Day Trips from Elizabeth: Exploring the Watchung Mountains and Appalachian Foothills

My first foray into the Watchung Mountains began at the 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation, a mere 20-minute drive from Elizabeth's center. This first mountain ridge in the Watchung range presents a remarkable study in volcanic basalt formations that have withstood millions of years of erosion.

Walking the 6-mile Sierra Trail loop, I found myself transported from urban New Jersey into what felt like a primeval forest. The trail winds through dense woodlands before revealing dramatic outcrops of basalt columns—hexagonal pillars formed when ancient lava cooled rapidly. These formations reminded me of similar structures I'd seen in Scotland's Staffa Island, though here they were partially hidden beneath centuries of forest growth.

The Deserted Village of Feltville within the reservation tells another fascinating story—an abandoned mill town from the 1800s. I spent nearly an hour exploring the restored buildings and imagining the lives of those who once called this mountain community home. If you're bringing children along, the pocket field guide I carried made identifying the various geological features a delightful scavenger hunt.

One unexpected delight of exploring the Watchung Mountains in autumn is the abundance of wild edibles. Having conducted cooking workshops across three continents, I couldn't resist organizing an impromptu foraging expedition with two local chefs I met at a farmers' market in Elizabeth.

We spent a morning collecting autumn olive berries, pawpaws (North America's largest native fruit), and several varieties of mushrooms under expert guidance. The foraging basket I brought from my workshops proved perfect for our woodland harvest.

Afterward, we prepared a simple lunch at a picnic area using my portable camp stove. The flavors of wild-harvested ingredients transformed by nothing more than olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon reminded me of similar meals shared with villagers in the Western Ghats of South India—proving once again that simple food in beautiful surroundings creates the most memorable meals.

If foraging isn't your interest, the area boasts several excellent farm-to-table restaurants that showcase local autumn harvests, particularly in the towns of Summit and Bernardsville.

For those willing to venture a bit further (about 90 minutes from Elizabeth), High Point State Park offers what I consider the quintessential Appalachian experience in New Jersey. At 1,803 feet above sea level, the park's namesake peak represents the highest elevation in the state and provides panoramic views across three states.

The Appalachian Trail cuts through the park, and even hiking a small section gives you a taste of America's most famous long-distance footpath. During my visit, I chatted with several through-hikers who had been on the trail for months—their stories of perseverance reminded me of the innovative problem-solvers I've worked with in developing regions.

The 220-foot High Point Monument, built in 1930, stands as a testament to human ambition atop this natural highpoint. Climbing its 291 steps rewards you with truly spectacular views—I could see the Catskills to the north and the Delaware Water Gap to the west. My hiking poles proved invaluable on the steeper sections of trail, particularly when navigating the rocky terrain that characterizes the Appalachian ridge.

The fall colors here are simply magnificent, with the rolling mountains creating waves of crimson, amber, and gold that stretch to the horizon. It's hard to believe this wilderness exists in New Jersey, a state often associated more with turnpikes than natural splendor.

Perhaps my favorite discovery, and certainly the most accessible from Elizabeth (just 15 minutes by car), is South Mountain Reservation. This 2,110-acre nature reserve sits atop the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains and offers a perfect introduction to the region's geology and ecology.

The highlight is undoubtedly Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot waterfall that cascades over ancient basalt. During my visit after autumn rains, the falls were particularly vigorous, creating a misty microclimate where ferns and mosses thrived on the dark volcanic rock. I spent nearly an hour simply sitting beside the falls, sketching in my waterproof notebook, and watching the interplay of water, rock, and light.

What makes South Mountain particularly special is its accessibility. Well-maintained trails range from easy walks suitable for families to more challenging routes that climb the ridge. The Rahway River runs through the reservation, creating picturesque scenes that belie the reservation's proximity to urban centers.

I was fascinated to learn that this land was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of Central Park fame) in the 1890s. His vision of preserving natural landscapes within reach of urban populations seems particularly prescient today, as I watched families from nearby communities connecting with nature just minutes from their homes.