About us
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
12
SMC Trail Work Volunteer Day
South Mountain Dog Park, Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ, USTRAIL WORK will again conitnue (after a detour last month) rerouting the Hogenauer Trail up the slope and away from recently installed property fences. Meet At: Dog Park/ Wildflower Preserve, 11 Bear Lane, Maplewood.
Trail work is physically challenging but very satisfying as we use hand tools to build and repair trails. Participants must be 15+ years. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should wear long pants due to ticks and thron bushes and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves (though backup gloves will be available). Tools, water, and a snack will be provided. (Registration is not required though if you sign up on Meetup, it helps us know how many tools to bring.) Only heavy, steady rain cancels.
5 attendees
Hike with Dr. Kirk! 3-4 miles
South Mountain Dog Park, Bear Lane, Maplewood, NJ, USTuesday, July 14, 5:30-8pm.
Wineberry Hike after work. About 3-4 miles at a modest pace over rocky trails with a long climb from the Rahway River back to the summit of South Mountain, finishing before sundown. Includes a discussion of the ecology of the Rahway River and its watershed, including the Reservation, and how the River serves as the drinking water supply. As for the wineberry, it is a non-native, invasive plant that is very common in local natural areas, including the Reservation. On the plus side, it produces a berry that looks and tastes like a raspberry and typically ripens around this date. We will stop along the way to pick and eat. Hiking poles recommended as are long pants to deter ticks. Bring plenty of water. Steady rain cancels.
Leader: Dr. Kirk Barrett, President of the Rahway River Watershed Association (RRWA) and expert on local watershed issues.
Meet at: The gazebo by the dog park along Crest Drive in Maplewood.
*** In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 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/).19 attendees
SMC x Luna Stage present Hamlet!
South Mountain Reservation/Mayapple Hill, Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ, USShakespeare Under the Stars — South Mountain Conservancy and Luna Stage Brings HAMLET to South Mountain Reservation
Free!
We're thrilled to host Luna Stage's touring production of Hamlet as it makes its way through parks in Orange and West Orange this July! Watch six talented actors bring 15 roles to life in a fast-paced, 105-minute retelling of this timeless tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance in a land desperate for a hero.
Thursday, July 16th
Mayapple Hill - South Mountain Reservation
Event area opens - 6:30pm
Performance - 8pmPack a picnic, grab your blankets and camping chairs, and don't forget a flashlight — this is a FREE evening of Shakespeare you won't want to miss!
We kindly ask you RSVP on the Luna Stage Hamlet show page: HAMLET
1 attendee
Escape the heat w/ Janine Beer ~4-5 miles
Tulip Springs (South Mntn. Reservation), 64 Cherry Lane,, West Orange, NJ, US9:30 am - 12:pm. Escape the heat in the woods.
Join us for a moderate 4-5 mile hike at a moderate pace.Meet: Tulip Springs Parking Lot.
Leader : Janine Beer; 201-694-7998
*** In registering for this or any other South Mountain Conservancy (SMC) programs in 2026 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/).25 attendees
Past events
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