Apshawa Preserve - West Milford, NJ
Apshawa Preserve – Dog-Friendly Hiking in West Milford, NJ
Nestled in the scenic landscape of West Milford, New Jersey, Apshawa Preserve is a beautiful spot for outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions. This pet-friendly preserve offers a network of well-marked hiking trails through woods and around the reservoir, providing a peaceful escape for dog owners. Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park’s varied trails, which range from easy to moderately challenging—perfect for both casual strolls and more adventurous dog-friendly hikes.
Highlights include tranquil lakeside paths, waterfalls, historic ruins, and scenic ridge views. The trails offer plenty of shade, and sturdy shoes are recommended due to rocky sections and occasional muddy areas. Portable restrooms are available at the parking area, and the park is large enough for a serene walk on weekdays while getting busier on weekends. Apshawa Preserve is ideal for those seeking a dog-friendly park in West Milford that caters to both nature lovers and their pups.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs are required to be on-leash throughout the preserve, although some visitors report occasional off-leash use.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features a network of marked trails, including easy and moderate hikes with scenic features.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Most trails are shaded by trees, providing comfortable hiking for both people and dogs.
- Are restrooms available for owners? There are portable restrooms available at the parking lot.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a dedicated parking lot near the trailhead, but it can fill up on weekends.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails can be muddy or have shallow water crossings after rain, so waterproof shoes are recommended.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are a few stone benches along the trails and by the creek for rest stops.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Apshawa Preserve is open year-round, though trail conditions may vary by season.
- Are there ticks or other pests common in the area? In midsummer, there may be significant plant growth and potential pests such as ticks and poison ivy, so precautions are advised.
Reviews
Great trails here. Some just end though and you have to double back. Some great views.
My wife and I were looking for something different to do. We decided to try hiking and picked this place. It was pure beauty. The trails were easy to follow. We are definitely going back.
Great experience beautiful scenic views well maintained trail.
This is an underrated trail that gets a lot of flack from the reviews. I don’t consider myself an experienced hiker, but I was able to follow the trails. One review mentioned a way to get to the waterfall but I would like to add to clarify: start on blue, then go orange but then when you get to green, you need to go left if you want the waterfalls, the ruins and the summit. If you go right on green, you will just get to the reservoir, and then IF you continue down green/red trail, then you can catch the summit and then the waterfalls/ ruins. Some reviewers said they couldn’t find the falls, I hope this clarifies.
The only real drawbacks, in my opinion, are that from the waterfalls to the summit, it gets very green if going midsummer and lots of plants with three leaves are rubbing against your legs (almost unavoidable). We stopped at a pharmacy and got ivy wash just in case after we left. Our whole hike we calculated was 3.15 miles (blue, orange, green to red/green, back to parking via blue). I did need my phone to help at times to orient myself. Another drawback is the sign that says not to walk on the dam which is asking to be walked on…we resisted…but it wasn’t easy.
A great spot for a hike of varied levels. You can choose easy or more strenuous. Green and white both have alot of elevation so be informed! If you turn right from blue to green the loop will have mostly down hill. If your knees hate down hill…go left from blue to green. But the ascend climb is steep for a while White trail going out from blue to red is mostly down…coming in from red to blue…up. Water tank ruins are amazing! Must see!!! Falls are running VERY light (almost not at all) due to drought conditions on 6-18-23. Happy hiking!
Trail maintenance neededin 3 locations:
1. 2 trees have recently fallen across the bridge crossing the brook on blue trail. No damage to bridge but lots of debris on bridge and trail.
2. Deer fence down close to where green/red meets the metal bridge by dam.
3. Deer gate from red back to green is not making contact to lock and is therefore standing open.
Hopefully, the parties that need to receive this info will.
Nice park, you can go around pretty much the while preserve in about 4.5 miles or so. Trails are easy to moderate.
Highlights include the reservoir, a waterfall, some ruins, a ridge with a decent view, and some nice streams and rivers.
It’s good for the kids as well.