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United States
New Jersey
Essex County

Hemlock Falls – Washington Rock loop from Millburn

Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
New Jersey
Essex County

Hemlock Falls – Washington Rock loop from Millburn

Hard

4.7

(9049)

9,224

runners

Hemlock Falls – Washington Rock loop from Millburn

02:18

20.0km

380m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

8.86 km

South Mountain Reservation

Highlight • Forest

South Mountain Reservation is a nature reserve that spans 2,112 acres along the Rahway River. This park is known for its hardwood forests, waterfalls, creeks, and vistas of New York and New Jersey at the higher points within the park.

Tip by

2

14.8 km

Hemlock Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Hemlock Falls is a small waterfall in the South Mountain Reservation in New Jersey. There are a few different trails that take you to the falls, but all end at …

Tip by

3

17.7 km

View of the New York City Skyline

Highlight • Viewpoint

This point has one of the best views in the entire park, offering vistas of the New York skyline, Newark, and Jersey City. With a bit of effort, you can …

Tip by

4

17.7 km

Crater View

Highlight • Viewpoint

This point has one of the best views in the entire park, offering vistas of the New York skyline, Newark, and Jersey City. With a bit of effort, you can …

Tip by

5

18.8 km

Washington Rock

Highlight • Viewpoint

The view from Washington Rock shows the lush forest for miles and views of the town of Milburn in the distance.

Tip by

B

20.0 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.6 km

4.70 km

1.78 km

1.62 km

192 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.50 km

5.49 km

3.83 km

2.30 km

1.69 km

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (170 m)

Lowest point (50 m)

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Weather

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Today

Saturday 27 June

27°C

18°C

45 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding trail run in the South Mountain Reservation, the Hemlock Falls – Washington Rock loop from Millburn delivers. This difficult jogging route covers 12.4 miles (20.0 km) with a significant 1262 feet (385 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for experienced trail runners seeking varied terrain and impressive views.

What to expect on Hemlock Falls – Washington Rock loop from Millburn

Expect a dynamic journey through lush woodlands. The trail offers a mix of wide dirt paths, perfect for finding your rhythm, but also challenges you with sections of stone steps and singletrack that can be muddy after rain. You'll navigate moderately steep climbs, including an ascent to a large water tower, and a very steep downhill shortcut to Hemlock Falls, a striking 25-foot waterfall. Don't miss the panoramic vistas from Washington Rock, a historic Revolutionary War beacon, or the whimsical Fairy Trail. This route demands attention to foot placement and is best suited for joggers comfortable with varied, sometimes technical, terrain.

Planning your visit

The South Mountain Reservation is a popular spot, so arriving early is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure parking. The trail is beautiful year-round, with stunning fall foliage and even frozen cascades in winter, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after heavy rain. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months, as this is a substantial workout.

Trail details

  • Distance: 12.4 miles (20.0 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1262 feet (385 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 18 minutes

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