Sourland Mountain Preserve image

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Tourist attraction Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Hillsborough Township


Address

421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Website

www.somersetcountyparks.org

Contact

(908) 722-1200

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trails (22) trail (13) rocky (9) hike (9) nice (7) hiking (7) parking (6) park (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 72ocutter 2 years ago on Google
    Our first time to Sourland didn't disappoint. A little muddy in areas from previous days rain didn't slow us down as we traversed and climbed rocks varying in size from a few inches to 30 ft. My wife, two kids and our overly energetic dog spent a few hours here exploring the trails and every rock formation we could find. Trails were well marked and clear. After lunch we promised to come back again in Fall when leaves are changing. Can't wait!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asher 1 year ago on Google • 57 reviews
    Very cool place. I went midweek during the day and didn't see many people. I found the boulders very interesting. There is a direct path to the viewpoint which is the way we went down. Could not see NYC but was a great view of new Brunswick and opportunity to test the 30x zoom on my Pixel 7 Pro. Plenty of parking
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sritama C. 8 months ago on Google • 328 reviews
    This trail is located in Hillsborough , New Jersey. It’s a nice rocky hike up to the top. There are two trails. One has more rocky terrain than the other. There is a nice lake and picnic tables in the end of the trail. Overall a nice one with some wildlife
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Eric M. 1 year ago on Google • 274 reviews
    Very rocky, but not too steep. Bring poles if you think you would need it, however. The main overlook is in the center of the park, so you might need to visit more than once to explore all the trails, or double back a bit on the same trail if you want to walk on as many trails as possible in one trip. There is a clearing that runs vertically through the middle of the park, kind of like a power line clearing, except this is for the Texas Eastern Pipeline. So you can go up and down this clearing path to access other trails as well. You might have to check the map to find some trails, because there was some obstacle and the white trail could only be found after going around the obstruction (old pipes). The main overlook is on this clearing path. To see NYC at the overlook, you have to go to where the memorial bench is and look slightly to the left. Also a tip, trail blazes with a black dot in the middle are shortcuts. Overall, a good place to hike. You might not see frequent "attractions" while on the paths, but it is a nice hike overall.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adati T. 8 months ago on Google • 1013 reviews
    Excellent preserve for walking! I did not see people having a picnic but there is a lake that could be a good picnic stop. It was fairly busy around late morning to noon. But not sure if it was less busy early in the morning on the weekend (I doubt). Definitely a spot worth checking out!

  • 5/5 Jongbok Y. 2 years ago on Google • 158 reviews
    I had a knee injury, so I was worried about worsening it. But my worry was proven to be wrong. The trail route I took was on the left side of the reservoir. It looked like a ski field and was easy to walk up. The trail was a little rocky, but if you carefully walked, everything would be fine. Even a 5-year-old boy was walking without difficulty. Also, the parking lot is spacious.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trey J. 8 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Great park. Trails are a mixture of rock and soil. If your into climbing there are lots of spots to explore with or without an app. Saw all types of activity on the trails. Trails are well marked with little obstruction and foliage. You do not need an app to navigate.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan B. 4 months ago on Google • 349 reviews
    While mountain may be a generous description, this is a neat space to go walking and enjoy nature. Seeing many Whitetail deer on our walk, it was a neat spot to spend time during the autumn season. Overall, the trails were well marked and easy to follow, And we’re not too rough to navigate. I would say the trails are moderate and difficulty if you end up doing the full loop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas V. 2 years ago on Google
    My home turf. Used to run here during high school XC practice. The trails are a bit rocky, but it does make it challenging and fun for a run. I’ve also hiked here on the trails many times during all seasons and weather. The view is nice at the top and makes for a great workout.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice park with small pond and hiking trails popular for hiking and trail running with rocky outcroppings popular for rock climbing / bouldering. Fun for people of all ages and pets allowed. Hiking trails are moderate difficulty with uneven rocky and root filled sections through the tranquil forest with some wood boardwalks and small wooden bridges.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Moonshot M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place to hike. I love coming here in the spring and also during fall. It’s also very easy to get around, not super crowded and you can make it a longer or short hike
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Naveen K. 1 year ago on Google • 261 reviews
    Wild and adventurous trails. There are several hiking trails and they all are beautiful and wild. I was lucky to see snake and a few birds during my first hike here. Few trails are rocky but i enjoyed hiking. At one spot I was able to see the New York skyline from the top of the trek. I highly suggest to try these trails for fun and enthusiastic weekend activity.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ajay S. 10 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    Very nice and decent trail. Initial climbs but later most part of it is plain field. I enjoyed the trek, it’s worth spending couple of hours to complete and then have some refreshment as you reach the parking space which is next to a small water body. Overall it was enjoyable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anj T. 9 months ago on Google
    Vast and tranquil place. So nice they have different kinds of trails and they have signage for which directions to go. A must place to visit whenever in Hillsborough NJ.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle L. 5 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Beautiful park with varying trails. I love how there are so many different types of scenery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Just P. 11 months ago on Google
    A great hiking spot. I didn't get a chance to go too far in due to a tornado being in the area that day!

  • 5/5 Krishna S. 11 months ago on Google
    After having hiked for over a hundred miles in Northern California we were looking for a decent hike in New Jersey and found the Sourland Mountain Preserve. This is an excellent and unique preserve. There are a lot of rocks and boulders along the way almost as if there was a deluge here a long time ago. I would suggest good hiking boots because normal sneakers would get overwhelmed! The paths are mostly well marked. The markers consist of various paint marks on the trees and rocks. Overall this is a very decent trail of moderate difficulty.

  • 5/5 Mildred M. 1 year ago on Google
    This park has such a magical feel to it. You are transported into an oasis away from modern life. A must see for any hiker. Has port a potties for bathrooms.

  • 5/5 Ryan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun hike through a rural section of New Jersey. The trail seems rocky in some spots. Take your time to avoid rolling an ankle. Grades are moderate to mild on most trails. Excellent parking; more than enough space. Overall, this is an easy hike showcasing some of the more beautiful surroundings in the state.

  • 4/5 Kyra H. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of great trails around the mountain. A bit mucky and muddy this time of year. Big parking lot with cleanish port o potties.

  • 5/5 Crystal O. 2 years ago on Google
    A great trail! 2.5 hours of brisk walking yellow to white trail! Marking were clear...some incline points...a good workout!

  • 5/5 Arthur R. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful place to walk up a small mountain. Not too many people, fairly quiet, with a decent variety of terrains. Decent pond to relax at, good amount of trails that you can get lost in as they cross over in some places. You can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored. Great for a local place without going too far. Plenty of parking. As with any hiking trip, bring appropriate shoes.


Call (908) 722-1200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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