Stanton Company Local Recommendations:
Parks Edition

The County Parks of the First Watchung Mountain

Montclair is located close to (or contiguous with) 4 large county parks dotted along the First Watchung Mountain. Watchung comes from the Lenape word òhchunk, meaning “hilly place.”

The parks typically have maintained hiking trails through undeveloped land and have great views of the New York City skyline. We’ll take a look at all 4 of these special parks, starting with:

Mills Reservation

Mills Reservation, or ‘Mills’ as it’s known, is a 157 acre Essex County Park located in Montclair and Cedar Grove.

It is undeveloped with the exception of 2 parking areas and some maintained hiking trails. The Park originated with a 118 acre gift from the Davella Mills Foundation under the stipulation it remain in a natural state.

It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers and offers great views of NJ and New York City. The sweeping vista and updrafts make it a popular destination to view migratory birds. The park makes for a unique natural North West border for Montclair.

This is an officially approved Daisy Destination.

Feel free to contact me for more ideas for local fun and activities, Rich