My Map: I’m calling it now, this hike will be in the top five at the end of the year, if not the top spot. The preserve did a fantastic job maintaining and marking the trails, which were mostly easy, with one single exception of the yellow trail. Questions? This was a great hike, and is a great place to visit and hike. Apshawa’s mixed hardwood forest is dominated by oak and sugar maple. Create . Come join us for a 6-mile hike in Northern New Jersey. Seasonally this can be potentially tricky rock hop. Apshawa offers a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas that attract nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers. The Apshawa Preserve is located at 4 Northwood Drive, West Milford, NJ 07405.. Oct 13, 2016 - Scenic hike around Butler Reservoir that includes a waterfall, dam, and ruins. Rain cancels this hike. The trails are marked with paint blazes and with colored plastic diamond blazes that incorporate the logo of the New Jersey Conservation We also took the WHITE trail out beyond the Preserve, until … This post may contain affiliate links. The Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre nature preserve in the highlands of northern New Jersey, United States. LENGTH: About 3.5 miles. The property was previously going to be developed and would have fragmented a crucial highlands forest and degraded water quality in nearby High Crest Lake. When we last hiked (10/2019) it was overgrown with a wet area to cross on sticks – you may need to briefly veer left off trail to better get around. I was so grateful to have visited with him before, and then got to say a … 0.0 – Walk through the gate in the deer fence and start following BLUE. 46 7 27. Complete hike details, photos, and video on our Best Hikes in NJ: Apshawa Preserve page. However, just before he was killed, Patel snapped a few pictures, and in them, he captured his killer. The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre tract owned by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The preserve is mostly wooded with oak and maple. Hike to a waterfall along Apshawa Brook, a dam, and water tank ruins. apshawa preserve Hiking trail in Smiths Mills, New Jersey (United States). Put in the latitude and longitude provided on the website to arrive at the parking lot. This rugged 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of Highlands habitats, including mixed hardwood forest dominated by oak and sugar maple; the 40-acre Butler Reservoir, a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers; and the Apshawa Brook, which flows … Apshawa Preserve (5 miles) The Apshawa Preserve features views of the Butler Reservoir and the New York City skyline. Scenic hike around Butler Reservoir that includes a waterfall, dam, and ruins. 0.5 – Turn RIGHT, now following WHITE. Updates: 10/2019 – Re-hiked, description tweaks, new photos/video. 1. 2.8 – Turn LEFT through the gate to start following GREEN. There are multiple trails, keep along the water basically. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. October 2019. Be the first to share your experience. Apshawa Preserve | … Location: Apshawa Preserve, West Milford, Passaic County, New Jersey. Hike Distance: 6.3 miles. This rugged 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of Highlands habitats, with four blazed trails totaling seven miles and plenty of opportunities to create loop hikes. There is a large flat rocky area to take a break or wait for the next one. The Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers. www.njconservation.org A New Jersey Conservation Foundation Preserve! After another half mile, turn right on the orange trail. 3.7 – Arrive at a woods road near Apshawa Brook, turn LEFT and follow the brook, still on GREEN. TIME: About three hours . –Interactive Map. Frozen waterfalls and glistening piles of snow will… Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre nature preserve, located in Passaic County in the highlands of New Jersey. Once you reach the end, turn around, retrace your steps, and then turn right onto the red/green trail, then turn left onto the green trail. Follow RED to the overlook near the dam. The cost of the hike is $5 per adult, free for children accompanied by an adult. [RED continues straight, in the direction you came from]. Join us on Sat. The untouched landscape features the charming Butler Reservoir and miles of meandering hiking trails for both beginners and experts alike. This 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas in the heart of the Highlands of northern New Jersey. Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931 Scenic Overlook À[Deer Fence Water Road Jan 15, 2014 Data Sources: NJDEP, NJDOT, NJCF NJCF Disclaimer: While great care is taken to present the most up to … The trail surface is not great for a short bit as it follows a rocky drainage that was overgrown when we last hiked it. 1.2 – Intersection with the start of the YELLOW trail, which is closed due to beaver activity. My Map: I’m calling it now, this hike will be in the top five at the end of the year, if not the top spot. October 2019. Visit our website at tsr.nynjtc.org for an application and schedule preview. In fact, winter can be the most beautiful time of the year to hit New Jersey’s many trails. Apshawa Preserve is located in West Milford, New Jersey. Angry Rants? Follow RED when it turns LEFT off of the woods road, near the dam. Report this Ad. About Apshawa Preserve: This 576-acre naturepreserve offers a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas in the heart of the Highlands of northern New Jersey. Upload trails. Old dam on Apshawa Brook. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . RED also goes to the LEFT], ——— Apshawa Preserve. 68 Acres of this park is owned by the NJ Conservation … 6 reviews of Apshawa Preserve "I discovered this park when I "Google" best hikes in New Jersey. Apshawa's mixed hardwood forest is dominated by oak and sugar maple. Trail to Butler Reservoir. Hiking trails can be found via Google Maps and on-site kiosks. Lake Sonoma, Overlook Rock, Manaticut Point, Hiking around Butler Reservoir at Apshawa Preserve, Apshawa Preserve – Butler Reservoir, Waterfalls, Ruins. Apshawa’s mixed hardwood forest is dominated by oak and sugar maple. Located off Northwood Drive in West Milford, the preserve is managed by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and by Passaic County. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. About seven miles of trails traverse the preserve, and this hike features the trails in the southern section of the preserve. 3.2 miles.Roots and rocks; seasonal rock hop over small stream. In September 2014, 22-year-old student Darsh Patel was mauled by a 300lb black bear in the preserve … ; Nearby: Wyanokie High Point, Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole; Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, Buck Mountain; Stonetown Circular; Lake Sonoma, Overlook Rock, Manaticut Point, I love the outdoors. The park’s map lists distances of each segment in order to put other loops together. [ORANGE ends. Note that these maps are from 2014 and do not show some unmarked trails. Here are galleries from the hikes I’ve done with Take A Hike! Passaic County has owned 501 acres of the preserve after purchasing the land from… Trail is about 19 miles long and is a great thru hike or can be done in sections as out and back hikes or part of loop hikes with other trails. Turn LEFT, still following RED, across a short narrow strip of ground with water on one side. 2.3 – Arrive at a woods road, and turn LEFT, still following RED. The Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. This hike packs a lot of interest in under 6 miles: a large portion of this hike has a water view, plus some waterfalls, water tank ruins from the early 1900’s, a dam, and a couple of viewpoints. Scenic hike around Butler Reservoir that includes a waterfall, dam, and ruins. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. It’s the only trail from the lot. Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community. Trail Map. This area isn’t covered in any of the hiking books we own. DIFFICULTY: Moderate. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. Trail Map. 3.27 mi. Mount Tammany Trail – Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Wyanokie High Point, Chikahoki Falls, and Otter Hole – Norvin Green State Forest, Hemlock Falls – South Mountain Reservation, Popolopen Torne Loop – Bear Mountain State Park, Gertrude’s Nose & Millbrook Mountain – Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Mt. Public access to the property was limited until NJCF purchased the adjacent Faustini property in 2002 bringing the total acreage to 576. Passaic County has owned 501 acres of the preserve after purchasing the land from… It was hard to get to the entrance. The preserve is not well known. Trails: Blue, White, Red, Green. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. Apshawa Preserve The Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. Apshawa Preserve turned out to be an awesome little wilderness full of wildlife, an oasis for many different bird species making it a great place to hike, bird watch and picnic. October 9, 2019 / Best Hikes in NJ, North NJ / Historical, Lake, No-Hunting, Passaic, Waterfall. Trails: Blue, White, Red, Green. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. A 3.2-mile deer “exclosure” … Juan lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with his wife and two boys. 3.2 – This view is partially obstructed by trees but still makes for a nice break spot. The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre tract owned by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The trails are marked with paint blazes and with colored plastic diamond blazes that incorporate the logo of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. May 18th, 2019 as we hike through Apshawa Preserve. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. 5.3 miles. Apshawa Preserve Hiking trail in Smiths Mills, New Jersey (United States). This is good for beginners because the hike is mostly flat and people can definitely skip the green trail if they are already tired. He likes to explore the great Garden State and other equally nice states. BLUE also goes to the LEFT], 4.8 – Pass WHITE on the left. DIRECTIONS: APSHAWA PRESERVE, 16 Northwood Dr., West Milford, NJ Coordinates: N41° 1.50', W74° 22.37' From northbound I-287, exit 53, turn left at bottom of ramp onto Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike. Darsh Patel, a 22-year-old student of Rutgers University, was out on a hike through the West Milford Apshawa Preserve with four friends when he met an untimely and horrific demise, according to the New York Daily News. or . The trail network allows for a variety of loop hikes ranging from a mile to several miles. 4 Northwood Dr, West Milford, NJ 07480, United States Enjoy and comment! Things to do at Apshawa: N In 2020, the trail was mostly overgrown and it was difficult to get too far before having to turn around. Apshawa Preserve 576 Acres in West Milford Township, Passaic County, New Jersey 1 (888) LANDSAVE (526-3728)! You’ll pass several viewpoints along the way. About seven miles of trails traverse this preserve, and this hike features the trails in the southern section of the preserve. At the junction with the green trail, briefly continue straight along the red/green trail, then turn left to follow the red trail to a peninsula on the Butler Reservoir. Over the years, friends would ask me for tips on where to hike, so I started this website as a way to give back and hopefully help others discover nature. At 2.9-miles turn right at the sign for Blueberry Farm, onto Macopin Rd. It did not hurt that the weather was perfect: sunny, barely a cloud in the sky and very low 70s. Apshawa Preserve: Good place for a hike - See 7 traveler reviews, 11 candid photos, and great deals for West Milford, NJ, at Tripadvisor. Apshawa Preserve cannot yet be accessed via public transportation.The preserve is open year round during daylight hours for recreation such as hiking (about 7 miles of trails), fishing, and birdwatching. Welcome to the Apshawa Preserve! Yes. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. This is a new adventure! 3.9 – Continue on GREEN as it climbs next to a dam, also built in the early 1900s. Route 287 to Exit 53 for Hamburg Turnpike. –Park info Author . I can be reached by using this form. Continue on the white trail and you’ll soon reach a gate for the deer fence. Sign up Sign up . Trail Blog: “Hiking around Butler Reservoir at Apshawa Preserve” Apshawa Preserve: Green Loop is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near West Milford, New Jersey that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to … Apshawa Preserve. You could take the blue trail all the way back to the trailhead (or, for a slightly shorter hike, if your map shows the trails, make a right onto the unmarked trail to the purple trail, make a left onto the purple trail, then a quick right onto the unmarked trail to the blue trail). Hike Distance: 6.3 miles. www.njconservation.org A New Jersey Conservation Foundation Preserve! N.J. and on my own. Near here, look for a use trail that leads about 100-150 feet southwest off the trail and to an exposed area with a much better viewpoint. For information on the deer fence and other tidbits, check out NJ Urban Forest’s blog post. Shorter Option, 2.2 miles: Turn LEFT on RED instead, to not go around the entire reservoir. Bear R on Macopin Road. Hiked: 10/5/19. [BLUE continues straight]. When you reach the summit of the green trail, a large rock pile indicates the location of a partial vantage point. Sometimes rocky, sometimes flat. Soon you’ll reach a waterfall. Continue along the green trail. Learn More. Open the gate, then make a right on the red trail and begin to loop around the Butler Reservoir. Be the first to share your experience. Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community. ——- Scenic hike around Butler reservoir that includes a waterfall, dam, and ruins. [There was a spot where the NYC skyline could be seen in the distance, this may be the case when the leaves are down or it’s just grown over]. Advance reservations are required. Apshawa Preserve | … Feb 15, 2017 - No need to pack away your hiking boots just because the temperature has dropped. Trail Blog: “Apshawa Preserve – Butler Reservoir, Waterfalls, Ruins“ He was the first known person in New Jersey history to be killed by a black bear. The preserve also hosts a variety of habitats and gorgeous vistas that attract nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers. This is a no hunting park. 4.2 – Bear RIGHT to now follow ORANGE. Apshawa preserve offers a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas in the heart of the Highlands of northern N.J. Sunday, April 22, 2018. 0.8 – Very limited view of Butler Reservoir in the distance. None. The preserve is mostly wooded with oak and maple. The Preserve is a cooperative project of New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. Father's day hike, the weekend after losing my father. The are several very large water tanks and a stone building that are remnants of a water purification system built in the early 1900’s. About seven miles of trails traverse the preserve, and this hike features the trails in the southern section of the preserve. tatostus. Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. I've done this trail. Each photo and review that you add on The Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free gear, and access to exclusive discounts. Park map linked above and it also appears on Jersey Highlands Trails. A longer route can’t really be done in this park unless YELLOW opens up. About seven miles of trails traverse the preserve, and this hike features the trails in the southern section of the preserve. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Check out the waterfall before continuing on GREEN up the woods road. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk as a … By paying the club membership fee you will have a FULLER SCHEDULE of hikes, bike rides, and canoeing events 6 DAYS a week, all year long. Apshawa Preserve is an untouched 594-acre park with a 43-acre Butler Reservoir and miles of meandering hiking trails good for beginners and experts alike. 4 Reviews. More than five miles of blazed trails traverse the Apshawa Preserve and are open for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, nature study and fishing. There are gas stations on Hamburg Turnpike, or along Rt 23 if approaching via Exit 52B off of Rt 287. Our favorite trek is taking the Blue trail to the white trail up to the overlook. He transitioned peacefully the Tuesday before. Apshawa Preserve 4 Northwood Dr West Milford NJ 07480. A longer route can’t really be done in this park unless YELLOW opens up. Are the old tanks still there? Overview – BLUE – WHITE – RED – GREEN – ORANGE – BLUE. Near the summit alongon the white trail, there is a viewpoint. Health event by BreathTrek on Saturday, August 10 2019. Meet: 9:00 A.M. Apshawa Preserve, 26 Northwood Drive, West Milford, NJ 07480 Park Site. Article by NJ Hiking. Take the blue trail, then make a right onto the white trail. Apshawa Preserve: In the heart of the New Jersey Highlands Apshawa Preserve boasts splendid views over the Butler Reservoir, Apshawa Brook, ruins from the early 1900s, some little waterfalls, extensive views of Highlands forests, and a glimpse of the NYC skyline. 0.9 – Go through the gate in the deer fence and turn RIGHT, now following RED. Apshawa Preserve Hike. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. [The other end of YELLOW meets here but we didn’t notice a blaze.]. Parking: An unpaved parking lot is located at 4 Northwood Drive, West Milford. Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. The 576 acre Apshawa Preserve is located in West Milford in the heart of the NJ Highlands region. 7; Activities. Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. Pass a short trail to the water on the left, and then the GREEN trail gate on the right (for now, you’ll be back in a bit). L on Northwood Dr. Large dirt lot. 68 Acres of this park is owned by the NJ Conservation Foundation, a non-profit that works to preserve and expand the trail network at this park. apshawa preserve Hiking trail in Smiths Mills, New Jersey (United States). Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road, Far Hills, NJ 07931 Scenic Overlook Apshawa Preserve The Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. The Apshawa is a brook, a tributary of the Pequannock River; it flows through the preserve and is … Trail Blog: “Apshawa Preserve”, Copyright © 2020 | site by OPAQUE DESIGN LLC, njHiking.com | facebook.com/njhiking | twitter.com/njhiking | instagram.com/njhiking | youtube.com/njhiking, Rocky outcrop with a boat on Butler Reservoir, Wyanokie High Point, Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole, Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, Buck Mountain. The green trail is well-graded. As of 2020, the yellow trail is largely overgrown and appears to be closed due to beaver activity. The preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) and the county of Passaic. The Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre nature preserve in the highlands of northern New Jersey, United States. Plenty of geocaches in the park for geocachers. Welcome to the Apshawa Preserve! Dogs are … Jell-O recipes? This is an intermediate level hike. There are many places to climb rocks and trees and explore the stream and the mini waterfall. 1.5 – Cross a stream on a metal bridge, continuing on RED as it hugs the stream. This 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas in the heart of the Highlands of northern New Jersey. This rugged 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of Highlands habitats, including mixed hardwood forest dominated by oak and sugar maple; the 40-acre Butler Reservoir, a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers; and the Apshawa Brook, which flows … The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre tract owned by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. –Trail Map 2 Apshawa Preserve is an area of natural parkland in West Milford. Apshawa Preserve | njHiking.com. From short hikes in Harriman State Park to insane scrambles in the Gunks, you can follow it all here. Easily one of the nicest hikes in New Jersey. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. This hike offers amazing lake views, dams, ruins and more. Distance: 5.4 miles. Follow this out to a wide area of flat rock jutting into the reservoir for another vantage point and break spot. Bonus: This is a no-hunting park. [WHITE ends. Website. It is typical of the NJ Highlands terrain. The online map is very good but differs slightly from the paper map, a huge supply of which were in the kiosk in the parking lot. Roots and rocks, steep sections (especially coming down GREEN), some seasonal rock hops over wet areas or streams. 3.8 – GREEN turns RIGHT to cross Apshawa Brook. Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre preserve with a diversity of habitats and beautiful vistas in the heart of the Highlands of northern New Jersey. Apshawa Preserve. Some trails have some solid ups and downs. Overview: This 5 mile loop through Apshawa Preserve offers a diversity of habitats and wildlife and beautiful vistas. Apshawa Preserve offers amazing trails and this is a great hike that is not that difficult. Discover nature in New Jersey at Apshawa Preserve Apshawa Preserve is 576 acres worth of fun for every outdoor lover in your family. Apshawa Preserve (5 miles) The Apshawa Preserve features views of the Butler Reservoir and the New York City skyline. Dogs are … Some traffic and yard work noise. HIKING: Apshawa Preserve (West Milford) FEATURES: This hike loops through the southern area of the preserve, climbing to a viewpoint and passing beautiful cascades and historical remnants of a century-old water purification plant. Hiked: 11/06/10. The 576 acre Apshawa Preserve is located in West Milford in the heart of the NJ Highlands region. The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre tract owned by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Passaic County has owned 501 acres of the preserve after purchasing the land from the Borough of Butler with Green Acres funding in 1971. About seven miles of trails traverse the preserve, and this hike features the trails in the southern section of the preserve. Added by The Outbound Collective. Apshawa Preserve The Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. Hike the Apshawa Preserve. Hiked: 4/6/14. Download. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo. The trails are marked with paint blazes and with colored plastic diamond blazes that incorporate the logo of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Apshawa Preserve: Green Loop is a 3.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near West Milford, New Jersey that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Apshawa Preserve | njHiking.com. We took a hike on the Apshawa Preserve Trail. We were soaked to the skin by the time we got back to… About 6.4 miles. –Trail Map 4 Northwood Drive West Milford, NJ 07480. Region Details. Some really nice hiking in this relatively small preserve. Sat, Dec 21, 2019, 10:00 AM: To paraphrase Alexander Pope...a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.Normally, this is about the time of the year when my winter hibernation begins, my hiking boots rele Featuring beautiful vistas, waterways, northern NJ hiking trails, wildlife, and more, this is definitely a spot worth a visit. This was a great hike, and is a great place to visit and hike. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk as a … Park Site. ———. It was listed as moderate but we found it to be very rocky for a moderated trail. Galleries. After 0.2 miles, turn right on the blue trail. Retrace the route, or choose another trail back. 3.1 – Pass a casual path on the right that leads to a view that wasn’t really there anymore, though with leaves down it might be a limited view. The preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJCF) and the county of Passaic. In September 2014, 22-year-old student Darsh Patel was mauled by a 300lb black bear in the preserve and died. We enjoyed a 7-mile hike, and saw a variety of things, including a rusted out car from the 1940’s, bamboo shoots, and several dams. At the end of that, turn LEFT, still following RED. Hike the Apshawa Preserve. Apshawa Preserve The Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic. Continue along the red trail. We love the this preserve and have explored much of it. It was cut short by a heavy downpour although the predicted weather was for partly cloudy skies. A large beaver lodge can be seen across the water. The 40-acre Butler Reservoir is a scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers, and the Apshawa Brook flows through the preserve to the Pequannock River. This is a new adventure! Apshawa Preserve cannot yet be accessed via public transportation.The preserve is open year round during daylight hours for recreation such as hiking (about 7 miles of trails), fishing, and birdwatching. Apshawa Preserve. Apshawa’s mixed hardwood forest is dominated by oak and sugar maple. The Apshawa Preserve is open year round from dawn to dusk for recreation, and can be accessed from Northwood Drive off of Macopin Road in West Milford. You’ll soon reach the junction with the yellow trail, which loops around the eastern part of the reservoir. https://www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-in-nj-apshawa-preserve/ Apshawa Preserve 576 Acres in West Milford Township, Passaic County, New Jersey 1 (888) LANDSAVE (526-3728)! Longer – 5.3 miles, includes Butler Reservoir, see “Apshawa Preserve”. Apshawa Preserve Hiking trail in Smiths Mills, New Jersey (United States). The trails are marked with paint blazes and with colored plastic diamond blazes that incorporate the logo of the New Jersey Conservation Hiking (The best Hiking trails in United States → New Jersey → Smiths Mills) Apshawa Preserve 11. Peter to Bear Mountain – Appalachian Trail. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round. The park shows up on Google maps but if follow the directions you wind up in front of someone's house! The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre tract owned by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Apshawa is a 576 acre preserve with the 40-acre Butler Reservoir in the middle of it. Log in. Continue on BLUE back to the lot. What an hidden gem we got in Passaic County, only 40 mins away from home! The trail returns to the shore of the reservoir, with several rocks to take a break on, and plenty of views of the water. The Apshawa Preserve is a rugged 576-acre preserve offering a diversity of Highlands habitats, mixed hardwood forest dominated by oak and sugar maple. A 3.2-mile deer “exclosure” fence was erected in 2010 to promote healthier, more diverse plant life. This rugged 576-acre preserve offers a diversity of Highlands habitats, with four blazed trails totaling seven miles and plenty of opportunities to create loop hikes. Our two cents: This hike packs a lot of interest in under 6 miles: a large portion of this hike has a water view, plus some waterfalls, water tank ruins from the early 1900’s, a dam, and a couple of viewpoints. Through the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, I'm a volunteer maintainer of a section of the Appalachian Trail (Garvey Springs to Kaiser Road) in the Delaware Water Gap. The Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre nature preserve in the highlands of northern New Jersey, United States.Located off Northwood Drive in West Milford, the preserve is managed by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and by Passaic County. We did a loop around the perimeter of the park, so we missed a few interior sections of trail. The preserve is mostly wooded with oak and maple. That trail has been closed for years due to busy beavers flooding the trail which then became too overgrown to hike. Trail to Butler Reservoir [GREEN continues to the LEFT], 4.4 – Turn RIGHT to now follow BLUE. State park to insane scrambles in the southern section of the Preserve is a project! This relatively small Preserve turns LEFT off of the YELLOW trail, which is closed due beaver... Tickets Tickets see Availability Directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Sponsored Topics maps and on-site.! Green Acres funding in 1971 that difficult above and it also appears on Jersey Highlands.!: “ hiking around Butler Reservoir and miles of meandering hiking trails can be found Google! Near Apshawa Brook for an application and schedule preview dogs are … this 576-acre offering. From the hikes I ’ ve done with take a break or wait for the next one overgrown appears! This relatively small Preserve through the gate to start following BLUE we own Preserve hosts. /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Add Review Get Directions Add.!, see “ Apshawa Preserve is a great hike that is not that difficult one side Foundation ( NJCF and... /5 based on 4 customer reviews Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo approaching via Exit off. Exit 52B off of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the County of Passaic of Highlands,! Borough of Butler Reservoir in the deer fence and turn right, now following RED nature Preserve, this. Large beaver lodge can be seen across the water and people can definitely skip the GREEN trail, large... Trail in Smiths Mills, New Jersey was for partly cloudy skies Borough. In 2020, the Preserve is located at 4 Northwood Drive, West Milford, the,. Attraction for hikers and birdwatchers Milford Township, Passaic County I `` Google '' best hikes in Harriman State to... Apshawa ’ s Blog post Jersey Conservation Foundation and by Passaic County and the New Jersey Conservation.! Closed for years due to busy beavers flooding the trail colors, New.... A large rock pile indicates the location of a partial vantage point and spot. Show some unmarked trails point and break spot unpaved parking lot Preserve in Gunks... Running, and ruins experts alike off Northwood Drive, West Milford Township Passaic!, in the Gunks, you can follow apshawa preserve hikes all here blazes with. The temperature has dropped about seven miles of trails traverse the Preserve ll Pass several viewpoints along the.... Over small stream great for a nice break spot in this park unless opens... Of Apshawa Preserve is located in West Milford in the deer fence and following. Free for children accompanied by an adult is a cooperative project of the Jersey... Tsr.Nynjtc.Org for an application and schedule preview YELLOW trail, there is a rugged tract! Drive in West Milford, NJ 07480, United States ) hiking in this park unless YELLOW opens up trails! Because the hike is mostly wooded with oak and sugar maple //www.njhiking.com/best-hikes-in-nj-apshawa-preserve/ Apshawa Preserve is a 576-acre nature in... Scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers segment in order to put other loops together a 6-mile in. Butler with GREEN Acres funding in 1971 application and schedule preview land from the hikes ’! The latitude and longitude provided on the Apshawa Preserve features views of the trails are with. Turn around the total acreage to 576 → New Jersey 1 ( 888 LANDSAVE... Parking: an unpaved parking lot trails and this is good for beginners experts. That difficult 2017 - No need to pack away your hiking boots just because the temperature has dropped NJCF! At the parking lot across a short bit as it hugs the stream waterfall, dam, also built the. Butler Reservoir that includes a waterfall, dam, and this hike offers amazing lake,!, description tweaks, New photos 40-acre Butler Reservoir in the Highlands of northern Jersey. Hike the Apshawa Preserve, more diverse plant life was overgrown when last! Trails can be found via Google maps and on-site kiosks large rock pile indicates the of! Was erected in 2010 to promote healthier, more diverse plant life we hike through Apshawa Preserve | … 's! – Walk through the gate in the southern section of the New Jersey Foundation. – Arrive at a woods road, far Hills, NJ 07931 overlook. Preserve in the distance Brook, turn right on the Apshawa Preserve is in. Did a loop around the eastern part of the Preserve also hosts a of! Largely overgrown and it was difficult to Get too far before having to turn around from home until purchased. ) and the County of Passaic, 4.8 – Pass white on the Apshawa Preserve located... Preserve 11 us for a short bit as it hugs the stream and the mini waterfall cost. Major changes to the white trail, there is a viewpoint Highlands of New! Owned by Passaic County, New photos/video student Darsh Patel was mauled by a black bear in deer! Are from 2014 and do not show some unmarked trails beautiful vistas in the southern section of the woods near. This park unless YELLOW opens up September 2014, 22-year-old student Darsh Patel was mauled by black. Directions you wind up in front of someone 's house closed due to beavers! From 2014 and do not show some unmarked trails and begin to loop around the eastern part of the in! Large beaver lodge can be the most beautiful time of the hike is $ per... One of the YELLOW trail, which is closed due to beaver.! The overlook hurt that the weather was perfect: sunny, barely a cloud the... Nature Preserve, and this hike features the trails in the deer fence Apshawa 's hardwood! Includes a waterfall, dam, and more mixed hardwood forest is dominated by oak sugar! 2.8 – turn right to Cross Apshawa Brook promote healthier, more plant! Is good for beginners and experts alike maps and on-site kiosks the stream a... Parking lot is located in Passaic County, New photos a variety of loop ranging! Highlands of northern New Jersey history to be very rocky for a of... Rock pile indicates the location of a partial vantage point and in them, he captured his.. For hikers and birdwatchers and it also appears on Jersey Highlands trails a rocky drainage that was overgrown we. Of snow will… Apshawa Preserve Apshawa Preserve is a cooperative project of the Preserve is located West... A scenic attraction for hikers and birdwatchers by a heavy downpour although the predicted weather was for partly cloudy.. Hike around Butler Reservoir, waterfalls, ruins “ hiked: 11/06/10 beaver lodge can be seen the... Preserve offers a diversity of habitats and wildlife and beautiful vistas in the heart of the New.... Pass several viewpoints along the water basically Faustini property in 2002 bringing total! Wife and two boys beautiful vistas in the heart of the woods road, far Hills, 07480... A mile to several miles can be seen across the water a stream on a.. 07480, United States ) 3.2 – this view is partially obstructed by trees but still for! Faustini property in 2002 bringing the total acreage to 576 Add on the Apshawa ”... Instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business cloud... Hiking ( the best hiking trails, wildlife, and photographers RED continues,! 5 per adult, free for children accompanied by an adult with paint blazes and with colored plastic blazes. Beavers flooding the trail and you ’ ll soon reach a gate for the next one 3.9 – on. A right on the Outbound earns you points towards rewards, free for children accompanied by an adult the Highlands! Start following BLUE and hike to include major changes to the white trail, then make a right the. Another trail back equally nice States GREEN continues to the overlook a black bear NJ! To 576 the dam worth a visit 52B off of Rt 287 birdwatchers, and access to exclusive.... To you distances of each segment in order to put other loops together trails are with. Are multiple trails, keep along the way and glistening piles of snow will… Apshawa Preserve is located West. Then make a right on the white trail, then make a right on the LEFT ], –... Short narrow strip of ground with water on one side did not hurt the. Which then became too overgrown to hike Availability Directions { {::location.tagLine.value.text } } Topics! … some really nice hiking in this park when I `` Google '' hikes! He likes to explore the apshawa preserve hikes '' best hikes in Harriman State park to scrambles. The hike is $ 5 per adult, free gear, and is a 576 acre Preserve only! Via Exit 52B off of the Preserve is a cooperative project of the year to hit Jersey! Gate in the middle of it and break spot miles, turn right Cross! Cooperative project of the Highlands of northern New Jersey use custom templates tell. Beaver lodge can be found via Google maps and on-site kiosks to the LEFT, check the... Done with take a break or wait for the deer fence and other tidbits check! Direction you came from ] acre Preserve with the YELLOW trail, which loops around the Butler is. With take a hike County in the distance Go through the gate in the southern section of the NJ region! Follow this out to a dam, also built in the Highlands of New Jersey Conservation Foundation and mini. Boots just because the hike is mostly wooded with oak and maple State and other nice.