Burlington County has finalized a comprehensive study that explores the feasibility of expanding its accessible trail network by more than 50 miles through central and southern towns, including Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Maple Shade, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, Southampton and Shamong.
The Burlington County Commissioners recently approved the Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Report. This 251-page document outlines potential routes for new trails, their objectives and benefits, as well as projected costs and funding sources. The full report can be found on the county’s website at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/23227/Southern-Regional-Trails-Feasibility-ReportJanuary-23-2026.
“Accessible trails are proven difference makers that benefit residents’ mobility, health, environment, safety and quality of life, so we are excited by the possibility of expanding our trail network to more parts of the county,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “This report provides a blueprint for how to create new paths across central and southern Burlington County, including areas of the Pinelands. It won’t happen overnight, but this report can help guide us as we continue to advance projects that realize the vision of an accessible county connected by trails.”
The Taylor Design Group prepared the report for the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation using funds from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. Over two years went into its development with input from municipal officials and local residents.
Commissioners also authorized steps to designate these proposed paths as future segments of the Circuit Trails network—a system planned to connect over 850 miles across Burlington and neighboring counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Currently, Burlington County already maintains over 50 miles of regional and park trails in northern, western and eastern sections. These include parts of the Delaware River Heritage Trail running through Bordentown, Mansfield and Florence; plus an initial segment of what is expected to become a 30-mile Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail stretching from Pemberton Township to Delran.
This new feasibility study is considered the first focused look at potential trails in southern areas like the Pinelands. The proposed routes would primarily use off-road paths along easements or rights-of-way with aims to link communities with schools, downtowns and parks.
Examples detailed in the report include connections between Maple Shade and Moorestown—linking up with Camden County’s Pennsauken-Merchantville Trail—and passing landmarks such as Strawbridge Lake. In Mount Laurel, one proposed route would run south from Marne Highway along Briggs Road past Rowan College at Burlington County campus before reaching nature preserves near Evesham.
Evesham would see three possible pathways: one following utility corridors into Medford; another heading west into Camden County towards Cooper River Trail; a third moving east towards historic Medford. The main Evesham route would pass parks like Arrowhead Park before entering conservation areas such as Black Run Preserve.
In Medford and adjacent townships—Southampton, Tabernacle and Shamong—the suggested routes aim to connect local schools (including Kirby’s Mill Elementary School) with community facilities before looping back toward Medford via rural roads.
All proposed trails are intended to be fully accessible for people with mobility challenges. While some will share existing roadways (“shared use” paths), most will be separate from motor vehicle traffic for increased safety. Boardwalks are planned in environmentally sensitive locations; pervious pavement may be used within parts of the Pinelands.
The estimated cost for designing and constructing most sections exceeds $117 million. Due to this scale—and anticipated funding needs from federal, state or nonprofit sources—the report recommends building out phases over time.
Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo commented: “Our County has already developed more than 50 miles of regional and interior park trails, largely with grant funding, so we know this is possible and that it can be accomplished in a way that’s fiscally responsible,” he said. “It may ultimately take years for us to accomplish, but we’re excited about the possibilities, and we know our communities support these types of improvements.”
Burlington County covers 827 square miles—making it New Jersey’s largest county by area—and includes Historic Smithville Park among other recreational sites according to its official website. The county operates under a Board comprising five at-large commissioners led by an appointed administrator (source). With its population spread across three cities, six boroughs and 31 townships (source), expanded trail access could serve many communities throughout this diverse region.
