south mountain reservation

South Mountain Reservation is an oasis of nature in the midst of one of the most populous counties in New Jersey. It is a large expanse of woodland that can be easily accessed from several main roads (Northfield Avenue, South Orange Avenue, Cherry Lane, Brookside Drive). There are hiking trails throughout as well as picnic areas, ball fields, waterfalls, and several scout camps. Crest Drive offers several beautiful vistas of points east. Wildlife abounds with deer, fox, hawks, and even wild turkeys visible to the observant hiker. There are some bathroom facilities available at picnic sites. Trail maps are available. The newest attraction is behind McLoones Restaurant. This is at the old Orange Reservoir. A paved 1.7 mile path goes around the lake, temporary home for ducks, geese, herons, and egrets. Paddle boats can be rented, and a well-crafted playground for children is right behind the boating pavilion (bathroom equipped). This is a wonderful way for strolling couples, dog-walkers, and families to spend time together without spending money. This area is a real gem, and if you take advantage of all it has to offer, you will be the better for it.

Perfect for every season and every age! The perfect complement to the reservation, the playground, the zoo and the adventure area.

Just had a walk around here on 26th December. Really sunny day, lovely conditions. Great views of Manhattan, fully intend to return on our next cvisit to the inlaws.....

20+ miles of wooded trails. Beautiful settings. It isn't the Adirondacks but if you're a local and w/in 30 minute drive it has a lot to offer. Even has a dog park for dog owners. Picnic areas, reservoir, and a children's zoo at the east end of it. If you live in Essex it is a nice visit.

There are so many things you can do in this park. There are plenty of hiking trails, some leading to waterfalls. Fishing. Lots of picnic areas with open fields and baseball diamonds. A dog park, enclosed wild flowers area, a jogging/walking/biking path closed off to cars. Then of course there is the Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Skating Arena, Mini golf, paddle boats and treetop adventure (probably all have their own reviews). In winter there is also some good sledding.

South Mountain reservation is a hidden gem in the middle of dense suburbia. It has well marked hiking trails and well appointed picnic areas. Rahway river runs through it, there is a waterfall and a vintage point at Washington Rock. It is great for hiking, trail running, picnicking, nature gazing, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

Hiking, biking and running trails. Dog Park in the South Orange section of the park. 911 Memorial at Eagle Rock; fabulous dinner and views at Highlawn Pavilion

Take a walk around the reservoir, seating area if you get tired then stop at the zoo or take in a fabulous brunch at McLoones. Wonderful outdoor activity.

We walked around the lake there. Paddle boats were available. Beautiful views of the surrounding trees on the water. Right next to Turtleback Zoo and South Mountain Skating Arena. Very nice day out in the sun with my family! McCloons Resturant is right there if you want to book a fancy dinner out. Go do it!

We had to pick up our friends from Newark airport and we had few hours to spare....so I looked around for things to do in the area. We drove to this park right away. The whole neighborhood looked very pretty with nice old houses and well maintained yards. There are a bunch of things to do around the park I am sure kids would love to spend a few hours here! We opted just to walk and sit around the water. Beautiful and peaceful setting.... loved it!

Amazing nature reserve designed by the Olmsted Brothers sandwiched in between the Watchung Mountains in Essex County, NJ that provides breathtaking views of NYC and Jersey City and endless outdoor fun. It spans a little over 2,000 acres and has 19 miles of hiking paths, picnic areas, biking routes, waterfalls, ponds, dog parks, seasonal sledding, and a boathouse. The Turtle Back Zoo and the Richard J. Cody Arena are included too. Check out their website for the picnic areas and trail maps at: http://www.essex-countynj.org/p/index.php?section=parks/sites/soThe pictures are from a Blues Festival on the mountain near the Safari and Turtle Back Zoo in Millburn.

My family and I had a few hours before we had to arrive to Newark airport so I found this park on Tripadvisor. Read several reviews about the beautiful view of NYC from the park so we went. The park is very nice. We didn't find the view though- closest we found was by the dog park but it was obstructed by foliage. Nice park though. Wish we had found the main entrance which had a treetops park with rope climbing etc. A west orange resident suggested we go to the Highlawn Pavilion for a beautiful view of the city.We went and they were right!

It was 40 years since I visited the "reservation"...as we refer to it. It brought back wonderful memories from my early life. was just like going home. it was then as it is now. By the way, this is not an Indian reservation. The hiking paths wind through this mountain reservation along beautiful and peaceful pathways. Believe it or not, I hiked back to "the cliff" as I had enjoyed when I was twenty. It is the same natural beauty as it always was. It was great to see that South Mountain Reservation stayed as pristine and enjoyable as always. A little nostalgia is nice every once in a while. By the way, don't forget to bring your picnic basket.

South Mountain Reservation is a great place to go to get outdoors for a bit. It is over 2,000 acres and is located in Millburn, South Orange, and West Orange. Depending on where you enter, you will have a different experience. I highly recommend looking up a map of the Reservation so that you can have a better idea of where you want to go. The Reservation hosts hiking trails, picnic locations, views of Manhattan, paved paths for walking, jogging, and biking, carriage roads for horseback riding and cross-country skiing, Hemlock Falls, fishing at Diamond Mill Pond, an archery range, wildlife (birds, deer, etc.), and much more. The South Mountain Reservation area also hosts the Turtle Back Zoo, the Codey Arena (where the NJ Devils play), Orange Reservoir (with paddle boats), and other attractions.When I was young, my family often went to the Reservation for picnics. It has great outdoor spaces for family reunions, etc. Now, my husband and I often walk along the trails off of South Orange Avenue (entrance on the south side of the road). After you park and walk a little bit, the paved road becomes closed to cars. We see families walking together. We see parents teaching their children how to ride bicycles. We see many joggers. Our area has plenty of foot traffic, but it never feels too crowded. We also drive up to the Reservation in West Orange to see the great view of Manhattan. I highly recommend going to the Reservation for a few hours (or more) with the family. It is a wonderful local place to go and get some fresh air!

What a beautiful place to spend time. It's great for families, friends and romantics. Beautiful grounds, good restaurant, boat ride ,miniature golf and for the children the Turtleback Zoo.the scenery is beautiful.