The reservation was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the successor firm to Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York's Central Park.
Washington Rock was used by General George Washington as a lookout point to monitor British troop movements in the valley below.
The park contains the site of a former amusement park, 'Olympic Park,' which operated from 1887 until 1965.
The reservation includes a large sculpture dedicated to the memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks, located near the Orange Reservoir.
The park is home to a dedicated dog park, allowing off-leash recreation for pets.
The reservoir area within the park once served as a primary water source for the surrounding municipalities.
South Mountain Reservation is a 2,110-acre nature reserve managed by Essex County, situated primarily in West Orange, New Jersey. The park features the Turtle Back Zoo and the Richard J. Codey Arena, a multi-purpose sports facility. Its geography includes the Rahway River, which flows through the valley and over the 25-foot Hemlock Falls. The reservation offers over 50 miles of marked hiking trails through diverse forest terrain. It serves as a natural border between the suburban municipalities of West Orange, Millburn, and Maplewood. The park is part of the extensive Essex County Park System, the first county park system established in the United States. It contains the Washington Rock historic site, which offers elevated views of the Newark skyline and surrounding valleys.
The wooden bridge overlooking Hemlock Falls during the spring or after heavy rainfall.
Bring a printed or digital trail map, as mobile phone reception can be inconsistent in the deep wooded valleys.
Visit the Orange Reservoir boardwalk for a flat, paved walking surface if you prefer not to hike the rugged forest trails.
Check the zoo's social media channels before visiting to confirm if any special animal encounters are scheduled.
Do not wander off the marked trails, as the steep topography and dense brush can make navigation difficult.
The zoo and sports arena have seasonal operational variations; specific trail areas may close periodically for maintenance or during inclement weather.
Leash your dogs in all areas except the designated off-leash dog park; carry out all trash to keep the forest clean.
