Apshawa Preserve is a Passaic County park located in West Milford. The park features multiple hiking trails and a handful of sights including the Butler Reservoir, some waterfalls and the ruins of a water processing plant.
Explore North Jersey Review: Interesting ruins and scenic reservoir, but beaver damage along some trails
Activities
Hiking
There are 5+ miles of trails at Apshawa Preserve, but due to the trail layout, it feels like more. It is very easy to hike more than 5 miles if desired.
Fishing
Visitors can shoreline fish in the Butler Reservoir, but must hike about a mile to reach the reservoir itself.
Points of Interest
- Apshawa Falls
- Ruins
- Butler Reservoir
Alerts
- The Red Trail has been flooded by beavers in some locations, and it is difficult to pass at times
- The Yellow Trail is closed due to beaver flooding. Current trail maps reflect this change, but the map at the park is outdated.
Butler Reservoir
The Butler Reservoir is the centerpiece of the preserve and a very scenic destination. The Red Trail circles the reservoir, but is flooded at times by beaver dams. Fortunately, there are still great views available without doing a full loop around.
Hopefully, in the future, the park can come up with a solution to the flooding issue, as it is very difficult to hike around at times.
Apshawa Falls
Apshawa Falls is a small waterfall located about 2 miles from the parking area. The waterfall itself is not too exciting, but the hike to the waterfall is enjoyable and rarely crowded.
Water Plant Ruins
Near Apshawa Falls are the ruins of an old water processing plant. Featured here are a couple of small foundations and multiple large water tanks. Slightly upstream is a dammed pond that was once used for water storage. The ruins are the highlight of the park and are a worthwhile hike.
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