Dismal Harmony Natural Area Guide

Dismal Harmony Natural Area is a small park in Mendham Township. Despite the interesting name, the park is actually very pleasant and features a few small landmarks. The park is perfect for those who live in the immediate area, but is also worth visiting for those in neighboring towns.

Explore North Jersey Review: Decent town park in need of clearing trail markings

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Parking:

Main Parking Area: East Main Street, Mendham Township, NJ 07945 (40.795833, -74.560167)
- About 10 spaces
Stoney Hill Road: End of Stoney Hill Rd, Brookside, NJ 07926
- About 3 spaces

Location: Mendham, Morris County

Website: N/A

Trail Map (partial)

Restrooms: No

Price: Free

Activities

Hiking

There are a few short hiking trails through Dismal Harmony. The much longer Patriots Path Trail passes through the park, connecting Dismal Harmony to many other nearby parks such as Lewis Morris County Park

Points of Interest

Dismal Brook Cascades
Stone Ruins
Legend Rock

The Name

Dismal Harmony is named after the two brooks that pass through and around the park: Dismal Brook and Harmony Brook. Dismal Brook is the centerpiece of the park and travels down the middle. Harmony Brook is actually mostly on private property, and no trails lead to it.

The Trails

Dismal Harmony features a handful of easy trails. The White and Pink Trails are maintained by the Morris County Park Commission and are very well-maintained and clear. The Yellow Trail is maintained by Mendham Township and is confusing at times.

The trails feature moderate hills and travel along Dismal Brook and the surrounding hillsides.

Dismal Brook Cascades

There is a short waterfall along the Pink Trail. While the waterfall is not overly impressive, the trail along Dismal Brook is pleasant.

Legend Rock

The Yellow Trail features a notable glacial erratic named Legend Rock. The rock is very out of place on the hill, a characteristic of glacial erratics. The rock is a nice place to take a break or explore.