One of the greatest possible ways to spend a Saturday is hiking. It is free exercise that reminds us that we are part of a natural world...oh yeah... and it beats a day at the mall!
So we decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm, yet eerily unnatural, weather today and go to South Mountain Reservation in
Millburn. We followed the suggestion of the
New York/New Jersey Trail Conference and took a trail that brought us a panoramic view, a scenic waterfall and some great hiking.
We parked at the Locust Grove parking area, which is literally a stones throw away from the the
Millburn Train Station (for you hardcore public transporters!). Although the trails were muddy due to recent precipitation, the high volume of water made for an impressive waterfall. The downside is that trails begin to gradually morph into streams requiring agility and waterproof footwear to navigate. Along the way we came across a variety of terrain including paved trails, narrow rocky trails, as well as, a group of deer led by a large buck. The highlight of the three or four hour hike was definitely the waterfall, which we dubbed the Niagra of New Jersey.
Along the trail we met a great couple and their dog Sasha, a female
weimerheimer, who helped us find the waterfall. After three and half hours our legs were spent, so we hit up a local Mexican restaurant,
Tinga. We had a well-earned heaping pile of nachos! After a slight detour to Whole Foods we were on the road and heading back to Jersey City totally exhausted, but rejuvenated. It was a great day getting back in touch with nature.
For more pictures click here.
