Recommended Hikes
Ridge and Valley Conservancy's goal, together with our supporters, is to protect the hills, the valleys, and the history of what we call the Ridge and Valley Region each and every year. Join us at our preserves - find our favorite hikes for each month below.
January
Set your intentions for the year with a self-guided First-Day Hike. We recommend Gnome Hollow for an inspiring winter hike.
February
Snowshoe through the Greendell Ridge Preserve trail loop. It is a flat, easy-going trail with nice rock outcroppings to see in winter.
March
Blair Creek Preserve has evergreen vegetation and lots of diversity. The woodland, wetland, and creek views are perfect to explore in late winter or early spring
April
Take in the spring ephemerals along the Muckshaw Ponds Preserve trail and have lunch at Big Muckshaw Pond.
May
Enjoy a beautiful view of Shuster Pond from the Shuster Pond Overlook stop along the main trail. Make a second trip this month to Birch Ridge Ravine.
June
Have lunch on a rock alongside beautiful Yards Creek in Hemlock Ridge and Ravine. The best spots are at the base of the Hemlock Ravine trail.
July
See butterflies and other pollinators in the Dark Moon Preserve meadows.
August
Gnome Hollow provides a short meadow walk through the old Christmas tree farm, followed by a deep forest hike. It is nice and shady for a hot summer day. Hikers can continue into the Frelinghuysen Forest Preserve adjoining. Horses allowed.
September
Do the full through-hike of Birch Ridge Ravine to Sunset Ridge, relax alongside the lovely Blair Creek tributary that separates the preserves halfway through.
October
We recommend fall-color leaf-peeping with great views at Limestone Ridge Preserve
November
Take in the view along the Spring Valley Preserve nature trail. Ferla’s Pond and the adjoining wetlands are important staging areas for birds as they prepare for winter. Photographers will love it here.
December
Hike Hemlock Ridge and Ravine. There are great views from the higher elevations of Ridge-side trail. Check out the exciting young hemlock regeneration at this preserve.