The Dinky Line Trail: Gem or joke

While I dearly love the parks and trails I regularly traverse, I am always on the lookout for something new. By fiddling with the explore function in e-Bird yesterday, I clicked a map pin on a nearby trail I never knew existed.

It’s the Dinky Line Trail, a short path near the Princeton Junction train station. That’s where riders on the Northeast corridor transfer to catch the “Dinky,” the two-car, short-line train to the Princeton University campus and the municipality of Princeton.

I had a bit of trouble finding the trailhead, which is behind a couple of glass box office buildings off Alexander Road in West Windsor, roughly across from the Princeton Federal Credit Union. I parked nearby in another lot and entered the trail after half-circling a pond behind another office building closer to the train station.

I followed a narrow path through some woods that was major catbird territory. Eventually I came to a wooden footbridge that revealed a lush marsh studded with reeds. I spotted a great blue heron perching not far away.

After stopping on the bridge for a while, I continued through the woods and a few minutes later emerged onto a paved path winding its way at the back of a corporate park parking lot. The train line was to the right, up a wooded embankment. I walked maybe a quarter of a mile before deciding to turn back. Few birds were about, and I headed to my car.

My initial thought was the trip was a bust. As short as it was, however, the trail has its charms, including wildflowers. For those with little kids, the trail makes for a great introduction to the natural world. The view from the footbridge was worth the trip, providing a gem of a view of the marsh.

Yes, I’ll be back. 🦅