Hiking Sourland Mountain PreserveDate: October 22, 2011
Total Distance: 5.45 miles
Time to Completion: 2:30 (hr:min)
Elevation Gain: 469 feet
Configuration: Loop
Terrain: Primarily dirt
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Lot located on East Mountain Road
Trail Map: Download from Park Information section
Ever since the end of August, hiking trips have been few and far between. Whereas we had spent a good portion of the summer hiking during the evening after work, now that the daylight is becoming more limited, and the weather ever more unpredictable, there have been many less opportunities to go hiking. Fortunately, the weather was a cool 60-degrees on Saturday, October 22nd, and Hiking with Impunity planned another trip to the Garden State, much akin to our hike at Ted Stiles Preserve at the Baldpate Mountain (see Hike #21).
The parking lot was easy enough to find, and was jam-packed full of cars. There is a kiosk with maps as well as a porta-john at the lot. The Sourland Mountain Preserve is a 4,000 acre park owned and tended to by the Somerset County Park Commission. The Commission has done a real nice job demarcating the many trails that weave in and out of the park. Every intersection of trails (and there are many) is indicated by a number, while tag-style blazes can be found along the paths, making it quite easy to navigate the trails. In fact, for a beginner hiker, planning and executing this hike is very reasonable; however, we recommend that if you are going to follow the trails that we have, your physical fitness level should be above average, as there is both a strenuous climb as well as an equally strenuous descent (you can follow along with our Trail Guide at the end of the article).
Hiking Sourland Mountain Preserve - Devil's Half-Acre Boulders
We took the Ridge Trail from the parking lot, staying to the right upon reaching the first intersection (a picture of which can be found at the beginning of this article). There is a decent elevation gain at the start as you approach Devil's Half-Acre Boulders, which is a half-acre of . . . boulders. One defining feature of the trails of this hike is the number of rocks, both large and small, which both pierce the trail as well as the majority of the area surrounding the trails (it is a mountain, after all!).
As we continued upon our journey through the Preserve, we came across quite a large number of other hikers! Over half of them were travelling with either dogs or children, and the vast majority were practicing great trail etiquette (see our articles on Trail Etiquette including Hiking with Dogs and Hiking with Children). Out of the 30 hikes we have been on (which includes several trips to Hawk Mountain), this was by far the hike with the largest number of people on the trails.
Upon reaching the intersection numbered '4', we decided to take the red-blazed Roaring Brook trail (see red-dashed trail on map). This trail was great, and should be included - if possible - on your planned hike. It's much less travelled, and we found this to be the part of the hike where we began to feel like we were truly away from all other civilization. Nothing against other hikers - I think they're great, and do enjoy meeting and speaking with them - but sometimes it is best to be hiking with only your partner, quietly and able to take in all of the sights and sounds of your surroundings.
Hiking Sourland Mountain Preserve - the Boardwalks
The Roaring Brook Trail was a more difficult hiking trail, but completely worth taking. Unfortunately, by the time we actually reached the Roaring Brook, we were an hour away from sunset. Using the map, we found a way to get us back to the parking lot before the darkness encroached upon our trail time. While we had our headlamps, the rocky nature of the trails may have been problematic to navigate even with the artificial light. At intersection 7, we made a left, taking the connector trail to intersection 6. Continuing along the trail, we came across a series of boardwalks, which - for a lover of footbridges - was great fun to walk upon!
We eventually came back upon the open area and made a right at intersection 5, taking the long connector trail down to the parking lot. This area is a steep descent, so make sure you've kept your toenails short, otherwise you may be repeatedly jamming them against the front of your boot. (And, for my regular readers... No, Hiking Mike's toenails haven't fully grown back yet (read Foot Care), so I had no problems taking the sharp declination in stride! Having hiking poles was also certainly a big help!).
Hiking Sourland Mountain Preserve was quite fun! While we had spent several hours there, we had only just touched the surface of what the trails had to offer. As I said earlier, the trails themselves were very well cared for by the Somersert County Park Commission, and this care brought further enjoyment as we made our way along the boardwalks on the Ridge Trail. I'm finishing this article on October 29th. Looking out my window, I see nothing but snow! Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we will be able to return to Sourland Mountain soon! There's still so much left to do....
You can check out the photo gallery for this hike by clicking here.
Trail Guide:
1. From the parking lot, take the Ridge Trail, and at the first intersection, stay toward the right.
2. The next intersection will be with a connector trail; however, stay right and head around the Devil's Half-Acre Boulders
3. Continue along the Ridge Trail. You will intersect with the other end of the Connector Trail. Stay right. The next intersection will be marked with the number '4'. Take the Red-blazed Roaring Brook Trail. You will pass through a fence. You will also cross the open field. You will see a Connector trail on your left; however, continue straight along the Roaring Brook Trail
4. The next intersection will be with another Connector Trail. Stay on the Roaring Brook Trail and you will pass through the Roaring Rock Boulders. Stay on the right as you come to the next intersection.
5. At the intersection labelled '7', make a left onto the 'C' marked Connector Trail. This will take you to intersection '6', and back to the Ridge Trail. Continue straight along the trail, crossing several boardwalks.
6. You will reach the field again. This time, make a right down the gravel Connector Trail. This is a very sharp descent. You will pass through two more intersections before you reach the Parking lot, and be back at the trailhead.
For more information about the Sourland Mountain Preserve in New Jersey, visit our Park Information section and download the brochure.
About the Author”Hiking” Mike Magro is the primary contributor and editor of Hiking with Impunity. Always on the look-out for a good hike, Mike is hoping to get through the rest of the year having minimal to no injuries while on the trail.
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