Numerous hiking trails, an interactive nature center with fish and taxidermy, and a fabulous playground, provide both indoor and outdoor fun for NJ families. Munsee District will host the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) event this year at the Scout Area of Watchung Reservation. If you would like more information about towns like Summit, Westfield, New Providence, Mountainside, and Berkeley Heights along the, 5 Fun Things to Do with Your Family in the Watchung Reservation. Today, visitors can explore the abandoned site and even take a self-guided walking tour to learn its brief, fascinating history. For more information about camping in Watchung, NJ, or for additional resources regarding experiencing the outdoors in New Jersey, visit the National Park Service. Sensory Friendly Trail. Can run perimeter from SEELEY’S Pond to Summit and back around and make it a 30 mile run. Featured in Weird NJ, the Deserted Village, sometimes referred to locally as the Enchanted Forest, has many strange legends attached to it. Over all a good experience. Featured in, , the Deserted Village, sometimes referred to locally as the. A dam near the headwaters of the creek creates Lake Surprise. Please do not put any cash payments in the drop box. Before getting started, you can download a. to find the hiking area that works best for you, whether you have toddlers who stumble easily or energetic teenagers. Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County. The museum also organizes seasonal programs like the “Journey from Sap to Syrup,” where visitors witness first-hand the collection of sap from a tree. 973 220 3050 We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. It is bounded by the city of Summit, the borough of Mountainside, and the townships of Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, and Springfield. The Reservation offers many other large and well-maintained hiking trails, spanning a full 13 miles. Split between Summit, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, Springfield and Scotch Plains, the reservation consists of 1,945 acres of forested land, Lake Surprise, the Watchung Stables and the Trailside Nature and Science Center.� It has hiking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Yes, absolutely Shireen. Reservation is clean, full of birds and other wildlife, mushrooms, and many other natural elements. Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, Nj Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey, United States. 5 Fun Things to Do with Your Family in the Watchung Reservation By Victoria Carter access_time Dec-05-2018 If your idea of the quintessential childhood involves exploring woods, fields, lakes, and streams worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting, the Watchung Reservation is for you. More information can be found here. How and where to take your dog. By 1860, the village, formerly known as Feltville, had been completely deserted. This post may contain affiliate links. Watchung Reservation. Watchung Reservation – Sierra Trail. With its vibrant-colored trees in autumn and stunning waterfalls, visitors find no shortage of breathtaking views around the pond in fall. Watchung Reservation White Trail Loop is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Mountainside, New Jersey that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. FREE 176 PAGE ILLUSTRATED EBOOK! These low-key, minimal-support, informal trail runs will provide an excellent opportunity to test your mid-winter training. So, if you’re looking for activities to do with your family, Watchung Reservation offers numerous hiking trails from the Sierra Trail, a 10-mile loop that encompasses the Reservation, to the History Trail which marks old uses of the land. The interpretive signage includes two talking kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation. more, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Farms, Educational sites, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Parks, Hiking Trails. Today, visitors can explore the abandoned site and even take a self-guided walking tour to learn its brief, fascinating history. If you would like more information about towns like Summit, Westfield, New Providence, Mountainside, and Berkeley Heights along the Midtown Direct train line, contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com. The reservation consists mainly of the upper valley of Blue Brook, between the ridges of First Watchung Mountain and Second Watchung Mountain. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. With few staff able to conduct inspections and maintenance, extreme weather eroded the trails and sullied streams, turning a park that was “loved to death” into one that was hostile to hikers and equestrians. Book A Pet-Friendly Hotel Online or call Toll-free 833-475-2275 . In the Watchung Reservation there are a series of trails which all lead in one way or another to Surprise Lake, which lies within the mountains. Interested in learning more about the beautiful homes or activities in Union County, New Jersey? The Reservation is an integral part of the Union County Parks system, designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Mass., the celebrated landscape architects who designed New … Watchung / w ɑː ˈ tʃ ʌ ŋ / is a borough in Somerset County, New Jersey, United States.It is located within the Raritan Valley region.As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 5,801, reflecting an increase of 188 (+3.3%) from the 5,613 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 503 (+9.8%) from the 5,110 counted in the 1990 Census. The Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, NJ, and there’s no shortage of fun diversions to do with your kids. Watchung Reservation. Watchung Reservation, the largest park in Union County, is home to many wonderful kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect day-trip destination for any time of year. The Watchung Reservation History Trail is a 6-mile trail that visits and identifies sites of historic interest in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, a 2,000+acre preserve located in the northern portion of the County. Be careful of mud in the spring and fall, though! Watchung Reservation is easily accessible and offers great picnic grounds. Or, do a simple “main” loop for an easy six miler. Trails are wide and well kept but the signs of past storms are hard to avoid. However, the hiking trails are badly marked, unkept in some places and offer very little to see. Will go back and explore other trails and areas in the reservation. There are many trails and getting lost is a possibility, so make sure to pick up the map of trails at the Nature Center! Picnic areas can accommodate between 125-250 people for large gatherings or small families, with reservations. We found the orange trail which was not too difficult for seniors. Sierra Trail forms a 10.8 mile loop. Watchung Reservation/Trailside Nature & Science Center and other Dog-Friendly Parks and other Places to take your Pet in Newark - NYC Suburbs New Jersey. Watchung Reservation. The Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, NJ, and there’s no shortage of fun diversions to do with your kids. In 1845, David Felt developed a small village where 175 people resided. A ten-minute drive from our hotel in Westfield, the Watchung Reservation includes a six-mile trail through the county's historic sites, as well as a mountain range and Lake Surprise, where fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular activities. Sift for fossils at the sand pit in the discovery room, listen to stories in the library, and explore interactive displays and exhibits like the Lenape Native Americans Backyard Habitat. More information can be found here. Children’s Workshops. , has many strange legends attached to it. Watchung Reservation, the largest park in Union County, is home to many wonderful kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect day-trip destination for any time of year. Nice loop and very good trail .. love it .. first few times it’s tough to find the trail .. wish there were more help or arrows pointing to where the trail is .. parking is ok.. once u get into the trail , it’s good . It is one of the most extensive trails of its kind in the U.S. You will be able to do the distance anywhere you wish or you can do the race course. Environmental Hero Awards. Or, sit next to the stream and listen to the babbling water. Great trails for running. The Olmsted brothers, famously known for designing Central Park, planned the Reservation to showcase the region’s natural beauty, and it does not disappoint. Pathways are clearly marked, and most trails are easy enough for families to manage. Watchung Reservation offers five picnic areas throughout the park, each featuring at least one barbecue grill. It is one of the most extensive trails of its kind in the U.S. The Watchung Governing Body opposes the construction of a new bi-directional pipeline though the Township that would transport crude oil and refined petroleum products between Albany, New York and Linden, New Jersey. the pats are reasonably pretty and there is some elevation gain up and down so you can get a good walk. Your email address will not be published. Interested in learning more about the beautiful homes or activities in Union County, New Jersey? Show more. Go for a hike on the Watchung Reservation’s many trails. The Watchung Reservation Trails Master plan specifies that the cost to construct these trails properly will cost $11 per foot x 13.5 miles = $784,080.00. Fun windy roads for driving, horse stables, a beautiful long lake, great hikes, a "forgotten" historic village -- this is a true gem ~35 min from NYC (with no traffic). Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Nice place to walk. Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County. The playground contains a fake boulder for climbing, various connecting tunnels for kids to crawl through and lots of slides. The Watchung Reservation History Trail is a 6-mile trail that visits and identifies sites of historic interest in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, a 2,000+acre preserve located in the northern portion of the County. November 8, 2019 / Central NJ / Historical, Lake, No-Hunting, Union. Pathways are clearly marked, and most trails are easy enough for families to manage. (again) There is an abundance of nice sweeping & winding roads. The Watchung Reservation History Trail is a 6-mile trail that visits and identifies sites of historic interest in Union County’s Watchung Reservation, a 2,000+acre preserve located in the northern portion of the County. Or hike a couple miles. There is an abundance of trails, you can enjoy a long hike or just go down to the lake and back up for a short hike. When you arrive at the Watchung reservation, you can loop around the route as much as you want, which I believe you will do. Read more. The original inhabitants of Watchung, the Lenape, referred to the mountains as the Wach Unks, or ‘high hills’. Photo: Jared Kofsky, CC BY-SA 3.0. Great trails for running. Or hike a couple miles. If your family enjoys spooky holiday traditions, you can catch the Haunted Hayride, which travels through the Deserted Village during the Halloween season. Nice lake and trail next to it is good . Hotels near Trailside Nature & Science Center, Trailside Nature & Science Center: Tickets & Tours‎, AMC Loews Mountainside 10: Tickets & Tours‎, Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites. The museum also organizes seasonal programs like the “Journey from Sap to Syrup,” where visitors witness first-hand the collection of sap from a tree. Can run perimeter from SEELEY’S Pond to Summit and back around and make it a 30 mile run. The Trailside Nature and Science Center is the perfect place to spend the day with kids. Enter the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail in Mountainside. The Reservation’s. Or, sit next to the stream and listen to the babbling water. Trailside Talks. Today, it has evolved into a popular hiking, fishing and camping destination. COVID-19 Update: To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. The Reservation’s Sensory Trail incorporates various sensory zones–nature-themed instruments, raised flower beds and outdoor classroom spaces–so people can learn about local flora and fauna. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Uneven surface. Watchung Reservation offers 13 miles of hiking along the valley and ridge of the lower Watchung Mountains and is located in Union County near the town of Mountainside and is easily accessible from RT 78 or RT 22. The Miller-Cory House is located in Westfield, Union County, New Jersey, United States. Trails are rated based on hike difficulty and length, making it easy to pick the most suitable path. There are many trails and getting lost is a possibility, so make sure to pick up the map of trails at the Nature Center! Watchung Reservation has got to be one of our favorite places to hike. I would love to assist you. When the weather turns cold, Watchung Reservation is a great spot for winter … Formed in the late 19th century, Seeley’s Pond originated as a man-made pond used to power a mill.  victoria@victoriacarter.com. hiking trail-running forest nature-trips dogs-leash walking wildlife birding kids views river. The Reservation offers many other large and well-maintained hiking trails, spanning a full 13 miles. After discovering all the unique activities the three-story museum has to offer, venture outdoors to look at the local topography and observe natural phenomena like basalt, puddingstone boulder, and hardened lava. Watchung Reservation. Things to do in Mountainside ; Watchung Reservation; Search. Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey, United States. I would love to assist you. Other links Watchung Reservation @ Wild NJ - a short article with aditional information. Explore the historic Deserted Village. This loop hike encircles the Watchung Reservation, passing ruins of an old mill, an historic village, a cemetery dating to the 1700s, a scenic gorge and an attractive lake. My sister, her dog, and a good friend of mine decided to take a nice stroll up in the woods in an area known as the “Magic Forest.” Watchung Reservation is the largest park in Union County, New Jersey, United States.It is bounded by the city of Summit, the borough of Mountainside, and the townships of Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, and Springfield.The reservation consists mainly of the upper valley of Blue Brook, between the ridges of First Watchung Mountain and Second Watchung Mountain. MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. — It took years for neglect to eventually take its toll on the trails through the Watchung Reservation. Find out about new listings, properties coming soon and open houses. watchung reservation @ deserted village berkeley heights • watchung reservation @ deserted village berkeley heights photos • watchung reservation @ deserted village berkeley heights location • watchung reservation @ deserted village berkeley heights address • Hiking the Sierra Trail, an 11-mile loop around the perimeter of the Watchung Reservation. Summer Workshops. Located in the heart of Union County, the beautiful Reservation has over 2,000 acres of protected forestland, a myriad of hiking trails, lakes, and historical sites. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. More about Watchung Camping. Watchung Reservation – Sierra Trail. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to observe the wildlife along the way. Please consult government travel advisories before booking. Nice plaeant walk, without rocks that you can trip over, We liked that the trails did not require you to look down all the time to avoid tripping on rocks, which is a problem on some hiking trails in New Jersey. Hike here only if you are lazy to drive further. Residents can also go for a morning jog or walk their dogs along the various footpaths that encircle the pond. The Lake Surprise Loop is one of the most well-traveled hikes in Watchung Reservation. Contacts, Dogs and Fees Highlights include Lake Surprise, the Deserted Village of Feltvile/Glenside Park, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, Seeley’s Pond and the Watchung Stables. Numerous hiking trails, an interactive nature center with fish and taxidermy, and a fabulous playground, provide both indoor and outdoor fun for NJ families. Date … COVID-19 Update: To limit the spread of the coronavirus, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. The original inhabitants of Watchung, the Lenape, referred to the mountains as the Wach Unks, or ‘high hills’. Museum. Those out for a leisurely afternoon will find the trails along Lake Surprise and the Blue Brook to be calming and scenic. In 1845, David Felt developed a small village where 175 people resided. The reservation features a river and Lake Surprise if you want to pull over and fish and chill.

The Watchung Reservation is the largest park in Union County. For families with little ones, a rest stop and drinking fountain are located close to the playground as well. It is bounded by the city of Summit, the borough of Mountainside, and the townships of Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, and Springfield. Teacher Training Workshops. it's not a. difficult trail and there are flat areas also. Don’t go after rain .. very difficult to walk . It’s no wonder the Reservation is such a popular place for families. Don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars to observe the wildlife along the way. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. Length 2.4 miElevation gain 127 ftRoute type Loop Watchung Reservation offers numerous hiking trails from the... 2. Due to COVID-19 restrictions this year’s event will be a single day event, and only the Radio Merit Badge will be offered. In fact, we’ve been here only once before, about 5 yrs ago, and it’s taken us this long to give it another go. The newly renovated Loop Playground has play areas for children of all ages. Watchung is a borough located in Somerset County in the state of New Jersey, and has a population of approximately 5,801. Trails are rated based on hike difficulty and length, making it easy to pick the most suitable path. There is an abundance of trails, you can enjoy a long hike or just go down to the lake and back up for a short hike. The Olmsted brothers, famously known for designing Central Park, planned the Reservation to showcase the region’s natural beauty, and it does not disappoint. 5 Fun Things to Do with Your Family in the Watchung Reservation 1. Things to do in Mountainside ; Watchung Reservation; Search. Picnic tables reside outside the play area for families to enjoy a light lunch or a few minutes in the shade. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Winter Activities. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. incorporates various sensory zones–nature-themed instruments, raised flower beds and outdoor classroom spaces–so people can learn about local flora and fauna. If your idea of the quintessential childhood involves exploring woods, fields, lakes, and streams worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting, the Watchung Reservation is for you. Senior Programs. Sift for fossils at the sand pit in the discovery room, listen to stories in the library, and explore interactive displays and exhibits like the Lenape Native Americans Backyard Habitat. If your family enjoys spooky holiday traditions, you can catch the Haunted Hayride, which travels through the Deserted Village during the Halloween season. Whether you’re planning to visit for just a few 40.668772, -74.404373 Before beginning your hike, obtain a free trail map of the reservation from the Trailside Nature and Science Center, adjacent to the parking area. By 1860, the village, formerly known as Feltville, had been completely deserted. The first of its kind in Union County, the trail, located in Union County's largest park , is designed to provide sensory stimulation and interaction for all kids, with an emphasis on special needs children and their families. We have mixed feelings about this park. Thanks for adding it to the list. Miller-Cory House is situated 2 miles southeast of Watchung Reservation. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Permit are available for picnics with beer or liquor and all picnic areas must be reserved online or by calling (908) 527-4900. Watchung Reservation is easily accessible and offers great picnic grounds. Opened in 1941, The Trailside Museum was New Jersey's first nature museum. This post may contain affiliate links. In 1845, David Felt developed a small village where 175 people resided. Please choose a different date. Good spot of pictures, so please take as much as possible. In the Watchung Reservation there are a series of trails which all lead in one way or another to Surprise Lake, which lies within the mountains. Lots of downed and rotting trees polluting what would otherwise be a beautiful plot of land. We've got 12 easy trails in Watchung Reservation ranging from 1.3 to 4.8 miles and from 229 to 541 feet above sea level. Before getting started, you can download a trail map to find the hiking area that works best for you, whether you have toddlers who stumble easily or energetic teenagers. Trail was well marked. Our backyard, and an excellent place for families to live and to visit. To being with, the Watchung Reservation Sensory Trail is a 0.3 mile loop with a central gazebo. Home. Join us Virtually for a run through beautiful Watchung Reservation in north-central NJ. Watchung Reservation offers numerous hiking trails from the Sierra Trail, a 10-mile loop that encompasses the Reservation, to the History Trail which marks old uses of the land. There was plenty of parking. Winter Workshops. Highlights of the park include Lake Surprise, the Deserted Village of Feltvile/Glenside Park, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, Seeley's Pond and the Watchung Stables. After discovering all the unique activities the three-story museum has to offer, venture outdoors to look at the local topography and observe natural phenomena like basalt, puddingstone boulder, and hardened lava. Watchung Reservation has got to be one of our favorite places to hike. It loops around the lake, with a few off-shoots of trails if you want to make your hike a little longer. Whether you’re planning to visit for just a few November 8, 2019 / Central NJ / Historical, Lake, No-Hunting, Union. Where: Watching Reservation Scout Area . From camping to hiking and learning about wildlife, there’s no shortage of fun activities to do with your kids at the Watchung Reservation. Next to the stream and listen to the stream and listen to the stream listen... Wooded tract where animal and plant life are protected, Mountainside, N.J. — it took years for to! Run perimeter from SEELEY ’ s no wonder the Reservation a hike on the Air ( JOTA ) this... Borough located in Somerset County in the late 19th century, SEELEY ’ what to do at watchung reservation Pond originated as a man-made used! Difficult for seniors Summit and back around and make it a 30 mile run of slides listings, properties soon... Them out and you 'll be out on the Air ( JOTA ) event this year at the Scout of... Creek creates Lake Surprise be a beautiful plot of land beautiful Watchung Reservation ; Search Loop one! Speakers of English in the U.S tunnels for kids to crawl through and lots of downed and rotting polluting. Nj / Historical, Lake, No-Hunting, Union don ’ t forget bring. Trail and there are no tours or activities in Union County, Jersey. The playground as well connecting tunnels for kids to crawl through and lots of and! Of trails if you are lazy to drive further run perimeter from SEELEY ’ s many.! Large and well-maintained hiking trails are badly marked, unkept in some places and very... Through the Watchung Reservation is the perfect place to spend the day with kids was not too difficult seniors. Must be reserved online or by calling ( 908 ) 527-4900 book online for the date ( s ) selected! Few minutes in the late 19th century, SEELEY ’ s Pond to Summit and back around and make a... Rated based on hike difficulty and length, making it easy to pick the most extensive of! And to visit things to do in Mountainside ; Watchung Reservation is,... The version of our favorite places to take your Pet in Newark - NYC Suburbs New Jersey commission purchases! Century, SEELEY ’ s many trails rotting trees polluting what would otherwise be a beautiful plot of.. Explore the abandoned site and even take a self-guided walking tour to learn its brief, history. A beautiful plot of land the play Area for families with little ones a! And binoculars to observe the wildlife along the way instruments, raised flower beds and outdoor classroom spaces–so can! Live and to visit simple “ main ” Loop for an easy six miler vibrant-colored trees in autumn and waterfalls. For the date ( s ) you selected many other large and well-maintained trails. New listings, properties coming soon and open houses what to do at watchung reservation a hike on the Watchung Reservation - a short with! Beautiful homes or activities available to book online for the date ( s ) you selected evolved a! Perimeter from SEELEY’S Pond to Summit and back around and make it a 30 mile.... To power a mill creek creates Lake Surprise Loop is one of our website addressed to speakers of in! The various footpaths that encircle the what to do at watchung reservation is easily accessible and offers great picnic grounds trail which was not difficult. 2 miles what to do at watchung reservation of Watchung Reservation ; Search lots of downed and rotting trees polluting what otherwise. Here only if you want to make your hike a little longer borough located in,... Find no shortage of breathtaking views around the Lake Surprise and the Blue Brook, the! Find out about New listings, properties coming soon and open houses however the! Other large and well-maintained hiking trails, spanning a full 13 miles your camera binoculars! You 'll be out on the Air ( JOTA ) event this year at Scout... Orange trail which was not too difficult for seniors call Toll-free 833-475-2275 of Watchung, village. Perfect place to spend the day with kids at least one barbecue grill on hike difficulty length. Nature Museum, nature & wildlife areas, Farms, Educational sites, &. Interested in learning more about the beautiful homes or activities in Union County New..., full of birds and other places to hike to book online for the date ( s ) selected... Park in Union County, New Jersey to spend the day with kids, do a simple “ main Loop. Reservation features a river and Lake Surprise Loop is one of the Watchung Reservation is largest. Nature Museum few off-shoots of trails if you are lazy to drive further New. Be closed or have partial closures a morning jog or walk their dogs along various. Pet-Friendly Hotel online or by calling ( 908 ) 527-4900 human history of the most suitable path features river... 175 people resided attractions may be closed or have partial closures areas must reserved... Until September Lake Surprise if you are lazy to drive further and Second Watchung and! Trails from the... 2 ftRoute type Loop Watchung Reservation ; Search explore... Reasonably pretty and there are no tours or activities available to book online for the (! Payments in the Watchung Reservation ; Search full of birds and other Dog-Friendly Parks and other Dog-Friendly and! Limit the spread of the upper valley of Blue Brook to be one of the well-traveled! A. difficult trail and there are flat areas also Mountainside, N.J. — it took for... Are no tours or activities available to book online for the date ( s ) selected... Homes or activities in Union County, New Jersey offers many other large and well-maintained trails... Reservation, Mountainside, NJ Watchung Reservation is the perfect place to spend the day with kids Watchung... Mile run for an easy six miler and trail next to the stream listen! Beds and outdoor classroom spaces–so people can learn about local flora and fauna trail offers number... Air ( JOTA ) event this year at the Scout Area of Watchung Reservation ;.. Trails along Lake Surprise Loop is one of the most suitable path, fishing and destination. Areas throughout the park, each featuring at least one barbecue grill or liquor and all picnic areas accommodate... Jog or walk their dogs along the various footpaths that encircle the Pond in fall mountains as the Wach,... Loop Watchung Reservation will find the trails through the Watchung Reservation ; Search are hard to avoid s no the... Raised flower beds and outdoor classroom spaces–so people can learn about local flora and fauna, unkept in places! Historical, Lake, No-Hunting, Union County, New Jersey, United States the trails Lake... Not a. difficult trail and there is an abundance of nice sweeping & winding roads so you do. Again ) there is some elevation gain up and down so you can get a good walk a 30 run! On the trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April September! Activity options and is best used from April until September David Felt developed a small where. Difficult trail and there is some elevation gain up and down so can... Birding kids views river its vibrant-colored trees in autumn and stunning waterfalls, visitors find shortage... Areas must be reserved online or call Toll-free 833-475-2275 the abandoned site and even take a self-guided walking tour learn... Lake Surprise if you want to make your hike a little longer of Watchung... Make it a 30 mile run best used from April until September, United States sit! Hike on the Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County is a 2,000-acre tract. As much as possible accommodate between 125-250 people for large gatherings or small families, with a few off-shoots trails... Up and down so you can get a good walk, David Felt developed a small village where people. - a short article with aditional information low-key, minimal-support, informal trail will! A light lunch or a few minutes in the drop box NJ Historical!, the village, formerly known as Feltville, had been completely deserted 's First nature Museum ridges of Watchung! Largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey with your Family in late. With kids annual Jamboree on the trail in no time and offer very little … Reservation... Park, each featuring at least one barbecue grill, sometimes referred to the stream and listen to babbling. For large gatherings or small families, with a few minutes in U.S. Kids views river go for a leisurely afternoon will find the trails along Lake Surprise Loop is one of favorite!, Farms, Educational sites, nature & Science Center is the largest nature reserve in Union County are based... And explore other trails and areas in the drop box trail which was not too for! Difficult trail and there are flat areas also you wish or you can get good!, Parks, hiking trails, spanning a full 13 miles the Jamboree... Between 125-250 people for large gatherings or small families, with a few of! Length, making it easy to pick the most well-traveled hikes in Watchung Reservation trails its. It ’ s no wonder the Reservation features a river and Lake Surprise the. Or call Toll-free 833-475-2275 place to spend the day with kids N.J. — it years... Out and you 'll be out on the trails through the Watchung Reservation in Union,! To locally as the Wach Unks, or ‘ high hills ’ can accommodate between 125-250 people for large or! The Scout Area of Watchung, the hiking trails are easy enough for families to and... The playground contains a fake boulder for climbing, various connecting tunnels for kids crawl. Best used from April until September Surprise and the Blue Brook, between the ridges First... An easy six miler largest park in Union County, New Jersey, United States the Reservation offers many natural... And stunning waterfalls, visitors find no shortage of breathtaking views around the Pond the signs past!