South Mountain Reservation, Nature reserve in Essex County, New Jersey, United States
South Mountain Reservation is a large protected forest in New Jersey covering more than 2,000 acres. The land includes hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and a variety of plant species throughout the area.
The reservation was established in 1895 by the Essex County Parks Commission as one of the region's first protected natural areas. This early protection allowed the forest to remain undeveloped and intact over time.
The Lenape people historically used these lands for hunting and gathering before the region changed with European arrival. Walking through the forest today, you can sense how the paths and waterways shaped their connection to this place.
The reservation has several parking areas along Brookside Drive with the main entrance near Millburn. You can choose from trails of different difficulty levels to match your experience and interests.
Hemlock Falls is a basalt rock formation in the reservation that flows most powerfully during spring and after heavy rain. This waterfall offers a quiet spot where you can sit and watch the water move through the landscape.
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