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- Friday at Greenwood Gardens w/ Donna Burkat ~5 milesGreenwood Gardens, Short Hills, NJ
Meet at Greenwood Gardens 9:30am for a 5 mile hike moderate pace rolling hills. We will stay on that side of the Reservation. Rain cancels. Bring poles, a snack and water.
Leader: Donna Burkat: 973-454-5635
*** 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/).
- 11th SMR Spring Family CampoutSummit Field, South Orange, NJ
Registration is closed for the award-winning South Mountain Reservation Family Campout! This event is run by the volunteers of the South Mountain Conservancy and is co-sponsored with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
Each year the South Mountain Conservancy opens Summit Field for a weekend of camping, exploration, learning and fun! Families with children 4-11 are invited to join us in the woods for a nature-intensive weekend!
# Is your family a First-Timer?
We have a limited amount of camping gear available to lend, and this year we're prioritizing our Happy Camper First-Timers—families who are new to camping! If you’ve camped with us before, we’ll do our best to assist if extra gear is available.
Don’t worry— our volunteers will be on hand to help all newbies get campsites set up and answer any questions along the way!You cannot register here in Meetup! You must go to the REGISTRATION PAGE. Thanks!
Not open - SMC Trail Work Volunteer DayLocust Grove Picnic Area in Millburn, NJ, Millburn , NJ
TRAIL WORK this month will continue improving drainage on the Rahway and River Trails. Meet at the Locust Grove parking, 197 Glen Ave., Millburn. (Note: Consistent, moderate rain cancels. Chance of light rain does not.)
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 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.)
- Hike w/ Dr. Kirk, expert on local water issues, and President RRWAClipper Pavillion South Mountain Reservation , West Orange, NJ
Saturday, June 7, 9:00 am - 12 noon
Leader: Dr. Kirk Barrett, expert on local water issues and President of the Rahway River Watershed Association, which is co-sponsoring the hike.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/eventbriteRRWA
Hike about 4 miles at modest pace over rough, rocky (and possibly muddy) trails with a moderate climb from the Rahway River/Orange Reservoir up the west side of the First Watchung Mountain. Focus on the River's ecology and role in drinking water supply and proposals for modification of the reservoir for flood damage reduction.
Special treat: awesome wildlife visible from no other nature trail in America! What is it? You will have to come to find out!
Hiking poles recommended. Children are welcome, at your discretion. No dogs please. Steady rain cancels.
Meet at: The Clipper Pavilion on Cherry Lane in West Orange by the Regatta Playground and swan boats (aka The Waterfront), 0.4 mi south of Northfield Ave and 0.9 mi north of South Orange Ave.
Not open
