AFW Hike: Watchung Reservation, NJ on Sunday 6/2/2024

Hike: Watchung Reservation, NJ on Sunday 6/2/2024

6-mile loop, some ups and downs, swampy

Difficulty/Pace:  Moderate/Leisurely

Hike Coordinator:  Christine

Location/Directions:

NJ Trailside Science and Nature Museum

Note: Address for GPS users: Trailside Museum, 452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside, NJ 07092

There are two sets of directions for Watchung Reservation Hike because access ramps Eastbound and Westbound Route 78 are not in the same location.

Westbound:  Route 78 to Exit 43 (Diamond Hill Road). At the end of the exit, you need to turn right off the exit, go through the first traffic light, then turn right into the corporate office parking lot, come back out to the road, and turn left (this makes a legal U-turn). Head East on Diamond Hill Road.  Turn left at the traffic light onto NJ Route 527, also known as Valley Road.  Turn right (on first road) at Sky Top Road.  Sky Top Road becomes Coles Ave.  You will pass through a residential section but continue straight to the “Trailside Science and Nature Museum” parking lot.  (Just at the parking lot, the road curves sharply right- this is your signal to look ahead to the parking lot.)

Eastbound:  Route 78 to Exit 43 Berkeley Heights, Watchung.  Drive to traffic light and turn left on Valley Road/527 North.  Straight through next traffic light (Diamond Hill Road), then right at first road (Route 527 continues left).  This is Sky Top/Coles Ave., although there is no street sign. Sky Top Road becomes Coles Ave.  You will pass through a residential section but continue straight to the “Trailside Science and Nature Museum” parking lot.  (Just at the parking lot, the road curves sharply right -- this is your signal to look ahead to the parking lot.)