Top Tourist attractions in Mountainside, United States

***3 1/2 stars***

I live half an hour away from Watchung, and the fact that I can count the number of times I've been here over the last decade on one paw tells you something - this isn't one of my favorites. This was selected as the site of our annual First of the Year Hike due to its proximity to a specific top-tier chum. At first glance, Watchung Reservation has a lot going for it; oodles of history seeping out of every pore, culminating with the deserted village of Feltville (and a conveniently named Historic Trail leading us almost right to the entrance of it). But...it's Union County. This is the best hiking option in the area, and it unfortunately just doesn't mean much.

We met up in the parking lot of the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and embarked on a 4- to 5-mile hike (everyone's devices provided different mileage numbers). It was entirely improvised, as every official hike I could find in my books and online was over 6 miles, which meant a lot of stopping to peer intently at our maps/phones. Annoying overall, but the geosenses triumphed and we were never off-course. (One of the benefits to Watchung is that it's almost impossible to get lost - go in one direction long enough, and you'll either hit Route 78 or a nearby suburban enclave.) We took the purplish Historic Trail from the Scout Camping Area over and around Lake Surprise, uphill closer to 78 until turning off onto the Sierra Trail into Feltville and visiting both the village and the nearby cemetery. We then made our way onto another offshoot of the Sierra to the Blue Trail, crossing Blue Brook, until it turned into the Orange Trail and brought us back to the parking lot.

The trail markings are decent and freshly painted; the problem though is that there are WAY too many trails, and all of them are named. So instead of accepting the fact that you have a random, unofficial deer path or something (which is a very common occurrence in a park/reservation), they insisted that that path ALSO needs to share the name of an official trail. This is why the Sierra Trail seems to have five or six different trails. It's needless, and in an effort to provide options for hikers, it actually creates a disorienting sensation. At least two or three times we came to an intersection and noticed that both ways had the same color trail blaze. We had to spend an extra minute or two staring at our source material to figure out which Sierra Trail we should go on. If they're going to insist that everything be blazed, at the very least you need to have better signage at the intersections. I appreciated that there were three or four signs leading me to the restrooms near the Nature Center, but it would have been nice if that sentiment had carried over into the woods too.

The quality of the trail varied dramatically depending on where we were. Understandably the areas near Surprise Lake had some muddy stretches - made more interesting by the damp end to 2023 - but I wouldn't classify any of it as egregious. The Sierra Trail on the north end heading toward Feltville was my least favorite part, and I'm betting that's true for a lot of people. The noise from 78 is loud so if you're looking for some solace in nature, it's not going to be in this spot.

Feltville is a legitimately interesting stop on the way, though it's not as spooky as it used to be. They've cleaned up a lot of the structures so only two or three of them now look like drug dens (which is probably a good thing - not a particularly hot take) but it doesn't look quite as authentic, deserted village-wise. The cemetery just off to the north is a cool little detour if you have the time, and easy to locate with the signage (it's also visible from multiple parts of Feltville).

Your mileage may vary, but this to me is more of a walk in the woods/exploring cool old building versus a real hike (which is fine). But given that, they should really spend some time making these trails/paths more coherent for the masses.

Great place for a hike. The lakeside/dam side trails are definitely more enjoyable though. The mountainside ones are full of rocks and mud. Nothing unpassable, but annoying in comparison. If you're doing the full loop, I recommend going counterclockwise from the nature center

I give three stars cause there really isn't much to really do there, not because of the change of season, but its just going around in a circle on top of that because of the hills and the amount of water flowing down it gets really muddy on the path and you will seriously get your shoes dirty

it is a nice little park. That’s close to a lake. The bathrooms, clean, well-maintained.

Several different trails to choose from for hiking. Visitors center, nature center, pamphlets, maps, trailside information posts in historic areas, deserted village, historic graveyard, Lake Surprise with dam and small waterfall, playground and special needs accessible sensory trail. Lots to explore and learn.

Pretty good place, area is beautiful. My kid preferred the big boys area which obviously is not safe for a toddler, so while it was fun I was stressed out haha. But it was fun despite it.

I recommend this place, there are some tables and even grills around the area.

Kids had a BLAST!
Clean, well-kept and sturdy. An interesting amalgam of fun and "safe" 😁 as the floor seemed to be made out of a rubbery, real-looking wood chips that had a cushiony feel. The design, layout and aesthetics of the activities/obstacle courses were very nice. Some of the larger spots looked like a real tree! And another like a REAL large rock that the kids could climb up and down.
There were two areas: one designated for kids 2 to 5 and the other from 5 to 13.
Oh... And there was a cool-mist water/cooling area with these BIG flowers!
Made me wish I was a kid again.

Well maintained playground and park area. Kids have good play areas, small rock climbing area mist sunflowers. Part of Watchhung reservation.
There are good small trails also nearby, which kids will enjoy as they go through pretty thick woods. A lot of birds and insects could be seen on the trail.
There is a small lake, and there is a trail that goes around the lake as well. The lake is not clean, so can't go near water.
The natural area has stuffed animals exhibits and the details for reading which kids will enjoy. Overall a good place to take small kids for a weekend afternoon

The Google location will take you to the starting sign board for Watchung reservation, which is in the middle of the road. Use the location for the loop playground, which is kind of in the middle and access to all the places in the reservation.

In the reservation, there is a well maintained playground and park area. Kids have good play areas, small rock climbing area mist sunflowers. Part of Watchhung reservation.
There are good small trails also nearby, which kids will enjoy as they go through pretty thick woods. A lot of birds and insects could be seen on the trail.
There is a small lake, and there is a trail that goes around the lake as well. The lake is not clean, so we can't go near water. The end of the trail has a small damage, which didn't have any water flowing.
The natural area has stuffed animal exhibits and the details for reading which kids will enjoy. Overall, it was a good place to take small kids for a weekend afternoon

Need a good hike? This place is pretty good. There is lots to do. The science museum is not too far from this lake. There's also the Deserted Village. It rained a bit but overall it was great.

Watchung Reservation offers so much if you enjoy the outdoors.

There's many hiking trails through all types of terrian. I'd say about 85% is easy flat walking and 15% is steep climbing. You do need to watch where you step because even the flat roads are full of rocks and tree roots. Some trails were overgrown and narrow as well. I do think they need more signs to point to where the visitor center is to help orient the hikers since there are so many intersecting trails that can get confusing.

Majority of the hike is under the shade so it is cool during the summer too. But it is bugs galore!

However, I did see many trails littered with garbage. Such a sad sight to behold.

If you live close or passing through kids are always here to have an impromptu play date. Shade, benches, and lots of grass to run.

Nice little state park, three long lakes and walking paths. A dog park and a number of places for kids to run around with a kite. Sledding hill also in one part of the park, and some areas with things like paddle boats and other water fun.

A wonderful park and forest for all types of activities and interests. Lots of things to do for kids. We hiked from Nature Centre to Deserted Village and back it was so much fun . Make sure you wear proper shoes if you want to hike.

This is a beautiful park and the staff is always working to keep it beautiful. The landscaping, nature, waterfall, all so well kept on a daily basis. I truly appreciate all the people that keep our parks so beautiful. Thank you.

Lots of parking and the bathrooms by the boat house are open in the winter. Lovely and quiet spot to come and kill some time or walk your dog.

I love this park, it has beautiful ambience, my only complaint would be the people that go to this park. Half the people are friendly and the other half are just plain racist. There hasn't been one time that my husband and I have gone with our son without getting looks of disgust, like we shouldn't be there or shouldn't even exist. If you're anything but white, I suggest you keep that in mind if you do visit this park.

Great scenery. Quiet family park paddle boating and picnics. No hiking and bike paths. Fishing available. For weddings and proms book at lmentertainment.com

I love this park!!! So much to do and its so open surrounded by treeees and you can relax. The park is so huge you can go hiking, horse back riding, and i am sure it's several other things to do as well.

Great place in midst of nature for kids of all ages and for parents to walk around and have fun filled time.
There is no public lavatory in the park. At least we didn't find where it was.
No nearby places to even buy water or any snack.

So go prepared.

A cute lake park… saw families with kids fishing. The parents were teaching kids fishing.
There is good picnic area by the lake, plenty of benches and seating space.
Also clean restrooms and good amount of parking space.
Good fall colors

Great place to visit! Went there with my family on a cloudy day and it was lovely. We ran into a turtle; it was neat seeing it walk into the water and then disappear. Certainly nice for those who love to take pictures of nature or simply go out for fresh air.

Gorgeous park and awesome playground. Lots of things to do for smaller and older kids alike. Also a great amount of close seating available for parents. Would also be a cool place to bring your dog and make it a family event. Will definitely come back.

Great playground with ample room for playing and having a picnic. They have play areas for young and older children. Also, there is plenty of parking all around the park. We often pack a picnic when we come here and the kids love to play and eat. My favorite part is the actual drive up to the playground which is through the reservation and very calm and serene.