Swampy Trail

Swampy Trail is a short, easy hike in South Mountain Reservation in New Jersey, on county land about 0.77 miles long. It rises from about 497 feet to about 543 feet, with a total gain of 33 feet and a loss of 59 feet, so it's a gentle walk rather than a climb. The steepest stretch comes at about 0.67 miles in, with a grade of about 3%. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Canoe Brook weather station run to highs around 72°F in May and 78°F in September, while July highs average about 86°F. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. Several other trails start close by. Sunset Trail is about 0.1 mile away, Grassy Trail about 0.2 mile, and Lenape Trail - Smr and Rahway Trail both about 0.4 mile. For climbing, South Mountain Reservation's climbing area is about 1.2 miles off.