Califon, NJ

Califon is a Hunterdon County borough on the South Branch Raritan River, with 930 residents in the 2020 census. Its center gathers around a historic iron bridge, and the river divides the older village into two sides. Califon began as a milling settlement called California, a name tied to Jacob Neighbor's Gold Rush enthusiasm; the railroad later shortened it to Califon. The former Central Railroad of New Jersey line is now Columbia Trail, running south to High Bridge and north toward Morris County. Ken Lockwood Gorge lies nearby, while older buildings hold an art gallery, mosaic shop, market, hardware store, bookshop, and flower, antique, and gift shops. The Califon Historical Society has registered 170 structures with the National Register of Historic Places. Califon is a bridge-and-trail borough where the old mill and rail routes still organize the downtown.