South Mountain Turtle Back- North Loop

This easy to moderate hike of 7 – 8 miles, will highlight the turtleback rocks, the Orange Reservoir and Hemlock Falls, where we will have lunch. Toward the end of the hike, you will have the option to go paddle boating, 2 – 4 on a boat. (The treetop adventure course, aerial obstacle course, and the zip line close at 4PM, as does the zoo, on Labor Day).

There is one shallow stream crossing across rocks, so wear high hiking boots and bring an extra pair of socks just in case.
Hiking poles are suggested but not essential.

Bring lunch, snack, hat, and sufficient fluids.

Rain in West Orange cancels.
PLEASE CHECK COMMENTS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE HIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE HIKE WILL PROCEED.

Train: To reach the trailhead by public transportation, take NJ Transit to Newark Penn station. From there, we will take a bus to the trailhead.
MEET: We will meet in the Old Penn Station building on the east side of 8th Avenue at 8:20 AM in the Amtrak section, facing the relatively new elevator in the middle of the floor. When the track is posted, we will board the 8:53 AM train (towards Long Branch) from NY Penn Station that arrives in Newark at 9:11 AM.
(If by chance the 8:53 AM train is canceled or very delayed, the next train we can take to Newark is the 9:11 AM train toward Rahway).
The cost of the train is $ 6.15 one way for adults and $2.85 for seniors.

The #73 bus is adjacent to the Newark train terminal (Raymond Boulevard Bus Lanes, Gate 4A) and Newark is the first bus stop. (see photo).
The # 73 buses (destination: Livingston Mall) leave at 9:30 AM and 9:50 AM.
We will be getting off at Northfield Avenue and Sheridan Avenue, (across the street from the northern part of the South Mountain reservation).

On the return trip, you can take the #73 bus to Newark Penn Station and then the train back to New York Penn Station.

On the return, the # 73 bus (destination Newark Penn Station) arrives at Northfield Avenue at 3:35 PM, 4:06 PM, 4:29 PM, 4:59 PM, and so on.

Due to the capacity of the bus, we are limiting the number of non-drivers to 50. Getting on at the first stop is our best chance to all get seats.

We will all meet (train/bus riders and drivers) in front of the South Mountain Recreational Complex (see photo below), where there are bathrooms.

For the Drivers:
Drivers should turn into the Turtle Back Zoo entrance, pass the park and ride, and you will find free parking on the left. See photo below.
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ. Drivers should arrive by 10:00 AM.

On the day of the hike, please phone or text one of us if you have questions, rather than messaging through the website. If you send a text, please include your first name.

Leaders: Irv Reich 917–913–2742 [Richiam@aol.com](mailto:Richiam@aol.com)
Barbara Lanzara 917-623-2589 [woklus@gmail.com](mailto:woklus@gmail.com)