Before the land parcels were purchased to make the reservation, it was used for a variety of industrial needs by the surrounding communities. Not only was the waters of the Rahway River harnessed for local mills but trees were cut down to provide…

Hemlock Falls is accessible from a variety of different trails with varying distances. You can reach it via the Lenape (yellow), Rahway (white) and River trail loop which totals just under six miles. This route has rugged, rocky terrain in some…

This wooded area is named after a former resident of Maplewood named Philander Ball. In 1896 he sold 3.5 acres of his land to the South Mountain Reservation Commission. This sale was integral to the Reservation's founding as it was the first…

A focal point of the South Mountain Reservation, Washington Rock is located at the end of Crest Drive, which is closed to vehicular traffic. It is also a short hike from the Locust Grove Parking Lot. Washington Rock is a Revolutionary War…

The Mountain House, also known as the Orange Springs Mansion, was a water spa fed by Orange Springs. Visitors bathed in and drank the water to treat a number of ailments from arthritis to fatigue. The spa has since been destroyed by fire.

Visitors to the reservation are invited to explore its multi-use bridle paths, some of which were constructed over 100 years ago. Records show that by 1920 over 13 miles of trails traversed the park. These older trails generally followed the…

Part of the Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange that includes trails which is part of the Essex County Parks System.