Spring Walk at Skylands' Manor & the NJ Botanical Gardens

Come join us for an easy, sunny Spring walk at Skylands Manor and the NJ Botanical Gardens!

This will be about a 2-3 hour walk approx. 3 miles with several stops to enjoy the beautiful architecture of Skyland Manor, some ruins, sculptures and other points of interest. Let's see what's coming up this spring.

We will be walking at a Slow/Mod. pace on mostly paved roads, crushed gravel and possibly grass and woods trails depending upon conditions. There may be some wet, muddy areas. Most of the walk is on fairly level paved roads and trails with some gentle/ moderate ups and downs.

Restroom is located across from the manor . Maps can be found on line by googling NJ Botanical Gardens. (You can park in Lot A to walk over to the restroom if you need to before proceeding to Lot C to park and Meetup.)

Parking is FREE.

Bring Water, which is mandatory, snacks, Sun protection, binoculars, cameras of course and Weather resistant/Water proof Hiking Boots or shoes. Dress in layers.

SCROLL DOWN FOR SOME HISTORY AND DIRECTIONS to Skylands Manor & Botanical Gardens: A little history: Skylands Manor (scheduled tours available for a slight fee) Designed in the mid-1920's by the distinguished American architect John Russell Pope, whose works include the National Archives and the National Gallery of Art, this lovely Tudor Revival Mansion was intentionally made to appear centuries old. The Manor's weathered stone facade, the sags and ripples in the slate roof, and the classic ironwork combine to transport you through the centuries. Inside, the ground floor includes exquisite antique panelling, fireplaces, and stained glass collected from estates and castles throughout Europe.

Optional dinner at Sams B & G(The old Bradys Prime 15), the Mahwah B & G or the Mason Jar, depending upon interest and availability.

Always check the Meetup site the day of an event for any possible changes. Inclement weather cancels.

PLEASE GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME AND DO SOME RESEARCH WHEN FINDING A NEW PLACE.

The Skylands entrance will be closed. The ONLY ENTRANCE OPEN will be Morris Road.

MEETUP IN LOT C

Directions from the Doubletree Hotel in Mahwah: Takes about 20 minutes...take Rt 17 North to the NY Thrwy/Albany...take exit 15A to Sloatsburg/17 North...make a left at end of exit at the light...go a few miles to exit on right which reads Ringwood 8 miles...follow this road for about 5 miles until you come to a sign which says NJ State Bot.Gardens, make a left onto Morris Rd. and drive thru the Stone Eagles entrance to Skylands Manor and the Bot. Gardens and follow the road passing the Manor on your right til you reach parking lot C on your left before the "do not enter" signs.

MORE DIRECTIONS: Via I-287 North or South Follow I-287 North or South and exit at Exit 57. Follow signs to Skyline Dr. & take Skyline Dr. up the mountain and back down about 4.8 miles. At the first stop sign (Erskine Road) go straight then turn right at the 2nd stop sign onto CR-511 or Greenwood Lake Trnpk. Go about 1.5 miles and take the 2nd right on Sloatsburg Rd. Go about 2 miles past Hewitt Sch., Carletondale Rd.& Margaret King Dr. Turn right onto Morris Road; Skylands is 1.5 miles up Morris Rd. at the top of the hill.

From NYC (NJ-4 and NJ-208) Take the GW Bridge to NJ-4 west and follow NJ-4 8 miles thru Paramus. Then, take NJ-208 ten miles to I-287 South to exit 57 and follow the directions above. Via 511 from Pompton Lakes With the Wanaque Reservoir on your left, you will pass Skyline Dr. on your right and then take the 2nd right onto Sloatsburg Road. Pass Hewitt Sch. and Carletondale Rd. and turn right on Morris Road. Skylands is 1.5 miles up Morris Rd. at top of the hill.

Via N.Y. Thruway (I-87/287) & Route 17 N.Y. Thrwy to Exit 15A (NY Rt 17). Follow NY-17 north to Rockland CR-72 West, which becomes Sloatsburg Rd. in New Jersey. Take Sloatsburg Rd. past Ringwood Manor. Make the next left onto Morris Rd. Skylands is 1.5 miles up Morris Rd. at top of the hill. GO thru Stone Eagles and follow signs to parking lot C on your left.

As with all of our events, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your guests. By attending you agree to participate at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for any injuries you or your guests may incur.