Hike at Mills Reservation

Mills Reservation is over 150 acres of wooded area located off of Normal Ave. near the Cedar Grove reservoir. Parking space is limited due to the small size but there is another hidden lot towards the back if you make a right out of the parking lot and then the first right turn onto Highland Ave. Drive down about 1 mile until Windsor Pl. and make another right turn. Go straight until the end and make another right turn onto Warfield St. This secret lot is at the end of the street and conveniently overlaps the Lenape Trail.

This nature reserve is family friendly, heavily shaded during the summer, and easy to navigate the trails. There is a map at the trailhead so you can pick and choose which way to hike. The blue trail will lead you up to the top where the NYC skyline is visible on a clear day. The red trail, which runs parallel to Normal Ave., will lead you towards the back of the reservation near the other parking lot. For beginners, the main trail is best which is about a 2 mi. loop around. The colored markers are clear throughout the reservation.

It is safe, clean, quiet, and visited by nature lovers, hikers, and dog walkers alike. Keep in mind that weekends can be busy. This little hidden gem is worth a visit with your friends and family if you are in the area.