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United States, New Jersey, Maplewood

South Mountain Reservation

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Dog friendly · Forest · River

4.9 (1409 ratings)

Explore the natural beauty of South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange, United States. This sprawling park covers 2071.0 acres and offers a diverse range of walking and hiking trails, ...

Explore the natural beauty of South Mountain Reservation, located in South Orange, United States. This sprawling park covers 2071.0 acres and offers a diverse range of walking and hiking trails, making it the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park provides a variety of routes to cater to all levels of experience and fitness. With its lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained trails, South Mountain Reservation is a haven for those seeking an active outdoor adventure. With an extensive network of trails, South Mountain Reservation provides ample opportunities for walkers and hikers to immerse themselves in nature. The park boasts a range of routes, including the scenic Lenape Bow trail, which spans 0.5 miles and offers captivating views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're embarking on a brief walk or a more extensive hike, the diverse terrain and well-marked trails ensure a fulfilling outdoor experience for visitors of all ages. South Mountain Reservation is the perfect destination for individuals and families looking to engage in physical activity while enjoying the splendor of the natural environment. For those eager to explore the trails and activities offered at South Mountain Reservation, the Pacer Pedometer app provides valuable information about the park's routes and amenities. Download the Pacer Pedometer to access detailed insights into the various trails, including distance, estimated time, and user reviews. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, South Mountain Reservation invites you to embark on an enriching outdoor journey amidst its picturesque surroundings.

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Overview
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Routes
Reviews (74)
Photos (18)
Walking and Hiking in South Mountain Reservation

When it comes to walking and hiking, South Mountain Reservation in South Orange, United States, is a paradise waiting to be explored. With its diverse range of amenities and natural beauty, this park is an ideal destination for walkers and hikers of all levels. Whether you are seeking a leisurely ...

When it comes to walking and hiking, South Mountain Reservation in South Orange, United States, is a paradise waiting to be explored. With its diverse range of amenities and natural beauty, this park is an ideal destination for walkers and hikers of all levels. Whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, South Mountain Reservation has something to offer to fulfill your outdoor activity needs. The park boasts essential amenities such as ample parking, dog-friendly areas, and accessible restrooms, ensuring a convenient and comfortable experience for visitors. Additionally, the presence of sports facilities, including a stadium and baseball courts, caters to those looking for recreational opportunities beyond walking and hiking. For nature enthusiasts, the park offers a multitude of attractions, from the exotic animal exhibits to scenic viewpoints, making each walk or hike a captivating experience. Furthermore, the availability of other amenities such as shelters, boat rentals, and dining options adds a touch of convenience to the overall park experience. Whether you seek a tranquil nature walk or an exhilarating hike, South Mountain Reservation is a haven for walking and hiking activities that promises an enriching and fulfilling outdoor adventure.

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Essential Amenities
Playground
Picnic Site
Dog friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot
Sport Facilities
Baseball field
Stadium
Accessibility
Dogs allowed
Wheelchair friendly
Things to See
Attraction

Trotoisry

Attraction

Essex Farm

Attraction

Alligator

Attraction

Otters

Attraction

Gibbons

Attraction

Leopards

Attraction

Muntjac

Attraction

Red Panda

Attraction

Condor and Owl

Attraction

South America Exhibit

Attraction

Capybara

Attraction

Swan

Attraction

Llama

Attraction

Rhea

Attraction

Horse Paddock

Attraction

Cougar

Attraction

Jaguar

Attraction

Australian Exhibit

Attraction

Pony Rides

Attraction

Wild New Jersey

Attraction

Bison

Attraction

Highland Cattle

Attraction

Wolf

Attraction

Prairie Dog

Attraction

Hawks

Attraction

Carousel

Attraction

Bear

Attraction

Groundhog

Attraction

Fox

Attraction

Ropes Course & Zip Lines

Attraction

Reptiles

Zoo

Turtle Back Zoo

Viewpoint

Crater View

Viewpoint

Bramhall Terrace

Viewpoint

Washington Rock

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Other Amenities

Shelter

Fast Food

Restaurant

Boat rental

Best Walking Routes in South Mountain Reservation
#1 - Orange Reservoir
(54 reviews)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 28m
#2 - Rahway Trail (White);River Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#3 - Rahway High Ext
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
See All Routes
Reviews of South Mountain Reservation
4.9/5
1409 ratings
Serge2020/12/13
4

Great place for a hike with kids/dogs. Mostly easy trails. Some trails get a bit crowded on weekends. Very similar to watchung reservation.

Amara2020/09/04
5

Nice place for a run/walk with a great view.

Jessica2023/01/12
5

Just a beautiful walk with the dogs.

See All Reviews (74)
See All Reviews (74)
Nearby Parks
William "Lefty" Boland Memorial Park
Farrell Field
Waterlands Park
Founders Park
Memorial Park
Taylor Park
Grove Park
Ivy Hill Park
Boyden Park
FAQs about South Mountain Reservation
Where is the best place to walk in South Mountain Reservation?
The best place to walk in South Mountain Reservation is the Lenape Bow trail. It has a rating of 4.0 and is highly recommended by the Pacer community for its beautiful scenery and manageable length of 0.5 miles.
How many routes are in South Mountain Reservation?
South Mountain Reservation offers multiple routes for walking and hiking. The Pacer community has provided information on various routes, including Lenape Bow and other trails within the park.
Which is the longest route in South Mountain Reservation?
The longest route in South Mountain Reservation is the <Longest Route Name>, which spans <length>. The Pacer community has provided ratings and reviews for this route to help you plan your hiking adventure.
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in South Mountain Reservation?
Yes, there are several amenities available for walkers and hikers in South Mountain Reservation, including parking lots, restrooms, picnic sites, and leisure playgrounds.
How accessible is South Mountain Reservation?
South Mountain Reservation is accessible for both walkers and hikers, as it is dog-friendly and wheelchair-friendly.
What kind of sports can I do in South Mountain Reservation?
There are sports facilities available in South Mountain Reservation, including a stadium and baseball courts.
What is the best season to walk in South Mountain Reservation?
The best season to walk in South Mountain Reservation is typically spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in South Mountain Reservation?
Visitors to South Mountain Reservation should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. It's important to check the weather forecast before visiting and dress accordingly.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in South Mountain Reservation?
South Mountain Reservation is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals like squirrels and rabbits. Visitors may also encounter reptiles such as snakes and turtles. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and observe from a safe distance.
Best Walking Routes in South Mountain Reservation
#1 - Orange Reservoir
4.5 (54 reviews)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 28m
#2 - Rahway Trail (White);River Trail
4.5 (2 reviews)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#3 - Rahway High Ext
4.5 (1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
See All Routes
Nearby Parks
William "Lefty" Boland Memorial Park
Farrell Field
Waterlands Park
Founders Park
Memorial Park
Taylor Park
Grove Park
Ivy Hill Park
Boyden Park
Latest Check-in
mary_800Nov 24, 2024
Nov 24, 2024Walking
rylarkNov 24, 2024
Nov 24, 2024Walking
JessicaNov 11, 2024
Nov 11, 2024Hiking
ivy.cohenhNov 9, 2024
Nov 9, 2024Walking
JoséNov 8, 2024
Nov 8, 2024Hiking
CarmenOct 29, 2024
Oct 29, 2024Hiking
DariiaOct 27, 2024
Oct 27, 2024Walking
kimylovebirdOct 27, 2024
Oct 27, 2024Hiking
BambieOct 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024Walking
LailaOct 13, 2024
Oct 13, 2024Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Check-in Leaderboard
RankingCheck-ins
Xiaoyang
107
Fergusjp
105
Bean
95
4
85
5Estefanie
72
6Matthew
56
7Kenneth J.
53
8matthew
32
9kimylovebird
31
10DELETED
31
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in South Mountain Reservation
#1- Orange Reservoir
(54 reviews)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 28m
#2- Rahway Trail (White);River Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#3- Rahway High Ext
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#4- Pingry Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m
#5- Reservoir Walking Path
(10 reviews)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 28m
#6- Mayapple Trail (Blue Dot)
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m
#7- Lenape Bow
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#8- Lenape Bow
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#9- South Lavender Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
#10- Lower Mayapple Drop-In
(1 review)
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m
#11- High Water Bypass
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#12- Oakdale Trail (Red)
(1 review)
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m
#13- Rahway Upper Ext Red/White
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#14- Mayapple Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 26m
#15- Turtleback Connector (Green)
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#16- South Lavender Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
#17- Bear Lane
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
#18- Oakdale Trail / West Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#19- Reservoir Loop / Zoo Loop (Green Dot)
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 11m
#20- Swampy Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m
#21- Hemlock Falls Loop
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#22- Lenape Trail (Yellow) / Turtle Back Trail (Orange)
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m
#23- Upper Hemlock
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#24- South mountain easy trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 1h47m
#25- North Lavender Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#26- Reservior Road
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#27- Turtle Back Bypass
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
#28- Crest Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m
#29- Elmdale Trail (Blue)
(1 review)
Length: 2.4 milesEst. Time: 41m
#30- Reservoir Trail / Zoo Loop (Green Dot)
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#31- Rahway Lower Ext White/Red
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#32- Interpretive Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#33- Longwood Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m
#34- Aqual Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#35- Grassy Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m
#36- Cross Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m
#37- Swampy Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m
#38- Elmdale Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.5 milesEst. Time: 42m
#39- Openwood Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m
#40- West Connector Green/White
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#41- Rahway Trail (White) / West Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m
#42- Oakdale Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m
#43- Maple Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m
#44- Turtleback Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#45- Turtle Back Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 58m
#46- Aqua Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#47- Zoo Loop
(1 review)
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 34m
#48- Summit Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m
#49- Turtle Back Bypass
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m
#50- Rahway Trail White
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#51- North Lavender Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m
#52- West Connector
(1 review)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m
#53- Rahway Low Ext
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
Reviews of South Mountain Reservation
Serge2020/12/13
4

Great place for a hike with kids/dogs. Mostly easy trails. Some trails get a bit crowded on weekends. Very similar to watchung reservation.

Amara2020/09/04
5

Nice place for a run/walk with a great view.

Jessica2023/01/12
5

Just a beautiful walk with the dogs.

Carmen Morales2024/06/23
5

Beautiful views!

Paul J. Haley2024/07/15
5

Nice run!

Carmen2024/10/31
5
PacerPal2024/10/14
5
Nicole2024/09/26
5
Tim Wong2024/09/14
5
Elizabeth Bonaldi2024/08/12
5
Wanda2024/08/11
5
JV2024/07/21
5
Langston2024/06/10
5
Claudius2024/05/25
4
gabyalvarez192024/05/20
4
Rachel2024/04/29
5
Kaitlin2024/04/17
5
Murielle Mae Fernandez2023/06/01
5
PacerPal2023/04/14
5
PacerPal2023/03/17
5
Estefanie2023/01/12
5
PacerPal2022/09/03
5
brenda.nesbeth2022/08/13
5
VH2022/08/05
5
buchanag2022/07/28
4
Rafaela2022/06/14
5
PacerPal2022/02/28
5
Susan52022/02/22
5
Romeo2022/02/13
5
Emily2021/11/17
5
Michael2021/10/07
5
Tina Minaj2021/08/20
5
remax3132021/08/09
5
Colleen2021/06/20
5
ellisvgordon2021/06/15
4
justinrisco232021/06/11
5
Amyaahh2021/06/01
4
marianunez172021/05/16
5
skylerrowe2021/05/12
5
PacerPal2021/05/11
5
Kevin2021/05/05
5
Robby2021/04/14
5
Elizabeth P2021/03/15
5
Matthew2021/02/22
5
Marie2021/02/07
5
kimylovebird2021/01/21
5
PacerPal2020/12/12
5
evelyn hernandez2020/10/24
5
TajWoo2020/09/22
5
PacerPal2020/09/16
5
mrridley5192020/09/09
5
HsiaoYing2020/09/06
5
Agee2020/09/05
5
Drew Nathan2020/08/09
5
shashi2020/08/04
5
ssuzieqsp2020/08/02
5
joyv2020/07/29
5
Christopher Kirikou Duvilaire2020/06/26
5
Rachel2020/06/10
5
PacerPal2020/06/08
5
Kayreen2020/06/05
5
Andrea2020/06/03
5
Maria2020/05/31
5
Sheldon2020/05/30
5
PacerPal2020/05/27
5
Michael2020/05/20
5
Ro2020/05/16
5
CatBehaviorist2020/03/13
5
4.9/5
1409 ratings