Local Park Review: Old Short Hills Park
Today we took part in the First Day Hikes tradition and decided to explore a new park. Old Short Hills Park is one of those places that is hiding in plain sight.
It's on Old Short Hills Road in Millburn, marked only by a stone gate and some signs for Greenwood Gardens, which shares the parking lot.
On New Year's Day the park attracted all types of visitors, many with dogs, attracted to the easy trail network that links up to South Mountain Reservation or to the wide open field and creek setting.
The park skirts the edges of Greenwood Gardens and today their literal gaggle of white geese (or were they peacocks?) were honking and making themselves known.
Trip idea: Downtown Millburn is a five minute drive away. Explore the Park, then hop on over to Millburn Library for story time or take a walk downtown and grab a snack or drink.
The Field
The field can be accessed a short walk from the parking lot, either over stepping stones over a small stream or a more stroller-friendly walk over the lawn closer to the road.
On the far end of the field you will find a resting bench with a view of a small pond and soccer pitch complete with nets. A picnic table and port-o-johns are available near the parking area.
After the last rainy few days, the lawn is a bit spongy, but our sneakers made it home without getting waterlogged.
The Trails
Old Short Hills Park's small trail network begins at the far end of the parking area.
We were specifically looking for the trails to begin our St. Jude's 40 Mile Dog Walk in January Fundraiser and managed to do 1.5 miles.
The trails at the Park were a pleasant surprise, each segment felt like a new outdoor room. For trails, there is good natural light and visibility, making it great for young families.
If you are looking for more adventure, the Park trails lead directly onto West Ridge Trail (maintained by the South Mountain Conservancy), which offers over 2,000 acres of outdoor recreation.
Our favorite part of the trails was the Alley of Trees. We lucked out on timing and the sun streamed into the Alley way-out just right and looked just like a shining portal to adventure!
Good To Know
Old Short Hills Park
274 Old Short Hills Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
This is a great park for wandering around a huge lawn or exploring easy trails.
The park does not have playground equipment, but features plenty of room to run, a soccer field, a pond and creek and the trails.
Picnic tables, port-o-johns and a bench are available.
The lawn can get spongy, and the trails muddy and sloppy, after rain, so boots and rain pants would be a good choice.
Bring a ball, frisbee or kite for a good time on the lawn.
