The Deserted Village of Feltville was founded in 1845 as a mill town by David Felt and was later converted into a summer resort known as Glenside Park.
Lake Surprise was originally created in 1845 to provide water power for David Felt's printing mill.
The reservation contains the 'Blue Brook' which was part of the geological formation of the Watchung basalt ridges.
A portion of the historic Washington Valley is contained within the reservation, documenting centuries of local agricultural and industrial history.
The park maintains a dedicated stable area that connects to miles of equestrian-specific trails.
The Watchung Reservation is a 2,142-acre nature preserve in Union County, New Jersey, serving as the largest park in the county system. It features the historic Trailside Nature and Science Center, which focuses on regional environmental education. The park's topography includes the First and Second Watchung Mountains, offering varied elevation for hikers. Within its boundaries lies the Deserted Village of Feltville, a 19th-century settlement listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Water features include Lake Surprise, a man-made body of water created by damming the Blue Brook. The park contains over 13 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Lenape Trail. Diverse habitats range from mature deciduous forests to wetlands and open meadows. The reservation serves as a protected refuge for local wildlife, including white-tailed deer and migratory birds. Visitors utilize the area for activities including horseback riding, picnicking, and fishing.
The spillway view overlooking Lake Surprise during sunrise or sunset.
Download a digital trail map before arrival, as cell service can be inconsistent in the valley areas.
Wear insect repellent during summer months to protect against ticks, which are common in the wooded sections.
Check the county's official park page for alerts regarding trail closures due to seasonal maintenance or storm damage.
Do not attempt to enter abandoned structures in the Deserted Village, as they are historically protected and structurally unsafe.
Select park facilities, including parts of the Deserted Village and interpretive centers, may have limited accessibility during winter months.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive ecosystems and prevent soil erosion; pack out all trash.
