| State: | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Address: | 339 Pleasant Valley Rd, Mendham Township, NJ 07945, USA |
| Postal code: | 07945 |
| Phone: | (973) 543-6004 |
| Website: | http://www.schiffnaturepreserve.org/ |
Once a peaceful and quiet preserve, now the trails are very over-grown making it near impossibile to hike especially on the White and Purple trail. The Fire Road (Red trail from Roxiticus Road) is so bad that it is near impossibile to walk on. The path around Great Meadow, which use to be so beautiful, is not very well manitained and has tree limbs blocking part of the path and very high grass; at least the last few times I was there. It has the general appearance that it is not being taking care of with the exception of a couple of select areas. Such a shame to see such a beautiful place not maintained or preserved as it once was.
Very nice and peaceful preserve but Schiff is not what it used to be as measured by trails throughout the property being maintained like they once were. We are regular visitors and contributors that like to hike and have noticed that, in the last two years, trails that used to be mowed regularly and cleared of large debris like fallen branches are overgrown and more treacherous. You really need to pay attention to where you’re stepping on unmowed trails to avoid ankle twisting holes and debris.
We (myself and son Michael) visited the Schiff Nature Preserve trails on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in April. We took a map they had for visitors and followed the blue trail up the mountainside to the white trail that encircled the great meadow. As soon as we started on the white trail, a huge hawk with a big wing span circled high above us. We saw many bright orange breasted robins scour the grassy field for worms and then grab them in their beak and fly off. We were completely alone and enjoyed the natural foliage that surrounded us as we finished the circular path. We then selected the blue trail to take us back to the parking lot. We recommend this place for anyone who would like to escape the daily grind and be totally alone with Mother Nsture.
It was a nice place but I didn't find it a particularly interesting hike. I mainly came for the viewpoint that was marked on the map and there was no view because it was too overgrown. I visited the Mount Paul Preserve also managed by Schiff Trust and that one had a beautiful view and more wildlife.
A treasure in our town. Natural beauty to explore. Great for spring hikes or winter snow shoeing. Trails are well marked and maintained. Programs are great too.