Hike Off Some Pie: Thanksgiving Gobble, Gobble 2026

Start/Finish: Essex County Dog Park

Distance: 6 miles. Please note that both distance and ending time are approximate.

Where to find us: Gazebo at the Dog Park.

General Information: Bathrooms at the start and midway too.
Hiking poles suggested. We have just a few to share if you don't have one. Dress in layers for temperatures. Carry your own snacks/water. Children who can do the distance are welcome with adults, but NO dogs please.

Optional endpoints: If you choose to shorten your hike you are on your own to get back.

Terrain: Hills and a bit rocky.

Transit: NJ Transit Midtown direct will take you to Maplewood, however there may be train issues so you MUST check the schedule for that day. You can walk one-mile up to the resevation (directions on request) or email info@freewalks.org to request a carpool ahead of time - limited seating.

Parking: FREE parking at the Dog Park. Follow directions that will take you OFF South Orange Ave into the park.

Difficulty: Moderate

Category: Nature.

Coordinator: Risa Olinsky - 201-618-5582

Highlights: Hemlock Falls and (possiby) the Orange Resevoir, depending on trail conditions.

Community Donation! FreeWalkers hikes many of the South Mt. trails throughout the year. Every Thanksgiving we pick a non-profit organization to support. This year we are suggesting a donation (any amount) to the South Mountain Conservancy. Please put a note on their site that you are a FREEWALKER!

Partners:

The East Coast Greenway Alliance is a non-profit organization developing a public multi-use 3,000 mile trail from Canada to Key West through New Jersey and New York. Donations and memberships help make this dream trail a reality.

Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America's largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation's premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.

The 9/11 National Memorial Trail is a network of over 1,300 miles of trails connecting New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in tribute to the heroes who perished on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who, in response, answered the call for their country.

The FreeWalkers are again offering the Cross-Jersey Walking Challenge, with a goal of walking the 100 miles of the East Coast Greenway across the entire state at any time during the year. This walk is part of the ECG trail from Trenton to New York City.

More about FreeWalkers:

Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips

New Jersey walks | Pennsylvania walks | New York City walks

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