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Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 58
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 11:36 am: | 
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With temperatures expected to be in the 70s and the foliage at about peak, I was thinking about taking the kids on a hike in the reservation this weekend. Thing is, after poking around a bit online, I can't seem to find any info on trails(except for some basic info on Hemlock Falls and something called Turtle Black Rock).
Any suggestions on where to start, what to see?
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duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 940
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 11:59 am: |
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Just go. Its all lovely. If you head out to Millburn and go in over behind the train station you can climb up to a great spot for a long distance view west. I believe its the White (Rahway) trail that goes up there. But any trail over there is beautiful. Enjoy it.
www.freshwater-films.com
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paddy
Citizen
Username: Paddy
Post Number: 137
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:26 pm: |
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You can get a map of the reservation from Essex County Park Commision. It's not that great though. I usually go to the spot Duncan mentioned (off Glen Ave) and there are actually two trails there: Rahway starts up front off the left, and I think the Lenape is further back and to the right. There are stands with a map at the entrance to both trails. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 59
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:34 pm: |
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Sounds great. Thanks for the info. Should be many great photo ops. |
duncanrogers
Citizen
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 945
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:42 pm: |
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Thanks paddy couldnt remember the other trails name!
www.freshwater-films.com
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blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 118
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:51 pm: |
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all of the trail heads in the reservation have a map displayed. If you lift the plexiglass up, you;ll find copies of the map to use.
As a courteous suggestion, when you finish hiking, put it back for the next person. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 60
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 12:53 pm: |
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Good suggestion blackcat. Will do.
Oh, and by the way, if you happen to see a guy with two kids on a trail, please don't cross in front of us. |
lizzyr
Citizen
Username: Lizzyr
Post Number: 83
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, October 30, 2003 - 11:04 pm: |
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decent map on www.somocon.org
this is a group that is organizing trail and other repair work in the Reservation. There is a work day this Sunday at 1pm - info on the above website - should be a great day to help preserve a wonderful local asset. |
jamie
Moderator
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 378
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 12:01 am: |
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My favorite trail goes right next to South Orange Avenue. I usually park right by the front entrance. Then I head down that path about a quarter mile - head right til I hit the stream. I then follow the stream all the way down to Hemlock Falls. There are some great rock formations along that route. I'm sure I'll be hiking it one of these days.
Here's a shot of one of the many pools of water you'll see before you reach the falls:
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Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 62
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 8:33 am: |
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Great info. Thanks everyone. The somocon site has some interesting info. Might be nice to organize a family work day. Give the kids a chance to pitch in. Anyway, it should be beautiful this weekend for our first of what I'm sure will be many forays into the reservation.
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Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 75
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 10:52 am: |
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Just following up on this. We hiked to the falls on Saturday. We parked at the first lot on Crest Road (the main entrance off of South Orange Ave) and headed into the woods down the wide path that begins at the parking lot. It was a wide trail and fairly easy walk (my 5 y.o. did just fine. 2 y.o. had to stay in the backpack.)
It took about 30 minutes or so to reach the falls, with a twist or turn or two along the way. The falls were great. Very nice. There were a handful of people there, a few families with kids, and two or three people walking dogs.
(BTW, there is clearly another entrance to the falls, as we saw none of these people on the trail we took.)
All in all it was a great afternoon. Thanks to everyone who helped via this thread. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1405
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:00 am: |
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which side of SO Ave are the falls on? I have yet to come across them. |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 76
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:05 am: |
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If you're heading west on South Orange Ave., the falls are on your left. You can't see them from the road. Check out this map:
http://www.somocon.org/images/smr-map.pdf |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1406
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:08 am: |
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Thanks. Judgement question -- Do you think it's safe to walk in the woods just a woman and a 4 year old? Sometimes I really want to go up and hike and my husband really doesn't want to. |
grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 194
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:15 am: |
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I feel it's safe, just some advice-be careful where you park and turn your alarm on, last time we brought our kids for a hike to Hemlock Falls, my wife left her pocketbook under the seat. Someone broke the window and stole it, the cops said they hang out across SO Ave and watch, after they venture in the woods, bingo.
I have been going to the reservation for 40 years, this only happened once |
Yossarian
Citizen
Username: Yossarian
Post Number: 77
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:20 am: |
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I felt perfectly safe there this weekend, and I was with my two little ones. But that's not an answer to your question, since I'm not a woman.
I probably wouldn't want my wife going in there alone. At least not the way we went. But I do think there's a place where you can park and take a well traveled and shorter path to the falls. Based on the number and age of kids we saw there Saturday, they weren't hiking any great distance. So if you find that entrance/path, I'd say you could do it alone with a 4 y.o. And once you're at the falls it's really nice. It would be a great place for a picnic.
They also have organized hikes you can learn about via the site where the map above comes from. That would be a perfectly safe option for you. |
bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 400
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:39 am: |
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That entrance and path are accessible only from the eastbound lanes of South Orange Avenue; the parking lot is on the right immediately after the deer-path overpass after cherry blossom road. You walk in from there and bear left at the fork in the trail. |
Rebecca Raines
Citizen
Username: Robin_realist
Post Number: 29
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:45 am: |
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There is a copy of the South Mountain Trails Map hanging on the bulletin board at the Hilton Branch Library along with a schedule of guided walks of the reservation. The next walk is Saturday November 8, 1:30-3pm Turtle Back Trail. It says good for families with children 5yrs and older. Stop by the library, they'll let you make a copy of the schedule and map. It's a little clearer than the website mentioned above. R |
blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 120
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 12:47 pm: |
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The reservation is great for hiking, BUT it used to be great for bicycling too. Many years ago, I worked for a local bike shop and we all we mountain biking before and sometimes after work. It was the best riding without having to travel far.
When my wife and I moved to Maplewood, I was in heaven because I had the reservation literally at my feet. The same year we moved, they banned bicycling on the trails!!
WHY??
Because of a few inconsiderate yahoos PLUS the fight of a few well connected hikers.
Isn't this extremely unfair? I've been mountain biking for years and never had a bad experience with a hiker, equestrian, etc. How can Essex county tell me I can't ride a bike in a place so beautiful? Why is it soo hard for hikers in the reservation to SHARE? As I always remember, the ONLY people I've seen in ANY park doing trail maintenance were bike clubs.
Also, given the fact that you put your life in your hands if you ride a road bike on the streets/roads around the reservation, the ban in the park is ridiculous.
Anyone? |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 396
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 1:25 pm: |
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The same thing happened to me in the Pine Barrens. There was a four wheel club that would go out and check out the remote areas. Because of a few jerks it’s no longer aloud. It also annoys me when the post “No Dogs” at certain parks. |
jamie
Moderator
Username: Jamie
Post Number: 387
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 1:26 pm: |
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Blackcat,
It is a silly ban. South Mountain does have some of the best mountain bike trails in the area.
I'm bikeless at the moment - but I was riding in the reservation - illegally! I would ride down the loop road - then at some point I would just made a right into the woods. At that point you're kinda out of view and I don't think the police go down that far.
Overall, in the many miles I've ridden through the woods on a few dozen occasions - I saw 3 people total. Most people only walk on the loop road section (where bikes are allowed).
I'm not sure what the solution is. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 91
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 1:31 pm: |
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You can still ride your bike on the Washington Rock road. Drive west on SO avenue. Just past the monster apartment house--the Top--on your left is a turn into the reservation. Drive up the road to the barrier--about a mile--turn right and park your car at the old deer paddock. You can ride past the barrier to Washington Rock on a road that is restricted to bikes and pedestrians. It's a loop of a little over two miles, with a great view when you get to Washington Rock. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 304
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 1:33 pm: |
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My husband is also an avid mountain biker, and when we moved here two years ago he was bitterly disappointed to learn that bikes were banned from the reservation. If anyone were to organize a campaign to allow bikers back in the park -- maybe only at certain hours, or on designated trails -- I'm sure he'd be thrilled to join the fight.
In the meantime, where's the next closest decent area for mountain biking? Hubby schlepps out to Patriot's Path in Morristown every now and again, but it's hardly convenient . . . |
botulismo
Citizen
Username: Botulismo
Post Number: 101
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 2:30 pm: |
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I also rode out of a bike shop in the area many years ago when Mills Reservation, Eagle Rock and South Mtn. were part of an excellent loop. Some of the best trails NJ has to offer. When the Prospect Park erosion study was used as evidence against the viability of mtn. biking in a suburban park, my like of NJ took a big step backwards. How can a park in the middle of the most populous US city compare to a wildlife reservation in the middle of the burbs!?!?!
Lewis Morris Park and other Morris County parks have had a very healthy bike and equestrian programs for years. They are certainly a lot more like Essex County Parks than Prospect Park. I know most people have been honoring the ban but it sure is tempting to do some night-riding there again. Any ideas for re-opening the reservations to riding? Maplewood did receive a sum of cash to investigate bike trails... |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 297
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 3:04 pm: |
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To the mountain bikers out there, yes the reservation is good for mountain biking , to good infact for it's own good. By the time they shut it down to bikes , it was turning into ESPN2. On weekends cars with racks on them, had plates from Ct., Md, & Pa, . My wife & I are avid bikers , still sneak in there every now & then , but the damage being done to the trails was excessive , especialy after it rained. If left unchecked , the Reservation by now would look very different. Worse , the drain patterns would have been drasticly changed. As usual a good thing got abused. At that point in time I discussed possible remedes , like closing the trails when it was wet, or limiting usuage to Essex Co residents, both were met with blank stares. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 176
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 3:08 pm: |
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As a frequent hiker in the reservation, always with a dog and frequently with two small children, I am completely against the idea of allowing bikes. I can't imagine the idea of bikes barreling down the trails -- what if they a hit a kid? Visibility is often limited by trees, curves, etc. And we don't need big ruts in the trails. Bikes belong in certain places and pedestrian-oriented trails -- especially those with small children and senior citizens -- are not among them. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 305
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 5:42 pm: |
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OK, so then limit bike riding to certain trails, and perhaps certain days/times -- don't ban it altogether. IMHO, there's no reason why hikers and bicyclists can't peacefuly coexist -- it's a huge park after all.
Just out of curiosity, are off-leash dogs allowed in the Reservation? |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 93
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 7:02 pm: |
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Dogs must be leashed in the Reservation. There are signs on the main trails. |
blackcat
Citizen
Username: Blackcat
Post Number: 121
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 7, 2003 - 8:00 am: |
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Jackie Day...why is it fair for only hikers to be allowed to enjoy OVER 2000 ACRES of park land? I, as well as many other bicyclists have been able to share parks with others.
As Amandacat said, limit bike use to certain hours or certain trails. It's only SELFISHNESS on the part of hikers that won't allow this to happen. Just because YOU don't mountain bike, shouldn't prohibit others who do from enjoying it in the reservation.
The safety concern you have is valid, but aside from a VERY few bicycling idiots, most of us are very careful and courteous to others on the trail. There are times when I've been hiking(yes, hiking) on the trails and people walk by with their dogs off their leash. If I remind them that their dog should be on a leash, I get a laugh or dirty look.
Bottom line...
Cyclists should be able to enjoy the local parks just as much as anyone else. Can't we all just get along? |
botulismo
Citizen
Username: Botulismo
Post Number: 103
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 7, 2003 - 2:51 pm: |
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I have a problem with a few cars speeding down my narrow, sidewalkless street. Should we ban all cars from my street because certain drivers are being irresponsible and breaking the law? It's the same thing with biking and other users of the trails. If they decided to shut down certain roads to cars because of excessive speeding, I don't think you would have too many streets left for driving! That is where mtn. biking is in Essex County.
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Davegateway
Citizen
Username: Davegateway
Post Number: 14
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, November 8, 2003 - 12:10 pm: |
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Sorry Jackie, but I'm with blackcat on this. Riding on the streets around here is tough, especially with a kid on the back of your bike. Maybe a couple of dedicated trails of various lengths and levels of difficulty wouldn't have a Chernobyl-like environmental impact. What if I promise to keep my eyes open & hands on the handlebars? |
deborahg
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 713
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 9, 2003 - 3:12 pm: |
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I agree with the bikers. But I also feel that dogs should be allowed off leash in certain parts of the reservation. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 177
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2003 - 9:39 am: |
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Dave, after plenty of reflection, I must concede your point. It's a good one. Plus I know how much your little one likes riding bikes 
But in return, here's to officially letting dogs off leash in the reservation ...? |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3805
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2003 - 9:52 am: |
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Horses hoofs are at least as damaging to trails as bike tires.
My suggestion would be that some of the bike clubs volunteer to mark a few new single tracks through the woods. Given that the deer have eaten most of the under story this shouldn't be all that difficult. |
Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5653
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Monday, November 10, 2003 - 10:00 am: |
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It was the horseriders who got bikes banned because they spook their horses. |
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