Apshawa Preserve - West Milford, New Jersey

David D.

Me gustó, bien linda el are

Raquel O.

This is an underrated trail that gets a lot of flack from the reviews. I don't consider myself an experienced hiker, but I was able to follow the trails. One review mentioned a way to get to the waterfall but I would like to add to clarify: start on blue, then go orange but then when you get to green, you need to go left if you want the waterfalls, the ruins and the summit. If you go right on green, you will just get to the reservoir, and then IF you continue down green/red trail, then you can catch the summit and then the waterfalls/ ruins. Some reviewers said they couldn't find the falls, I hope this clarifies.

The only real drawbacks, in my opinion, are that from the waterfalls to the summit, it gets very green if going midsummer and lots of plants with three leaves are rubbing against your legs (almost unavoidable). We stopped at a pharmacy and got ivy wash just in case after we left. Our whole hike we calculated was 3.15 miles (blue, orange, green to red/green, back to parking via blue). I did need my phone to help at times to orient myself. Another drawback is the sign that says not to walk on the dam which is asking to be walked on...we resisted...but it wasn't easy.

Ingrid H.

A great spot for a hike of varied levels. You can choose easy or more strenuous. Green and white both have alot of elevation so be informed! If you turn right from blue to green the loop will have mostly down hill. If your knees hate down hill...go left from blue to green. But the ascend climb is steep for a while White trail going out from blue to red is mostly down...coming in from red to blue...up. Water tank ruins are amazing! Must see!!! Falls are running VERY light (almost not at all) due to drought conditions on 6-18-23. Happy hiking!
Trail maintenance neededin 3 locations:
1. 2 trees have recently fallen across the bridge crossing the brook on blue trail. No damage to bridge but lots of debris on bridge and trail.
2. Deer fence down close to where green/red meets the metal bridge by dam.
3. Deer gate from red back to green is not making contact to lock and is therefore standing open.
Hopefully, the parties that need to receive this info will.

Shannan J.

Not the best idea to go in the winter 😅 but it was a lot of fun!

Patton's P.

Nice park, you can go around pretty much the while preserve in about 4.5 miles or so. Trails are easy to moderate.

Highlights include the reservoir, a waterfall, some ruins, a ridge with a decent view, and some nice streams and rivers.

It's good for the kids as well.

Jubilee W.

This place is heaven on an early morning when no one is there. There’s so many trails and you almost feel lost in nature. It’s a good thing they’ve updated the trail markers

Vivian O.

We have done many trails and by far we were disappointed with Apshawa. The trail markings/blazes are confusing and there are trails or paths with no markings or signs that indicate that you are near the waterfall, Reservoir or something. That was disappointing. The trails are rocky and with some inclination and descending. It seemed like we were not the only ones lost and some hikers didn’t even know there’s a waterfall. There is but we didn’t find it. The markings are so confusing. We got lost and were there close to 4 hours! Make sure to bring water, snacks, good hiking boots and walking sticks. You gonna needed. Would I return? Not sure. The park ranger was very helpful and even gave us a map but with no obvious markings, it makes it less exciting.

Dominyka

This has recently become one of my favorite places for a hike. Some of the trails get pretty steep and the incline is a lovely workout. It’s a perfect place to take dogs for a walk especially bigger ones. I’ve been here during both winter and summer with them and the German shepherd loves it when the streams are a little more flowy. The yellow trail is closed off due to some beavers making damns. They flooded the place but hey Mother Nature is beautiful anyway. Definitely check it out if you’re into hiking.