Loantaka is said to be a combination of two Native American words for "the place of cold water." It refers to the Loantaka Brook which flows into the Great Swamp. The 570-acre Loantaka Brook Reservation is situated between Morristown and Madison, one of the more densely urbanized areas in the country.
The park is a long, narrow corridor along the Loantaka Brook. Although located near urban areas, the park is surprisingly rural, with little civilization in evidence. The brook is paralleled by a paved bicycle path and an unpaved bridle path, both of which can be combined to form a very pleasant six-mile-long hike. Although the park is frequented by joggers and bicyclists, it is also extensively used by walkers, and the wide bicycle path can accommodate all types of users. Kitchell Pond is near the northern end, and an historic horse barn, built in 1834 and still used for horses, is situated towards the southern end of the park.
Trails Overview: The reservation has about five miles of marked paved trails, as well as a three-mile unpaved bridle path. These trails can be combined to form a six-mile loop.
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