Wood Roads Twenty-seven miles of broad, gravel roads are popular for jogging, walking, and cross-country skiing.
Hiking Trails Fourteen blazed trails provide 23 miles of hiking paths. The Lenape Trail runs the length of the Reservation and is part of the Liberty-Water Gap Trail which will connect five counties in northern New Jersey.
Fishing Diamond Mill Pond is stocked with trout by the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife. A state fishing permit is required. For information, visit the Division of Fish & Wildlife at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fishing_fresh.htm
Picnicking Eight picnic areas with tables and fire grates are available. Cherry Lane and Brookside Drive provide vehicular access to the interior picnic areas, while Crest Drive leads to Summit Field. For groups over 20, call (973) 268-3500 to obtain a permit from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Wildflower and Forest Preserve This preserve is open to the public – simply enter through the gates on either side of the dog park, and please make sure to close the gate upon entering and exiting. Trails are well-marked with interpretive signage and wind through varied ecosystems including a meadow, woodlands, and wetlands. This deer-excluded area is the largest forest regeneration site at the South Mountain Reservation. (Directions: 10 Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ)
Wildflower Sculpture Park This installation features several outdoor sculptures at the entrance to the South Mountain Reservation’s Wildflower and Forest Preserve and Dog Park. Sculptures are installed for a 12 month period starting in May. (Directions: 10 Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ)
Dog Park The two-acre dog park offers separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs to exercise. Water for dogs and people, an owner “observation” shed, and “time out” pens for unruly dogs are available. Owners must pick up after their dogs. The dog park is located adjacent to Summit Field and the Wildflower Preserve and is accessible from Crest Drive off of South Orange Avenue. (Directions: 10 Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ)
Boy Scout and Girl Scout Camping Areas These areas are used by regional troops. The Girl Scout Camp is not open to the public.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RECREATION COMPLEX
Turtle Back Zoo Covering about 15 acres, the zoo is home to over 500 animals and 75 species including black bear, cougar, bison, and eagles. Facilities include a reptile house, petting farm, the Turtle Back Junction Train that runs into the Reservation, an amphitheatre, food court, picnic area, playground, education center and gift shop. The zoo is open every day and holds special events throughout the year. For hours, call (973) 731-5800, or visit www.turtlebackzoo.com.
Richard Codey South Mountain Arena The arena houses two year-round ice skating rinks and has an adjoining parking facility. Both public skating and skating lessons are offered. The hockey training facility of the New Jersey Devils is located here. Call (973) 731-3828, or go to http://www.essex-countynj.org, for information.
Reservoir Walk, Paddle Boating and Picnic Pavilion This recently renovated 1 3/4 path around the Orange Reservoir includes a 1 3/4 mile paved path around the reservoir, a playground, and a 30-by-60 foot open-air pavilion for picnics and special events, plus a floating dock with paddle boats to rent. For more information visit https://turtlebackzoo.com/boating.