One of our favorite weekend activities with the kids has become hiking. It started a bit before but picked up in earnest when the pandemic was in full swing. When the kids were maxed out and cabin fever was intense, we could manage to head out on the Watchung Reservation History Trail and feel relatively safe. We would head out with our masks in hand so we were ready just in case and know we could go early and know we would likely only encounter a few others with us on the trails.
There are several options at the Watchung Reservation History Trail you can take – and one which gives you a longer route around it (6 miles), if you’re up for the journey. Of course with the little ones, the focus and stamina to do it has yet to be there. We really like it because we can go many times without it feeling too repetitive for the kids or us. There’s a deserted village (better to pass while hiking than to go just to see it.) There’s a lake (love that it’s called Lake Surprise — since nothing about it is incredibly surprising.) Most of the trails originate at the Trailside Nature & Science Center. However you can park at a few other areas and hit them as well, including the Deserted Village of Feltville and Lake Surprise.
Upsides?
There is lots of parking, which can be very helpful when it’s more crowded and if you are meeting a group there. We’ve tried to visit other trails and found the parking to be a challenge. There are also maps you can pick up on the way in, which is nice. T finds the Pokemon maps more helpful to use though for the trails! I’ve never played, but he’s found them to be accurate and super helpful.
Downsides?
Not sure there really is one. There are some of the trails that are a bit more aggressive, but only compared to the others. Compared to other trails I’ve been on, it’s on the milder side. Some that are more basic and flat (helpful for when the kiddos are in a less agreeable mood.) Lately with all the rain, some of the areas are a touch overgrown, so would factor that into what you choose to wear for the hike. There tends to be a fair amount of traffic on the trails, so less likely here to see unexpected wildlife.
Overall, we really like the Watchung Reservation History Trail – as do the kids. And, of course, if you’re hiking with the little ones, always helpful to have one of you who can carry them both if they are done!
Leave a Reply