The Problem
You are a trail runner in New York City. Maybe you live or work there. Maybe you’re visiting. Either way, you are smack in the middle of the most densely populated region in the United States. Being in New York has its obvious advantages, but, let’s face it, an abundance of wilderness isn’t among them. And, as a trail runner, you need a dose of wilderness. Frequently. This presents a significant challenge, which is no doubt further complicated by other factors: you probably only have a few hours to get away — not a whole weekend — and there’s a good chance you don’t have a car. Is there any hope? As a matter of fact, there is.
The Solution
South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, New Jersey, is a hilly, wooded, and scenic park over 6 miles in length and one mile in width that offers some of the best trail running in the region. If you’re up to it, you can run for literally hundreds of miles on excellent trails offering incredible scenery and plenty of challenge.
But what makes South Mountain truly remarkable is its location just 13 miles from Manhattan. Believe it or not, within an hour of leaving Penn Station you can be cruising pristine singletrack alongside rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, and bagging the occasional view of the Manhattan skyline or the local wildlife. In fact, the only way South Mountain won’t meet your expectations of a serious wilderness trail run is in its convenience to the city.
How to Get There
South Mountain Reservation is in the heart of North Jersey. It is bordered by Millburn, Short Hills, West Orange, South Orange and Maplewood, and is an easy drive from most areas within North Jersey. From Manhattan, there is a direct train that takes around 40 minutes and leaves at least every hour. Simply take the NJ Transit “midtown direct” train on the Morris line to the Millburn stop. When you disembark at Millburn, the park is literally across the street — due north — from the platform. Look for the Locust Grove parking area, which is across the street from the station inside the park. From there, you can access a number of trailheads.
Area Map (new window)
The Run
There are many amazing run options within South Mountain. A favorite loop starts from the Locust Grove parking area and follows the Rahway Trail out and the Lenape Trail back. This hilly, challenging loop has a little of everything, making it an excellent South Mountain Sampler.
The first few miles of the route are alongside a river and a series of small lakes. Eventually, you will climb and descend a steep ridge to a pristine waterfall that represents the halfway point of the run. From here, it’s a slight scramble uphill to a clearing, from which the trail continues to track winding cascades for another few miles. Eventually, the trail makes a steady climb to a lookout offering sweeping views of the neighboring towns and the Manhattan skyline in the distance. The loop is finished off with a steep descent to a grassy picnic area near the parking area where the route begins.
The Rahway Trail is marked with white markers and the Lenape with yellow — be sure to keep your eyes peeled for trail markers the entire time and bring a map, because it is very easy to go off course. In total, you’ll cover about 5.5-6 rewarding miles. Your mind and body will swear it was more.
Après Run
If you have the time, Millburn offers everything you need to make a full day of your outing. There are a number of quaint shops sprinkled throughout downtown, and, being Jersey, there are plenty of great dining alternatives. Local favorites within walking distance of the train station include: Bagel Chateau, Millburn Diner, Millburn Deli, and La Strada.
Lodging
The Hotel Roger Williams is an excellent place to stay in Midtown Manhattan. It is stylish and hip yet understated and unpretentious, which is a balance boutique hotels don’t always get right. Down bedding, plasma TV, Aveda bath products? Check, check, and check. Of course, the hotel also offers the standard array of personal and business services such as concierge, small meeting facilities, and laundry service. Another nice touch is the mezzanine lounge stocked with light fare and complimentary newspapers.
The hotel’s Murray Hill location is terrific in general and is particularly so for the visiting trail runner. Manhattan’s main attractions are all in close proximity and Penn Station is just a short half-mile walk away; from there it’s a quick ride to Millburn and the trails of South Mountain.
Hotel Roger Williams
131 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10016
t: (212) 448-7000
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Local knowledge thanks to John Otten — May 2009.
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Tags: new jersey trail running, new york trail running, south mountain trail running