EZ Hike at Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve & Lorrimer Audubon Ctr.

Come enjoy an easy, scenic approx. 1 1/2 hour hike covering about 3 miles on mostly level woods trails, with some VERY rooty areas, crushed gravel, piers and trail with a few gentle ups and downs. We will be moving at a slow/ moderate pace with some breaks for photo opts and to take it all in.

We will loop around the reservoir once or twice on the white trail with some ins and outs on dikes and piers on the Blue Island Bridges trail and than drive over to the local Audubon Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary around the corner at 790 Ewing Ave. for a short loop in the woods and visit to their gift shop(to be confirmed). Bring cash and credit card. (Directions to the Lorrimer Center at the bottom of event details)

Lorrimer Sanctuary was bequeathed to the New Jersey Audubon Society by Ms. Lucine L. Lorrimer in 1956. The main house, parts of which date back to the late 1700’s, is the present visitors’ center and Sanctuary office.
The visitors’ center has an exhibit and lecture room, winter bird feeding station, interpretive displays, hands-on exhibits, and a gift shop, the proceeds of which benefit the Sanctuary. There is a self-guiding trail system that winds through the 14 acres of land.
As this is a wildlife sanctuary, all plants and animals are protected — they may not be harmed, harassed or removed.

Hiking shoes or boots are strongly recommended. Bring water, sun protection, Bugspray, snacks, cameras of course and binoculars for this is a good birding area.

Port o john is available. (Rest room at Audubon Center if open)

From the preserves' website: The Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve, formerly known as the Haledon Reservoir, was acquired by the Borough of Franklin Lakes in 2006 from the Borough of Haledon, and was opened to the public in June 2011. The 120-acre site is dedicated to hiking, fishing and bird watching.

The former reservoir was created by damming part of the Molly Ann Brook in 1919. The brook rises south of Franklin Ave in Franklin Lakes. After flowing through High Mountain Golf Club, Molly Ann Brook joins two smaller tributaries to form the reservoir. A second man-made lake, Lower Basin Pond, which is part of the new Preserve -- but without blazed trails – is situated directly south.

DIRECTIONS:

Google Map Pin will take you to the parking lot.

From Northern Rockland take 287N. to Exit 15 toward New Jersey (stay to the right) and take Exit 59 onto NJ 208 South to Ewing Ave. Exit in Franklin Lakes.

Turn left at end of ramp(if coming from the west turn right)

Continue for about 2 miles until Ewing Ave. ends at High Mt. Rd..
Turn left oh High Mt. continue to park entrance which will be on your left in under 2 miles.

Give yourself extra time when finding a new place.

DIRECTIONS To Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary:
Upon leaving the nature preserve, turn right onto High Mountain Rd.
Go a short distance and turn right on Ewing.
Audubon center will be on your left in about .9 of a mile
Check out photo of center in event photos.

Optional dinner at the Oakland Diner.

Inclement weather cancels. ALWAYS check the site, the day of an event for possible updates.