South Mountain Reservation: A History

The History and Beauty of New Jersey's Largest County Park

Established in 1895 and designed by the famed Olmstead Brothers design firm over multiple decades, South Mountain Reservation is over 2,000 acres of incredible forest, hills, trails and park space. The largest park in the New Jersey County Park system, itself the oldest system in the country, South Mountain remains a natural oasis among the landscape of North Jersey. Discover the incredible history and scenic beauty of Essex County's gem among the Watchung Mountains.