Maple Flats trail is 1.4 miles

Ridge Trail is 5 miles

Pond View trail is 1 mile

Maple Flats trail takes about 45 minutes depending on pace.

Ridge Trail requires about 2 hours if you descend hill at Trail Post #5; 3 to 3 1/2 hours if you follow south to include all trail posts consecutively #1 - #13 depends on pace.

Maple Flats trail is posted clearly with white geometric signs with a black tree symbol. The posts are placed about five feet high on the trees.

Ridge Trail begins with both triangle and square tree symbols as you continue on they become triangle tree symbols.

Maple Flats trail is 100-200 feet elevation; Ridge Trail is a steeper climb that varies from 100 to 500 feet at its highest elevation; Pond View trail is a mostly flat trail at the base of the Sourland Mountains.

Maple Flats is an easy to lightly moderate hike with inclines.

The Ridge trail is a challenging one set among great boulder fields with many inclines and declines. Thirty nine separate wooden walkways help with the demands of the varied terrain.

Trails can be muddy in late winter and during the spring thaw. Wear boots or sturdy over the ankle boots. Stop at kiosk to see large trail map display. Pick up trail map in case there are new trails or changes to existing ones. Allow 35 minutes as a basis for hiking one mile. Your time will vary on whether you are traveling in a group, with children, and physical condition. Allow plenty of time to return to parking lot during winter months when days are shorter.

There is portajohn at the trailhead. There is also a kiosk with park maps and other hiking information.

There is a pretty pond with grass surrounding it for a picnic or relaxation.

Sourland Mountain Preserve in Somerset County is 3,025 acres of woodlands, boulder fields, unique wetlands, and steep hillsides. The Preserve is owned by Somerset County and administered by the Somerset County Park Commission. The Preserve is remarkably close to the Route 206 corridor, but is rich in natural resources. Passive recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, orienteering, bird watching, and bouldering. The trails described here are located on the northern most border of Montgomery Township in Hillsborough Township. Sourland Mountain Preserve is part of the Sourland Mountains, a 90 square mile area extending over five townships (Montgomery, Hillsborough, Hopewell, West Amwell and East Amwell) and three counties (Mercer, Somerset and Hunterdon) in central New Jersey. The Sourlands consist of the main Sourland Ridge with an elevation ranging from 300 – 600 feet and several geologically similar adjoining areas, including Baldpate Mountain, Mount Rose and Pheasant Hill.

From the north:

Take Route 206 south through Hillsborough. The next town you pass through is Belle Mead. After you pass the Belle Mead post office and a car dealership, bear right at the fork just before a railroad bridge. This is Route 601 South. The road winds around to the right and straightens out. You will then see Carrier Clinic on the right. Look for East Mountain Road on your right. Turn right on East Mountain Road and follow where you will exit Montgomery Township and enter Hillsborough Township. Approximately one mile from the turn off at East Mountain Road you will see the entrance to Sourland Mountain Preserve on your left.

From Central New Jersey (Route 295/95):

Take the exit for Route 206 North Lawrenceville. Pass the Lawrenceville School on your right.Travel Route 206 north toward Princeton. After you pass the Governor's Mansion you will see a traffic light and a left turn for Elm Road. Turn left here and follow this road. It will become the Great Road as you travel uphill toward the village of Blawenburg. Cross Route 518 and travel north past Montgomery High School and the Skillman Post Office. From the Skillman Post Office it is about 3 miles until you will see East Mountain Road on your left. Bear left at East Mountain Road (Carrier Clinic will then be on your right) and travel approximately one mile to the entrance of Sourlands Preserve on your left.