Schooleys Mountain County Park

School Daze

This is a charming hike with views, rock formations, and a cold water stream that tumbles through a steep, bouldery gorge.  It’s located in western Morris County, about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Trenton.  Here you have the option to park at the bottom (on Fairview Avenue), or park at the top (off Schooley’s Mountain Rd).

From the Fairview trailhead, this is a moderately strenuous hike for Experienced walkers, especially if you choose to descend down to Electric Brook on the Boulder Gorge Trail.  Experienced hikers will enjoy descending and returning from the Patriot’s Path.  The trail is quite steep and entertaining, and adds an extra 200 vertical feet to the 500 or so feet between the high point of the trail system and the Fairview entrance.

Alternatively, from the Schooley’s Mountain Road parking lot, you can stick to the trails in the central loop.  These are graveled woods roads providing access to the viewpoint with minimal elevation change, making this suitable for Beginner hikers.  Intermediate hikers can add a bit more adventure and travel up or down the Falling Waters Trail to enjoy Electric Brook as it descends toward the South Branch of the Raritan, one of NJ’s premiere trout streams.

Kids will enjoy the views, the rock formations, and the dramatic descent of Electric Brook.  While the trail along the western bank of the brook has been permanently closed, the eastern bank is accessible via the Falling Waters Trail. Note there is a private in-holding within the park along a short stretch of Electric Brook’s eastern bank which should be respected.

A recommended route for Experienced hikers is to start at the Fairmont Ave trailhead, and ascend along the left fork using the “Patriot’s Path.”  Take a short, steep side-trip to descend and return via the Boulder Gorge Trail to Electric Brook, then continue up Patriot’s to the viewpoint (marked with a star on the trail map).  Continue on the blue blazed trail (which is now called the Falling Waters Trail), then stay right shortly after you reach Lake George to pick up the “Grand Loop” to begin your return walk via the Quarry Stone (shorter, slightly more interesting) or the Highland Cut (longer) to the Bee-Line and back to your car.