You’re probably stuck in traffic on Route 202 right now. Or maybe you’re staring at the gridlock on I-280 thinking there has to be a better way to get between Morristown and Madison without losing your mind. There is. It’s a thin strip of pavement that most people drive over every single day without ever realizing it’s there.
The Traction Line Recreation Trail is basically a secret highway for people who hate cars.
It’s not your typical "nature walk." If you’re looking for deep woods and total silence, you’re in the wrong place. This trail is weird, linear, and incredibly practical. It runs directly alongside the New Jersey Transit Morris & Essex line. You’re biking or walking just feet away from massive commuter trains screaming toward Penn Station. It’s loud. It’s industrial. Honestly, it’s one of the most unique rail-with-trail projects in the entire state of New Jersey.
What is the Traction Line Recreation Trail anyway?
History matters here. Back in the early 1900s, this wasn't for heavy rail. It was the Morris County Traction Company’s trolley line. Think of it as the original light rail. These electric trolleys zipped people between Morris Plains, Morristown, and Madison long before everyone had a crossover SUV in their driveway. When the trolley system went bust in 1928, the right-of-way sat there. Eventually, the Morris County Park Commission realized they had a goldmine of transit space.
Today, it’s a 3.2-mile paved path.
It starts right near the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown and shoots straight out to Danforth Road in Madison. It connects the Danforth Road area, Drew University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University directly to the heart of Morristown. If you’re a student at Drew, this is your lifeline to the bars and restaurants on the Green.
The actual experience: Grit, gravel, and grease
Don't expect a pristine park.
The Traction Line Recreation Trail is functional. It’s roughly 10 feet wide and paved the whole way, which makes it a dream for road bikers who are tired of dodging potholes on local streets. One side of you is lined with the backyards of some very expensive suburban homes. The other side is a chain-link fence separating you from the high-voltage overhead wires and the rumbling tracks of the Midtown Direct.
It’s flat. Ridiculously flat.
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Because it follows a rail grade, you aren't dealing with any "Jersey Hills." You can maintain a solid 15 mph on a bike without breaking a sweat. If you’re training for a 5K, it’s the perfect place to gauge your pace because there are no elevation variables to screw up your splits.
Where to hop on (and where to park)
Parking is the biggest headache. Since the trail ends near the courthouse in Morristown, parking there means paying the municipal lots or fighting for a meter.
Most regulars prefer the other end.
- The Madison End: Start at Danforth Road. There isn't a massive dedicated lot, but you can find street parking nearby. This puts you right at the trailhead.
- The Seaton Hackney End: This is the pro move. The trail passes right by the Seaton Hackney Stables and the Loantaka Brook Reservation. You can park at the Loantaka lots off South Street and take the connector paths to hit the Traction Line.
- The Morristown End: If you’re already in town, just walk past the train station. The trail picks up near the intersection of Morris St and Wilmot St.
The weird intersection with Loantaka Brook
People get these two confused all the time. The Traction Line Recreation Trail actually intersects with the Loantaka Brook Reservation trail system.
It’s a bit of a "choose your own adventure" moment. If you stay on the Traction Line, you’re staying on that straight, sunny, industrial path. If you veer off onto the Loantaka trails, you head into the woods, past the horse stables, and toward the ponds. The Traction Line is for commuting and speed; Loantaka is for Sunday afternoon wandering.
One thing to watch out for: the sun.
Because the trail follows the rail line, there is almost zero tree cover for long stretches. In July, it feels like an oven. The asphalt soaks up the heat, and the lack of shade means you’re getting baked from both sides. Bring water. Seriously. There aren't many water fountains once you’re mid-trail.
Why this trail is a masterclass in urban planning
We talk a lot about "transit-oriented development" and "walkable cities" like they are new inventions. They aren't.
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The Traction Line Recreation Trail is a legacy of a time when we built things to scale. It proves that you don't need a massive multi-billion dollar project to improve local transit. You just need to pave the space next to the tracks we already have.
I’ve seen people use this trail to:
- Commute to work at the Morristown office parks.
- Bike to the Madison train station to catch a ride to the city.
- Walk their dogs away from the chaos of the Morristown Green.
- Train for marathons on a predictable surface.
It handles a high volume of traffic because it's so wide. You’ll see serious cyclists in spandex, parents with double strollers, and college kids on longboards. Everyone shares the space surprisingly well, mostly because there’s enough room to pass without playing a game of "chicken."
Safety, lighting, and the "Jersey" factor
Is it safe? Yeah, generally.
The Morris County Park Police patrol the area, and because it’s hemmed in by the train tracks and residential fences, there aren't many places for people to linger. However, it is not lit at night. Once the sun goes down, it’s pitch black. Don’t try to be a hero and bike it at 9:00 PM without a serious 800-lumen headlight. You won't see the debris or the occasional branch on the path.
Also, watch the crossings.
The trail crosses several roads, including some busy ones like Convent Road near the Madison/Morristown border. The cars are supposed to stop. They don't always. The sightlines can be tricky for drivers turning quickly, so always make eye contact before you fly across the street.
Getting the most out of your visit
If you want to do the Traction Line Recreation Trail right, don't just go out and back. Use it as a connector.
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Start in Madison, grab a coffee at one of the spots on Main Street, bike the trail into Morristown, and have lunch at the Green. It turns a boring exercise routine into a legitimate day trip. You get the benefit of being outdoors without the hassle of driving between two of the busiest towns in Morris County.
It’s also a birdwatcher’s weird paradise.
The edge habitat between the tracks and the backyards attracts a lot of hawks and smaller songbirds. You’ll see red-tailed hawks perched on the catenary wires all the time, just waiting for a field mouse to move in the brush. It’s a strange mix of nature and heavy machinery that you just don't find anywhere else in the suburbs.
Essential Gear for the Traction Line:
- High-pressure tires: The pavement is good, but there’s often gravel spray from the rail bed.
- Sunglasses: The glare off the tracks and the open sky is brutal.
- Bell or Horn: You will be passing people. A simple "on your left" is okay, but a bell saves your breath.
- Puncture kit: Again, the rail bed occasionally kicks up sharp stones or old spikes. It’s rare, but it happens.
The trail isn't fancy. It doesn't have the sweeping mountain views of the High Point State Park or the beachy vibes of the Manasquan Reservoir. But for those of us living in the heart of Morris County, it’s an essential piece of infrastructure. It’s a reminder that we can move through our world differently if we just look at the space we already have under a different light.
Next time you're frustrated with the traffic on South Street, look to your left near the tracks. You'll see someone on a bike zipping past you, completely unbothered by the red lights. That’s the Traction Line. It’s waiting for you.
How to plan your first trip
Don't overthink it. Just go.
Check the weather first, because as mentioned, there's no shelter from rain or sun. If you're coming from out of town, take the train! You can literally bring your bike on the NJ Transit train (check their off-peak rules first), get off at the Madison station, and you're seconds away from the trail. It's one of the few places in New Jersey where a "car-free" Saturday is actually possible and enjoyable.
- Park at the Loantaka Brook Reservation (South Street Lot).
- Follow the paved path north toward the stables.
- Turn right onto the Traction Line at the clearly marked junction.
- Ride all the way to Madison, grab a snack, and head back.
This gives you a solid 8-to-10-mile round trip depending on how much of Loantaka you explore. It’s the most efficient way to see the best of what the area has to offer without ever needing to put your car in gear between stops.
Stop thinking about it as a park. Start thinking about it as your new favorite shortcut. The Traction Line Recreation Trail is the most honest trail in New Jersey—no frills, just miles of open path and the rhythmic hum of the tracks.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the Morris County Park Commission map: Keep a digital copy on your phone to see exactly where the Traction Line connects to the Loantaka Brook trails.
- Check NJ Transit schedules: If you plan on riding one way and taking the train back, ensure you aren't trying to board with a bike during peak "commuter" hours when they are restricted.
- Verify your tire pressure: Since the path is entirely paved, higher PSI will give you a much smoother and faster ride on this specific terrain.
- Locate the water stations: Remember that the only reliable water fountains are located in the Loantaka section, not on the Traction Line itself. Fill up before you pivot onto the rail-trail.