Hunterdon Plateau facts for kids
The Hunterdon Plateau is a special flat, high area of land called a plateau. You can find it in the western part of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. It's like a big, elevated table of land!
This plateau has some interesting neighbors. To the northwest, it borders the taller Musconetcong Mountain. To the west, it meets the famous Delaware River. South of the plateau is the Amwell Valley, and to the east are lower areas of the Newark Basin.
The edge of the plateau starts near Raven Rock and goes all the way to Flemington. From there, it curves west of the South Branch Raritan River until it reaches the Musconetcong Mountains. Even though it's mostly flat, there are some small valleys. These valleys are formed by creeks like Lopatcong Creek, Wickecheoke Creek, and the Capoolong Creek.
You'll also find a few unique spots on the plateau. Thatcher's Hill and Sand Hill are like small extensions of the plateau. A small ridge called Barren Ridge runs through Alexandria and Union Township. It rises a little higher than the rest of the plateau. Another spot, Gravel Hill in Holland Township, also stands out.
Along the Delaware River, where the plateau meets the water, there are many cliffs. One cool place is Milford Bluffs. Here, you can even find prickly pear cacti growing! This is quite rare for Hunterdon County.
Many towns and parts of townships are located on the Hunterdon Plateau. These include the boroughs of Milford and Frenchtown. Parts of Flemington are also on the plateau. You'll also find parts of Kingwood, Raritan, Franklin, Union, Bethlehem, Alexandria, Delaware, and Holland townships. Because the land is relatively flat and the soil is good, there are still many farms across this beautiful area.
Towns to Explore
The Hunterdon Plateau is home to several charming towns. Each has its own history and fun things to do.
Frenchtown
Frenchtown is a borough right on the banks of the Delaware River. It was named after Paul Henri Mallet-Prevost, who spoke Swiss French. Today, Frenchtown is known for its many art galleries, tasty restaurants, and cozy places to stay. It's a great spot to visit!
Milford
Milford is another borough along the Delaware River. It used to be called Burnt Mills because a mill there burned down in 1769. Later, it was known as Millford before becoming Milford. This town has a few shops and restaurants to explore.
Pittstown
Pittstown is a small village named after a famous British politician, William Pitt. In Pittstown, you can find a spa and a few restaurants. It's also the southern end of the Capoolong Creek Trail, which is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Cool Places to Visit
The Hunterdon Plateau offers many interesting sites for visitors. Whether you love nature or history, there's something for everyone.
- Bridge Street in Frenchtown: This street is a lively part of Frenchtown, great for walking around and seeing the local shops.
- Capoolong Creek Trail: A wonderful trail for hiking and enjoying nature along the Capoolong Creek.
- D&R Canal Trail: Part of a longer trail system, perfect for biking or walking along the historic canal.
- Milford Bluffs: These cliffs along the Delaware River offer amazing views and are home to unique plants like prickly pear cacti.
- Oak Summit School, Kingwood: A local school in the Kingwood area.
- Old Stone Church, Kingwood: A historic church with a lot of character, worth seeing for its old architecture.
- Phillips Farm: A great place where you can pick your own fruits or vegetables, depending on the season.
- Schick Reserve: A natural area for outdoor activities and enjoying the local wildlife.
- Ship Inn Brewery: A local spot that makes its own drinks.
- Volendam Windmill: A unique windmill that stands out in the landscape, offering a touch of European charm.
