South Mountain Reservation

South Mountain Reservation covers 2,047.14 acres (8 km²) in the central section of Essex County, New Jersey, extending through the municipalities of West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn, bordering South Orange, between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountain Range. The presence of the early Delaware Indians lingers in the name given to the Watchungs--the "high hills."

Related Topics:
Essex County, New Jersey - West Orange - Maplewood - Millburn - South Orange - Watchung Mountain Range - Delaware Indians

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The reservation has changed only slightly through the years. It's been preserved primarily in its wild state. Woodlands abound in a variety of hardwood trees, and tall hemlocks tower above streams, creeks and ponds. The west branch of the Rahway River flows through the valley. A reservoir and watershed owned by the City of Orange lies in the northern tract.

Related Topics:
Rahway River - Orange

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Turtle Back Zoo and the South Mountain Arena lie within its boundaries. The vistas of New York City, Elizabeth, Union, Staten Island, and Newark can be viewed from the eastern ridge, 550 feet (168 m) above the community of Millburn. Deep in the woods, a 25 foot (8 m) waterfall at Hemlock Falls is a dramatic feature.

Related Topics:
Turtle Back Zoo - South Mountain Arena - New York City - Elizabeth - Union - Staten Island - Newark - Hemlock Falls

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In front of the pond called Campbell's Pond is an abandoned building that has been a graffiti hotspot for teens for the last 15 years. In 2003, efforts were made to maintain the abandoned building by filling up the hole that the teens had created. In an effort to keep the building in good shape, the hole was filled up with concrete, and a warning sign on the outside. However, this did not stop the teens from coming back and defacing the building further with obscene language and ugly graffiti markings. The building itself was a factory which was abandoned when its interior burned. The pond the factory is next to, called Campbell's Pond, has a bridge going across it that is falling apart and is considered dangerous to cross over.

Related Topics:
Campbell's Pond - Graffiti

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