South Mountain Reservation is a large park in Essex County along the First Watchung Mountain. The park features many activities from classic hiking to the more unique offerings such as a zoo and hiking trail covering in fairy houses. The park features a wide variety of activities and is popular with locals and out of town visitors alike.
Explore North Jersey Review: A great park highlighted by the activities at the South Mountain Recreation Complex
Basic Information
Parking:
- Glen Avenue:
- Summit Field: (multiple smaller parking areas)
- Hemlock Falls:
- Tulip Springs:
- Regatta Playground:
- Turtle Back Zoo:
- Turtle Back Rock:
Trail Map (official but very difficult to read)
Price: Free (additional fee for certain activities at the South Moutain Recreation Complex)
Activities:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Activities at the South Mountain Recreation Complex
- Turtle Back Zoo
- Codey Arena
- Safari Mini Golf
- Treetop Adventure Course
- Paddleboating
Points of Interest
- South Mountain Recreation Complex
- Turtle Back Rock
- Hemlock Falls and Hobble Falls
- Maple Falls
- Fairy Trail
South Mountain Recreation Complex
South Mountain Reservation is best known for its recreation complex at the northern end on the park. This area features many activities including Turtle Back Zoo, a treetops ropes course and zipline at the Treetop Adventure Course, ice skating at the Richard J. Codey Arena, miniature golf at the MiniGolf Safari, swan boats on the Orange Reservoir, and a restaurant named McLoon’s Boathouse.
Many of these activities are worthwhile, especially a visit to Turtle Back Zoo.
Waterfalls
South Mountain Reservation is home to a handful of waterfalls. The most well-known of which is Hemlock Falls. Almost directly next to Hemlock Falls is the smaller Hobble Falls. Off the beaten path is the relatively unknown Maple Falls. Aside from these three main waterfalls, there are also a handful of smaller cascades scattered around the park.
Turtle Back Rock
The namesake of Turtle Back Zoo is a nearby geologic formation known as Turtle Back Rock. This rock is actually present across the entirety of the park as well as the Watchung Mountains as a whole, but the most well-known location is at the Turtle Back Rock Picnic Area. Here you will find cracked bedrock at your feet, which looks somewhat like a turtle’s shell.
The Fairy Trail
At the southern end of the park is a location known as the Fairy Trail. Hikers here will find many mini fairy houses hidden along the side of the trail. This is a perfect hike for smaller children.
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