Watchung Reservation
| Watchung Reservation | |
|---|---|
Fall foliage along Watchung Reservation Sierra Trail | |
| Location | Union County, New Jersey |
| Nearest city | Summit and Mountainside |
| Coordinates | 40°41′11″N 74°22′24″W / 40.68639°N 74.37333°W |
| Area | 1,945 acres (7.87 km2) |
| Elevation | 292 ft (89 m) |
| Governing body | Union County Parks Department |
Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, New Jersey, United States. The reservation consists mainly of the upper valley of Blue Brook, between the ridges of the First and Second Watchung Mountains. A dam near the headwaters of the creek creates Lake Surprise.
The reservation covers an area of 1,945 acres (787 ha). Parts of the reservation lie within the city of Summit, the borough of Mountainside, and the townships of Berkeley Heights, Scotch Plains, and Springfield.
The network of trails criss-crossing the reservation are popular with hikers and horseback riders. Biking on the trails is illegal.