Explore this Long Valley hike for a variety of outdoor elements — starting the hiking season off strong!
What You’ll Find at Schooley’s Mountain Park
- Lake George
- Waterfalls
- Rocky places to adventure
- Forest trails
- Overlook views
- Picnic area
Warmer weather means more Garden State hiking adventures! And the NYNJTC has you covered with this hike of the week, which starts at a lake and loops around to an overlook.
Hiking the Loop
There are few ways to start your trek through Schooley’s Mountain Park, but you can either start along the banks of Lake George, or just walk right through it on the boardwalk/dock!
Along the trail, you’ll find tons of rocks to scramble (be careful in the rain — rocks, leaves and rain don’t mix!) and climb.
Keep an eye out for the two waterfalls on the first part of your trek (the blue trail).Â
You’ll be able to take pictures of these waterfalls from the many vantage points along the hike.
After you see the last waterfall, the trail takes you up to the overlook! On a clear day, you’d be able to see “over agricultural lands, with some development in the foreground and hills in the background,†according to the NYNJTC trail description.
Your hike back will be through the forest, which will be bursting with spring colors soon. Keep your eye out for signs of spring — some ferns are already peaking through!
What’s your favorite place to go hiking? Let us know in the comments!
See our maps for more waterfall spots and hikes.Â
Cover photo by writer Sue Fajgier. Follow her on Instagram.
