South Mountain Reservation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
South Mountain Reservation, covering between 2,047[1] and 2,112[2] acres (between 8.28 and 8.54 km2), depending on the source, is a nature reserve on the Rahway River that is part of the Essex County Park System in northeastern New Jersey. It is located in central Essex County, New Jersey within portions of Maplewood, Millburn, and West Orange. It borders South Orange between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountains.[3]
South Mountain Reservation | |
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Nearest city | Newark, New Jersey |
Coordinates | 40°45′00″N 74°17′34″W |
Area | 2,047 acres (8.28 km2) |
Established | 1895 |
Governing body | Essex County |
Carved from wilderness at the end of the 19th century, designed by Olmsted Brothers, and developed over a few decades, the reservation has changed only slightly through the years. Preserved primarily in its wild state, woodlands abound in a variety of hardwood trees, and tall hemlocks tower above streams, creeks and ponds, and waterfalls. Higher points, such as Crater View, offer vistas of the New York and Jersey City skylines, Elizabeth, Union Township, and Staten Island.[4]