Black River County Park is a large county park located in Chester, New Jersey. The park is split into two main areas: the Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center (commonly referred to as the Kay Center) and the Cooper Gristmill.

Basic Information

Pros and Cons

Points of Interest

• Kay Cottage Ruins
  • Ruins of a summer cottage featuring a swimming pool in the dammed Black River
• Black River Falls
  • A 16-foot waterfall on the Black River
• Cooper Gristmill
  • A historic water-powered gristmill
• Kay Center Gardens
  • Butterfly gardens and meadows popoular for birdwatching

Trails

Black River County Park contains 8 trails, all of which are designated for hiking only. Most of these trails are short, topping out at no more than two miles. The one exception to this is the Blue Patriots Path Trail. This trail extends across Morris County, passing through a variety of town, county, state, and national parkland.

In general, the trails are easy. Despite being located along a river gorge, all trails to the river are gentle and wind down the side of the gorge.

Parking

Black River County Park only features two parking areas, one in each park area: at the Kay Environmental Center and Cooper Gristmill.

• Kay Environmental Center – 200 Pottersville Rd, Chester, NJ 07930
  • Kay Cottage, Kay Center and Gardens, Black River, Black River Falls; Moderately sized parking area holding about 15 cars. Can fill up.
• Cooper Gristmill – 66 Route 24 Chester Township, NJ 07930
  • Cooper Gristmill, Black River; Moderately sized parking area holding about 20 cars. Rarely fills up

Crowds

Crowds at Black River County Park are generally minimal, especially when compared to the sometimes-overwhelming crowds next door at Hacklebarney State Park.

Maintenance

Maintenance at Black River County Park is very good, as is the case with most parks operated by the Morris County Park Commission. The only complaint is the overabundance of trails at the Kay Center, which is confusing at times. In the park’s defense, even with a ton of trails, they are all well-marked and well-maintained.

Who is this park for?

This park is great for hikers of all abilities and experience levels, and for those looking for a quiet yet scenic and interesting park. While the trails in the park are short, the Patriots Path connection allows much longer hikes for those more experienced hikers or those seeking higher mileage.

Compared to Hacklebarney State Park, which is located slightly downriver, Black River County Park is empty. This makes it a great destination for those looking for the same scenic beauty without the crowds. As a bonus, the ruins are much more interesting here.

Final Thoughts

Black River County Park is severely underrated and should be visited by any hiker in the area. Everything here is great, especially the Kay Cottage Ruins. If you enjoy Hacklebarney State Park, you will enjoy Black River County Park.

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