Reviewing Trails: Silas Condict County Park

I have been wanting to start reviewing local hiking trails on this blog for a while now, but never seemed to get around to actually doing it. However, having some down time right now before leaving for work, and having just come back from a nice little hike, it seemed the appropriate time to start now.

So, let me begin with the trail that I have been doing most often as of late. That would be the white trail at Silas Condict in Kinnelon, NJ.

The park is named after Silas Condict, a former farmer and landowner of Morris Country from way back in the 18th century, and who would eventually become most well-known for having become a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress from 1781 until 1783.

For a small park, it offers a lot. It had a lake of fairly small size, yet is idyllic, and with particular charm when the autumn winds usher in the richly colorful fall foliage. There are some nice and secluded picnic areas, and some decent overlooks that do not require either much hiking or climbing.

However, for the more adventuresome, this trail does offer something special. There is one trail, the white trail, which is still fairly new. It perhaps rounds out at just under 3 miles, although the park signs claim that it is between 3 to 3 1/2 miles long. That said, there are some decent (mostly moderate) inclines and declines for such a short trail, and it is a good, healthy hike.

Due to it's convenient location and because it offers a complete hike that can do done in a relatively short time (roughly one hour, give or take), it has become my standard go to place for hiking. Can't be sure how many times that I have done this, but it is easily in the dozens, and perhaps, by now, approaching triple digits, even.

The trail itself is decent and well-marked, so there is little to no chance of getting lost. Although it is in the woods, and you might feel like you really are deep in the forest and far away from civilization, it is largely an illusion. In fact, you are never far from either roads or homes, as this remains close to both. At points, the trails almost hug the border with the private gated community of Smoke Rise, home to some of New Jersey's rich. The white trail, the only official trail in the park for the moment, offers some good uphill and downhill, as well as some decent views atop scenic overlooks. About midway through, there is a kind of miniature cave that makes this trail a bit unique, as well.

I would recommend that you enter from the parking lot overlooking the lake, rather than go down past the baseball field, where you can enter the woods on the other side. The trail makes a big loop, and you are hiking in the same place, obviously. But from the parking lot, you get better views, generally speaking, and it always just feels like more fun to me, so far. That would be the way I would most recommend.

The park does offer some other trails, but they are unofficial, and so they were grayed out and mostly eliminated. Still, the traces are probably strong enough that most people that would really want to could make it out and traverse the trails.

As for wildlife, you have a decent amount of it there, for such a small park. I personally have seen snakes, woodpeckers, and falcons, and numerous bears, as well. But the most unique animal you might be lucky enough to glimpse is an albino deer. She is overweight, the most overweight deer I have ever seen. Yet, still, it is a treat to see her, or indeed any of the wildlife you are apt to find.

It is not a trail that you should necessarily flock to if you are coming from far away. As mentioned earlier, this is mostly for locals. that said, it offers a decent amount, given it's rather small size and stature. If you are in the area and an avid hiker, I would definitely recommend it, if you have an hour or so to spare.