What we’re about
This group is for people interested in the activities in the South Mountain Reservation sponsored by the South Mountain Conservancy. SMC is a volunteer-driven, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation founded in March 2000. Through volunteer activities, public programs and partnership with the Essex County Parks Department, the SMC serves as a steward and advocate for the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation. The SMC strives to preserve, protect, and enhance the ecology, infrastructure and natural beauty of the reservation and to foster public engagement through programs such as: Trailkeepers, Chain Saw Gang, Trash Tacklers, Trail Work, Forest Regeneration, SMR Family Campout, Mayapple Trail Runs, Wildflower Sculpture Park, Citizen Science, and Bio-Blitz. Our regularly scheduled hikes are free and open to the public, but we encourage our followers to become SMC members to help support our mission. For more information visit www.somocon.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SouthMountainConservancy
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hello May! Hike w/ Ivette ~6 miles (50+ community)South Mountain Reservation Dog Park, Maplewood, NJ
5/10/25 - Hello May - Hike from the Dog Park 6 miles.
This hike is crafted to 50+ community and not suitable for beginners.
Meeting at 10:00am under the awning. Strolling along the Crest Trail, Openwood trail, over the Girls scout bridge onto Longwood Trail and Upper Turtleback Trail. Picking up Lenape and making a brief stop for photos at the Hemlock Falls. Returning on Lenape, Bear Lane and Swampy Trail w/a brief visit to the Washington Rock and back to the parking lot passing by the Wildflower Sculpture park. Expect a few rocky sections.
Historic Fun Fact: Washington Rock is where a signal beacon warned the Army at Morristown of the British Army’s approach. Must be able to walk 6+ miles. The parking lot is about 1/4 mile in off of South Orange Ave.
What to bring for a Hike: Water (2 Ltrs), Hiking Shoes or Boots (no Sneakers), Snacks, Trekking Poles, Necessary Medicine, EpiPen (if allergic to bug bites) and Bug Spray. Dress for the weather and please no shorts to avoid injuries. Steady rain cancels the hike.
Ivette can be reached via text at 917-275-7949 (on the day of hike only) if needed. Note that reception can spotty.
*** In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2025 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.
Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.
# Arrival, Weather, & Cancellations
Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will not be notified. Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional). Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified.
These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.To become a current member visit [https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/).
- Forest Bathing Hike w/ Jojo Abenaavi WrightSouth Mountain Reservation Tulip Springs Entrance, West Orange, NJ
Sunday, May 11th, 9.09 am to 10.39 am
Relational Forest Therapy™ is a guided practice inspired by Japanese Shinrin-yoku or "Forest Bathing," aimed at enhancing well-being through immersive experiences in natural environments. Participants engage in slow walks and stillness where they are invited to open their senses and experience nature freely, fostering reciprocal connections with the environment.
Meet at: Tulip Springs. Leader Jojo Abenaavi Wright
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*** In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2025 online, I hereby release and agree to hold the SMC, its volunteers, staff and Board of Trustees, harmless from and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act, in this SMC activity, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any other SMC activity. I understand that this release discharges the SMC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives, may have against the SMC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any SMC program. This liability waiver and release extends to the SMC along with Essex County and its staff and any other affiliated organization or SMC partner. I also understand that by signing below I approve the possible use of photos of me at this SMC event on social media or in promotional materials.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS HIKE I attest I am in good health and attest that I: Am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.
Am following all CDC recommended guidelines, above, and limiting my exposure to the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.
# Arrival, Weather, & Cancellations
Please come to the starting point 10 minutes ahead of time so the hike can start promptly. Times are our best estimates; they can vary depending on conditions, and the size and pace of a group. If you have any questions, call the leader. Temperatures above 90 degrees and steady rain cancels, but intermittent drizzle does not. You will not be notified. Bring water. Wear hiking boots, preferably waterproof with good soles and traction devices and bring poles (optional). Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specified.
These hikes are publicized first to SMC members and then advertised to the public one week before a hike. There is a limit of 25 participants, so pre-registration is required at least two days before a hike to sign the liability waiver online and allow lists to be sent to hike leaders. If you have registered and then find you cannot attend, please cancel your order online. Repeated no shows without prior cancellation will result in removal from list.
To become a current member visit [https://www.somocon.org/membership/](https://www.somocon.org/membership/). |
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| - SMR Mayapple Trail RunsLocust Grove Picnic Area in Millburn, NJ, Millburn , NJ
Runners are invited to register for the 16th Mayapple Trail Runs to be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in beautiful South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, N.J. The races are organized by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) with the support of the Essex County Parks Department. The USA Track and Field sanctioned races provide an informal but supportive trail race environment for runners who are up to the challenge of completing our 5, 10 or 20-mile distances, or ultra-marathon routes of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and 50 miles. We are also continuing the more informal, untimed 1-mile race for children 12 and under.
For more information and to register on UltraSignup, click HERE. This is the major fundraising event for the Conservancy each year and all proceeds go to support its programs (see www.somocon.org for details). If you want to volunteer at the race, you can also register on UltraSignup. - Forest Regeneration Volunteer WorkdaySouth Mountain Reservation Dog Park, Maplewood, NJ
Forest Regeneration activities focus on the areas in and around the fenced 14-acre Forest and Wildflower Preserve located near the Dog Park on Bear Lane in the Reservation. On workdays, we focus on removing invasive plants like knotweed, garlic mustard and mugwort. Ages 12 to 15 are welcome with a parent or guardian present. Ages 15 and above require a signature by a parent or guardian on a liability waiver; teenagers cannot just be dropped off.
Please be on time as we will hike into the forest by 9 am.
Please dress appropriately! There is some poison ivy on trails and in work areas. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, bug spray, and layer as needed. We supply tools and water. If you have gloves, bring them or you can borrow a pair from us.
For information, contact Program Rich Rockwell at forestregen@somocon.org
Meet at the maintenance sheds at the dog parks at 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood NJ.
