Located just a few minutes off Route 15 in Sparta, Sparta Glen Park is one of those local spots many people drive past without ever realizing it’s there. Hidden along an unassuming road with no other signage called “The Glen,” the park doesn’t draw much attention, yet it offers far more than you might expect. Visitors who stop in will find multiple nice picnic areas along the scenic Sparta Glen Brook and a surprisingly rugged trail network that even leads to a good viewpoint overlooking Mohawk Lake. Information on this park is virtually nonexistent online (including a trail map), which is why everything you need to know is featured below after a visit by Explore North Jersey.
Sparta Glen Park
Parking: Glen Rd, Sparta, NJ 07871
Location: Sparta Township, Sussex County
Website: N/A
Restrooms: Yes, portable toilet
Price: Free
Activities
Hiking
The park features a small trail network of intersecting trails, allowing hikers to take as short or long a hike as desired.
Picnicking
Multiple picnic tables as well as charcoal grills are available to use along Sparta Glen Brook.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the small Sparta Glen Brook.
Points of Interest
- Buckhead Rock overlook of Lake Mohawk
Review
The park itself is very nice, especially the picnic area along Sparta Glen Brook. This was a surprise, considering the complete lack of information available online. Despite this, the hiking trails are only okay. The highlight is easily the view of Lake Mohawk, but otherwise, the trails lack any other particularly interesting sites.
The park is great for those wanting a secluded barbecue in the park along a scenic brook, or those looking for a short, but still moderately challenging hike.
Renovations and Restorations
The park has recently (in relative terms) undergone a massive project to restore Sparta Glen Brook after a microburst in 2000 caused severe damage. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene destroyed the emergency repairs from the microburst. Click here for pictures of the damage.
In 2016, stream restoration work was complete. The restoration was successful, and you would never know there was damage to the property today if you were not aware. A few signage boards are installed along the stream detailing the work completed.
Trails
The park features an intricate and mostly well-maintained trail network, featuring five marked trails and a handful of unmarked trails.
Posts From Sparta Glen Park
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Hiking the Unknown Sparta Glen Park
Located just a few minutes off Route 15 in Sparta, Sparta Glen Park is one of those local spots many people drive past without ever realizing it’s there.…
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