Located in the hills of Union County, Watchung offers a welcome break to those living in nearby city and suburban areas. Watchung Reservation is the only Union County Park that has over 10 miles of hiking trails and lots of beautiful scenery to go with it. Please join us on our little adventure into the woods where we will get to see a little bit of everything!

Member Cost:
$5 for the first 5
$10 for the next 6 to 25
$20 at the door

Non-Member Cost:
$20 online and at the door.

Tickets:
There are a limited number of Tickets for sale. Tickets are not mailed, but your name will be kept at the door. All sales are final.

Specs:
The hike is classified as moderate.
Hike will be about 5.5 miles long and we will walk at an easy to medium pace.
The hike should take about 3 hours.
As with all hikes you must be in good athletic shape.

Sweeper:
If the group size is larger than 10, we are going to look for a volunteer to act as a sweeper. Sweepers will walk at the end of the hike line and will make sure the group stays together.

Hike Leader:
Keira will be leading this hike.

What to bring:
Hiking boots and water (required).
We recommend a light snack, tissues, plastic bags for garbage, and similar items.

Inclement Weather:
Heavy precipitation will cancel this hike; drizzle will not. Please check your inbox for updates and the NJYP.org calendar. Tickets will be refunded.

Finding the Group:
Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the “Trailside Nature & Science Center".  Please leave extra early as many of these parks are harder to find. As a courtesy to the others this hike will start on time.


Directions:

VIA ROUTE 78 WEST:

1. Take Rt. 78 West to exit 43 (New Providence/Berkeley Heights).
2. Turn right at first light onto McMane Avenue.
3. At T-intersection, turn left onto Glenside Avenue.
4. Go 1.2 miles and turn right into the Watchung Reservation (Rt. 645 – W.R Tracey Dr.).
5. Proceed past Lake Surprise, uphill and straight past loop picnic area to the wooded traffic circle.
6. At traffic circle take the first right (Summit Ln) and proceed ½ mile (you will bear right and merge onto New Providence Rd.). Parking lot is on the right.


VIA ROUTE 78 EAST

1. Take Rt. 78 East to exit 44 (New Providence/Berkeley Heights).
2. Turn left at the traffic light onto Glenside Avenue.
3. Go 1.2 miles and turn right into the Watchung Reservation (Rt. 645 – W.R Tracey Dr.).
4. Proceed past Lake Surprise, uphill and straight past loop picnic area to the wooded traffic circle.
5. At traffic circle take the first right (Summit Ln) and proceed ½ mile (you will bear right and merge onto New Providence Rd.). Parking lot is on the right.