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Six Mile Run, New Jersey facts for kids

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Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey is located in Somerset County, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Location in Somerset County, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey is located in New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey is located in the United States
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Six Mile Run, New Jersey
Location in the United States
Country  United States
State  New Jersey
County Somerset
Township Franklin
Area
 • Total 7.48 sq mi (19.38 km2)
 • Land 7.47 sq mi (19.36 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)  0.10%
Elevation
98 ft (30 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,383
 • Density 452.58/sq mi (174.74/km2)
Time zone UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
Area code(s) 609/640 and 732/848
FIPS code 34-67820
GNIS feature ID 02584028

Six Mile Run is a small community in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a recognized area for gathering population data, but it doesn't have its own separate local government. In 2020, about 3,383 people lived here.

Where is Six Mile Run Located?

Six Mile Run is in central New Jersey. It covers an area of about 7.48 square miles (19.38 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a tiny bit of water.

How Many People Live Here?

Historical population
Census Pop.
2010 3,184
2020 3,383 6.3%
Population sources: 2010

In 2010, the population of Six Mile Run was 3,184 people. By 2020, this number grew to 3,383 people. The community is made up of many different families and individuals.

Exploring the Six Mile Run Historic District

Six Mile Run Historic District
Six Mile Run Reservoir sign (2006).jpg
Six Mile Run Reservoir Site
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Location Franklin Township, New Jersey
Area 64,450 acres (260.8 km2)
NRHP reference No. 95001191
Added to NRHP October 25, 1995

Six Mile Run is home to a special historic area called the Six Mile Run Historic District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes many old buildings, sites, and structures that tell the story of the area.

What's in the Historic District?

The district covers a large area and includes parts of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. It also features the Six Mile Run Canal House, which is a historic building by the canal. There are 149 important buildings, 5 sites, and 44 structures that contribute to the district's history.

Famous Historic Homes

Some of the notable historic buildings in the district are maintained by the Meadows Foundation. These include:

The Historic Name: Six Mile Run to Franklin Park

Six Mile Run was once the historic name for a larger community. This community was spread across parts of North Brunswick Township, South Brunswick Township, and Franklin Township. Route 27 runs through this area and divides the counties. On June 25, 1872, the name of this settlement was officially changed to Franklin Park.

The Six Mile Run Reformed Church

Six Mile Run Reformed Church, Franklin Park, NJ - September 2022
Six Mile Run Reformed Church and Chapel

The Six Mile Run Reformed Church has a long history. A group of the Dutch Reformed Church (now called the Reformed Church in America) started meeting here in 1710. The church building has been rebuilt several times over the years. The current church building was built after a fire destroyed the previous one in 1879. Later additions include the Frelinghuysen Memorial Chapel in 1907 and the Fellowship Hall in 1958.

The Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

There was a plan to build a reservoir, which is a large artificial lake, in the Six Mile Run area. This proposed Six Mile Run Reservoir Site is next to the Delaware and Raritan Canal. In 1970, the State of New Jersey bought the land for this future reservoir and a recreation area. Many of the historic properties mentioned earlier were part of this land.

From Reservoir to State Park

The reservoir was never built. Instead, in 1993, the area became part of the Division of Parks and Forestry. Today, the Six Mile Run Reservoir site is a State Park. It has many trails for outdoor activities.

Enjoying the Six Mile Run State Park Trails

The State Park is a great place for outdoor fun. It has about 8 miles (13 kilometers) of winding trails. These trails are popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and people who enjoy horseback riding.

Where to Access the Park

You can get to the park from a large parking lot on Canal Road near Six Mile Run Road. There's also access from a parking lot at a private soccer club on Route 27. Several smaller parking areas are located on roads that cross through the park.

Unique Nature and Trails

Because some of the land here hasn't been farmed for many years, it has unique trees and plants. This is due to a natural process called "old field succession." You can find signs describing the plants and natural processes between Canal Road and South Middlebush Road. The "Red Dot" hiking trail now goes all the way to NJ Route 27. There's also a new "White Trail" that leads to a parking lot off Jacques Lane.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Six Mile Run para niños

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