Pickell Mountain Park

- White House Station, NJ 08889

For residents across New Jersey, finding a central location that seamlessly blends structured recreation with natural open space is invaluable. **Pickell Mountain Park**, located in the heart of White House Station, is just such a local gem. While not a traditional overnight campground with RV hookups or developed tent sites, Pickell Mountain Park serves as a crucial hub for outdoor activity, functioning as the primary recreational center for the Readington Township community and the access point for significant natural resources in Hunterdon County.

This destination is a multifaceted facility that caters heavily to local sports leagues, family fun, and, most importantly for nature enthusiasts, provides the trailhead for the scenic Cushetunk Mountain Trails. Its well-maintained facilities, including lighted fields and courts, make it an ideal spot for year-round active pursuits, while its connection to the greater mountain and reservoir area offers the rugged appeal of nature exploration. Visitors consistently note its clean environment and the variety of opportunities available, cementing its role as a vital local resource for fitness, organized sports, and access to the region’s picturesque mountain landscape.

Pickell Mountain Park is conveniently situated in White House Station, a charming section of Readington Township, placing it in an easily reachable area of Hunterdon County for New Jersey locals.

The core park facilities are located at or near: **509 Route 523, White House Station, NJ 08889, USA**.

For direct access to the park's main parking area and the trailhead for Cushetunk Mountain, drivers typically turn onto Mountain Road off Route 523, just south of the main Whitehouse Station railroad area. Its location provides excellent accessibility from major regional highways, including Interstate 78 (I-78), making it a swift trip for residents commuting from Somerset, Warren, and Middlesex Counties. The ample parking capacity—with room for up to 300 cars—ensures that even during peak sports seasons and large events, visitors can easily find space to access the grounds or begin their hike. The park’s location is a strategic advantage for Hunterdon County locals, providing quick entry into a significant preserved natural area without a lengthy drive.

Pickell Mountain Park focuses its services on community recreation and providing clean, accessible facilities for public use. It primarily serves as a multi-purpose municipal park and a trailhead, rather than an overnight camping resort.

• **Facility Reservations:** The gazebo/picnic pavilion is available for private parties and group use, requiring a formal Facility Request and rental fee through the Readington Recreation Office.
• **Public Restrooms:** Indoor restrooms are available to the public; however, visitors should note these facilities are often seasonal and may be closed during colder months.
• **Illuminated Sports Courts:** The park features several lighted courts and fields, allowing for evening public use and organized league play.
• **Park Maintenance:** All fields, courts, and the playground are regularly maintained by the township’s Parks Department to ensure a high standard of cleanliness and safety.
• **Information and Support:** The Readington Recreation office is the central point of contact for all park hours, field closures, and reservation inquiries.

The park's appeal to locals comes from its robust offering of amenities for active recreation and its direct link to the surrounding natural beauty, which includes some of the region's best hiking.

• **Cushetunk Mountain Trail Head:** This is a major highlight, as the park is the primary access point for the Cushetunk Mountain Trails and the former Vislocky Farm Open Space. This trail system provides approximately four miles of path leading up Cushetunk Mountain, offering outstanding, scenic views of the nearby Round Valley Reservoir.
• **Extensive Athletic Facilities:** The park is a major sports hub featuring:
  • Three Softball Fields (one lighted).
  • Three Lighted Tennis Courts (often shared for Pickleball).
  • One Lighted Basketball Court.
• **Family and Picnic Area:** A dedicated playground area caters to younger children (ages 4 to 12), and the gazebo/picnic grove with picnic tables is a popular spot for family gatherings and celebrations.
• **Walking Path:** A paved walking path offers a convenient 3/4-mile loop, perfect for leisurely strolls, easy fitness activities, and walking dogs (on leash, as per park rules).
• **Natural Scenery:** Located on Mountain Road, the park sits at the base of the Cushetunk Mountain, meaning that even a simple walk on the grounds provides charming views of the rolling hills and surrounding natural landscape of the Hunterdon County countryside.

All inquiries regarding park use, facility rentals, and general information for Pickell Mountain Park are handled through the local township office.

Business/Facility Name: Pickell Mountain Park (also referred to as Pickell Park)

Primary Address (Township Building/Main Fields): 509 Route 523, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, USA

Alternative Address (for the park area): Mountain Rd. off Rt. 523, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889

Primary Phone (Readington Recreation Office): (908) 534-4051 (The Recreation office often manages reservations and general park details).

Pickell Mountain Park is an essential community asset, making it highly suitable for New Jersey locals, particularly those in Hunterdon and surrounding counties. Its value lies in its duality: it’s both an organized recreation center and a primary access point to wilderness.

For the active local, it eliminates the need to drive far for quality sports courts and fields, offering well-lit facilities that extend playing hours. For the family, the park provides a safe, central location for children to play and for gatherings at the picnic pavilion. Most uniquely, for the avid hiker, the park is the literal gateway to the rugged **Cushetunk Mountain Trails**. This means you can begin a strenuous hike with outstanding views of Round Valley Reservoir, or simply take a short, accessible loop walk—all without leaving your local area. The fact that the park system enforces clear rules regarding permits, pet leashing, and a carry-in/carry-out trash policy ensures that the park remains a beautiful, clean, and safe environment for everyone. Pickell Mountain Park successfully delivers varied outdoor engagement and direct access to the scenic beauty of the Hunterdon Highlands, all within a convenient local drive.

Pickell Mountain Park

White House Station, NJ 08889, USA