Location	Morris County, New Jersey
Length	5.1 miles
Trailheads	Green Village Entrance
Use	Walking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, recreation, rollerblading\
Difficulty	Easy walking trails, medium horseback , ADA accessible
Surface	Asphalt and Crushed limestone
Hours	24/7, year-around
Amenities	Benches, playground, athletic fields, mounting blocks, restrooms, benches, picnic facilities at traiheads
Bathrooms	3 restrooms located throughout the trail

The Loantaka Brook Reservation is a part of the Morris County Park Commision. The Brook Reservation is broken up into four distinct areas that include: the South Street recreation facilities, Seaton Hackney Stables, Loantaka Brook area at Kitchell Road, and the Loantaka Way Trail. The reservations facilties were all part of private property until the 20th century when they were donated by various community members to form what is known today as The Loantaka Brook Reservation. The reservation features miles of trails for both horses and humans alike.

Historical development

Historical significance

The Loantaka Brook Reservation began service in
Morris County, New Jersey on the current trail in 1957. The Reservation was started after the Seaton Hackney Stables were added to the park system through a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Moore at some point in the 1900s. The addition of the Hackney Stables was followed by the contribution of Helen Hartley Jenkins Wood, another gift to the park system. The wooded area was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Hartley Dodge, and helped to bring together the two largest focal pieces in the reservation.

Trail’s history and evolution

The trail currently occupies over 570 acres in one of New Jersey’s most populated counties. The trail historically has been used by hikers and horseback riders, but since the decision to create multi-surface areas, the trail has become more user friends for cyclists, roller bladers, and any number of outdoor enthusiasts. Loantaka Brook Preservation is looking to expand in the near future, with an attempt to connect the trails available at the preservation to The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, which is located nearby.

Trail development

Design and construction

The trails located at the Loantaka Brook Reservation are divided into three separate micro-trails, The first portion known as the Yellow Blaze Trail, starts at the South street entrance near the horse stables, and continues south until Kitchell Road. The Yellow Blaze section is unique in that it consists of two separate trails that run side-by-side. A crushed limestone trail for horses is visible from the macadam portion of the trail that was recently paved. This pattern of intertwining extends through the middle section of trail known as the Blue Blaze Trails. The last portion, The Red Blaze, is the least developed and consists of only macadam surfaces.

Trail amenities

The Trail features dual surfaces to appeal to all outdoor enthusiasts. Located at each entrance are large parking lots to accommodate the surrounding athletic fields, horse stables, as well as people looking to experience the trail. The restrooms located along the Loantaka Way Trails are cleaned daily and each rest area features a water fountain that remains running up until the winter months.

Community

Trail supporters


The Loantaka Brook Reservation is maintained by the Morris County Parks Commission and is currently in the process of being reviewed. The commission has done and excellent job maintaining this century old park and with new renovations such as a macadam surfaced trail and newly added picnic areas, The Loantaka Brook Reservation is sure to be a destination for families for time to come.