Updated: 5/2020: Page refreshed, not re-hiked. It has nice pockets of green space and Mountain Reservation in the South. South Mountain Conservancy | Recreational Facilities. After a heavy rain this may be impassable or, if wet, slippery. There are steps to climb to the top of the waterfall, as well as benches to sit and enjoy the majesty of the falls. Discover Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot waterfall, and Washington Rock, a … Bearing right, the trail crosses over the Openwood again. Hemlock Falls Is A 6 Mile Hike In New Jersey That Leads You To A Pristine Waterfall Get out into the forests of South Mountain Reservation and take an easy, rewarding hike to Hemlock Falls. Hiking info for Hemlock Falls via Lenape Trail Loop, located in South Mountain Reservation, New Jersey. Decide ahead of time where to start so that you can park closely. South Mountain Reservation: Tulip Springs to Hemlock Falls - See 140 traveler reviews, 101 candid photos, and great deals for West Orange, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Juan lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with his wife and two boys. There was an overview map at the trail kiosk that is more detailed than the map online. Rahway (WHITE) is a path along the river, not the woods road. It is a 5.8-mile loop, 800 feet gain above the sea level. South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110 acre nature reserve in New Jersey. It is located in central in portions of Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, and borders South Orange, between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains. Hemlock Falls NJ, New Jersey is a good place to hike. Pass Ball’s Bluff – remains of a picnic pavilion from 1908. There, pick up Rahway (WHITE) again, to the left of the bridge but before crossing it. Park in the Tulip Springs parking area for a less than 2 mile round trip hike to the falls. This nature reserve is filled with beautiful scenery and waterfalls to boot. After driving through some beautiful neighborhoods, we arrived at South Mountain Reservation in South Orange, … South Mountain Reservation is a 2000+ acre park located in Essex County bordering the towns of Millburn, South Orange and Maplewood. Hiking South Mountain and Hemlock Falls for the first time. 1.3 – Maple Falls Cascades – an easy stream crossing where there are several water cascades. Enjoy your day under the cool, lush canopy of some of New Jersey’s prettiest countryside. This 2,112-acre nature reserve is part of the Essex County Park System. 8/15/17; 12/11/15 – Minor revisions to the description. A similar route with detailed instructions and a trail map can be found in Hiking New Jersey and Best Day Hikes Near New York City. Share on pinterest. South Mountain Reservation, West Orange Picture: Hemlock Falls - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,435 candid photos and videos. I can be reached by using this form. The marker on the right tree is now so faded it’s barely visible. 0.7 – With your back to the view, turn LEFT and continue following Lenape (YELLOW). Located in the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation in Millburn, Hemlock Falls is a scenic 25-foot waterfall. Moderate hike that takes in a viewpoint from historic Washington Rock, Hemlock Falls, and the Rahway River. A more detailed laminated trail map and guide can be purchased from the South Mountain Conservancy. There are many unmarked woods roads, but the hiking trails are mostly well blazed. Looking for a great trail in South Mountain Reservation, New Jersey? Blazes indicating a turn may be hard to spot. (from the Trail Guide to the South Mountain Reservation), From the Tulip Springs parking lot, follow the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail to the falls. Follow the yellow blazes all the way through to Mayapple Hill in West Orange. The South Mountain Reservation, covering 2,110 acres, is a nature reserve that is part of the Essex County Park System. The South Mountain Conservancy serves as steward and advocate for the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation by working to protect, restore and enhance its ecology, natural beauty and infrastructure through sustainable use and informed public policy, and to foster public engagement with, appreciation of, and support for this beloved regional park. Aug 4, 2015 - For hike info visit http://www.njhiking.com/nj-hikes-south-mountain-reservation/. South Mountain Reservation is a 2000+ acre park located in Essex County bordering the towns of Millburn, South Orange and Maplewood. On the far shore of the brook, the trail turns sharply left and follows the brook for about 0.1 miles, at which point it turns right and follows along the base of a small cliff. The hilly park follows along the ridge of the lower Watchung mountain range and offers many easy to moderate hiking options for those looking to get in a long day or just going out with the children. This lovely 1.6 mile hike to the dramatic 25-foot Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation is one of our Top 10 hikes in New Jersey. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. A footpath continues straight along the river where a pond can be seen ahead, and a woods road veers off to the left. Share on reddit. (An unmarked trail continues along the river beyond these turns, leading to a few small, scenic pools.). Nestled in South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, Hemlock Falls cascades down 25 feet, and you have several trails you can follow to reach it. Also within the boundaries of the park is the Orange Reservoir and a boathouse-restaurant. (If you like, you can take a short loop detour to see Hemlock Falls on the way.) Deep in the woods a 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls is a dramatic feature. Hemlock Falls, South Mountain Reservation. Turn right onto Lackawanna Place, go under the RR tracks, and you come almost immediately to Glen Ave. Across the street and a little to the right is a driveway entering the park with a sign “Locust Grove”. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. There are some benches, making for a nice break spot. The Rahway (WHITE) is between these. South Mountain Reservation This loop hike includes a panoramic viewpoint, a scenic waterfall, and a stroll along a pleasant stream. South Mountain Reservation is an enormous reservation, but we specifically wanted to see Hemlock Falls. Children will enjoy the Turtle Back Zoo located within the park's boundaries. Hiked 12/11/15 – Extended route, from Turtle Back picnic parking. [RED DOT on WHITE veers off]. Park at Glen Avenue lot (Locust Grove) in Millburn and start by taking the right-hand trail. It has nice pockets of green space and Mountain Reservation in the South. Photo courtesy of Flickr. Bob Shane is with Kimberly Dietz at South Mountain Reservation, Hemlock Falls. South Mountain Reservation, West Orange: Address, Phone Number, South Mountain Reservation Reviews: 4.5/5 Tucked away in the hills of Essex County is South Mountain Reservation. The creator of these was revealed in an article in July 2016, “Thumbelina’s Secret Architect, Creating Fairy Houses on a New Jersey Trail“. *These directions and for other parking areas are this South Mountain Conservancy page. This park is similar to Watchung Reservation and northern Jersey terrain, moderate, somewhat rocky trails. There are two WHITE markers indicating the turn, but if you find yourself at the tree just ahead that has 3 WHITE over RED markers, you missed the turn. Deep in the woods a 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls is one of the features that you will see along the 50 miles of trails. Hemlock Falls Waterfall, 2200 feet southeast; Orange Reservoir Dam Dam, 3100 feet northeast; Saint Barnabas Medical Center Heliport Helipad, 4000 feet northwest; South Mountain Reservation Park, 4000 feet south; Other Places. There is a WHITE marker on a tree, walk straight past that and head between two large tree trunks. Start following Rahway (WHITE) straight. Click on "Ascents" for a RSS feed of all new ascents recorded in this category. From east of the park (westbound) on I-78: Take exit 50 B “Millburn” “Maplewood”. South Mountain Reservation. Very soon you will see Hemlock Falls across the chasm, although it is mostly hidden from view when the trees are in leaf. After enjoying the falls and having lunch, we took the River Trail back to complete the loop. Routes | Ascents. 4.1 – Cross over the river on a bridge, and turn RIGHT just after the bridge, continuing to follow Rahway (WHITE). Hiking. It’s also surrounded closely by development and has some traffic … After completing the loop around the falls, we will retrace our steps back to the Tulip Springs Parking Area by by once again following the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail for 0.55 miles. Our morning began with a northward drive on the Garden State Parkway. Drive through 3 traffic lights, not counting the one at the end of the ramp. South Mountain Reservation. Hemlock Falls Only 20 miles west of New York City, Hemlock Falls is located in the South Mountain Reservation in Essex County. Leaving from the Summit Field parking areas, your short hike (less than 2 miles round trip) will bring you the beautiful landscape of the park. There is a trail kiosk, an evergreen tree that may be decorated with Christmas ornaments, and a monument to General Washington. Mount Minsi – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation... Van Slyke Castle/Castle Loop – Ramapo Mountain State... Five Ponds Loop, Warm Puppy Rock & Mt.... West Ridge & Bearfort Ridge Loop, West Pond,... Institute Woods, Swinging Bridge & Princeton Battlefield, Mount Tammany Trail – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Hemlock Falls – South Mountain Reservation, Gertrude’s Nose & Millbrook Mountain – Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Popolopen Torne Loop – Bear Mountain State Park. It takes you 2-4 hours via Lenape Trail Loop in South Mountain Reservation, New Jersey. August 15, 2017 / Central NJ / Essex, Historical, Moderate Hikes, Viewpoint, Waterfall. Gas stations on Vauxhall either didn’t have them or had an ancient out-of-order sign. Find a map of the trail from All Trails here. More things to do around the South Mountain Reservation: There are several other activities nearby: Turtle Back Zoo, Orange Reservoir (you can walk around), playgrounds and of course, other parts of the South Mountain Reservation you can explore. Park in the Tulip Springs parking area for a less than 2 mile round trip hike to the falls. AllTrails has 25 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. After enjoying the falls and having lunch, we took the River Trail back to complete the loop. The hilly park follows along the ridge of the lower Watchung mountain range and offers many easy to moderate hiking options for those looking to get in a long day or just going out with the children. 3.3 – Arrive at the base of Hemlock Falls. Today, we'll travel the Hemlock Falls Trail via the Yellow, White, and River Trail. None at the trailhead or along this route. For groups over 20, call (973) 268-3500 to obtain a permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. Wyoming Hamlet, 1½ miles south; Landmarks. Bear LEFT (the other side joins up anyway) and head over to the stone wall for views over the surrounding area. From the eastern ridge of the Reservation, there are gorgeous views of New York City. We parked our cars at an entrance close to the waterfall location – (but not the closest as we waned a good walk). The South Mountain Conservancy serves as steward and advocate for the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation by working to protect, restore and enhance its ecology, natural beauty and infrastructure through sustainable use and informed public policy, and to foster public engagement with, appreciation of, and support for this beloved regional park. South Mountain Conservancy sells a great color, waterproof map ($7) and trail guide ($15). Posted by Christine Dyer on March 18, 2020 at 7:24pm in Places You Explored. South Orange and Beyond | The Weekender (973) 268-3500. No paper maps at the park the time we went, print the map beforehand. Note: The woods road that veers to the left (unmarked woods road that is shown as River Trail on the map) closely follows Rahway (WHITE) at this point on, so if you miss this marker the woods road will meet back to the trail again. A few easy stream crossings, and one over the Rahway River that may be tricky depending on water level/rock shifting. Once at Mayapple Hill, turn around and retrace your steps. The South Mountain Conservancy serves as steward and advocate for the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation by working to protect, restore and enhance its ecology, natural beauty and infrastructure through sustainable use and informed public policy, and to foster public engagement with, appreciation of, and support for this beloved regional park. South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110 acre nature reserve in New Jersey. Essex County provides a black and white online map which is very hard to read. Take the gravel trail past the monument to the fenced lookout area. Get out into the forests of South Mountain Reservation and take an easy, rewarding hike to Hemlock Falls. Taking a hike in Hemlock Falls is easy and enjoyable. With mild weather in the forecast for Jersey – in the mid-50’s in December! In fact, Rahway (WHITE) co-joins with the River Trail a few times over bridges. South Mountain Reservation is an oasis of wilderness in an urban sea. 3.5 – A rock-hop over the Rahway River. At the end of the ramp, you must go right. Location: South Mountain Reservation, South Orange, Essex County, NJ, Parking: Park at the Tulip Springs parking area. Historic Fun Fact: Washington Rock is where a signal beacon warned the Army at Morristown of the British Army’s approach. Day 3 of home schooling in New Jersey came with gorgeous weather. This nature reserve is filled with beautiful scenery and waterfalls to boot. Wildflower and Forest Preserve This preserve is open to the public - simply enter through the gates on either side of the dog park. South Mountain Reservation is a beautiful hike in any season but in the Fall the trail is blanketed with all the colorful leaves that have fallen from the trees throughout the trek. Crossing the stone outcropping above the brook with some rugged footing. Enjoy your day under the cool, lush canopy of some of New Jersey’s prettiest countryside. Just a short drive from where we live, we found Hemlock Falls in South Mountain Reservation. Hiking Trail Please take only photographs and leave them as is for others to enjoy! Follow Lenape (YELLOW) uphill on a woods road, with houses on the right. West Orange Tourism; West Orange Hotels; West Orange Bed and Breakfast; West Orange Vacation Packages; Flights to West Orange; West Orange Restaurants; Things to Do in West Orange Overview: Lenape (YELLOW) – Rahway (WHITE). To find other great hikes, check out the whole list. Your hike may only touch upon the 2,000 acres of vast nature, wildlife (mostly deer), trees, plants, creeks and falls but a must see is the Hemlock Falls area. South Mountain Reservation NJ. Here it runs along the edge of a chasm whose opposite cliff often presents a beautiful icy appearance in winter. ], 3.4 – Come to a trail junction with a trail sign for the Rahway Trail. He likes to explore the great Garden State and other equally nice states. Continue straight on Rahway (WHITE). It is located in central in portions of Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange, and borders South Orange, between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains. South Mountain Reservation is an oasis of wilderness in an urban sea. When ready to continue, cross over the bridge and bear LEFT, continuing to follow Lenape (YELLOW). We prefer Rahway but the River Trail is a level woods road and meets up with this description at 4.1 miles below. 40.726645, -74.304805 From the kiosk at the northeast corner of the parking area, follow the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail, which bears right onto a gravel road leading to a picnic area. The park trails are described in the The New Jersey Walk Book. 4.0 – The Rahway (WHITE) turns LEFT onto a gravel road. About 3 times I passed different groups asking if they were going the right way or looking lost. Questions? This nature reserve covers 2,110 acres and features hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a 25ft waterfall known as Hemlock Falls. 4.9 – Trail junction where the WHITE marker is hard to spot. A lot of the time it randomly veers off the trail. It makes a hairpin turn to pass over the top of those rocks and then, making a second hairpin turn, gradually ascends to the Openwood Trail, a woods road. 6.0 – Moderate, somewhat rocky trails. Deep in the woods a 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls is one of the features that you will see along the 50 miles of trails. Through the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, I'm a volunteer maintainer of a section of the Appalachian Trail (Garvey Springs to Kaiser Road) in the Delaware Water Gap. Hemlock Falls Trail via Lenape (Yellow) Trail, Rahway Trail (White) and River Trail is a 5.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Millburn, New Jersey that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. 19 likes. If the water level is high this can be a bit tricky. Just a short drive from where we live, we found Hemlock Falls in South Mountain Reservation. ⁠Here's all you need to know and more about visiting the reservation! Now, follow the red-dot-on-white-circle-blazed Hemlock Falls Loop (0.6 miles) to circle around the falls. [The trail is also marked with WHITE over RED blazes]. (If you continue straight from the top of the stairs, the path becomes unblazed trail U-6. The reservation holds a vast amount of trails with various terrains and skill levels. Leaving from the Summit Field parking areas, your short hike (less than 2 miles round trip) will bring you the beautiful landscape of the park. Share on linkedin. The South Mountain Reservation, covering 2,112 acres, is a nature reserve that is part of the Essex County Park System. Decide ahead of time where to start so that you can park closely. Hiking Hemlock Falls. Over the years, friends would ask me for tips on where to hike, so I started this website as a way to give back and hopefully help others discover nature. [Lenape (YELLOW) goes right.]. At the fourth light (Millburn Ave.), turn left. Turning right after crossing the bridge, follow the woods road to the falls and the stone staircase where our description of the trail started. Hemlock Falls. This is a great time to explore nature and enjoy the beautiful day. At the top of the steps, it turns sharply right onto a macadam path which climbs gradually, passing some benches that overlook the gorge of the brook. Share on twitter. — In addition to a paper map, I recommend loading Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Avenza, or a similar app on your phone that will display your location on a map using your phone’s built-in GPS. All Trails/Mark Serrano . This nature reserve is filled with beautiful scenery and waterfalls to boot. 0.5 – Turn LEFT onto a paved road. South Mountain Reservation Click on "Routes" to subscribe to a RSS feed of all new routes added to this category. Nestled in South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, Hemlock Falls cascades down 25 feet, and you have several trails you can follow to reach it. Largest of the Park System's reservations, it was built from land purchases begun in 1895—the first year of the Park Commission's life. Photos; Directions; Print/PDF Map; Share; More; Hemlock Falls via Lenape (Yellow) Trail, Summit Trail, Swampy Trail, and Crest Trail is a 5.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Maplewood, New Jersey that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. A moderate and a longer option is in 50 Hikes in New Jersey. Rahway (WHITE) continues in a pretty area along a ridge with the river below. This lovely 1.6 mile hike to the dramatic 25-foot Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation is one of our Top 10 hikes in New Jersey. Hiking info for Hemlock Falls via Lenape Trail Loop, located in South Mountain Reservation, New Jersey. Tucked away in the hills of Essex County is South Mountain Reservation. 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