South Mountain Conservancy sponsors and leads a number of programs through which we engage with the public.
Free, Guided Public Hikes
General Information
The Conservancy sponsors free, guided hikes nearly every week of the year. These hikes are enjoyed by hundreds of adults and children annually and vary in length and difficulty. Join us and get to know many of the beautiful spots in the reservation. All hikes are appropriate for children 10 and older with their families. Hikes designed for younger children are specifically noted. Steady rain automatically cancels a hike, however, intermittent showers do not. Please bring your own water and bug repellant. Long pants and sturdy shoes are strongly recommended, as well as traction devices during the winter if there is ice and snow. Note that ending times are only estimates and may vary due to the weather or the pace of the group. Call the leader listed in the hike description if you have questions. Once you are registered meet at the starting location at least 10 minutes prior to the start time on the day of the hike.
How to Register
Hikes are posted on Meetup and highlighted under Events on our home page. Please register from Meetup. A few times a year, special members-only hikes are offered. Registration for these events is through Eventbrite. Information on these programs are highlighted in our monthly e-bulletin.
Hike registrations are limited to 25 participants. If you need to cancel, please do so through Meetup.
SMR Family Campout
Families with young children, ages 4 to 11, seeking an award-winning, nature-intensive outdoor experience are invited to register for the eighth SMR Family Campout scheduled from noon, Saturday, June 1st through noon, Sunday, June 2nd, 2024. In case of inclement weather the rain dates are June 8-9. Previously, our campouts were in the fall, but the October 2023 programs were rained out. More information HERE about the program, safety guidelines, and how to register.
Mayapple Trail Runs
A complete list of past results and a description of our Mayapple Trail Runs (MTR) scheduled in 2024 for Saturday, May 18th, is available HERE. If you want to sign up directly, got to ULTRASIGNUP.
This race highlights the exceptional trails of the South Mountain Reservation that the Consevancy maintains. All proceeds support the mission of the Conservancy and the races serve as its largest fundraiser of the year. This an entirely volunteer supported effort, from the race directors to those staffing the aid stations.
This USA Track and Field sanctioned set of races provide an informal but supportive trail race environment for runners who are up to the challenge of completing 10 miles, 20 miles, 50 kilometers (31 miles), or 50 miles.
All races start at the Locust Grove picnic area, 197 Glen Ave., Millburn, NJ. The course consists of a 10.5-mile east loop and a 10.2-mile west loop through the forested 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation. Following along the valley floor and the two ridges, the course includes long stretches of double-wide gravel roads, technically challenging, meandering single-track hiking trails with roots and rocks, and a short, half-mile stretch of pavement. It is a good combination of level paths, rolling hills, moderate climbs, and a few very steep ascents. The east and west loops total approximately 1,500 feet of ascent. Aid stations are positioned approximately every five miles on the east and west loops.
