Community Corner
6 Can’t-Miss Hikes Near Mendham And Chester
Get outside and explore — these nearby hikes offer everything from easy strolls to more challenging treks for every kind of adventurer.
Mendham and Chester are full of opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quick stroll or a more challenging trek, these can't-miss hikes in and around Mendham and Chester offer something for every kind of adventurer.
Please note: Drive times are approximate and may vary based on your starting point and traffic. Be sure to check for trail closures and consider weather conditions before heading out.
1. India Brook Park & Buttermilk Falls
📍270 Mountainside Rd., Mendham, NJ
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A lovely spot featuring easy loops alongside India Brook, with a picturesque buttermilk-falls cascade that’s perfect for photos. Gently rolling terrain and well-maintained trails make it a family-friendly destination.
2. Schiff Nature Preserve
📍339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham, NJ
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This 780-acre preserve offers about 14 miles of varied trails through woodlands, meadows and around peaceful ponds. It’s a nature-lover’s retreat rich in history, from Revolutionary War relics to Depression-era lodge sites.
3. Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center At Black River County Park
📍298 Elizabeth Kay Rd., Chester, NJ
Trails wind through hardwood forests and along the Black River, featuring boardwalks, educational signs and birdwatching opportunities. The trail system connects to historic gristmill sites and the nearby Bamboo Brook Arboretum.
4. Black River Wildlife Management Area
📍Pleasant Hill Rd., Chester, NJ
This approximately five-mile multi-use trail parallels the scenic Black River, weaving through woodlands and open fields with occasional views of reservoirs. The path provides a solid option for hiking, horseback riding and biking.
5. Hacklebarney State Park
📍119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley, NJ
Explore riverside hikes through a dramatic gorge of massive boulders and cascading river scenery. The rocky gorge paths are ideal for moderate exploration and trout fishing.
6. 3 Pools And Riverside Trails
📍119 Hacklebarney Rd., Long Valley, NJ
A short yet rewarding loop that combines the main Riverside Trail along the Black River with a gentle spur to three small pool crossings, great for families and gentle walkers. Watch for stone steps and charming waterfall views along the way.
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