Hilltop Reservation, Protected area in Essex County, New Jersey, United States.
Hilltop Reservation is a protected natural area in Essex County comprising forests, meadows, and overlooks connected by several hiking trails. The land covers different ecological zones and provides opportunities for nature observation throughout its terrain.
The land formerly housed the Essex Mountain Sanatorium, a medical facility built in the early 1900s for treating tuberculosis. The site later transformed into a nature reserve to protect its ecological character.
The Hilltop Conservancy coordinates with Essex County Parks to maintain the area while organizing educational programs about local ecology.
The area is accessible by foot via several entry points with marked trails throughout. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to elevation changes across the terrain.
The reservation sits on Second Watchung Mountain and displays volcanic ridges characteristic of northern New Jersey's landscape. These geological features come from ancient tectonic activity and shape the hillsides prominently.
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