Transportation -
One of the great things about this trail is that it is super accessible by NJ transit - the trail head is right across the street from the Millburn train station. We'll be catching the 9:11 train out from Penn Station to Milburn Station. You can purchase your tickets at the station or on the NJ Transit App. On the way back there are trains leaving from Millburn at every :50 after the hour.
If you are driving and meeting us there, please arrive at the Locust Grove Parking Lot by 10am.
The Trail -
A 10 mile loop with over 1000ft elevation gain per loop. The trail varies from gravel to dirt to technical rocky trails with a few big climbs and a big technical decent. There is also a lovely waterfall on the trail! We'll be running one loop for 10 miles in total. The route can be found here.
Trail Conditions -
South Mountain is one of the best trail systems in the area for winter trail running, but there are still some winter trail hazards like ice patches. We will do our best to avoid these sections, but we will likely encounter some. You can expect our overall pace to be slower for this reason, as we do not want anyone falling on ice and hurting themselves. Additionally, if this is your first time trail running, we'd recommend waiting until our headlamp run on New Year's Eve or Prospect Park trail run on Sunday, January 5, to join us.
Bag Check -
We are offering bag check at Liv Breads located two blocks from the Millburn train station and South Mountain trailhead at Locust Grove. This is a local bakery, and we've used their facilities in the past. We want to maintain our great relationship with them, so please be conscious of that. You are representing us when you are there. For this reason, please limit your bag check to one reasonably sized bag. When we return, try to avoid tracking in a lot of mud and dirt into their facilities. We will have time to purchase food and beverages from Liv Breads after the run.
***Weather - We are going regardless of the forecast. We would highly recommend having a change of clothes packed in your bag, which will be sorted at Liv Breads.
NOTE:
Group pace will be very conversational, if you are planning on a faster pace, familiarize yourself with the trail ahead of time and be sure to carry a map on you. This is also not a hiking trip, while there will be small sections of power hiking uphills - come ready for a run.
The Essentials -
*Charged phone
*Water (either a handheld or a hydration backpack - there no water access on trail!)
*Snacks (bars, gels, fruit, pb&j - pls bring something, we will be out there for a minimum of two hours and you will get hungry)
*Trail running shoes are highly recommended