Turtle Back Trail

Turtle Back Trail is a 3.4-mile loop in South Mountain Reservation in New Jersey, on county land. The trail rises from about 434 feet to a high point of 573 feet, with a total elevation gain of 317 feet. The climb is moderate, and the steepest stretch comes early, around 0.4 miles in, with a grade of about 21 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Canoe Brook weather station show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 78°F, while July averages about 86°F. That station sits roughly 390 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. Bikes are not allowed on this route. The trail is close to several other hikes, including Hemlock Falls Loop, River Trail and Longwood Trail, all within about a third of a mile. South Mountain Reservation, a climbing area, is also about 0.3 miles away.