The Palisades Interstate Park follows the west bank of the Hudson River from Fort Lee at the base of the George Washington Bridge to the New York State line and beyond where it blends with other parks in the Palisades Park System. The New Jersey portion of the park contains 25 plus miles of hiking trails that follow both above the cliffs of the palisades as well as below along the banks of the Hudson. Inside the park are many historic locations and lookout spots for sightseeing across the river at Manhattan, the Bronx and points north, and other interesting points such as series of year round waterfalls. Hikes in … Continue reading →

Loantaka Brook Reservation is a a 570+ acre park located in Morris County between Chatham, Harding & Morris. Inside the park is the namesake Loantaka Brook, a pond, and 8+ miles of all purposed paved trails, and at least 6 miles of marked dirt hiking trails. Located near the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Lord Stirling Park the terrain is a similar fairly flat roll through woods and wetlands, though less marshy. There are multiple entrances to the park, where trails spill out into local roadways, with a large parking area located along Kitchell Road where you can also find a picnic area, pond and ballfields. Hike Descriptions Trail … Continue reading →

Look for a full description of Jockey Hollow, part of the Morristown National Historic Park System to appear here soon. In the mean time please look to the references below for info or post your experiences in the comments area below. Visitors Center The Parks Service operates the Jockey Hollow Vistor Center, open daily from 9am to 5pm, at the south end of the park (parking off of Tempe Wick Road at Jockey Hollow Rd). Volunteer information is available on the parks website. Hike Descriptions Up to date trail maps are provided by the NPS. Hike descriptions and suggestions can be found at: Backpacker Magazine, and NJ Hiking. Purchase Photographs … Continue reading →

Eagle Rock Reservation is a 400+ acre park along the Watchung Mountains ridge line located between West Orange, Montclair and Verona. The 40 mile Lenape Trail (yellow blazes) skirts the eastern edge of the park. The hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross the woodland (and sometimes boggy) areas of the park are friendly for hikers of all ages and abilities. The main entrance to the park, located on Eagle Rock Avenue, is home to a large green, as well as the Essex County 9/11 Memorial and overlook to the east with extraordinary views of the New York City Skyline. Eagle Rock Reservation Conservancy The Eagle Rock Reservation Conservancy is a … Continue reading →

New Jersey birders and cyclists already know the area around this national wildlife park for different reasons—the park itself offers some of the best birdwatching and photography opportunities outside of the Meadowlands and a few stops along the shore—and the flat quite roads around the park offer miles of great cycling. But away from the roads and pull offs the Great Swamp also offers nature walkers and hikers alike some peaceful walking trails. From the Wildlife Observation Center parking area along Long Hill Road one can find a few short trails, mostly over boardwalks, and bird observation blinds located around the marsh. Its a great stop for children and families … Continue reading →

Located adjacent to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Passaic River, this Somerset County Park offers easy hiking and nature walks for all levels and ages along the park’s marshes and swampland. Over 8 miles of trails and boardwalks circle the park exposing a good mix of environments and wildlife – from cattail lined marshes to fields of wildflowers to wooded lowlands. In the winter the area is also open for cross country skiing. Parking is available at the Somerset County Environmental Education Center on Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge. The Environmental Education Center is open year round and offers a nice educational stop for the kids … Continue reading →

Watchung Reservation offers 13 miles of hiking along the valley and ridge of the lower Watchung Mountains and is located in Union County near the town of Mountainside and is easily accessible from RT 78 or RT 22. Those out for a leisurely afternoon will find the trails along Lake Surprise and the Blue Brook to be calming and scenic. The historic abandoned village of Feltville is also a nice walk, particularly in the fall. If you want to get a few more miles in, explore deeper into the western park of the park for hiking over the basalt ridge line and through forests and pine groves. A look at … Continue reading →

South Mountain Reservation is a 2000+ acre park located in Essex County bordering the towns of Millburn, South Orange and Maplewood. The hilly park follows along the ridge of the lower Watchung mountain range and offers many easy to moderate hiking options for those looking to get in a long day or just going out with the children. The 34 mile Lenape Trail [yellow blazes] runs the length of the park. Geographic highlights include two ponds along dammed sections of the Rahway River, Hemlock Falls and a few other smaller water falls, basalt rock formations [including the famous Turtle Back Rock], and various overlooks to the east with views of … Continue reading →