community walk through Maidenhead Meadows Park at 10 a.m., starting at the historic Brearley House. Refreshments will be provided before the event.
“This is an important opening for the LHT, as it takes riders and walkers safely across Mercer Meadows and avoids the heavy traffic on Princeton Pike,” said David Sandahl, chair of the LHT Board of Trustees. “Lawrence Township, which has supported the LHT since our beginning, has really delivered on this project.”
The Maidenhead Meadows segment is particularly significant because it completes a critical link in the southern portion of the LHT. Users will experience the extraordinary beauty of the preserved open space, moving safely above the natural wetlands.
Together with the recently reconfigured and reopened route through The Lawrenceville School, the boardwalk allows trail users to traverse the area without using Princeton Pike.
When the route through the new Pike Town neighborhood opens later this summer, it will eliminate the current detour, bringing the LHT even closer to a seamless 20-mile loop.
“This project demonstrates our township’s long-standing commitment to walkability, bikeability, and access to open space,” said Lawrence Township Mayor Patricia Hendricks Farmer. “We’re proud to partner with the LHT to make our community healthier, more connected, and more sustainable.”
Lawrence Township obtained grant funds to design and construct the segment guided by the overall plan for the LHT loop under the leadership of Township Engineer Jim Parvesse. Completing work on the project was Capela Construction, and Remington & Vernick Engineers was the project manager.
“Our congratulations to the leadership and community who have persevered to build the 20-mile Lawrence Hopewell Trail,” said Patrick Starr, chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition Steering Committee. “It’s a beautiful accomplishment that advances our coalition’s vision of a regional trail system for everyone.”
Approximately 93% of the LHT is now complete. Four projects remain, with the next gap expected to be closed in Hopewell Township later this year. The goal is to complete the full loop by the end of 2026.
In addition to closing the loop, the LHT is also exploring opportunities for connections to other regional trails and neighborhoods.
The not-for-profit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation has led the development and promotion of the LHT, a bicycle and pedestrian path that winds through public and private lands in Lawrence and Hopewell Townships,
Established in 2002, the LHT encourages healthy, active lifestyles by offering safe, family-friendly access to the area’s rich natural and historic resources.
The trail is part of the Circuit Trails, one of the most ambitious multi-use trail networks in the United States, connecting people to jobs, communities, and parks throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
For more information, visit lhtrail.org
