Spring is almost over, and soon summer will be upon us. As you pull the hiking boots out of their winter hiding place and switch in the rain and warm-weather boots, consider a small hike (and to break in the shoes for the season).
A great season starter includes a local classic spot, Gnome Hollow Preserve in Frelinghuysen. As one of the flagship preserves belonging to Ridge and Valley Conservancy (RVC), Gnome Hollow Preserve is great for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
This preserve is almost as gorgeous to drive to as it is upon arriving. Visitors coming via Route 521 will see a beautiful stone bridge (be sure to drive slowly), a farm, and the neighboring McDonald Marsh, another Ridge and Valley Conservancy natural wetland sanctuary.
Visitors arriving via Route 94 and Lincoln Laurel Road will be treated to some scenic vistas before turning onto Stillwater Road.
There’s an ample grassy parking area, and RVC regularly stocks trail maps and brochures at the front gate. Be sure to pick one up if you are not familiar with the trail. RVC also has QR codes for all of their trail maps, but since cell phone service can be unpredictable, it is worth downloading maps from their website (click here for the Gnome Hollow Preserve trail map) beforehand, just to be on the safe side—especially if you are a first-time visitor and/or bringing other first-time visitors.
After the parking lot, follow the trail down a field of evergreen trees. At the tree line, you’ll be greeted from a myriad of little gnomes that usher you up the initial hill. Yes, you may momentarily wonder what you’re doing as your heart rate elevates and you lose your breath for the first time this season.
Keep going! As you ascend the hill, give yourself a moment to appreciate the massive rock formations.
At the top of the hill, most visitors like to take a good, long look. The skyline of the much larger Kittatiny Ridge can be viewed from the top of the initial ridgeline. It is a worthy reward of the oxygen sacrificed to make it to the top of the hill. Be sure to follow the trail markers after this point, as the trail can get a little tricky. This is in large part due to the trailhead trees coming down during the last few storm seasons. You may find some trees with trailheads on the ground; be sure to follow the direction they point.
If coming down the smaller loop between the top ridge and the parking lot, be sure to look out for my favorite tree, a small little dicot tree with a knot right in the center. There were three gnomes last I checked, but gnomes have a way of getting up and relocating.
Gnome Hollow Preserve is suitable for everyone: Kids, families, a whimsical hike, and capping off an indoor weekend with a good walk.
For a more interactive experience, hikers might consider bringing their own gnomes to place along the trail. This is a great way to get the kids excited about the hike: Let them select the best place for the gnome, and be sure to come back and check on your little friends.
Total time: It took me an hour to complete this hike alone, but give yourself another hour for little legs, snack breaks, and gnome/fairy findings if you’re bringing the family. All Ridge and Valley Conservancy trails are dog friendly so long as your four-legged buddy is on a leash.
Check the Ridge and Valley Conservancy website for additional trails and other ways to increase your environmental commitment to our region.
