Beyond the Suburbs: Day Hiking the Watchung Mountains from Edison, NJ

The Watchung Mountains are not mountains in the way my Himalayan-trained eyes define them, but rather a series of three parallel ridges – ancient volcanic remains that have witnessed the unfolding of American history. These modest yet commanding highlands stretch across central New Jersey like sleeping giants, their basalt bones protruding through earth in dramatic cliffs and formations.

What fascinates me as both artist and traveler is how completely these natural spaces have been mentally erased from the collective imagination. From Edison, a typical American suburb where I'm currently staying with friends, these highlands are visible on the horizon yet seemingly invisible to many locals.

The Lenape people called these ridges 'Wach Unks' – 'high hills' – long before European settlement. Their presence shaped the Revolutionary War, providing Washington's army strategic vantage points. Today, they offer something equally valuable: accessible wilderness for urban dwellers seeking respite from concrete and commerce.

For my day trips from Edison, I've found a hydration vest to be invaluable – allowing me to carry water, snacks, and my sketching materials without the bulk of a traditional backpack. The freedom of movement makes both hiking and stopping to create art much more comfortable.

Of all the hiking options accessible from Edison, South Mountain Reservation captivated me most deeply. This 2,110-acre nature preserve feels like stepping through a portal into another world. The reservation preserves a swath of the central Watchung ridge, with the East Branch of the Rahway River carving a valley through its heart.

I begin my journey at Hemlock Falls, a modest but enchanting cascade that plunges about 25 feet over dark volcanic rock. In autumn, the waterfall is framed by a kaleidoscope of maples and oaks in their seasonal transformation. The scene begs to be captured, and I spend an hour sketching the interplay of water, stone, and foliage.

The Lenape Trail – blazed in yellow – offers a comprehensive 10-kilometer loop through diverse ecosystems. What strikes me is the diversity of landscapes within such a compact area: hemlock groves that feel like the Pacific Northwest, open meadows reminiscent of the English countryside, and rocky outcrops that could be mistaken for the Appalachian highlands.

For photographers, I recommend bringing a variable ND filter to capture the waterfalls with that silky-smooth water effect, especially in the harsh midday light. The contrast between the flowing water and autumn foliage creates stunning compositions.

What fascinates me about hiking near Edison is not just the natural beauty, but how these landscapes are interwoven with American cultural history. The Watchung Mountains are dotted with revolutionary war sites, historic mills, and even ancient Native American paths.

The Deserted Village of Feltville within Watchung Reservation presents a hauntingly beautiful hiking destination. This former mill town, established in 1845 and abandoned by the 1860s, now stands as a ghost town within the forest. The juxtaposition of crumbling human endeavor against nature's persistent reclamation feels like walking through a living artwork.

For those interested in history, I highly recommend picking up a local history guidebook before exploring. Understanding the stories behind these trails transforms a simple walk into a journey through time.

The Watchung Mountains also offer unexpected artistic encounters. The Reeves-Reed Arboretum near Summit features sculpture gardens alongside woodland trails. As an artist, I find these curated natural spaces particularly inspiring – the deliberate placement of artwork among seasonal plantings creates dialogues between human creativity and natural processes.

During my autumn visit, I was fortunate to witness the Watchung Arts Center's fall exhibition, where local artists interpret the very landscapes I'd been hiking through. This cultural dimension adds richness to the outdoor experience that I hadn't anticipated finding in suburban New Jersey.

Edison makes a surprisingly convenient base for exploring the Watchung Mountains, though having access to a car is essential. From Edison's center, you can reach most trailheads within 20-30 minutes. I recommend starting with Watchung Reservation, the largest protected natural area in Union County at over 2,000 acres.

For navigation, while cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, I've found having a dedicated hiking GPS provides peace of mind, especially when exploring some of the less-traveled connector trails between reservations.

The terrain in the Watchungs ranges from gentle to moderately challenging, with some steep but short ascents. Most trails are well-maintained, though after rainfall, the clay-rich soil can become surprisingly slippery. I've found my trekking poles invaluable on these occasions, providing stability while navigating muddy descents.

For day hikes from Edison, my essential packing list includes:

• At least 2 liters of water (surprisingly, there are few reliable natural water sources)
• High-energy snacks (the local Edison Farmers Market is excellent for stocking up)
• A layering system (autumn temperatures can fluctuate dramatically)
• Basic first aid supplies
• A sketchbook and pencils (optional, but highly recommended)

Most trailheads offer free parking, though spaces fill quickly on perfect autumn weekends. I suggest arriving before 9am to secure a spot, particularly at popular access points like Seeley's Pond or the Trailside Nature Center.

Having hiked portions of the Watchung Mountains in different seasons, I can confidently say that autumn elevates these modest highlands to something truly spectacular. The dense deciduous forests that blanket these ridges explode in chromatic brilliance from late September through early November, with mid-October typically offering peak color.

What makes autumn hiking here particularly magical is the quality of light. As the sun hangs lower in the sky, it filters through the canopy at angles that transform ordinary forest scenes into cathedral-like spaces. The interplay of shadow and golden light among the red maples, yellow birches, and russet oaks creates a constantly shifting palette that challenges my artistic sensibilities.

For photographers and artists, I recommend bringing a color checker passport to accurately capture the nuanced autumn colors. The range of hues in the Watchung forests during fall is extraordinary, and having proper color calibration makes a significant difference in documenting these ephemeral conditions.

The cooler temperatures also make for more comfortable hiking, and the decreased humidity brings crystalline clarity to the vistas. From certain vantage points along the ridges, the Manhattan skyline appears on the eastern horizon – a surreal juxtaposition of wilderness and metropolis that speaks to the unique character of this region.

An unexpected autumn bonus: the decreased foliage on understory plants reveals geological features normally hidden in summer months. The volcanic origins of these ridges become more apparent as basalt outcroppings emerge from the forest floor like ancient monuments.