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Garret Mountain Reservation facts for kids

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Garret Mountain Reservation
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
LambertCastle.jpg
Garret Mountain Reservation is located in Passaic County, New Jersey
Garret Mountain Reservation
Garret Mountain Reservation
Location in Passaic County, New Jersey
Location Woodland Park, New Jersey
Nearest city Paterson
Area 568 acres (2.3 km2)
Governing body Passaic County, New Jersey

Garret Mountain Reservation is a super cool park in Woodland Park, New Jersey. It covers about 568 acres (that's like 430 football fields!). This park is part of the Watchung Mountains and is a special place called a National Natural Landmark.

The park sits on the northern tip of the First Watchung Mountain. It rises over 500 feet above sea level. Most of the park is in Woodland Park. But it also reaches into the cities of Paterson and Clifton. It's easy to get to from major highways like I-80 and the Garden State Parkway.

What Can You Do at Garret Mountain?

Garret Mountain is a major fun spot for Passaic County. There's so much to do here!

  • You can run or walk on miles of trails.
  • There are big grassy fields for games.
  • You can play basketball on the courts.
  • It's a great place for picnics with friends and family.
  • Barbour's Pond is stocked with fish, so you can go fishing!
  • There's even an Equestrian Center where you can take horseback riding lessons.

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Imagine a green forest surrounded by busy cities. That's Garret Mountain! Because of its location, it's a perfect resting stop for birds flying south or north.

Many different kinds of songbirds stop here. You might see over 35 types of warblers. There are also vireos, orioles, sparrows, and thrushes. Birdwatchers love this park. They come from all over to see more than 150 different bird species each year. The trails make it easy to spot them.

Explore Lambert Castle

On the eastern side of the mountain, you'll find Lambert Castle. This amazing castle was built in the 1800s. It has been fixed up and now holds the Passaic County Museum. You can visit the museum and learn about the area's history.

Long ago, the Morris Canal used to pass very close to the castle. Also, a railroad line once ran where I-80 and Route 19 are today. This was part of the Lackawanna Railroad's Boonton Line until 1962.

Who Manages the Park?

The Passaic County Parks Department takes care of Garret Mountain Reservation. They make sure everything runs smoothly. The Passaic County Sheriff's office helps keep everyone safe in the park.

For many years, the park has been a popular spot for cross country races. High school and college teams come here in the fall. They even hold the New Jersey State Sectional Championships here every October.

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