Mills Reservation County Park

Highland Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, USA

Address:	Highland Ave, Cedar Grove, NJ 07009, USA
Phone:	+1 973-268-3500
Site:	essex-countynj.org
Rating:	4.3

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 28

A Private User

Good for families (and anyone with dogs), despite some problems. The off-leash dogs can be a problem at times, but 90% of them are on the main, gravel loop trail; the smaller trails are largely free of them. Children will enjoy the "tepees" made of large branches that people create in the center of the reservation (most are just west of the main trails that run along the east side). Helping to build or maintain them can also be fun and satisfying, though vandals have been ruining the structures in recent years. Birdwatchers maintain a presence in the spring and fall (the latter across Old Quarry Rd. on a tiny patch of high land) to count migrating birds. They are friendly and can tell you a lot about birds. The glass shards are largely limited to the lookout on the SE corner, where occasionally people come to drink. The dog waste is mostly along the main trails and near the parking lots. Probably 98% of it is picked up by dog owners, but we notice the other 2%. There is a good trail map by the parking lot on Normal Ave. More reviews are at google maps listing for "Mills Reservation County Park," which is the same place.

Brian Saxton

Many of the dog owners in this park are very pathetic. I have had many problems there with dog owners unleashing and not monitoring their dogs. I quit going to this park awhile back after two dogs aggresively pursued my dog and me. When I reacted by threatening to call animal control I was told by some other dog owners in the park that I was the problem should just leave if I have a problem with it. (By aggresive I dont mean playful. Ive been around dogs my hole life. I know the difference.) Unfortunately my wife decided to try this park today. She called me at work to tell me that someones dog pursued her and our dog through the woods while she screamed at the dog. The owner ignored her yells and only called his dog after several minutes. My suggestion is go over to Eagle Rock in West Orange where, for whatever reason, Ive had little problems with other dog owners.

anthony batson

This is by far the most popular place for dog lovers to take their loved ones. Its also a popular place for the local sheriff to slap a hefty fine on you if your do not have your dog on a leash. That said, in the center of the reserve, folks do let their dogs off leash, and make sure their mutts are back on them a few hundred feet before exiting the trials (where sheriffs deputies typical sit in their cruisers). There are very good views of New York City from certain vantage points. In the spring theres one area where bird spotters set up with their powerful binoculars for their avian count. Mountain bike riders also take to the trials (another no-no) and its a popular place for local teens to hang out and smoke weed.

Fernando Leiva

A nice, local trail for some easy hiking and trail running. The outer loop of the park is about 3 miles, with some small hills. The trails vary from a wide gravel path to Jersey rooty single track. The Lenape Trail goes through here and connects the park to the West Essex Trail. This makes Mills Reservation a great starting point for a longer trail run, you can run a 10 mile loop if you add Mills, West Essex Trail and then jump into Hilltop Reservation.

A Private User

Unfortunate that the nice trails and views are ruined considerably by the many unleashed dogs, dog pooh, mountain bikers, and broken glass shards all along the trails. The trail rules indicate these are illegal, but it seems to be especially ignored and unenforced here. Not recommended for hiking unless you have a dog or mountain bike.

Calvin Won

Nice quick trail that has a easy to get to high point lookout. Nice small wildlife and ample parking but could get packed. Trails were almost empty and only 1-3 people on it around 2pm on a weekday. Some trash and graffiti, but overall fairly clean. Not much to look at besides cliff. Didnt see any reservoir on trail.

Lara Cely

Several short hiking trails here. You can get a quick hit of nature without a committing to a long hike! Some scenic overlooks here and there. Trails have lots of rocks and roots, not suitable without proper shoes. Lots of dogs here, mostly on leash.

Leonardo Saraceni

Was looking for a short hike near home and was glad to find this park. Well marked short trails made for a fun 2 hours hiking in the snow. With 3 inches of snow, I didnt notice any dog waste like other reviewers pointed out.

alpaca mybooks

Really nice place for hikes considering its surrounded by cities, but depending on which paths you take you can still see houses and hear cars. Beautiful, but not secluded.

Jason Atkins

Nice views and some hidden surprises await! Be very careful if bringing small children....there are many places the fall down could be the last one.

Steven Scollante

A lesser known hiking spot in the area, it definitely is worth a visit. The trails are not extremely long so it works well for a short hike.

Zach

A nice hike, offering 1 mile to 3 miles of paths. Nice views, but the park itself has been graffitied and littered in.

A Private User

Great For kids enjoyed it although I dont like THE fact that a dog ran into my brother NO INJURIES AT LEAST !!! :}

Dariusz Bystrowski

A refuge among the urband and suburban essex county towns. Easy high for beginners.

Jorge Vera

Great place to relax! Pick a trail and enjoy!! Cedar Grove or Montclair.