Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail

Cool spot to check out.

Primitive hiking in mostly urban NJ

Beautiful trail with many signs along the way introducing indigenous NJ swamp life. The trail goes in about a mile with higher elevations at the beginning and end points. Since it is a swamp environment, it is best visited during dry spells, when frozen, or anytime with mud boots. The trail is fairly well maintained, but there is no boardwalk as seen in other such parks. The trailhead is directly behind the John H. Stamler Police Academy and across from the Vocational High School of Union County, so there is ample free parking for the public. I would give the trail 5 stars if it was not for the mud, but an appropriately dressed hiker would find it worthwhile and different. It is a very peaceful and quiet refuge close to both northern Middlesex and southern Union County suburbs. An international airport was planned for this very ground in the 1960s, but the locals preserved the land instead as Ashbrook Reservation, righteously so.