An overview of the Reservation's history, through the decades.
"Wow." I always say that word when admiring the views from Crest Drive in South Mountain Reservation and can never resist thinking back on the Reservation’s history, which is truly more than we sometimes think it is. South Mountain Reservation is located in the Newark Basin in the Watchung Mountains. Watchung meant "the high hills" to the Lenape Native Americans. Located in the West Orange portion of the Reservation on Walker Road is Turtle Back Rock, which dates back 2 million years and was created when lava cooled and separated into large columns that look like a turtle’s back. Turtle Back Zoo is named for Turtle Back Rock. Washington Rock is a central piece of the Reservation's history. Located at the end of Crest Drive, it was the site…
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South Mountain Reservation
112 Glenview Rd, South Orange, NJ
/articles/walk-in-the-park-history-of-south-mountain-reservation
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South Mountain Conservancy
31 Vose Ave, South Orange, NJ
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Where to find the South Mountain Reservation's best views, and how to get to them.
The views on Crest Drive and the Lenape Trail in South Mountain Reservation are truly amazing, especially in the fall. South Mountain Reservation has four main overlooks, and one unofficial overlook. One of the best known is Bramhall Terrace, which is about 500 feet above sea level. Located on Crest Drive between South Orange Avenue and the dog park, Bramhall Terrace is home to one of Essex County’s 9/11 memorials. (On Sept. 11, 2001, people crowded the overlook to watch the Twin Towers fall.) However, the view there is now blocked by trees. Probably the best view in the Reservation is the Crater View. Located on Crest Drive between Washington Rock and the dog park, Crater View is also about 500 feet above sea level. From Crater View, as …
40.75572
-74.27818
South Mountain Reservation
112 Glenview Rd, South Orange, NJ
/articles/walk-in-the-park-scenic-reservation-overlooks
6730
/locations/89365
40.747529
-74.258445
South Mountain Conservancy
31 Vose Ave, South Orange, NJ
/articles/walk-in-the-park-scenic-reservation-overlooks
6774
/locations/89366
Craig Axtell
12:58 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Great article, Jared! more ›