South Mountain Reservation

In Essex County NJ

Info here

There are lots of trails to explore in South Mountain Reservation, since this is very close to us we visit very often.

The parking lot on south orange avenue is small and fill up easily (especially on weekends), there are many other parking lots available with easy access. We like to park by Tulip Springs Picnic Area or by the dog park.

Some of our favorite trails

Reservoir Loop

1.8 mile loop around the orange Reservoir, very flat and easy. Look for turtles and other animals in the pond. We almost always see the train from turtle back zoo go by. Regatta Playground by the entrance is nice for kids.

Valley View Drive in the fall

From the parking lot across from regatta playground, the valley view drive and Lenape trail from there is beautiful in the fall

Fairy Trail

From Millburn Locust Grove Parking lot, a short easy hike fun for little kids as there are many fairy houses along the trail

Hemlock Falls

A popular waterfalls in the reservation, not one of our favorites, the last time we visited there were a lot of broken glass around the trail (especially on the trails up from the falls)

Lenape Trail

Many options to explore the Lenape trails from various sections