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 Reporter |
Summary: Starting at the parking lot walk west, through gate and past pipeline cut. Catch the red blazed trail and take it as it follows a stream (on your left). The trail soon turns right and begins to climb a bit more steeply for a short distance, crests a hill, then descends, crossing the pipeline cut. It then turns left into the woods. Soon a yellow blazed trail joins. Turn left onto the yellow trail. It crosses a stream and passes an old, log lean-to then comes out on an abandoned road. From there it turns left (north) and begins a fairly steep climb to the summit of an unnamed hill where you will see outstanding views of the area and the NYC skyline in the distance. From here, catch the blue blazed trail and follow it as it descends the mountain and parallels Route 287. It soon joins an orange trail, then a red trail. Take it to its end at Mountain Ave. From there its a few hundred feet back to your car. Trailhead: From Interstate 287 get off at for Route 23 South and head south on route 23. Take the first right turn after the first traffic light and keep bearing right onto West Parkway. Take West Parkway for about 0.7 mile to the first intersection with a 4-way stop. Turn right onto Mountain Avenue and go about 1.0 mile (including passing under route 287) to the dead end parking lot. (Lat:40.97088 Lon:-74.32548) Trail Guides for Mountainside Park: New Jersey Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Pequannock Township Parks & Recreation Department (973) 835-5700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 37 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 10/3/2007 Mountainside Park is a great Hike, but USGS maps do not show the new trails. Red and Yellow Trails are well marked and are now being maintained by area Scouts, but are narrow in some spots. Red trail takes one in, over and around the central hill, and side OJ trails make for interesting diversion hikes. The Central feature of the park is a network of three parallel Gas Line right of ways, the Left ROW is most scenic, Right ROW is most clear of fight. The Yellow trail takes one up a 2nd Hilltop, which has a few restful top area benches for siteseers. Deer, squirrels and an occasional shy bear can be found there. Well worth the effort to see less frequented parts of the Park. New 3 New picnic benches installed at some scenic campsites. 
Reviewed by Don on 7/12/2006 I haven't hiked this modern version of the trail, but used to camp around the "log lean-to" as a Pompton Plains boy in the mid 1950s -- that would be the old "Boy Scout Cabin", probably built in the 1930s. This was all long before 287.....too bad. The whole area, including Turkey Mountain, was such a beautiful place back then.
Reviewed by Kurt on 4/24/2006 It's sad how development has encroached on what was once a beautiful, remote area. Nevertheless, the view -- looking east -- from atop what townies refer to as "Turkey Mountain" is on par with just about any other in New Jersey. Also, despite the fact that civilization is so close at hand, you can often hike for a mile or more without coming upon anyone else. 
Reviewed by John on 4/23/2006 Mountainside Park is unfortunately a shell of its former self. Between the constant noise from 287, defoliation from gypsy moths and destruction from the construction of Cedar Crest Village Retirement Community, it is not worth going to unless you live in Pompton Plains and feel like walking your dog.
Reviewed by Mr. Spock on 3/6/2006 First time user, nice trail, easy, watch out for dog droppings...
Reviewed by Nanci on 11/14/2005 Nice view from the top. Few people. The blue trail can barely be called a trail in spots and its hard to follow in spots. Every trail seems to go back to the parking area so if you get lost you just have to find one of the many trails and take it south, Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Jersey Hiking, New Jersey Trails, New Jersey Hikes, Morris County Hiking, Morris County Trails, Morris County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||