Morris County is home to an array of premier hiking locations. But perhaps my favorite spot in the area, and one of The Best NJ Hiking Trails, is Schooley’s Mountain. It’s a modest trek, though there are some rocky points; but your reward for taking the trail, which runs partly along Electric Brook, is a number of picturesque cascades.
Schooley’s Mountain is a prime late-autumn hiking destination. Even as the last leaves fall to the ground, the mountain beams with tumbling yet serene waterfalls. In fact, aside from being a trail highlight, these waterfalls help guide your path. To be fair, they are on the petite side; particularly in comparison to some of NJ’s other waterfalls. However, they are nonetheless mesmerizing, each one larger than the last as you traverse the trail.
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Starting The Schooley’s Mountain Trail
You’ll want to start your hike at Schooley’s Mountain Park. (Click here for the GPS address via Google Maps.) If you travel farther down that Schooley’s Mountain Park road, you’ll get closer to the trailhead. There are bathrooms at the top of the hill near the trailhead as well as large open fields; which are a great spot to play catch or just enjoy the day.
When facing the trailhead, you’ll immediately come to a fork; follow the trail to the right. This will lead you to the far end of George Lake. Once you come to the lake, follow the trail on the left marked by blue blazes. It’s a little rocky and descends slightly, but if there’s running water on your right, you’re on track. During late fall and winter, you’ll likely be able to see it pretty early on in your hike.
At this point, the trail gets a bit rocky. However, Schooley’s Mountain is a relatively easy hike, and even beginners will be fine. But just make sure you watch your step. It’s hard to resist going off-track, as there are plenty of chances to get close to the gorgeous cascades. But one wrong move could send you straight down the rindle, so do your best to follow the blue blazes.
Climbing the Mountain
After heading downhill for about a half mile or so, the trail begins heading upward. It’s not too steep an incline, but it’s easier to traverse if you’ve got your hiking boots. You’ll briefly pass a private property before arriving at the spot where the blue and white (Patriots’ Path) trails intersect. Then you must briefly follow the white trail south, which will bring you to the scenic vista you’re looking for. The mountain provides a spectacular view of the Long Valley countryside and a second mountain range in the distance. The later in fall you go, the more you’ll be able to see, but the view is excellent year-round.
If you’re looking to extend your Schooley’s Mountain hike, you can head north for a bit. Simply follow the pink trail north east, which will bring you to a small outcrop. When ready to head back, you have a few options; the easiest would be to retrace your steps. Otherwise, you can follow the pink trail back southwest and then head up the white trail northwest; this will bring you right back to the parking lot, close to George Lake. In addition, a third option is to head up the Grand Loop Trail (yellow), which meets up with white; thus also bringing you right back to the lot.
The Schooley’s Mountain trail is shorter than other hikes from our series. Though it may not be as robust, there are a number of breathtaking points of interest. In fact, it’s a great starter hike for those who want to begin hiking as a hobby. This pairing of stunning vistas and relative ease make it one of The Best NJ Hiking Trails.
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All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ
