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Hike through the Sourland Mountain Preserve

Hopewell, New Jersey

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.91 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Tyler Cranden

Several forest trail options that bring you through fields of massive boulders, two streams, and a small wetlands area.

The Sourland Mountain Preserve stretches from Hunterdon County all the way into Somerset County. The trails referenced here are on the southwest side of the preserve in Hunterdon County. They are accessible from an on site parking lot at 233 Rileyville Road in Ringoes NJ.

There are several trails at this location, which add up to about 2.9 miles if you explore each section. The main service road trail brings you to several worthwhile points on the preserve. The first point would be the wetlands section. At about 0.6 miles into the service road trail you will come across a floodplain on your left side. This spot is home to Grey Treefrogs and Spotted Salamanders. This is a very unique habitat, as floodplains are not too common in central NJ.

At approximately 3/4 mile into the service road trail you will come across the Blue Trail (This section is not a loop!). I highly recommend taking this route because it immediately brings you into a field of extremely large, 200 million year old boulders. This is a great sight to see and a good opportunity to take pictures.

The White and Yellow trails at the preserve are both loop options. These are both ideal routes for running or mountain biking. The White loop totals roughly two miles, and the Yellow loop totals just over 1 mile.

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Features

Fitness
Chillin
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike through the Sourland Mountain Preserve Reviews

Took a trip this morning. Such a soothing trail. There wasn’t many people being it was a week day. I love this trail, I love all of the rock formations and how the trail isn’t just flat land. It brings you up and down and all around.

I've hiked the Eastern Mountain Road side of the Sourland Mountains many times. It's always and adventure. I find something new every time. NOTE: There are several trails with two trail heads. On starts on Eastern Mountain Road (Hillsborough) and runs up and around Devil's Half-Acre Boulder across to Roaring Rock Boulders and then down back to the trailhead. The other trail is as described here.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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