The South Mountain Reservation, the largest park in the Essex County Park System, is a unique 2,099-acre public land. Endowed with hills, rivers, and woodlands, the Reservation has been preserved primarily in its wild state. Numerous trails and overlooks offer inspiring scenery: vistas of New York City, a dramatic 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls, the cascade of Maple Brook in the deep woods, and millponds, streams, and open fields in the interior valley. After more than 100 years, it remains a green island in the midst of a sea of urbanization.

The South Mountain Conservancy helps to preserve, protect, and enhance the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, New Jersey through education, public service, and advice to local government agencies. The Conservancy partners with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and other environmental groups to improve the Reservation’s infrastructure and ecology, and enhance its natural beauty and the experience of current and future users.

Our Mission

• Preserve, protect, and enhance the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, New Jersey, including its trails, infrastructure, ecology, and natural beauty.
• Promote ecologically sustainable use of the Reservation and environmental awareness through activities, educational programs, and public service efforts, including advising local government agencies.
• Partner with the Essex County Park System and allied organizations in support of the above objectives.

About the Conservancy

The South Mountain Conservancy is a volunteer, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to preserve, protect, and enhance the South Mountain Reservation through education and public service. Founded in March 2000, it works in concert with the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. To get information on our non-profit filings to the IRS, please e-mail info@somocon.org, or write to the us at P.O. Box 273, South Orange, NJ 07079.