Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail - Scotch Plains, NJ
Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail – An Adventurous Outing for Dog Owners in Scotch Plains, NJ
If you’re searching for a dog-friendly hiking experience in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Ash Brook Reservation Hiking Trail offers a unique adventure for experienced hikers and their canine companions. Nestled in a wooded, natural setting, this trail is renowned for its wild beauty, offering solitude and a true taste of nature away from manicured suburban parks.
The trail is best explored after dry weather as it is known for challenging terrain, including muddy, swampy stretches and overgrown paths with fallen branches. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for both you and your pet. While there are no designated off-leash or fenced dog park areas, the immersive environment provides an exciting, pet-friendly trail experience where nature lovers and their leashed dogs can explore together. This hidden gem is perfect for seasoned hikers and adventurous pets but is not ideal for those seeking a groomed walking path or convenient amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Ash Brook Reservation features a hiking trail that winds through wooded, swampy, and wildflower-filled areas.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trail is often very muddy and even flooded after rain, so waterproof boots are strongly recommended.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Reviews report an abundance of bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks, so bring appropriate repellent for you and your dog.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The hiking trail is set within wooded areas, providing natural shade throughout.
- Is the park open year-round? There is no indication of seasonal closure; however, conditions are best during a dry period.
Reviews
Not for the faint hearted! The swamp trail is challenging, despite negligible elevation changes. With the loss of the ash trees to the emerald ash borer, agressive invasives block much of the trail. You will face 2 to 4 foot deep tangles of tearthumbs and taller multiflora rose in some parts. There are also abundant native greenbrier and poison ivy. The ground is very wet and muddy, even flooded, including the trail in any but drought conditions. There are also many fallen branches and tree trunks you can trip over, hidden by the thick weeds. Blazes are sparse or lost due to bark peeling off dead trunks. Mosquitos were heavy, but this time I did not encounter ticks. I was there mid-September, 2024. There were some good points! Both common and uncommon late-season wetland wildflowers were blooming. Bring waterproof boots, repellent, a head net and clippers, if not a machete.
Very pretty place nestled in the woods, have been driving past the reservation my whole life so I figured I would give it a go. First portion of the trail is standard, but it quickly ramps up in intensity as the path disappears and mud becomes the standard. Lots of bugs and ticks (picked off two during my thirty minute hike). I love nature and this is definitely remote at some times, but I turned back because I was ill prepared, hoping to come back and finish the hike some day.
Not for kids! I’m an experienced hiker and this trail is no joke. I read the reviews and thought “I can just be a man and get thru it.” I was wrong, I went 2 days after it rained a bit so the trail was full of watery mud. I forced myself thru it, wearing regular sneakers every step after being a half mile in was submerging my entire foot in mud, my shoes were 100% shot (u better wear boots if coming here, I regret not listening to the reviews.) After 1.5 miles there was water up to my knees (I’m 6 ft 1) and I was forced to turn around because it was physically impossible to get thru. The trail isn’t rlly a trail at all, it’s just walking thru the woods. I’ll visit again on a dry summer day to see if i can actually make it thru this time. This is a very challenging trail do not come here unless you have a decent amount of experience and aren’t scared of walking in literal rivers of mud and water. The average person will not enjoy this trail, but if ur a beast like me go for it
Love the solitude but super wet. Couldn’t go too far because of the water. Wear your rainboots any time when there’s been rain!
This is a little hidden gem. It’s probably best to walk on this trail after there’s been some dry weather, because the trail goes through some extremely swampy areas. It’s not a long trail, but it might take you a while to work your way through it because you will be looking for footholds a great deal of the time. If you like your nature trails to be perfectly manicured like a lawn so your shoes and pants don’t get dirty, this is not the trail for you. Maybe go to the mall instead.