Hunterdon County · Califon Borough
Califon, New Jersey
A walkable river borough shaped by the South Branch of the Raritan, the Columbia Trail, Victorian-era architecture and a compact Main Street commercial district.
Califon covers less than one square mile, yet it has its own school, municipal government, historic district, downtown businesses and direct access to one of Hunterdon County’s signature rail trails.
About Califon
Califon developed along the South Branch of the Raritan River and became a station on the High Bridge Branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey in the 1870s. The rail line was abandoned in 1976 and now forms part of the Columbia Trail, linking Califon with High Bridge and points north toward Morris County.
The community was once known as California, a name associated with miller Jacob Neighbor and enthusiasm surrounding the California Gold Rush. Califon became a borough on April 2, 1918, formed from portions of Lebanon and Tewksbury townships.
Borough Government
Mayor & Council
Califon is governed by a mayor and six-member Borough Council. The borough’s current staff directory and meeting information are maintained on the municipal website.
Planning & Historic Review
Califon’s historic fabric makes zoning, planning and historic-preservation guidance especially important for property projects.
Education
Califon Public School
6 School Street
Califon, NJ 07830
908-832-2828
The local district serves students from pre-kindergarten through grade 8 and also accepts tuition students.
Voorhees High School
Califon students in grades 9–12 attend Voorhees High School through the North Hunterdon–Voorhees Regional High School District.
Columbia Trail & River
Columbia Trail
The county-administered trail follows the former railroad corridor through Califon. Hunterdon County describes the trail as a passive-recreation route for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.
Historic Train Station
The stone Califon station stands beside the trail and serves as the home of the Califon Historical Society and town museum.
South Branch Raritan River
The river is a defining part of Califon’s landscape, with scenic views, fishing culture and a close visual relationship to the trail and historic village.
Historic District
Califon’s National Register historic district contains roughly 170 buildings and reflects a broad range of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century vernacular architecture. Many Main Street and Academy Street businesses occupy older buildings that contribute to the borough’s distinctive village character.
Parks & Recreation
Califon Island Park
The borough recreation complex includes ball fields, soccer space, basketball, a playground, pavilion, pond, parking and river-oriented passive recreation.
Walking & Cycling
Main Street, the historic district and Columbia Trail make Califon unusually easy to explore on foot or by bicycle for a rural Hunterdon community.
Nearby Ken Lockwood Gorge
The well-known gorge lies south of Califon outside the borough. It is a popular regional add-on for hiking, fishing and nature viewing.
Municipal Boundary Matters
Califon’s 07830 mailing area extends far beyond the borough into Lebanon and Tewksbury townships. NJTGO listings on this page set are organized by actual municipal location rather than by the postal city name alone.
Own or Manage a Califon Business?
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