Mountainside Park — Attraction in Pequannock Township

I went to Mountain Side Park for the first time yesterday and had a wonderful time. The blue trail was perfectly marked and easy to follow. Much credit to whom ever marked this trail, I’m not kidding. Beautiful view when we reached the top of the mountain. I would advise wearing somewhat of proper hiking shoes or any comfortable shoes with traction. Also, I am not in perfect shape, but I do jog and walk regularly 5 times a week and when climbing some of the steeper sections I definitely think this hike would be difficult if you are not in pretty good physical shape. The hike notes that is is 2.2 miles but it is not an easy 2.2 miles. It took about 3 hours for myself. None of these are meant to be negative comments, rather just be prepared that this is a hike, not a leisurely walk. I really enjoyed this hike and will definitely...

I have climbed this peak (Pequannock Nob) dozens of times over the past 45 years. Doing so pre-287 was quite the challenge as the park and parking lot had not yet been established. Back then, one had to start their ascent from West Parkway where the dog park is currently located, adding another 150 feet or so to the climb. Today, the parking lot, while rather small, is easy to access at the end of Mountain Avenue. From there, a well-marked trail leads you over a few small streams and through two boy scout encampments before making the ascent up to top of the Pequannock Nob. That last stretch to the top will get your heart pumping for sure. The view from the summit is excellent; one of the best in the state, allowing a 180-degree view of Pequannock valley out to the...

Mountainside Park is an excellent park for hiking and exploring. The terrain is diverse and offers both well walked trails, as well as some tricky to navigate and steep rocky inclines. The trails are very well marked and easy to identify. Most of the trails link together into two large loops.

There is a wide pipeline running through the center of the park which has some of the best wild flowers and butterfly sightings in the area, depending on the season. The pipeline also serves as a shortcut and a trail of it's own.

The parking lot is quite small and can be hard to get to the first time, however it add to this...