Garret Mountain Reservation

Park Overview:

Park contains a variety of developed recreational facilities, and lesser-used trails that offer several panoramic overlooks. Area rich in labor and industrial history
Trail Uses:Hiking, Bridle path, X-C skiing
Dogs:
Trail Miles:7.3 miles
Park Acreage:793 acres
City/County/
State:		West Paterson [Woodland
Park]/Passaic/NJ
Buy Book:Hiking the Jersey Highlands - Illustrated Guide
Park Description:

Garret Mountain Reservation is located in Paterson and Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson).  It is divided into two parks: Garret Mountain Park and Rifle Camp Park.

The 568-acre Garret Mountain Park includes Lambert Castle built in 1893 by a wealthy silk manufacturer.  Many workers believed Catholina Lambert built it high up on the mountain to watch over his mills below.  The main portion of the park - on the ridge top above the castle - is encircled by a paved drive and has a variety of developed recreational facilities, but it also features two trails that traverse lesser-used areas and offer several panoramic overlooks. The New York City skyline can be seen from several overlooks along the Yellow Trail.

Rifle Camp Park consists of 225 acres and features an amphitheater, toboggan run, nature trail, an astronomical observatory and a beautiful pond -- also some nice viewpoints.  

Special note:  this area is especially rich in labor and industrial history.  A fabulous day or two can be spent at combining visits to:

  • Lambert Castle [silk mill owner], Garret Mountain Reservation
  • The Paterson Museum-Thomas Rodgers Building [manufactured steam engines], 2 Market Street, Paterson
  • The Great Falls and related raceway system [source of water power], Visitors' Center at 65 McBride Avenue Extension, Paterson 
  • The American Labor Museum/Botto House [1913 silk strike headquarters], 83 Norwood Street, Haledon

The County of Passaic provides further information about these historic sites [for Botto House follow the link "Hist. House Museums"]
Trails Overview:

The Yellow Trail starts at the southern end of the parking area for Lambert Castle and circles around Garret Mountain Park [yellow blaze; 3.1 miles].  The Rifle Camp Trail circles Rifle Camp Park [yellow blaze; 2.0 miles].  Both of these are loop trails.  The White Trail in Garret Mountain Park traverses the northern end of the park and connects at both ends with the Yellow Trail, making possible additional loop hikes.  A connector trail consisting largely of paved roads [also yellow blaze; 0.7 mile] links the two parks.  The four trails in the parks range from 0.7 to 3.1 miles, and when combined total 7.3 miles.
Directions:
  • Garret Mountain Park: I-80 to Exit 57A, south on NJ 19 to Valley Road exit. Turn right onto Valley Road, then next right. [Google Maps: "Garret Mountain Park, Paterson, NJ"]
    • Public Transportation: NJ Transit bus #192 and #702 [Valley Road & Fenner Ave]
  • Rifle Camp Park: East side of Rifle Camp Road, 1.4 miles north of US 46 in West Paterson. [Google Maps: "Rifle Camp Park, West Paterson, NJ"] Note: As of 2009, West Paterson was renamed Woodland Park.
Contact Information:Passaic County Parks Department
973-881-4832
Region:Watchungs
Fees:None