South Mountain Reservation is a 2,047-acre nature reserve located in central Essex County, New Jersey, within portions of Maplewood, Millburn, and West Orange. The reservation features a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, streams, creeks, and ponds, as well as waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, carriage roads for jogging, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, and picnic areas. The reservation is also home to the Turtle Back Zoo, the Richard J. Codey Arena, and the Wildflower Sculpture Park. The Orange Reservoir, located within the reservation, offers opportunities for paddleboating and features a miniature golf course and a boathouse-restaurant. The reservation has a rich history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and features historic sites such as Washington Rock, which offers stunning views of the New York and Jersey City skylines
Plan your family visit to the South Mountain Reservation with these blog insights 👇

Activities: We hiked through the trails, exploring Hemlock Falls and its ice formations. The kids loved playing with sticks and crossing a little stream!
Highlights: The kids were excited by the waterfalls and enjoyed playing in the cold, snowy weather. We all had a great time exploring the trails ✨