VERONA-CEDAR GROVE, NJ — Looking for somewhere to enjoy the fall scenery? Verona and Cedar Grove residents don't need to travel far to find hiking trails, scenic overlooks and peaceful natural surroundings.
These three Essex County parks offer plenty of opportunities to get outdoors before the season ends.
Mills Reservation, spanning 157 acres in Cedar Grove and Montclair, features four major trails and several smaller paths winding through preserved woodland.
The park is accessible from Normal Avenue in Montclair and Reservoir Drive in Cedar Grove.
One trail leads to a cliff overlooking the New York City skyline, while Quarry Point offers another scenic lookout. The reservation is also a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly during the fall hawk migration.
Another nearby hiking spot includes Hilltop Reservation, which stretches across 284 acres in Verona, Cedar Grove and North Caldwell.
The trail entrance is located at 255 Fairview Avenue in Verona.
Located along the Second Watchung Mountain, the preserve features shorter hiking trails following a wooded ridgeline, including a section of the Lenape Trail. Visitors can also explore restored wildlife habitats, including areas recognized by the National Wildlife Federation.
For another impressive skyline view, Eagle Rock Reservation offers more than 400 acres of wooded trails across West Orange, Montclair and Verona.
The park is located at Eagle Rock Avenue and Prospect Avenue in West Orange.
The park's lookout provides scenic views of New York City, while the Essex County September 11 Memorial offers a place for quiet reflection. Visitors can also explore the reservation's woodland footpaths and sections of the Lenape Trail.
Before heading out, hikers should check official park websites for trail maps and current conditions.
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