Sourland Mountain Preserve

421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA

Address:	421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA
Phone:	+1 908-722-1200
Site:	somersetcountyparks.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 23

Ted Inoue

Having hiked around many of the local parks, I was pleasantly surprised to find the rugged Sourland Mountain Preserve. Id biked past the western area but never entered the park until today. The park has an extensive trail system, some quite rugged with a decent amount of vertical gain (for this region). You can take short or long hikes on the many trails, making it family friendly as well as good for those who want something a little more exciting like The Devils Half Acre Boulders. The Pipeline Trail, while somewhat boring, has beautiful flowers that attract numerous butterflies. But hikers are rewarded at the top by a long view of the valley. Other trails lead up fairly steep and slippery rocks, so you are advised to wear good hiking boots to protect your ankles. Even the casual trails are often over large rocks. I was glad I brought my hiking poles as they saved me from a couple nasty slips. Most trails are very well marked, making the trail system good for beginning hikers. Ive been to many trails systems that are so poorly marked that it was impossible to tell the difference between animal trails and hiking trails, leaving me somewhat lost. All in all, these trails are some of the best in the area. The only reason that I dont give it 5-stars is that the views are mostly limited since the hikes are through dense woods. While pretty, they can be a bit boring.

Xeokym

I go here frequently. On hot days its nice because most of the trails are in deep forest canopy shade. Trails can be gnarly and challenging in places - there are a lot of rocks, roots & ruts, and in some places, fallen trees. One part of the trail goes up a mountain while the other half is much more flat and has a lot of wooden lifts over what can sometimes be quite squishy, wet areas. The trails are shared by hikers & bikers, but only go biking here if you are experienced mt. biker & you like low gear climbing & technical challenges! Dogs are allowed but some people ignore the leash rule, which is frustrating. After rain the trails can remain very muddy in places, so be prepared to get a little dirty. A small creek runs through the main trail, if you take the long route it goes by a larger stream. On weekends on nice days the park can be quite crowded, but on off-times there are few to no people there. There is a port-a-potty near the parking lot. Park ranger stops by occasionally but there is no ranger station or any buildings. Pond near the parking lot has geese, ducks, frogs, turtles, etc. but unfortunately also a lot of goose poop. Overall one of my favorite parks to hike with my dog.

David Dein

Its a beautiful area, my only caveat this that their trails are badly marked in certain places making hiking difficult. We tried a simple trail that dumped us out on a random access road with no maker to tell us which way to turn. A few weeks later I attempted the five mile ridge trail which again dead stopped at the same access road, with no marker to connect us to the other side. I set out for a five mile hike and only got to walk about 3 of them. Not a big deal but also silly.

Cody Obropta

The Sourland Mountains are a fantastic spot to get into hiking or mountain biking. There are a variety of trails that are clearly marked. One of the trails takes you up through the forest and brings you near some impressive rock formations that make for some good climbing and exploring. The view from the top is pretty amazing and beautiful in the summer. This is also a great hike for people looking to bring their dogs. Parking is plentiful and there are clear maps for the trails.

George Gallo

Spend a few hours or an entire day hiking the trails. Nearly all of it shaded, so dont fear if you forget sunscreen. Theres plenty of ground to cover and varied terrain. Some sections on the long trail will have you climbing over rocks. On the clearest days you can see New York from the pipeline clearing. Watch out for snakes!

Rabia Ahmad

Trails and connecting trails ranging from low to moderate difficulty. Good for a family day out. Posts marking the different trails are not the best and can be confusing for first time users. Even on a hot day the hike was cool due to the deep shade provided by the trees. Not scenic.

Gary Wysocki

A GREAT PLACE FOR A MODERATE TO SEVERE WORKOUT....... MULTIPLE PATHWAYS THAT YOU CAN TAKE..... IF YOU TAKE THE HARD ROAD TO THE TOP,,, IT DEFINITELY WILL EXPAND YOUR LUNGS AND LET THE LACTIC ACID OUT FROM YOUR QUADS...... I LOVE THIS PLACE..... SO VERY MUCH ENJOYABLE....

Leo Hwang

A great place to hike. The rocky terrain makes it challenging and fun. My preferred spot for hiking a couple of hours. My friend and I usually meet up in the morning and we bring lunch to eat on the trail.

Michelle Audie

Variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Nice trail maintenance. Good for a leisurely walk on some other trails but we opted for challenging scramble over boulders on the Ridge Trail.

Jason Rhee

No vistas, but still a great hike. Trails vary from gentle to moderate, and there are usually trail maps at the entrance. Remember to return the maps when youre finished with them.

C Brown

This is a tougher climb than most local nj terrain. Lots of options for bouldering or to practice mountain climbing. 5-6 miles of hiking trails are available. Good for mycology.

A Private User

Great place to fish. Largemouth bass as big as 3lbs. Some nice size crappies and lots of sunfish. Alot of fish for such a small pond. Fish can not resist a wacky rigged worm.

Daniar Alimov

Fantastic place for family hiking. Negative part is dogs crapp littered along trail, dog lovers that very disgusting!!! Pick up crapp, or leave crapp maker home!!!

Daniel Steele

This park has everything you need. Rocks and mountains to climb, fields to run, a pond to fish in and an apple tree with the sweetest apples I have ever tasted.

A Private User

A good 5 mile hike with gentle ascents and well-marked trails. Heavily wooded, so it is shady in summer, but it also means that there are no vistas.

Dan Betz

A very nice park with plenty of trails. Hiked about 7 miles and had a good day, some of the trails were pretty muddy after the past two rainy weeks.

Bill P

One of my favorite place to hike in NJ. Trails can be a little confusing around the devils 1/2 acre boulders, but otherwise well laid out and marked.

Sara Smithson

Good hiking trails. Boulders are fun to climb too. On a clear day, pretty sure you can make out a faint NYC skyline near the top of the mountain.

R Fruh

This is a moderate hike with access to scrambling over the rocks. A few up hill and down, but nothing too intense. No great views or overlooks.

Justin K

Its a great place to go but it is heavily used. Bring water and expect the trails to be longer than they look and harder to navigate.