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blue Lenape Trail

  4.0 ( 12 )
  1. Areas
  2. NJ
  3. …Northern New Jersey
  4. …West Orange Township
  5. South Mountain Reservation
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Trail

7.9 mile 12.8 kilometer point to point
Singletrack
Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 643' 196 m
Descent: -966' -294 m
High: 580' 177 m
Low: 222' 68 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 4% (2°)
Max Grade: 23% (13°)

Dogs

Leashed
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Current trail conditions

Minor Issues 76 days ago See History
Some Mud, Icy

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“A long point-to-point trail that traverses the length of the preserve.”

— Freddy Arsenault
GPX File

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

This trail can start at either the Locust Grove or Mayapple Hill Parking Lots. Follow the yellow blazes - if you're starting from the Mayapple Hill parking lot, head south. As you can see, the Lenape Trail does travel further north, terminating at Rt. 10, but most folks simply start/finish at the Mayapple Hill parking lot. This is a great out-and-back trail, though it can get very technical at times due to larger root systems, loose rocks, and terrain grade. Get ready for a handful of good climbs, too!

Contacts

Land Manager: Essex County Parks - South Mountain Reservation

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Check-Ins

Feb 3, 2019
Christopher Smitelli
Nice trail sandwiched between suburban Jersey. Pretty frozen waterfalls, abundant bird life and calm deer made for a nice leisurely 8 mile hike. 7.9mi
Jan 17, 2019
Christopher Klingaman
Took the Lenape trail south, then back north using the Rahway River trail. 13mi
Jun 12, 2018
Lea Hairston
Apr 21, 2018
Mariska ter Haak
Mar 24, 2018
Giselle Wasserman
Dec 17, 2017
Mark Nelson
Aug 13, 2017
Marco Cruz
Jun 25, 2017
Alicia Chao
Rahway to turtle back loop and down Lenape 12mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 12 votes

#4

in South Mountain Reservation

#4999

Overall
  4.0 from 12 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#4

in South Mountain Reserva…

#31

in New Jersey

#4,999

Overall
145 Views Last Month
3,668 Since Jun 16, 2015
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Photos

Hemlock Falls
Hemlock Falls
 4
Lenape Trail, near Balls Bluff
Lenape Trail, near Balls Bluff
 3
A charming forest view off the Lenape Trail in the South Mountain Reservation.
A charming forest view off the Lenape Trail in…
 3

2 Comments

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DJ Lathroum
DJ Lathroum  
Any off trail camping allowed? Nov 2, 2016
John G
John G  
This is a typical county park trail. This trail, as well as the others in the South Mountain Reservation, are OK if you live nearby, but are by no means worth a drive. Blazing is hit or miss and lots of unmarked trails and roads the trails are in the area, so pay attention. These trails are mostly used by entitled locals as opposed to hikers with familiarity with LNT and any sense of trail stewardship. There is a lot of graffiti and broken glass, particularly in the areas near roads and parking areas. Despite being hiking/trail running only, there are plenty or mountain bike tracks. Finally, despite this complex having one or two dog parks, there are loads of locals with unleashed dogs on the trails. There area also more little plastic bags of dog waste left along the sides trails than there are blazes. Feb 17, 2019

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