Pickell Mountain Park

For residents of New Jersey, particularly those in Hunterdon County and the surrounding areas, Pickell Mountain Park—commonly known locally as Pickell Park—is a recognized cornerstone of community recreation and a vital link to the region's vast open spaces. While the park is often listed as a "campground" in broader directories, it is essential for local users to know that Pickell Park's primary function is as a municipal sports and recreation complex, and most importantly, the main trailhead providing access to the scenic Cushetunk Mountain trail system.

This facility, managed by Readington Township, is a highly popular, well-maintained hub that beautifully blends structured recreation with natural immersion. It serves as the starting point for hikers, equestrians, and cyclists looking to explore the natural beauty of the area, including stunning views of the nearby Round Valley Reservoir from the Cushetunk Mountain trails. It’s an ideal spot for families, offering a wide array of amenities that cater to various age groups and interests, from lighted sports courts for evening games to expansive playgrounds for younger children.

Unlike traditional state park campgrounds, Pickell Park does not offer overnight tent or RV camping sites with typical amenities like fire rings, showers, or water/electric hookups. Its true value lies in its role as a versatile day-use facility and a gateway to the broader natural trails and open space preserves that characterize this beautiful central New Jersey region. Whether you're coming for a softball tournament, a relaxed picnic, or a challenging hike up the mountain, Pickell Park is the essential starting point for an outdoor experience in White House Station.

Pickell Park is conveniently located in White House Station, New Jersey, within Readington Township. Its location behind the Municipal Building makes it a central and easily recognizable spot for local activities. The park is situated off Route 523 (County Road 523), a major artery in the area, providing excellent accessibility for New Jersey residents traveling from nearby towns.

The official address, 509 Route 523, places it strategically for both athletic events and trail access. For those traveling by car, the park is easily reachable from major routes like I-78, typically using exit 24 and proceeding onto Route 523 South. The entrance road, Mountain Road, leads directly to the parking area.

Accessibility within the park itself is a significant advantage. The facility boasts a large parking lot, capable of holding up to 300 cars, which is a major convenience for users, especially during large recreational events, team practices, or when utilizing the park as a trailhead for long hikes. Park hours generally run from dawn to dusk, with lighted areas, such as the tennis and basketball courts, staying lit until 10:00 PM for extended evening use, allowing busy New Jersey professionals and families to enjoy their favorite activities after work.

It is important to note for hikers and equestrians that the park serves as the starting point for the Cushetunk Mountain Trail, a four-mile route that connects to the Hunterdon County Cushetunk Mountain Preserve. Trailer parking for equestrian use is available by proceeding to the back of the main parking lot. The central location in White House Station makes it a premier spot for local community engagement and a natural access point for regional open space exploration.

Pickell Park is characterized by its wide array of structured recreational and community amenities, designed for day-use enjoyment rather than overnight stays. The services are geared toward sports, play, and group gatherings.

• Sports Fields & Courts:
  • One (1) lighted softball field.
  • Two (2) additional softball/T-ball fields (unlighted).
  • Three (3) lighted tennis courts, open to the public.
  • One (1) lighted basketball court, open to the public.
• Community & Gathering Facilities:
  • A large Gazebo/Picnic Grove, available for reservations and private parties through the Readington Recreation Office.
  • Ample picnic tables throughout the park.
  • Restrooms, which are clean and well-kept, though visitors should note they are seasonal and typically closed during the colder winter months (e.g., closed in December and March).
• Playground: A dedicated, expansive playground area designed for children aged 4 to 12.
• Trail Access: The official trailhead for the Cushetunk Mountain Trail, which links to the broader Hunterdon County trail system.
• Parking: A large paved parking lot accommodating up to 300 vehicles.
• Park Usage: All facilities are open to the general public unless they are reserved or actively being used for a Readington Township-sponsored game or tournament.

The unique features and highlights of Pickell Park truly make it shine as a top-tier municipal park in Central New Jersey.

• Cushetunk Mountain Trail Head: This is arguably the park's biggest draw for the outdoor enthusiast. Pickell Park serves as the official southern access point for the Cushetunk Mountain Trail, a four-mile blue-blazed trail that ascends the mountain and provides outstanding panoramic views of the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir. The trail offers an immersive natural experience right from the parking lot.
• Seamless Trail Connectivity: The park connects not only to the Cushetunk Mountain Preserve but also features a section of the Pleasant Run Greenway and links to the Lazy Brook Greenway, providing multiple options for hiking, equestrian riding, and trail running across varying terrain, from open fields to shaded woodlands.
• Exceptional Athletic Facilities: The lighted softball, basketball, and tennis courts allow for high-quality, extended recreational play into the evening hours, which is a major convenience for busy residents. The facility hosts popular leagues and tournaments year-round.
• Family-Friendly Design: With a dedicated playground and a picnic grove/gazebo, the park is perfectly set up for family outings, children's birthday parties, and community events, ensuring fun and fitness for all ages.
• Scenic Beauty: The park is the starting point for trails that traverse fields, cedars forests, and woodlands on the former Vislocky farm open space. The trail up Cushetunk Mountain is particularly noted for its striking views and scenic alternatives like the Yellow-blazed “Old Dam Loop.”
• Equestrian Accessibility: The availability of trailer parking and the connections to horse-friendly trails like the Blue Trail (mostly shaded on an old farm road) make Pickell Park a key location for the local equestrian community.

For general information, facility reservations, or inquiries about recreation programs at Pickell Park, please use the contact information for the Readington Township Recreation Office:

Address: 509 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA
Phone (Recreation Office): (908) 534-9752
Phone (Township Main): (908) 534-4051

For New Jersey residents, especially those focused on active living and outdoor exploration, Pickell Park is truly worth choosing for its dual function as a community sports mecca and a critical open space trailhead.

In a state where open land access is prized, the park provides an immediate, free, and well-maintained launch point into the Cushetunk Mountain and Round Valley Reservoir area—an outdoor escape that many might otherwise overlook. You get the convenience of a developed municipal park (paved parking, restrooms, manicured fields) combined with direct access to rugged, unpaved hiking trails with significant elevation change and incredible payoff views.

If you're a family with varied interests, Pickell Park solves the perennial 'where to go' debate: one family member can head out for a mountain bike ride or a vigorous hike on the Cushetunk Mountain Trail, while others can enjoy a relaxed tennis match, let the children play on the modern playground, or participate in a local softball league—all in the same beautiful location. The option to reserve the pavilion makes it an ideal, central location for large family reunions, birthdays, or company picnics.

Moreover, the park's committed trail maintenance, in cooperation with the Readington Trail Association and Hunterdon County Parks, ensures that the connecting trails are well-marked and enjoyable for various skill levels. Pickell Park serves as a model for how New Jersey municipalities effectively integrate structured play and sports with regional open space conservation, offering a holistic outdoor experience that is accessible and valuable to every resident. It's the perfect spot to transition seamlessly from a structured sport to a true wilderness adventure without ever having to move your car.

Pickell Mountain Park

White House Station, NJ 08889, USA