Watchung Reservation

Watchung Reservation At A Glance...

Home to the 'Deserted Village of Feltville,' a historic ghost town you can walk through.
Contains the 'Loop Playground,' one of the best family play areas in the region.
Features the 10-mile Sierra Trail, a favorite loop for local hikers.
Todays Sunrise: 7:16 am, Sunset: 4:59 pm
New Jersey Gateway Region Union County

About Watchung Reservation

Watchung Reservation is the crown jewel of the Union County Parks system. Covering nearly 2,000 acres of the Watchung Mountains' first and second ridges, this preserve offers a rugged, "deep woods" feel despite being surrounded by suburbia. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers (the same firm involved in New York's Central Park), the landscape features dramatic ravines, the winding Blue Brook, and the serene Lake Surprise. It is a four-season destination, popular for its extensive hiking network, horseback riding, and rich local history.

Activities:
- Equestrian / Horseback
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jogging / Running
- Playing in the playground
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:
- Restrooms/Bathrooms
- Parking Lot(s)
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Grills / Firering
- Picnic shelter(s)
- Picnic tables
- Playground
Trails:
- Boardwalks
- Flat / Easy
- Self Guided / Nature trail
- Some are challenging
- Rugged / Rocky
- Natural Surface (Dirt/Roots/Rocks)
- Paved
- Walking Paths
Park Type:
- County Parks
- Park (General)
- Playground
- Scenic Areas (overlooks/waterfalls)
Rules/Regulations:
- Must be Leashed

Contact / Location

Primary Address:

Get Directions 452 New Providence Road,
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

Contact:

Website

A Brief History

The land has a fascinating layered history. In 1845, David Felt built a mill town here named "Feltville" for his printing business. After he retired, the town declined, was eventually rebranded as a summer resort called "Glenside Park," and then fell into disuse again—earning the nickname "The Deserted Village." The Union County Park Commission acquired the land in the 1920s to preserve it as a public reservation, hiring the prestigious Olmsted Brothers to design the park's layout.

Programs / Education

While the Reservation itself is for recreation, it hosts the Trailside Nature & Science Center, which runs year-round educational programs (see separate entry). Additionally:

Watchung Stables: Offers horseback riding lessons, troop programs, and guided trail rides (seasonal).
History Tours: Occasional guided tours of the Deserted Village are offered, especially during the "Four Centuries in a Weekend" event in October.

Things to See & Do

The Deserted Village of Feltville: Walk paved paths past abandoned 19th-century cottages, a carriage house, and a general store. It’s eerie, beautiful, and very photogenic.
The Loop Playground: A massive, modern playground area with rock climbing structures, tunnels, and a spray area (seasonal).
Lake Surprise: A man-made lake created in 1845. It’s a quiet spot for fishing or launching a canoe (carry-in only, no rentals on site).
Seeley's Pond: Located on the western edge, this is another popular spot for fishing and picnics.

Trip Ideas

Family Funday: Start at the Trailside Nature Center, walk the 0.3-mile Sensory Trail, and then spend the rest of the afternoon at the Loop Playground and picnic grove.

Tips and Tricks

Parking Smarts: On nice weekends, the main "Loop" parking lot fills up fast. You can often find quieter parking at the Deserted Village lot on Glenside Ave or at Seeley's Pond.
Mud: The trails near Blue Brook and the lake can get very muddy after rain; bring boots.