South Branch Reservation: Arches Section
Route 513 (West Main Street), High Bridge Borough, Hunterdon County, NJ

Directions:

from the Clinton Area:
Go north on Route 31 for 1.7 miles to Route 513 north; turn right and follow Route 513 north for 1.9 miles to Arch Street. Parking is available in two locations. The first is on the right just beyond the turn for Arch Street; the second location requires a turn on to Arch Street and then bear left .

History:

early 1800's  --  the main parking lot was the sight of the Dorland's Mill.

1859-1865  --  the Central Railroad of New Jersey built a stone double arch culvert that spans Arch Street in High Bridge and the South Branch of the Raritan River and the 94 foot high earthen embankment. (The original bridge could not support the weight of the locomotives. The old bridge was buried under the dirt of the embankment. The old bridge was the source for which High Bridge Borough was named.)

1989  --  Hunterdon County acquired the property.

Facilities:

Fishing, picnicking. No restrooms.

Trails:

There is a small trail from the parking area on Route 513 to the west side of the river and a couple of points along Arch Street, but trails are not available at this time.

(Source: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/guides/Arches.htm)

5/24/2005.  Rosemary and Carl Cooney, Ceferino Santana and dog Sonar parked in the small parking area off Route 513.  There isn't that much here for a botanist.  It is primarily a fishing access site with the South Branch of the Raritan River heading through the area. From the access area one can see a ball field and Arch street on the other side of the river. 

PLANT LIST:
Dr. Patrick L. Cooney
03/24/2005

Trees:
Fagus grandifolia (American beech)
Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock)
Ulmus sp. (elm)

Shrubs:
Lonicera sp. (honeysuckle)
Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry)
Rubus phoenicolasius (wineberry)

Vines:
Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy)

Herbs:
Verbascum thapsus (common mullein)

Grasses:
Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stilt grass)