About

The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex provides access to the children’s Regatta Playground, the paddle boat launch, a 1.7 mile reservoir walking path, and the Clipper Pavilion picnic area.

Location
Oakdale Lot, Cherry Lane
West Orange, NJ 07052
Hours
2026 Paddle Boat Hours
OPEN weekends & holidays only 12pm – 6pm
OPEN Monday, September 21 | 12pm – 6pm
OPEN Monday, October 12 | 12pm – 6pm
Final day for 2026 | Monday, October 12

Regatta Children's Playground and 1.7 mile Reservoir Walking Path is accessible all year round.

The Reservoir Walking Path will be CLOSED the following dates/times:
Tuesday, September 15 | 6pm - 7:30pm
Saturday, September 19 | 8am - 11am
Saturday, October 10 | 8am - 11am
Sunday, October 11 | 8am - 11am
Sunday, October 18 | 8am - 11am
Sunday, October 25 | 8am - 11am
Sunday, November 1 | 8am - 11am
Admission
No advanced ticket sales. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased at the Boats Hut. Cash and Credit accepted. Price is for 30-minutes on the water.

2 Person Paddle Boat: $17
4 Person Paddle Boat: $21
*2 Person Paddle Boat (Orange Township Resident): $9
*4 Person Paddle Boat (Orange Township Resident): $11
*must show ID

- All boaters MUST wear life jackets at all times.
- All boaters between 2-12 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older in their boat.
- Children under 2 years old and pets are not permitted on paddle boats/dock.
- Pets are not permitted.
- Boater must remain seated at all times.
- Bumping & reckless operation of boats are prohibited.
- Food and beverages are not allowed on paddle boats/dock.
- Littering or pollution the waterway in strictly prohibited.
- No fishing equipment, including nets, are allowed on boats.
Contact
973-731-5800 x0
info@turtlebackzoo.com

To reserve the Clipper Pavilion Picnic Area, please call (973) 731-5800 ext 221.