10 Sledding Sites For Thrill-Seekers

Our counties are a winter wonderland, and these hills offer exciting ways to enjoy the snow.
Cheryl De Leon,
Sledding With Mum

Snow has blanketed our towns (and more flakes might be on the way!), so it’s time to hit the hills! Sure, North Jersey’s ski slopes (and even an indoor facility at nearby American Dream mall) are perfect winter destinations, but there are places to feel the adrenaline without waiting in long lines.

From neighborhood slopes to town parks and even behind local schools, Morris and Essex counties are full of sledding spots where kids (and adults!) can slide, race and laugh their way through a winter wonderland.

Whether you’re seeking a gentle hill for little ones or a fast slope for thrill-seekers, there’s a perfect patch of snow waiting for everyone, including the sites below. Bundle up, pack the cocoa and get ready to make the most of these frosty fun zones. Just remember to take general safety precautions! (A helmet never goes amiss.)

Essex County

  • Branch Brook Park, Newark. There are several hills in this park, which extends into Belleville, but the slopes along Branch Brook Lake beckon sledders every winter.
  • Flood’s Hill, South Orange. This slope near Hillside and Meadowbrook Place is a must-try for thrill seekers.
  • Mountainside Park, Montclair. One of the town’s largest parks, this site near Laurel Avenue has supervised sledding on weekends.
  • Reinheimer Park, Nutley. This neighborhood park on Bloomfield Avenue has a moderate hill that is ideal for families with small children.
  • South Mountain Reservation, West Orange. There are several hills throughout this park at South Orange Avenue and Cherry Lane, and each offers great sledding opportunities.

Morris County

  • Hopatcong State Park, Landing. The main sledding hill is steep for true thrill-seekers, but there are plenty of smaller slopes for little ones to enjoy safely.
  • Lewis Morris County Park, Morristown. Bring your sled to this park, which also has space for other snow activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
  • Tourne County Park, Denville. This park has more than 560 acres of space, making it a sledding destination for generations of families.
  • Tower Hill Sled Run, Mountain Lakes. This hill is nearly 1,500 feet with a steady descent that levels off toward the end, so sledders won’t be traveling at high speeds when reaching Overlook Road at the bottom.
  • Villa Walsh Academy, Morristown. This spot along Western Avenue has a large hill that’s popular with families, especially ones with young children.

Tag us on your favorite sledding photos of the season @morrisandessexmag.

Categories: Morris/Essex Health & Life