Apshawa Preserve is a 594-acre nature preserve located in West Milford, Passaic County. The park is jointly managed by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Highlights include the scenic Kathleen M. Caren Reservoir (formerly the Butler Reservoir), Apshawa Falls, and the ruins of a historic water treatment plant.

Basic Information

Pro’s and Con’s

Points of Interest

• Apsahwa Falls
  • An 8.5-foot waterfall located on the Green Trail
• Ruins
  • Ruins of a water treatment plant located on the Green Trail
• Kathleen M. Caren Memorial Reservoir (Butler Reservoir)
  • Scenic reservoir best seen on the Red Loop

Trails

Apshawa Preserve features 8 marked hiking trails totaling just over 6 miles.

Easier

There are a couple of easier hikes, the easiest of which is the Purple Trail, which can be reached from the Blue Trail. This round-trip hike is only about a mile total and features a small but scenic pond.

For those wanting something a little longer, the Blue Trail to the reservoir is also fairly easy, except for a short rock scramble with a signed detour for those who wish to avoid it. This is about a 2.5-mile round-trip hike.

For those wanting an even longer hike while still easy, the Red Loop is another option that adds an extra 2 miles to the Blue Trail.

Moderate

Hikers looking for a moderate hike will enjoy the entire preserve. The previously mentioned Red Loop can be considered moderate, clocking in at about 5 miles despite being easy terrain-wise. The Yellow Trail can be accessed from the far end of the Red Loop. This trail is easy, but once again, it it takes some time to get to.

Additionally, there is the White Trail, which features a couple of short ascents and descents along a rocky hillside to a so-so view.

The hike to Apshawa Falls and the ruins on the Green Trail is also not very difficult, though in order to keep the trail from getting challenging, hikers need to turn around at Apsahwa Falls instead of completing a loop.

Difficult

While generally an easy-moderate park, the full Green Trail is difficult due to a lengthy ascent. This ascent is not rocky, but it is steep and long. Hikers are rewarded with a scenic overlook at the top.

Parking

Apsahwa Preserve only features one parking area, which can be found at 41.0251842, -74.3737765, Northwood Drive West Milford, NJ 07480. This lot holds about 20 cars and rarely fills up. This is a good alternative to the nearby Norvin Green State Forest which regularly has parking issues.

One downside of the singular parking area is its location. While it is easy to find and park at, it is removed from the best destinations in the park. All hikes require an average hike on the Blue Trail from the parking area to reach (and return from) the best places in the park.

Crowds

Crowds are rarely an issue, even on nice summer weekends. While it is common to see a couple cars in the parking lot, the park never feels busy and since there are a few trail options (one you get off the main artery), it is very possible to not see anyone.

Maintenance

In general the park is well maintained, but it is not perfect. The deer exclosure fence, designed to keep deer out, has multiple holes in it, defeating the purpose. Additionally, while the trails are well marked, a few sections are overgrown or swampy. If you follow the markings, the trails are easy to follow but could use some clearing.

Who is this park for?

This park is great for all hikers, especially those getting into longer hikes, as the best parts of the preserve require a decently lengthy hike, yet remains short enough to be reasonable for most people.

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