Go Take A Hike: Essex County To Hold ‘Get Outdoors Day’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Go take a hike. That’s the advice from Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. as the county’s first-ever “Get Outdoors Day” draws closer.

The free, family friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at five popular green spaces in the county: South Mountain Reservation, Eagle Rock Reservation, Hilltop Reservation, Mills Reservation and Branch Brook Park.

“Our parks and reservations are wonderful resources for people of all ages to escape the concrete and asphalt, enjoy the outdoors, and take a deep breath of fresh air and relax,” DiVincenzo said.

Guided hikes will be taking place at the four locations (see schedule below). They require advance registration, which can be done online at the county park system’s website.

Like to hike solo? Visitors are also welcome to take a “peaceful self-guided stroll” as part of the event.

“This celebration offers the perfect opportunity to discover native plants, local wildlife, and scenic trails while enjoying quality time outdoors,” county officials stated in a news release. “It's a great way to kick off the summer with a healthy, eco-friendly activity for the whole family to enjoy.”

A list of hikes taking place on June 14 follows below:

Essex County South Mountain Reservation

• 9 a.m., for all ages, meet at the South Mountain Dog Park on Bear Lane, Millburn, 1.5 hours, 3 miles, intermediate level, led by staff naturalists from the Essex County Environmental Center
• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., for families with children ages 6 years and older, meet at the Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, 1.5 hours, 2 miles, beginner, led by educators from Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
• 10 a.m., for ages 14 years and older, meet at the Locust Grove parking lot, Millburn, 2 to 2.5 hours, moderate level, led by the New York City Greenbelt Native Plant Center
• 11:30 a.m., for adults and families with children ages 6 years and older, meet at the Turtle Back Rock parking lot, Walker Road, West Orange, 1.5 hours, 1 mile, beginner, led by the NJ Native Plant Society, Essex Chapter
• 8 p.m., for adults and families with children ages 15 years and older, meet at the Clipper Pavilion, Cherry Lane, West Orange, 3.5 miles, intermediate level, led by the South Mountain Conservancy

Essex County Hilltop Reservation

• 9:30 a.m., for ages 10 years and older, meet at the Essex County Robert O’Toole Community Center, 199 Fairview Avenue, Cedar Grove, 1.5 hours, 2.5 miles, intermediate level, led by the NY/NJ Trail Conference
• 11:30 a.m., for all ages, meet at the Hilltop Dog Park, Courter Lane, North Caldwell, 1.5 hours, 2.5 miles, intermediate level, led by staff naturalists from the Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County Mills Reservation

• 9 a.m., for adults and families with children ages 10 years and older, meet at Normal Avenue, Cedar Grove, 1.5 hours, 2.2 miles, intermediate level, led by the NY/NJ Trail Conference
• 11:30 a.m., for adults and families with children ages 10 and older, meet at Normal Avenue, Cedar Grove, 1.5 hours, 2.2 miles, intermediate level, led by staff naturalists from the Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County Eagle Rock Reservation

• 9 a.m., for families with children ages 10 years and older, meet at Eagle Rock Meadow, Crest Drive, West Orange, 1 hour, beginner, led by the NJ Native Plant Society, Essex Chapter
• 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 noon, for adults and families with children ages 8 years and older, meet at Eagle Rock Meadow, Crest Drive, West Orange, 45 minutes, 1 mile, beginner, led by the Eagle Rock Conservancy and the NJ Chapter of the Sierra Club
• 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., for all ages, meet at the Eagle Rock Meadow, Crest Drive, West Orange, 1.5 hours, 1.5 miles, intermediate level, led by staff naturalists from the Essex County Environmental Center

Essex County Branch Brook Park

• 8 a.m., for adults and families with children ages 10 years and older, meet at the Prudential Concert Grove, Branch Brook Drive, Newark, 3.5 miles, 1.5 hours, moderate level, led by the Branch Brook Park Alliance

The event is made possible through the support of local environmental partners, including the Essex County Environmental Center, Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, South Mountain Conservancy, Hilltop Conservancy, Branch Brook Park Alliance, New Jersey Audubon, New Jersey Sierra Club-Essex Chapter, Native Plant Society of New Jersey-Essex Chapter, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, and New York City Department of Parks Greenbelt Native Plant Nursery.

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