[1] The Sussex Branch Trail follows a portion of the Sussex Branch line of the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad (and predecessor Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad that traverses through Sussex County from Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Byram Township to Branchville.

[2] The trail transects swamps, lakes, fields and several small communities.

There are many features of the trail's former life as a railroad, including cuts through bedrock, underpasses for farm equipment and bridges crossing the Pequest River and Paulinskill River.

The cinder base of the trail is suitable for hiking, horseback riding, biking and cross-country skiing.

The Sussex Branch Trail also crosses through Kittatinny Valley State Park.