Maple Falls, Campbells Pond via Lenape Trail, Turtle Back and River Trail

This loop sits in South Mountain Reservation (Essex County Park System) on the Rahway River, linking a string of classic landmarks—Maple Falls Cascades, Campbell’s Pond, and the broad, easy grades of the River Trail—with a finish that brushes the busy edge of the South Mountain Recreation Complex (near Turtle Back Zoo). The overall outing is about 15 km / 9.3 mi with roughly 300 m / ~985 ft of total climbing, but the elevation comes in small, rolling chunks rather than one sustained grind.

For a practical “hike head” landmark and meeting point, the most straightforward access is the Turtle Back Zoo / South Mountain Recreation Complex area (commonly signed from Northfield Ave in West Orange). A widely used navigation anchor is Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052. (mapquest.com)

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

• By car: Aim for the South Mountain Recreation Complex parking areas used for the zoo/arena complex; parking is generally spread across multiple lots/garages in the complex. From there, you can connect into the reservation’s trail network and build the loop toward the river corridor and falls. (turtlebackzoo.com)
  
• By public transport: The most reliable transit strategy is to get to Newark (PATH/NJ Transit rail), then use an NJ Transit bus that stops near the zoo/arena loop on Northfield Ave (often referenced as a stop at/near the zoo/arena loop). Check the day’s schedules before you go. (reddit.com)
  

What the route feels like underfoot (and why it’s “Easy”)

Expect a mix of wide, well-worn park paths and narrower woodland tread. Even though the rating is “Easy,” there are a few places where footing demands attention: - Rooty, rocky patches on the more natural sections (especially where trails contour above the river). - Short, punchy rises that add up to the ~300 m gain, but rarely feel steep for long. - Wet/soft ground near the Rahway River and pond edges after rain—some low spots can hold water and get slick.

If you’re using a navigation app, keep it simple: load the loop in HiiKER, and watch for junction density near the recreation complex where multiple paths braid together.

Maple Falls Cascades → river corridor character

The Maple Falls area is less about one giant plunge and more about a series of cascades where Maple Brook steps down through rock. You’ll hear it before you see it, and the trail tends to funnel hikers toward the most photogenic ledges. In damp or icy conditions, the rock around the cascades can be surprisingly slick—give yourself extra space and avoid stepping onto algae-darkened stone.

As you transition away from the cascades, the hike settles into a classic northern New Jersey hardwood forest feel—oak and mixed deciduous canopy, with spring wildflowers and a lot of leaf cover that can hide rocks and roots.

Campbell’s Pond + Diamond Mill Pond: water, wildlife, and the easiest miles

The River Trail section is the “cruise control” part of the day: it closely follows the Rahway River as it widens into Campbell’s Pond, then continues downstream toward Diamond Mill Pond. (alltrails.com)
These pond-and-river miles are where you’re most likely to notice: - Turtles sunning on logs (especially on warm afternoons) - Waterfowl and songbirds along the edges - Frogs and other amphibians in the wetter margins in spring/early summer

Because you’re traveling beside water for long stretches, this is also where bugs can be most noticeable