In the Beginning, It Was Just an Idea - Lawrence Hopewell Trail

Becky Taylor, then at Bristol Myers Squibb, thought, “There should be a safe, scenic, and sustainable multi-purpose trail loop connecting Lawrence and Hopewell Townships.”

More than 20 years later, the idea, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail (LHT), is a cherished community asset, the tangible outcome of a groundbreaking partnership between corporate, governmental, and community leaders with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and Mercer County leading the charge.

Becky enlisted Eleanor Horne, then of ETS, to flesh out the concept and build support. They became the long-serving volunteer Co-Presidents of the not-for-profit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation, which has guided the development and use of the LHT ever since. Eleanor and Becky played pivotal roles, providing critical leadership, advocacy, and resources. They persisted.

LHT Co-Founder, Becky Taylor

LHT Co-Founder, Eleanor Horne

Recognizing the need for accessible outdoor spaces that promote health, recreation, and environmental stewardship, BMS and ETS, both with campuses in the area, joined to support the LHT’s development. Mercer County brought invaluable expertise and leadership, ensuring the trail integrated seamlessly with existing infrastructure and served the public effectively. Without these strong partners, the LHT would never have come to be.

LHT Announced by Rush Holt at ETS Nov. 12, 2002

Congressman Rush Holt announces the Lawrence Hopewell Trail at ETS on November 12, 2002.

The LHT stands apart from most trails, as it is neither a government initiative nor limited to a single privately or publicly-owned property. Over the years, more than two dozen entities—businesses, governments, land trusts, and foundations—collaborated with the LHTC to define, plan, and build the LHT. What was once just an idea became reality through persistent, inclusive collaboration for the common good.

The founding partners envisioned the LHT as a multi-use trail linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses while showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The 20-mile LHT is the result.

Today, the LHT stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, serving as both a much-used (and much-loved) recreational haven and a symbol of what can be achieved when people and communities unite for a common purpose.

Thank you for your support!

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The Lawrence Hopewell Trail

The Historic Hunt House
197 Blackwell Road
Pennington, NJ 08534
info@lhtrail.org

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