Hackle Barney Park

 

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6

Ed B.

Chatham, NJ

OK, this may be weird, but I love this place. This park is a really beautiful place, and if you can get there during the week, it's usually pretty quiet. It basically consists of two valleys cut through the rocks and hillside by the glaciers during the last ice age. From the parking lot it's all down hill literally. When you get to the bottom of the first valley, your met by a wonderful stream running through some tall stands of hard woods, and a path that will take you to various picnic tables, some with grills. Keep on the path, and you will be greeted by the soothing sound of rushing water from the stream making it's way down another drop off to the Black River at the very bottom of the park. There are a couple of almost hidden picnic areas farther down steam,great for being alone with your SO, or just to do some quiet meditation. I actually carved my ex's,and my initials some where down there, but that was a long time ago. This is the perfect time to go, as the water should be high, and pretty dramatic for photo ops. So if you decide to take the trip, bring a couple of important items. First, a camera,or sketch book. Second, a really good pair of hiking shoes, preferably water resistant. This place is real good at turning the unwary ankle. Third, food, and water, as there are no places to get anything at the park. Also, the temp. at the bottom of the valley can be about 10 to 15 degrees colder than the parking lot, since it doesn't get to much direct sun. I've done a lot of my best photo work here, and a lot of great mind clearing too. To get there, you need to go through Chester NJ on old Rt 124 west, you'll see a sign about a mile or two west of the town for the park. Not surprisingly, it's on Hackle Barney Rd. There is a really great little cider mill and bakery on the road too. So on your way out you can re fuel. There are also some good places to eat in Chester.  Another reason to go during the week is I think they charge a fee on the weekends

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