The Best in Affordable Hotels near the South Mountain Reservation
If you're looking for comfortable, budget-friendly lodging near the South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, you've found what you seek at BEST WESTERN PLUS Turtle Brook Inn. Our hotel offers affordable rates and lots thoughtful amenities and free perks like our free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking as well as our fitness center, guest laundry facility, and on-site coffee shop.
South Mountain Reservation
With more than 2000 acres of rolling, wooded land the South Mountain Reservation offers great hiking, picnicking and opportunities to view wildlife like deer, foxes, rabbits, and a variety of birds. 19 miles of trails run through the reservation, and hikers can enjoy sights like Hemlock Falls, basalt rock formations and several overlooks where visitors can view the New York City skyline. There are also 27 miles of carriage roads for jogging, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, as well as an archery range, fishing at Diamond Mill Pond and a dog park, not to mention Turtle Back Zoo and the Richard J. Codey Arena.
Turtle Back Zoo
Located just across the street from BEST WESTERN PLUS Turtle Brook Inn, The Turtle Back Zoo offers lots of animal exhibits, an aviary full of birds where visitors can purchase birdseed and feed the birds, a playground with climbing structures, a miniature train ride running through the South Mountain Reservation and zoo grounds and an Endangered Species Carousel featuring pandas, alligators and tigers. The zoo also offers pony rides at the Essex Farm as well as face painting and glitter tattoos. Check out snakes and lizards in the Reptile Center, see giant tortoises in the South America exhibit, and stroll through the Tropical Currents Aquarium to view exotic sea life. The zoo's newest attractions include an Aerial Obstacle Course complete with zip lines, and a Big Cat Country exhibit featuring jaguars and cougars.
Richard J. Codey Arena
Another attraction at the South Mountain Reservation is the Richard J. Codey Arena, a facility with two NHL-sized ice hockey and ice skating rinks. The arena also has a pro shop, skate rental area, concessions and locker rooms.
