Are dogs allowed on West Ridge and Elmdale Loop?

Yes, dogs are allowed on West Ridge and Elmdale Loop but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike West Ridge and Elmdale Loop?

No, West Ridge and Elmdale Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is West Ridge and Elmdale Loop?

West Ridge and Elmdale Loop is rated moderate. It is 2.9 miles long with 577 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New Jersey trail conditions

ModerateLoop

New Jersey

West Ridge and Elmdale Loop

Short Hills, New Jersey

2.9 mi

Distance

577 ft

Elev. Gain

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Old Short Hills Park car park is where this quote comes from. The grounds of Greenwood Gardens are to the left of the West Ridge trail. You will join the Elmdale trail after about 1.1 miles. Continue until it reaches the 2.6 mile mark. If you choose to head back to the lot, you can continue west on the West Ridge trail. You will be doing yourself a favor if you choose the latter, because there is a mini loop of about one mile that gives great views of the West Branch of the Rahway River. You'll return to Elmdale.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:113 ft

Max:181 ft

176 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.