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Went on a hiking trip with my family members and friends on the 4th of July. It was scary in the beginning, trying to figure out the the way the trail worked out. However, we did make it to the waterfalls which was beautiful. We took lots pictures there. But I wish that the map situation is a bit better because we got lost a couple of times while we were hiking.
What a magnificent and magical place! I spent about an hour walking around the lake, taking in the views of the water, people watching, and observing nature. There were swans, turtles, and birds a plenty! The highlight for me was finding Hemlock Falls. It was a short hike along the river/brook and it felt like I had the entire outdoors to myself. On the way to the waterfall, I met two friendly dudes and we joked around and hiked together for a bit. Once there, I took the stairs directly to the left of the waterfall, and continued my hike up the falls. I went about 50 yards and was able to take a dip in the refreshing freshwater "ponds." If you're looking for a low-impact adventure in nature, South Mountain Reservation has it all!
***3 1/2 stars*** South Mountain is one of those places I often end up hiking at by default because it's in a really convenient location - half an hour from home, and easily accessible for other chums by virtue of being a few minutes off 78. It's definitely gotten more crowded over the years, but not oppressively so for the most part, and the terrain is rugged and diverse enough to provide a decent workout. I came here with one of my chums for a 5.8-mile Saturday midday hike. Our itinerary took us from the Locust Grove parking lot, up the yellow Lenape Trail to Washington Rock, north to Maple Falls and Balls Bluff, before arriving at Hemlock Falls for a quick break. The return trip took us on both the Rahway and River trails (they intersect a ton), before finishing up on the Fairy Trail back to the parking lot. If you're going later in the morning, the parking lot will likely be full - we ended up parking across the street at the library. Not a huge deal, and tons of free spaces on the weekend. The initial climb up to Washington Rock is really the only significant challenge from a wind standpoint, and I like to get that sort of workout done early on before the haunches get tired. It's a solid warmup for the rest of the adventure, especially since the final mile or two is almost completely flat down by the Rahway River. There is some mild up and down the rest of the way to the waterfalls, but nothing insane. We saw a lot of hikers, old and young, fit and not-so-fit, and no one seemed particularly troubled by the terrain. The biggest downsides for me are the touristy areas by Hemlock Falls and the Fairy Trail. If you're into photo ops, it's tough to get one of the waterfalls that doesn't have a handful of children romping about in front of the camera. And I may be biased when it comes to the Fairy Trail because my first visit to it years ago was purely accidental and there was no one around (it seemed to get a ton of publicity over the past few years that really ramped up the crowd factor), so it had kind of a magical quality like you just stumbled across a fun, fantastical secret. It doesn't have that anymore, unless you're about 4 years old, and they've actually had to cordon off certain areas of it because the nearby foliage is getting trampled. It's a shame, and I honestly don't know how you rectify it at this point. By and large, the trail markings were excellent. Not only were intersections often noted, but they included a "you are here" map for perspective. Love that touch. A few of the trails weren't marked, and we did get slightly off track during an attempt to locate the dog park, but I at least partially blame us for getting distracted from our official route. Also, it's almost impossible to get authentically lost in an Essex County park - at some point, you're going to come in contact with a highway. The bathroom situation is one of the better ones. The parking lot has not one, but THREE port-a-potties, though only one of them had toilet paper at the time. (I always recommend carrying a roll in your backpack because...you never know). South Mountain is also one of the more civilized parks in the area in the sense that it's super kid friendly in parts with some touristy sections, so if you really need to find bathroom accommodations at some point on your journey, it's not too difficult. The canine situation was excellent. We had double-digit pooch sightings, including a German Shepard puppy named Cora who was still mastering the art of licking without nibbling, as well as a noble creature named Benny (see attached). This park is a little too civilized for my taste, especially because of the crowds and traffic noises in several stretches, but it has enough unique features to make this one a positive recommendation overall.
2 miles around the lake for you to walk or jog. Because of covid, they want everybody to go in the same direction! The zoo has a train that goes by part of the lake. On the other side, you can rent a paddleboat. Bikes and skateboards aren't permitted
Upon staying at a friend's in West Orange, I and my dog bffs hiked up MaryApple Hill to the South Mountain Reservation a couple times during my visit. There are two trails, one is very short - about a mile - and easy, probably for school groups and camps. The longer trail begins on the paved road and snakes through the preserved land, -we found a teepee!- and even past private residences at the top of the hill. Given our visits were around lunch time, I did expect more people but both times it was fairly empty, which made for a peaceful walk just me and my four-legged buddies. Was a little disappointed at the scattered poop filled baggies that I found along the trails, which no one bothered to dispose of. What's the point in picking up after your dog if you're not going to toss it out responsibly? As I understand it, the reservation was founded for education and preservation, so it was sad to see that visitors before and after me chose to toss their trash on the ground rather than Homs it until they came upon the many trash cans that grace the picnic area and parking lot. If you're like me and choose to hike up the hill from home, be aware that the sidewalk paths disappear just as you get to the overpass above Northfield Ave, so you have to walk on the debris scattered curb to get to MaryApple Hill's entrance. Can be pretty scary walking that close to the cars, which is why I didn't bother trying to get to the area with the row boats and the turtle zoo. Overall though, not a bad hiking experience! BUT PLEASE --TOSS YOUR TRASH!!
The main patches by the zoo are nicely paved and well lit by the lake. Other areas for the kids like the faery house tail and the major lanes are well marked or wide and well traveled. Minor trails aren't as well marked so avoid those in winter. And the parking gets full fast. You'll want to get there early and make sure you get i a good walk. There are picnic areas too, and a playground by the lake. Boy scouts have a camp area too. There are a couple trails not well marked that go by the water falls close to the road. A sculpture park and butterfly park, too.
Fall is my favorite season. I just love the warm foliage colors! October should be the month designated for hikes and adventures. Did not intend to explore South Mountain, however our GPS somehow ended up here. And I must say, sometimes its okay to do the unexpected. Great place for a family day. Lot's to do around here -- enjoy a long stroll or run, pedal a swan on the lake, hit up the tree top adventure, feed the animals at Turtleneck Zoo, just to name a few.
Nature never goes outta style and this spot offers so much of it. Bordering Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, this place has always been a family favorite for hiking, paddle boating, ice skating, and picnicking. With several shady hiking trails that are easy to moderate, my whole family including a 4- and 6-year-old can definitely handle it. (I suggest bringing plenty of water, hand sanitizer, and some snacks.) You can access 2 waterfalls by different trails. My favorite's Hemlock Falls which gets busy on the weekends. The Fairy Trail https://www.yelp.com/biz/south-mountain-fairy-trail-millburn?osq=fairy+trail with fairy houses along the way is quite easy and perfect for the young at heart (my parents were able to do it). It's all good in the woods! NOTES/TIPS: **A couple of good make-out spots. **Dog Park **Includes Turtleback Zoo, Regatta Playground- for younger kids https://www.yelp.com/biz/essex-county-regatta-playground-west-orange?osq=fairy+trail, Paddleboat rentals, and Codey Arena - for ice skating **Directions for some trails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-jersey/south-mountain-reservation
Decided to visit the Wildflower sculpture park this time of year and quickly realized how bare the trees were, yet still beautiful in its naked state. There are tons of trails for small hikes, yet easy to get lost of you're unfamiliar with the area. The sculptures were pretty cool & creative. My favorite sculpture was the sunflower made of recycled plastic water bottles, ingenious if you ask me. The first thing you see when you arrive at the park is the big dog park divided fir small dogs & bigger ones. It appears it's visited a lot, the day was filled with dogs playing with their fellow fur friends. I'd like to come back & stroll more in depth during the spring or summer months & see all the flowers in bloom.
This was a great hike for a sunny afternoon. I was a little skeptical because it's the weekend, with Covid-19 but fortunately the crowds weren't as bad as I expected. Sooo this trail can be a little confusing especially as a newcomer because there are a bunch of entry/exit points. I decided to use the Fairy Trail as my main guide and go from there. This was the most crowded part of the hike but as we got dropped into it the number of people went to a super comfortable limit. There's a map a little off to the side of it that kind of helps to explain but my advice is to just start at the fairy trail, stay on the white(Rahway) trail and make your way back out. I know the main goal of this trail specifically is to see the waterfall but I honestly never got to that point LOL. I didn't feel bad though because there were SEVERAL families that were equally confused/gave up. I wish there were more signs or points in the midst of the trail points that guide hikers to the main attraction but unfortunately there weren't any. The positive side of it is that there are tons of beautiful picture moments, from mini waterfalls, to a smoggy lake, to river/rocky paths. All in all, I'll rate it a 3.5 because it wasn't crowded and was nice and spacious. The park should really improve on the paint markings and information throughout because there were so many disappointed families that we encountered on our walk.
Many memories here. Coming up here from going to day camp as a youngin', coming up here with friends to get lost in the woods, going on dates and now just going for walks/hikes down the multitude of paths. There are several parts of the Reservation that have entrances and span through South Orange, West Orange, Millburn, and Short Hills. When I think of the Reservation I of course think of South Orange's entrance which has a few overlooks, path entrances and the dog park within. Some parts of the Reservation have grills, gazebos, bridges and other little sites to pique your curiosity. I admit in all my years of living in the area I haven't seen all paths and all the little nooks. Rumors would swirl as kids about urban legends and other tall tales of what lie deep in the reservation such as cult dens, deadly snakes, dark caves, designated spots where scandalous things could go down without being disturbed and more. I can't confirm any of it, but I think this adds to the mystery and enjoyment of the Reservation and always has. I wonder if these stories still populate the schools today? In any case, the Reservation is still a great place to come and kill a few hours. No strenuous hikes here that I've seen, but a few light paths that invite pets, kids, and or a few of your friends and let you be in nature.
A very nice and big place to hike! I visited the waterfalls on this hike and it was really pretty and fun! The only downside is that the trails get very confusing near the waterfalls and it's easy to get lost so make sure you remember where you walked from!
Very nice reservation. Located in west orange, millburn and south orange/maplewood, Nj. It featured several different trails with maps at every trail poin which was helpful. I entered from obscure area in west orange because of my gps. But it is does have a trail leads to turtle back zoo. You can also walk to mcloone's boathouse, McDonald's, dunkin donuts and other places to eat in the area when you're near turtle back zoo. I will say make sure you wear really comfortable and durable shoes because there were some trails that were really rocky. Overall it was a nice experience
This was a wonderful spot for a walk on a brisk and sunny winter day! I've always heard great things about the Reservation and have been dying to visit. It's safe to say that I'll be back, especially when temps are on the up. The entire walk around the lake takes around 30 minutes. It's a very popular walk and on a sunny day there were a ton of people out and about. There are plenty of benches along the way and there is also a large sitting area with adirondack chairs. There is a really nice playground and when my daughter is a little older I think she'll really enjoy it. You can also rent a paddleboat in the summer. The Reservation is around the corner from the Zoo and a large outdoor ropes course. I like how there is so much to do in one area -- you can come for a really action packed day or just take a quick stroll to get some fresh air. read more
A nice area for hiking/walking that has some wide paths and not so overgrown. There are plenty of trails to diverge from. Hemlock Falls seems to be a draw and is very nice to relax around but can get a little crowded. Because there are multiple parking lots with easy accessibility, there's a bit of trash and broken glass here and there which is unfortunate. There were quite a few hikers, trail runners and dogs but it never felt claustrophobic. The hikes aren't that difficult but there are quite a few rocks and protruding tree roots. Montclair is less than 10 minutes if you want a bite to eat afterwards. read more
1 year ago
Went on a hiking trip with my family members and friends on the 4th of July. It was scary in the beginning, trying to figure out the the way the trail worked out. However, we did make it to the waterfalls which was beautiful. We took lots pictures there. But I wish that the map situation is a bit better because we got lost a couple of times while we were hiking. read more
10 months ago
What a magnificent and magical place! I spent about an hour walking around the lake, taking in the views of the water, people watching, and observing nature. There were swans, turtles, and birds a plenty! The highlight for me was finding Hemlock Falls. It was a short hike along the river/brook and it felt like I had the entire outdoors to myself. On the way to the waterfall, I met two friendly dudes and we joked around and hiked together for a bit. Once there, I took the stairs directly to the left of the waterfall, and continued my hike up the falls. I went about 50 yards and was able to take a dip in the refreshing freshwater "ponds." If you're looking for a low-impact adventure in nature, South Mountain Reservation has it all! read more
***3 1/2 stars*** South Mountain is one of those places I often end up hiking at by default because it's in a really convenient location - half an hour from home, and easily accessible for other chums by virtue of being a few minutes off 78. It's definitely gotten more crowded over the years, but not oppressively so for the most part, and the terrain is rugged and diverse enough to provide a decent workout. I came here with one of my chums for a 5.8-mile Saturday midday hike. Our itinerary took us from the Locust Grove parking lot, up the yellow Lenape Trail to Washington Rock, north to Maple Falls and Balls Bluff, before arriving at Hemlock Falls for a quick break. The return trip took us on both the Rahway and River trails (they intersect a ton), before finishing up on the Fairy Trail back to the parking lot. If you're going later in the morning, the parking lot will likely be full - we ended up parking across the street at the library. Not a huge deal, and tons of free spaces on the weekend. The initial climb up to Washington Rock is really the only significant challenge from a wind standpoint, and I like to get that sort of workout done early on before the haunches get tired. It's a solid warmup for the rest of the adventure, especially since the final mile or two is almost completely flat down by the Rahway River. There is some mild up and down the rest of the way to the waterfalls, but nothing insane. We saw a lot of hikers, old and young, fit and not-so-fit, and no one seemed particularly troubled by the terrain. The biggest downsides for me are the touristy areas by Hemlock Falls and the Fairy Trail. If you're into photo ops, it's tough to get one of the waterfalls that doesn't have a handful of children romping about in front of the camera. And I may be biased when it comes to the Fairy Trail because my first visit to it years ago was purely accidental and there was no one around (it seemed to get a ton of publicity over the past few years that really ramped up the crowd factor), so it had kind of a magical quality like you just stumbled across a fun, fantastical secret. It doesn't have that anymore, unless you're about 4 years old, and they've actually had to cordon off certain areas of it because the nearby foliage is getting trampled. It's a shame, and I honestly don't know how you rectify it at this point. By and large, the trail markings were excellent. Not only were intersections often noted, but they included a "you are here" map for perspective. Love that touch. A few of the trails weren't marked, and we did get slightly off track during an attempt to locate the dog park, but I at least partially blame us for getting distracted from our official route. Also, it's almost impossible to get authentically lost in an Essex County park - at some point, you're going to come in contact with a highway. The bathroom situation is one of the better ones. The parking lot has not one, but THREE port-a-potties, though only one of them had toilet paper at the time. (I always recommend carrying a roll in your backpack because...you never know). South Mountain is also one of the more civilized parks in the area in the sense that it's super kid friendly in parts with some touristy sections, so if you really need to find bathroom accommodations at some point on your journey, it's not too difficult. The canine situation was excellent. We had double-digit pooch sightings, including a German Shepard puppy named Cora who was still mastering the art of licking without nibbling, as well as a noble creature named Benny (see attached). This park is a little too civilized for my taste, especially because of the crowds and traffic noises in several stretches, but it has enough unique features to make this one a positive recommendation overall. read more
2 miles around the lake for you to walk or jog. Because of covid, they want everybody to go in the same direction! The zoo has a train that goes by part of the lake. On the other side, you can rent a paddleboat. Bikes and skateboards aren't permitted read more
6 years ago
Upon staying at a friend's in West Orange, I and my dog bffs hiked up MaryApple Hill to the South Mountain Reservation a couple times during my visit. There are two trails, one is very short - about a mile - and easy, probably for school groups and camps. The longer trail begins on the paved road and snakes through the preserved land, -we found a teepee!- and even past private residences at the top of the hill. Given our visits were around lunch time, I did expect more people but both times it was fairly empty, which made for a peaceful walk just me and my four-legged buddies. Was a little disappointed at the scattered poop filled baggies that I found along the trails, which no one bothered to dispose of. What's the point in picking up after your dog if you're not going to toss it out responsibly? As I understand it, the reservation was founded for education and preservation, so it was sad to see that visitors before and after me chose to toss their trash on the ground rather than Homs it until they came upon the many trash cans that grace the picnic area and parking lot. If you're like me and choose to hike up the hill from home, be aware that the sidewalk paths disappear just as you get to the overpass above Northfield Ave, so you have to walk on the debris scattered curb to get to MaryApple Hill's entrance. Can be pretty scary walking that close to the cars, which is why I didn't bother trying to get to the area with the row boats and the turtle zoo. Overall though, not a bad hiking experience! BUT PLEASE --TOSS YOUR TRASH!! read more
The main patches by the zoo are nicely paved and well lit by the lake. Other areas for the kids like the faery house tail and the major lanes are well marked or wide and well traveled. Minor trails aren't as well marked so avoid those in winter. And the parking gets full fast. You'll want to get there early and make sure you get i a good walk. There are picnic areas too, and a playground by the lake. Boy scouts have a camp area too. There are a couple trails not well marked that go by the water falls close to the road. A sculpture park and butterfly park, too. read more
Fall is my favorite season. I just love the warm foliage colors! October should be the month designated for hikes and adventures. Did not intend to explore South Mountain, however our GPS somehow ended up here. And I must say, sometimes its okay to do the unexpected. Great place for a family day. Lot's to do around here -- enjoy a long stroll or run, pedal a swan on the lake, hit up the tree top adventure, feed the animals at Turtleneck Zoo, just to name a few. read more
6 years ago
Nature never goes outta style and this spot offers so much of it. Bordering Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, this place has always been a family favorite for hiking, paddle boating, ice skating, and picnicking. With several shady hiking trails that are easy to moderate, my whole family including a 4- and 6-year-old can definitely handle it. (I suggest bringing plenty of water, hand sanitizer, and some snacks.) You can access 2 waterfalls by different trails. My favorite's Hemlock Falls which gets busy on the weekends. The Fairy Trail https://www.yelp.com/biz/south-mountain-fairy-trail-millburn?osq=fairy+trail with fairy houses along the way is quite easy and perfect for the young at heart (my parents were able to do it). It's all good in the woods! NOTES/TIPS: **A couple of good make-out spots. **Dog Park **Includes Turtleback Zoo, Regatta Playground- for younger kids https://www.yelp.com/biz/essex-county-regatta-playground-west-orange?osq=fairy+trail, Paddleboat rentals, and Codey Arena - for ice skating **Directions for some trails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-jersey/south-mountain-reservation read more
6 years ago
Decided to visit the Wildflower sculpture park this time of year and quickly realized how bare the trees were, yet still beautiful in its naked state. There are tons of trails for small hikes, yet easy to get lost of you're unfamiliar with the area. The sculptures were pretty cool & creative. My favorite sculpture was the sunflower made of recycled plastic water bottles, ingenious if you ask me. The first thing you see when you arrive at the park is the big dog park divided fir small dogs & bigger ones. It appears it's visited a lot, the day was filled with dogs playing with their fellow fur friends. I'd like to come back & stroll more in depth during the spring or summer months & see all the flowers in bloom. read more
This was a great hike for a sunny afternoon. I was a little skeptical because it's the weekend, with Covid-19 but fortunately the crowds weren't as bad as I expected. Sooo this trail can be a little confusing especially as a newcomer because there are a bunch of entry/exit points. I decided to use the Fairy Trail as my main guide and go from there. This was the most crowded part of the hike but as we got dropped into it the number of people went to a super comfortable limit. There's a map a little off to the side of it that kind of helps to explain but my advice is to just start at the fairy trail, stay on the white(Rahway) trail and make your way back out. I know the main goal of this trail specifically is to see the waterfall but I honestly never got to that point LOL. I didn't feel bad though because there were SEVERAL families that were equally confused/gave up. I wish there were more signs or points in the midst of the trail points that guide hikers to the main attraction but unfortunately there weren't any. The positive side of it is that there are tons of beautiful picture moments, from mini waterfalls, to a smoggy lake, to river/rocky paths. All in all, I'll rate it a 3.5 because it wasn't crowded and was nice and spacious. The park should really improve on the paint markings and information throughout because there were so many disappointed families that we encountered on our walk. read more
Many memories here. Coming up here from going to day camp as a youngin', coming up here with friends to get lost in the woods, going on dates and now just going for walks/hikes down the multitude of paths. There are several parts of the Reservation that have entrances and span through South Orange, West Orange, Millburn, and Short Hills. When I think of the Reservation I of course think of South Orange's entrance which has a few overlooks, path entrances and the dog park within. Some parts of the Reservation have grills, gazebos, bridges and other little sites to pique your curiosity. I admit in all my years of living in the area I haven't seen all paths and all the little nooks. Rumors would swirl as kids about urban legends and other tall tales of what lie deep in the reservation such as cult dens, deadly snakes, dark caves, designated spots where scandalous things could go down without being disturbed and more. I can't confirm any of it, but I think this adds to the mystery and enjoyment of the Reservation and always has. I wonder if these stories still populate the schools today? In any case, the Reservation is still a great place to come and kill a few hours. No strenuous hikes here that I've seen, but a few light paths that invite pets, kids, and or a few of your friends and let you be in nature. read more
3 years ago
A very nice and big place to hike! I visited the waterfalls on this hike and it was really pretty and fun! The only downside is that the trails get very confusing near the waterfalls and it's easy to get lost so make sure you remember where you walked from! read more
Very nice reservation. Located in west orange, millburn and south orange/maplewood, Nj. It featured several different trails with maps at every trail poin which was helpful. I entered from obscure area in west orange because of my gps. But it is does have a trail leads to turtle back zoo. You can also walk to mcloone's boathouse, McDonald's, dunkin donuts and other places to eat in the area when you're near turtle back zoo. I will say make sure you wear really comfortable and durable shoes because there were some trails that were really rocky. Overall it was a nice experience read more
6 years ago
This is a two-fer review as I'm referring to the manicured picnic area adjoining the reservoir and Turtle Back Zoo AND the interpretive trail hike (orange and yellow trail) graded moderate, both of which are part of the overall South Mountain reservation complex and its thousands of acres. The reservoir picnic area is gorgeous. It's a nice flat walk around the water - you'll spot a turtle or three! Bring a hamper and grab an Adirondack chair in the shade. The hiking trails are well looked after and properly maintained. There are several waterfalls but Hemlock falls is the nicest. The fairy trail can be accessed by Milburn NJT if you don't have a car. read more
I remembered there were a lot of parks around Sweet Basil's Cafe. The South Mountain Reservation came up first on Yelp and Andrea was looking at these Swan Paddleboats. I would totally do it because I have done something like that at Tomahawk Lake Water Park about 4 years ago. Andrea popped my first hiking on a trail hehe. Good thing I applied a lot of Aloe Vera on my body because the bugs and mosquitoes won't attack me. The trail had a lot of small to big rocks but I love the streaming lakes. Sadly the GPS didn't bring us to the swan paddle boats but we definitely walked off brunch haha read more
6 years ago
The address on here can be confusing. South Mountain Reservation is so big, I cam understand why. I went to the lake and paddle boat area on Friday. This part is in West Orange, right next to the zoo. No where near Short Hills. The paddle boat is now open. Wearing a mask is mandatory during this pandemic. I didn't partake in the paddle boat. I instead sat near the lake and watched people enjoy themselves on the boat. Hanging out by the lake is a definite must during this pandemic. It's spacious and lots to do for the kids. There is a playground and outdoor seating. Great place to have a picnic or walk your dog. read more
5 years ago
South Mountain Reservation is a nature reserve which shares borders with Millburn, South & West Orange and Maplewood. The reserve is free to explore. It is part of the Essex County Park System. The day I visited, I expressly wanted to see Hemlock Falls which has a 25' drop and hike some of the adjoining trails. There is no kiosk with trail maps at the trail head but maps can be downloaded from the internet. The falls is about a .3 mile hike rom the trail head over relatively flat ground. Once you reach the falls there is a staircase which will take you to the top of the falls. There are benches on top so you can sit back and enjoy the view. Aside from the falls there are other attracions worth seeing. There is so much to do at South Mountain Reservation. The Turtleback Zoo, Mini-Golf Safari, Regatta Playground where you will find great rest rooms, Paddle Boating, Clipper Pavilion, Wildflower and Sculpture Park, Dog Park and hiking. When deciding to hike on one of the many trails consider downloading a map as the trails are not all well marked. A GPS is not a bad idea either. There are 2112 acres of protected lands initially designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and his brother.. The terrain is varied with features like, overlooks, abandoned structures, dams, waterfalls and ponds. Parts of the trail are extremely hilly so you need to be in reasonable shape .The Red Trail lies off the 6 mile long Lenape Yellow trail. The Blue Trail also called the Rahway Trail is 2.2 miles long. I prefer the entrance on Brookside Drive in Millburn. Crest Drive has a 9/11 Memorial and a pretty good view of the Manhattan Skyline. Winter is the best viewing when the leaves are off the trees. The Lavender Trial entrance has a dog park where you can fill your water bottle, sculpture garden and wildflower area which is fenced in. Late Spring is the best time to view the wildflowers. read more
6 years ago
My fiancé and I took our friends who just flew into the state, to this park. We took both of our dogs. Had a very nice time being with nature and took many pictures. I would most deff visit this place again. The dogs were exhausted on the car ride home. read more
I visited this park with a hiking group and we hiked the Lenape trail. Once you got past the uphill in the beginning the rest of trail was fairly easy. I still have difficulty with real intense inclines. The weather wasnt too cold and the views were amazing. We saw an area with picnic tables right before we started and there were a group of children doing some arts and crafts. We made it to the small waterfalls area and stopped for lunch and to take pictures. There were a lot of people out but it wasnt too crowded where you felt like you were being rushed on the trails. I would love to return to check out the lake and to paddleboard. read more
Where I'm from, a "Reservation" is Native American owned land. Well, the little scraps of land they were allotted after their homeland was invaded and nationalized by foreigners. Sorry, got a little sidetracked there. Anyway, this Reservation is not Native American land. I'm told Reservations out here are preserved woodlands open to the public. A county park? The reservation is gorgeous during any season! There are plenty of untouched trees, paved paths, dirt paths, picnic areas, nice views from the mountain top (pretty, but I can't say they're breathtaking), and a dog park equipped with a doggy playground. Their map shows there's also a small zoo in here somewhere. I've driven all over the reservation, but I've only gotten out and hung out in the southern part, where the dog park is and a paved, treelined trail that walks you pass several view-worthy stops. No cars allowed on this path. Walking from the parking area, to the end of the loop and back is about two miles, flat, no hills or dips. There are other paths with hills. You just have to find them. The maintenance on this park is exceptional! While leaving most woodlands untouched, they cleaned it up just enough to allow for safe exploration. As I come here more often, I can only see myself loving this place more and more. read more
This is one of the nicest complexes I have seen in a very long time. The newly opened recreation complex on Cherry Lane boasts paddle boats, a playground, a gorgeous walking path around the lake, terrific Adirondack chairs randomly set in areas around the lake and a pavilion as well for events. The fact that bicycles are not allowed may bother some, but I find it refreshing and peaceful. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping, water flowing, children laughing and the distant sound of the Turtle Back Zoo Train Ride. Take a leisurely walk around the lake then stop for a drink or burger at McLoon's Boat House. A terrific way to spend a portion of your day, no matter how young or old you are. read more
Great escape from the city, though I think I came a little too soon as there was still snow on the ground. I just couldn't wait for spring to actually do its thing. There was not only snow, but mud and ice, and this was my first time hiking in those conditions. I did a 7 mile trail and was grateful to have my walking stick with me. It's nothing anyone should be concerned about, unless you're a natural born klutz with a poor sense of balance like me ;) Even in the winter there were a good amount of people walking the trails, and a few large groups. Lots of friendly dogs too. When you first enter there is what is possibly the best fairy garden I've ever seen, top notch magic. There are a couple of waterfalls with rock faces you can climb, some nice views. I especially love the graffiti covered ruins sprinkled around (some are definitely too run down to explore, roofs caved in, etc.). I only learned this was an Olmsted Park when I spotted a plaque stating as much. Olmsted was the first landscape architect ever, and designed Central and Prospect Parks. According to the plaque, the land was stubborn and refused to be fully tamed by the landscaping firm, but you still definitely get the sense that you're walking through something designed to be beautiful. The words "reservation" and "Lenape" appear in the names of these woods, but I can't seem to find much other information relating to the Native Americans and this land. I also noticed a memorial to Paul R. Jackson, with no explanation as to what the objects on said memorial are. If anyone can clue me in I'd be grateful (see my pictures)! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Beautiful place to visit with family, especially if you have small kids. We enjoyed Paddle Boats, kids' playground and Fairy Trail. Turtle Back Zoo is also in the area. We will be visiting many more times read more
Just like a review of a restaurant specializing in chicken gizzards, stars are given not only for intrinsic value but for rarity. South Mountain Reservation has its problems but it's a massive area of woods and trails that can be accessed right by a train station, in Millburn. It offers a feeling of isolation without being all that far, but you'll need to venture a bit beyond the parking lots if you want solitude. While you can wander into intriguingly isolated sections, there are unfortunate reminders that the flip side of a convenient location is the human influence. For example, the graffiti on the abandoned structures breaks the mood somewhat. The terrain offers an assortment of hills that provide a bit more variety than, say, Central Park without being too grueling. I didn't see any waterfalls but I did find some water. The Crest Drive section is bittersweet as it provides tiny glimpses of New York, the Bayonne Bridge and Newark Airport, but mostly blocked by trees. This isn't a marquee park so it lacks user-friendly directions and maps within the reservation. There's a nice map at the parking lot - memorize it. read more
6 years ago
Beautiful views and a long trails! I absolutely love how easy it is to follow your color and not get lost. Plus, if you want to change paths, the trees are vibrantly marked to make it easier! There are 2 waterfalls everyone seemed to be looking for; great for kids to play in and perfect for adults to get some cool air and relax. read more
Came here on a beautiful spring Saturday and loved the walk around the lake! There's both sunny and shaded areas around and the playground looks amazingly fun! My inner child is jealous that cool playgrounds like that didn't exist. We haven't done the hikes yet but the one we passed on the trail looked very well kept. I definitely recommend the lake around the boathouse if you have kids, dog, or just want a nice stroll. There's benches all around so if you get tired you can rest! There's also dog baggies in case you forget your own. The pavilion area has benches and we plan on coming back to have a nice stroll and lunch at the park! The drive through the park is very relaxing and full of lush trees. Will definitely come back! I obviously didn't get to take nice pics but pics don't do it justice! That just means I'll have to go back for sure. There's a Dunkin' and McDonalds not too far so you can also grab a coffee or food and just spend a relaxing afternoon there. read more
13 years ago
I visited this park a few times before I moved out of the area and it, like many of the parks in the area, is quite nice. The area around the lake and McLoone's is nice for families and is an easy place to go jogging. I particularly liked the trails that go deep into the park as they're quite nice for trail running and offer a varied terrain for a fun run. It's pretty well maintained and I would recommend it to anyone looking to spend more time in nature. read more
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More info about South Mountain Reservation
W S Orange Ave
Short Hills, NJ 07052
Directions
(973) 268-3500
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.essex-countynj.org/p/index.php?section=parks/sites/so
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - South Mountain Reservation
Is there a picnic area here?
There's a restaurant close to the lake, you can find a picnic area but not close to the lake.
Can I bring my own boat to use in the reservoir?
The only boating that I know is allowed is the swan peddle boats. I don't believe any boats are allowed in any of the reservoir areas of South Mountain Reservation.
