Overview: This is a great beginner one-night backpacking trip or a 7 mile out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail that features excellent views, including from the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion and Culver Fire Tower. This is a heavily-trafficked trail. Length: 5 miles (one-way from Sunrise Mountain to Culver Gap parking lot) 7.1 miles (out-and-back Sunrise Mountain to Culver Fire Tower) Elevation gain: +512 feet (one-way from Sunrise Mountain to Culver Gap parking lot) +1001 feet (out-and-back Sunrise Mountain to Culver Fire Tower) Sunrise Mountain & Culver Fire Tower Elevation profile (southbound) Location: Stokes State Forest, Sussex County, New Jersey Parking: For an out-and-back hike, park at the Sunrise Mountain overlook. For an easy one-way overnight trip, leave a car at the Culver's Gap parking lot (2 Vansickle Road, Sandyston, NJ) and take a shuttle to Sunrise Mountain overlook. Map:NY-NJ Trail Conference Kittatinny Trails Map #122 (best option)NY-NJ Trail Conference Stokes State Forest North web map (free pdf); Stokes State Forest South web map (pdf) also available if you plan to continue your trip further south.NJ Parks & Forests - Stokes State Forest Trail mapTrail description: This hike begins at the Sunrise Mountain Overlook/parking area, which requires taking the one-way Sunrise Mountain Road which is closed in the winter and only open seasonally (so check before you go). There are bathrooms at the north end of the parking lot. The hike goes southbound and can be done as an out-and-back to the Culver Fire Tower (7.1 miles) or as a beginnger-friendly overnight backpacking trip ending at the Culver's Gap parking lot (5 miles). There is one shelter along the section (Gren Anderson Shelter), which is the only legal camping spot along this stretch. From the south side of the Sunrise Mountain Overlook parking lot, enter the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. You'll soon reach a nice stone steps. Stone steps Walk south about 0.2 miles until you reach the Pavilion at the summit of Sunrise Mountain. Sunrise Mountain Pavilion At an elevation of 1,650 feet, it is one of the highest peaks in New Jersey. The pavilion was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Sunrise Mountain Pavilion [is] one of the state’s best areas for watching eagles, hawks, kestrels, falcons, vultures and other raptors soar and glide as they head south during the fall migration. In North America, birds migrate in north-south routes called flyways; this particular spot, on the Kittatinny Ridge, is on the Atlantic Flyway. Volunteers are out during the migration season (late August to early November) monitoring and recording the passing raptors. Their counts assist scientists in studying migration patterns. Up to 18,000 raptors have been spotted in a single day. NJ Monthly Stay to the left and follow the white blazes to reenter the forest. After approximately 1.1 miles, just to the west of the trail (on your right) is a rocky outcrop with excellent views to the northwest. (Note that most maps don't indicate this spot as a viewpoint, although they do indicate a viewpoint at a similar location along Sunrise Road). Although the trail largely follows the ridgeline, this is one of the few views along this section. Viewpoint After another 0.9 miles, you'll reach a stagnant pond on your left. It might be full of tadpoles or frogs. In a pinch, you could filter water here, but there is a better water source less than a half mile ahead. Continue for 0.4 miles to reach signs pointing towards the Gren Anderson Shelter. The shelter is the only legal overnight camping spot along the AT in this section of the park. About 0.1 miles down the trail is the Gren Anderson Shelter, an old shelter built in 1958 by the Green Mountain Club with space for about 6-8 people. The best tent sites are along the side trail before reaching the shelter. Nearby is a privy (one of the cleanest and well-maintained!) and a bear box. Water is available from a spring to the left of the shelter, but it may be easier to fill up at the stream about 0.1 miles south of the shelter along the AT. Sign pointing to the side trail for the Gren Anderson Shelter Continue south along the trail another 0.1 miles to reach a stream, which is usually flowing. This is good spot to filter water. Continue for another mile to reach the junction with the green-blazed Tower Trail. You could make a very short detour to the right along the trail to get a viewpoint to the west. View from near the junction of the green Tower Trail and the AT Now continue back along the AT and you will almost immediately reach a clearing with the Culver Fire Tower, a picnic table, and great views to the west. Culver Fire Tower The Culver Fire Tower is in active use to watch for fires during fire season. Culvers Lookout was originally established in 1908 and the site was first known as Normanook Fire Tower. In 1918, a steel tower was constructed and was staffed by a state observer. The present Aermotor 47' tower, with a 7'x7' cab, was erected in 1933. New Jersey Forest Fire Service In fact, while we were here, the forest fire observer staffing it was nice enough to give our two boys some glow sticks and buttons. Climb the 6 levels to the top of the tower for 360 degree views of the surroundings. View to the north from the top of Culver Fire Tower. High Point monument is visible in the distance if you look closely. View of Kittatinny Lake to the southwest from the top of the fire tower We chose to tent here for the night (note: camping anywhere except designated shelters is technically prohibited within the Stokes State Forest section of the AT). The views were too good to miss. Our tents behind the fire tower Watching the sunset from the picnic table by the Culver Fire Tower At sunset, we climbed to the top of the firetower Sunset view from the top of the firetower If you're out for the day, you'll turn around here (or after the next viewpoint a mile further south) and head back north to Sunrise Mountain. If you're doing this as a point-to-point hike, continue south through the forest. After 1.1 miles, you'll reach a partially open area of a ridge with nice views to the southwest toward the Acropolis and as far back as Pocono Ski Resort. There may be space here for one small tent. View towards the southwest After another half mile, you'll reach Sunrise Mountain Road. Turn left, walk a few paces, and reenter the woods on your right. In another 0.1 mile or so, you'll see the Culver Gap parking lot on your left, where hopefully your car is waiting for you.
Overview: One of the toughest hikes in New Jersey with unending ups and downs, this nearly 11 mile loop around Splitrock Reservoir rewards you with fantastic views and plenty of wildlife. This trail makes our list of best hiking trails in New Jersey. To find other great hikes, check out the whole list. Length: 10.8 miles (can be extended to 13.8 miles by continuing on the Splitrock Loop and the Four Bird Trails south of the parking area. Elevation gain: +2,042 feet Splitrock Loop Elevation Profile Location: Farny State Park and Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Rockaway Township, Morris County About the Four Birds Trail: Four Birds Trail travels in Rockaway Township for 19 miles—from Hibernia through Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, Carny State Park, and Newark watershed lands to Route 23. Trail volunteer Bob Rooke named the Four Birds Trail because he consistently spotted four birds inhabiting four distinct habitats—wild turkeys in the hardwood forests, great blue heron in the marshes, osprey near the lakes, and soaring red-tailed hawks on the cliffs. Parking: Park at the Car Top Boat Launch and Parking Area at the south end of Splitrock Reservoir on Splitrock Road. GPS address: 406 Splitrock Road, Rockaway, NJMap:NY-NJ Trail Conference Jersey Highlands Trails Map #125 (your best option) Morris Trails Partnership mapNJ Fish and Wildlife - Splitrock Reservoir Access Site mapNJ Fish and Wildlife - Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area map Splitrock Reservoir Loop Trail Map Trail description: This hike follows the white-blazed Four Birds Trail and the blue-blazed Splitrock Loop Trail, along with a short road walk along the Splitrock Road, to create a 10.8 mile loop around Splitrock Reservoir. To do the loop clockwise: From the parking lot, head west along Splitrock Road and across the dam. Within a quarter mile, the white trail crosses the road and enters the woods to the right. We'll follow the white blazes for approximately 5 miles until it connects with the blue-blazed Splitrock Loop Trail. Soon, you'll reach a small stream and easy rock-hop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNssUUorpCY The trail continues with relatively small but relentless ups and downs. A few times, the trail hugs the shore and offers nice views of the reservoir. Shoreline view of Splitrock Reservoir As the trail bends around the northwest end of the lake, another view to the south and east opens up. After about 5 miles, you'll reach a junction and the start of the blue-blazed Splitrock Loop Trail. Shortly after, at the northernmost part of the trail, you'll reach a view of Misty Pond to the north. Misty Pond The trail continues and begins to climb steeply. Soon, you'll reach an area of exposed rock called Indian Cliffs. This is the best spot on the loop to take a break and have a snack. There's no shade, but the views are spectacular, with Splitrock Reservoir to the south and west and Misty Pond visible to the north. View of Splitrock Reservoir from Indian Cliffs Continue to follow the blue blazes. If the leaves are down, there are a few possible viewpoints along the way, but they are almost completely obscured in the summer. Still, it's a nice trail. Pay close attention to the blue blazes - it can be easy to lose them. After about 5 miles, you'll once again come across Splitrock Road. Follow the road back to the parking lot. Garter Snake Eastern Red-Spotted Newt
Overview: This 5-mile out-and-back hike follows a unique and picturesque section of the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail, following ridges with large amounts of exposed rock, large glacial erratics, and views of rolling hills. The hike can be turned into an easy overnight trip with a stay at the Bald Rocks Shelter. Hike Length: 5.0 miles (2.5 miles out and back) Elevation gain: +1,268 feet Location: Harriman State Park, Ramapo, NY About Harriman State Park: Harriman State Park is the second-largest park in the New York parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Parking: Park at the hikers’ parking on the side of Route 106, approximately 2 miles west of the Kanawauke Circle. GPS Address: 1184 Kanawauke Rd, Southfields, NY 10975Map: Harriman State Park map (NY State Parks) NY-NJ Trail Conference Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails (Trail Map #118)National Geographic – Harriman, Bear Mountain, Sterling Forest State Parks MapTrail Description: Beginning at the parking lot on the side of the road, follow the Ramapo Dunderberg (R-D) Trail (red-dot-on-white blazes) steeply up hill. After a half mile, you'll reach the junction with the Nurian Trail and you'll be rewarded with your first great view. View from the junction of R-D and Nurian Trails Continue to follow the R-D trail, and in about a quarter mile you'll be rewarded with another view to the north and west. After another half mile or so, you will reach the Bald Rocks Shelter. Warning: bears are known to frequent the area. Be sure to secure your food properly with a good hang. Bald Rocks Shelter Camping is permitted in the area surrounding Bald Rocks Shelter (within 300 feet) Continue along the R-D trail and you'll reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail. After another quarter mile, you'll reach a very large exposed rock area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM26--sTRSY Facing south at a large exposed rock ridge along the R-D Trail A little further along, the trail dips and crosses a small stream on several logs before reaching the junction with the Lichen Trail. View facing south at the R-D and Lichen Trail Junction The Lichen Trail begins here and heads north. Stay right (east) to continue on the R-D trail. In a few hundred feet, you'll pass one of many interesting glacial erratics along the trail, known as Ship Rock (apparently because it looks like a bottom-up bow of a ship). Ship Rock Continue along the R-D Trail across the broad summit of Hogencamp Mountain. About a half mile from the junction with the Lichen Trail, you'll reach the summit of Hogencamp Mountain (1,353 feet), a rock outcrop and an area ravaged by fire in 1988. From here, you're rewarded with panoramic views of rolling hills to the south. This is a great spot to take a break and have lunch. View south from the summit of Hogencamp Mountain Summit of Hogencamp Mountain Summit of Hogencamp Mountain Continuing, the R-D trail drops steely through hemlocks and after about a quarter mile, you'll reach a large glacial erratic known as "Times Square," nicknamed for its location at the junction of 3 trails: the Long Path, the Arden-Surebridge Trail (red triangle on white) and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail (red dot on white). Times Square You could turn around here and retrace your steps back or... Alternative Create a loop by making a right onto the Long Path (aqua blazes) for 0.8 miles, then right on the Dunning Trail (yellow blazes) for 1.35 miles until you reach the R-D Trail. Turn left and head back to the trailhead or stay at the Bald Rocks Shelter. Cape Horn, a massive boulder along the Long Path
This loop crosses a picturesque cascading creek, passes the remains of a historic iron furnace, and offers several viewpoints over Sterling Forest, the Ramapo River Valley, and Harriman State Park.
This loops features some of the most picturesque views Sterling Forest has to offer, including panoramic views of Greenwood Lake from Bare Rock Vista and the chance to climb the historic Sterling Fire Tower with views in every direction.
Overview Traversing some of the less-traveled parts of Black Rock Forest, this loop packs a punch with spectacular views along multiple peaks. Fun fact: Black Rock Forest isn't public land and it's not a park. It's a private forest, but it is open to the public dawn to dusk. Hike length: 9 miles Elevation gain: +2,277 feet Location: Black Rock Forest, Cornwall, NY Black Rock Forest Parking Park at the public parking lot located at 80 Reservoir Road, Cornwall, NY (41.418733,-74.010150). About Black Rock Forest Black Rock Forest is a living laboratory for field-based research and education, encompassing native terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that are increasingly rare in the region. The 3,914-acre Forest features dramatic topography, more than 1,000 feet of relief, numerous lakes and streams, and high species and habitat diversity. History (from the kiosk on Resrvoir Rd): Black Rock Forest was first established as a scientific research station by Dr. Ernest G. Stillman in 1927. Under his direction, long-term research plots were created that scientists continue to rely on today to investigate changes in our environment and forests. In the 1960's, Con Edison proposed building a pumped-storage power plant on neighboring Storm King Mountain. Several hundred acres of Black Rock Forest would have been submerged under the proposed plant's storage reservoir. A nationally publicized 17-year lawsuit ensued, considered to be the genesis of the modern environmental movement in the United States. The effort to block the plant was ultimately successful, sparking the creation of Scenic Hudson and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and development of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In 1989, national science policy advisor, financier, and philanthropist William T. Golden purchased the Forest and established the nonprofit Black Rock Forest Consortium with 15 partner schools and universities. Many of these institutions remain members to this day, and have been joined by several others. In 2017, the organization began doing business simply as Black Rock Forest signaling the growth of programs and services for a broader constituency. Impact: Since Black Rock Forest Consortium's founding in 1989, the Forest has become one of the nation’s most active scientific field stations. More than 500 scientific papers have been produced by Consortium researchers, including 35 masters and Ph.D. dissertations. As a consequence of this research, we know a good deal more about the strengths of our region's forests, including the effects on, and mechanisms of, carbon storage, water filtration, and ecosystem regulation by dominant species like oaks. We also know significantly more about the challenges faced in our region, including rising temperatures, more severe drought regimes, and other environmental conditions that increase native tree species' vulnerability to pathogens or negatively affect their regeneration. Black Rock Forest Maps Black Rock Forest trail map (Black Rock Forest, April 2020 map) West Hudson Trails Map #113 (NY-NJ Trail Conference paper map) Black Rock Forest also publishes its own trail map which is kept up to date with any trail changes and is available free of charge at the public kiosk in the parking lot on Reservoir Road. Stop by the kiosk and grab one before your hike. Trail map of Black Rock Forest (photo of kiosk map) Map from 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley Black Rock Forest Trail description (from 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley) From the kiosk at the end of the parking area, bear right and proceed ahead on the red-blazed Duggan Trail, which heads downhill. In about half a mile, you'll reach a gravel road. Here, the red trail ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Reservoir Trail. Continue ahead on the blue trail, which immediately crosses Ben's Bridge (a wooden footbridge) and climbs along a picturesque stream, with cascades and waterfalls, following an old woods road. Ben's Bridge In half a mile, you'll notice a shiny pipeline crossing the stream. On the other side of the stream, you can see the Black Rock Forest's Science Center. A short distance beyond, you'll reach a junction where the white-blazed Honey Hill Trail departs to the right. Proceed ahead on the blue trail, which soon curves to the right and continues to parallel the stream. When the blue trail ends, bear right and continue ahead on the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail, which joins from the left. Soon, the Stillman Trail reaches the dirt White Oak Road. Turn right onto the road, joining the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail, but in 100 feet, turn left, leaving the road, and begin a steep climb of Mount Misery on a footpath. At the top (elevation 1,268 feet) you'll reach a limited viewpoint to the west and northwest. Continue ahead for a short distance and you'll come to a much better outlook, with Black Rock Mountain visible directly ahead and Aleck Meadow Reservoir below to the left. This is a good place to take a break (you've climbed nearly 700 vertical feet from Ben's Bridge). View from Mount Misery: Aleck Meadow Reservoir (middle) & Black Rock Mountain (right) Continue ahead on the yellow/teal-diamond trail, which begins its descent of Mount Misery, first gradually and then more steeply. In a rugged, boulder-strewn area at the base of the descent, you'll notice a triple-white blaze, which marks the start of the Scenic Trail. Turn left and follow the white-blazed Scenic Trail, which crosses the blue-blazed Swamp Trail at the end of the rocky area and begins a steady climb of the Hill of Pines, passing through attractive mountain laurel and hemlock. At the top of the climb, the trail emerges onto open rock, with a spectacular west-facing view. Black Rock Mountain may be seen on the right, and the Black Rock Forest fire tower is to its left. (Despite the name "Hill of Pines," there are only two pines near the summit, which is mostly covered with oaks.) View from Hill of Pines The trail climbs a little to the true summit (elevation 1,400 feet), descend the hill, and soon crosses the dirt Carpenter Road diagonally to the right. You'll now begin a gradual climb of Rattlesnake Hill. After reaching a high point and descending a little, you'll arrive at a spot with a viewpoint about 100 feet to the right of the trail (from a rock ledge adjacent to a large pine tree). If you can't find the path to this overlook, don't be concerned, as you'll soon reach two more viewpoints that are directly on the trail. You'll now make a short but steep descent. After a relatively level stretch, you'll reach a second overlook - this one marked by a cairn and a gnarled, nearly horizontal pine tree. The fire tower may be seen on the right, and Bog Meadow Pond lies directly below. Continue ahead through a dense mountain laurel thicket to the third viewpoint n Rattlesnake hill, which offers a panoramic view from open rocks. Bog Meadow Pond is directly ahead, with the rolling hills of Orange County beyond. View from Rattlesnake Hill Continue ahead on the white trail, which begins to descend - steeply, then more gradually. The trail briefly runs along the southern boundary of Black Rock Forest, with Bog Meadow Pond visible through the trees to the left. After crossing the inlet stream of the pond, the trail climbs to the dirt Bog Meadow Road. Turn left onto the road, continuing to follow the white-blazed Scenic Trail. In a quarter mile, the yellow-blazed Tower Vue Trail begins on the right, but continue ahead on the road, following the white blazes. Soon you'll reach a T-junction with Continental Road. Continue to follow the white-blazed Scenic Trail, which crosses the road diagonally to the right, reenters the woods, and begins to climb gradually. When the trail levels off, watch carefully for a small cairn. Here, the blue-blazed Spy Rock Trail departs to the right. Turn right and follow this short trail, which leads about 750 feet to Spy Rock, marked by a single pitch pine. This is the highest point in Black Rock Forest (1,461 feet). During the Revolutionary War, this rock outcrop was used as a lookout by Continental soldiers to monitor the area, but today, vegetation obscures most of the views, and only a limited north-facing view remains. Pitch Pine atop Spy Rock Retrace your steps to the white-blazed Scenic Trail and turn right. Soon you'll pass the yellow-blazed Ledge Trail, which begins on the right and then the Stropel Trail (also yellow-blazed), which goes off to the left. Proceed ahead on the white-blazed Scenic Trail, but a short distance beyond, turn left onto the blue-blazed Eagle Cliff Trail, which soon reaches Eagle Cliff - a huge rock outcrop with glacial striations. You'll have to use both your hands and your feet to climb to the top of the outcrop, but when you reach it, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic south-facing view. Wilkins Pond (on the grounds of the United State Military Academy at West Point) is straight ahead, and Jim's Pond is on the left. On a clear day, you may be able to see the New York City skyline in the distance. This is a good place to take a break. View south from Eagle Cliff At Eagle Cliff New York City skyline When you're ready to continue, bear right onto the orange-blazed Rut Trail, which runs near the edge of the escarpment, with views through the trees on the right. Be alert for a sharp left turn, where the trail turns slightly away from the cliff edge and goes down through a narrow passage between boulders. Soon you'll reach a trail junction, where the Rut Trail ends. Turn left onto the yellow-blazed Stropel Trail, which leads a very short distance to the white-blazed Scenic Trail. Turn right and rejoin the Scenic Trail. In another 0.2 mile, the yellow-blazed Ledge Trail begins on the left. Turn left onto this trail, which climbs over a rise, descends gently, then climbs a little more to end at a T-junction with the blue-blazed Chatfield Trail. Turn right onto the Chatfield Trail and descend to Chatfield Road, then turn right onto the road and follow it past Tamarack Pond, visible on the left through the trees. Tamarack Pond At the end of the pond, as the road curves to the right, a path straight ahead leads to the Moretti Outpost (a covered open pavilion). A short distance ahead, you'll reach the intersection of Chatfield and Continental Roads. At this intersection, you'll notice an old stone building with a distinctive bulging chimney, indicative of a beehive oven inside. This is the Chatfield House, built in 1834 - the oldest building in Black Rock Forest. The house was gutted by fire in 1913 and restored in 1932 by Dr. Stillman. The lands nearby were once pastures and orchards, and Tamarack Pond, originally called Orchard Pond, was used as a cranberry bog. Today, the Chatfield House is used for educational programs. Chatfield House Turn left onto Continental Road, but follow it for only 500 feet and turn right onto the white-blazed White Oak Trail (here on a wide gravel road). After passing the northern end of Arthurs Pond and crossing the outlet stream of the pond just below the dam, you'll reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Tower Vue Trail, which begins on the right. Continue ahead on the white-blazed White Oak Trail, which descends to White Oak Road near the Aleck Meadow Reservoir. Turn left onto the road and head toward Black Rock Mountain (visible in the distance). (NOTE: If the water is high and you are unable to cross the outlet stream of Arthurs Pond below the dam, retrace your steps to Continental Road and turn right. Continue to the next intersection, marked by a huge oak tree, and turn right onto White Oak Road. In half a mile, you'll reach Buster's End, marked by a sign. Turn left here onto a short unmarked trail and continue with the route of the hike as described in the next paragraph.) Just beyond a stream crossing (the stream is the outlet of Arthurs Pond), the road curves to the left. This spot is marked by a sign identifying it as BUSTER'S BEND. Here, on the right, you'll notice a short unmarked trail which leads up to the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail (also the route of the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail). Turn right onto this short connector trail, then turn right onto the Stillman/Highlands Trail, which follows a woods road. A short distance beyond, the yellow and teal-diamond blazes turn right, but you should continue ahead, now following the white-blazed Black Rock Hollow Trail along a section of the road which has narrowed to a footpath. The trail descends along the road, with portions rerouted to bypass very eroded sections of the road. At the base of the descent, the white-blazed trail ends at a filtration plant. Turn right onto the blue-blazed Reservoir Trail and following it around the plant and along the brook to a junction with the red-blazed Duggan Trail just before Ben's Bridge. Turn sharply left onto the red-blazed trail and follow it up uphill to the parking area where the hike began.
Overview: A moderately easy figure-eight loop in the southern end of Norvin Green State Park that climbs two mountains (Torne Mountain aka "Wyanokie Torne" and Osio Rock) and offers excellent views including from the Stone Living Room on Torne Mountain. This trail makes our list of best hiking trails in New Jersey. To find other great hikes, check out the whole list. Hike length: 2.45 miles Elevation gain: +845' Hike elevation profile Location: Norvin Green State Park, West Milford, NJ. Parking: Park at the Otter Hole Parking Lot on Glendwild Ave, next to the “Welcome To West Milford” sign. In your GPS, use address: 582 Glenwild Ave, Bloomingdale, NJ. Maps: Norvin Green State Forest (South) map (NY-NJ Trail Conference online map) North Jersey Trails Map #115 (NY-NJ Trail Conference paper map) Norvin Green State Forest map (NJ Division of Parks and Forestry) Trail description: From the southern/eastern end of the parking lot, cross the street and find the blue-blazed Hewitt Butler Trail. Follow the trail as it rises steeply at first then levels off. After about 1,000 feet, you will reach the intersection with the red-blazed Torne Trail, which you will take on the way back. Junction of the blue and red trails For now, continue straight and begin the quarter mile, 250' climb up Torne Mountain. Near the summit you'll come upon an open rock ledge. Look for side trails to your left that take you to a clearing with the famous Stone Living Room. Tourne Mountain -- commonly called "Wyanokie Torne" -- is climbed via short but steep sections of the Hewitt-Butler Trail. A scramble on the southern end reveals views of Osio Rock, Bloomingdale, Riverdale, and the Tilcon Quarry. The most popular feature of Tourne is the Stone Living Room. The circular set of stone chairs surrounds a fireplace, along with a separate "recliner". The backdrop is formed by the soft, rolling hills of the Jersey Highlands, looking into the sunset at the end of the day. Proactive - The Southern Wyanokies The Stone Living Room on a foggy day View of the Highlands facing west from the Stone Living Room on Torne Mountain Find your way back to the trail then follow the blue blazes to begin the descent down. You will soon reach a open area with two cedar trees, two balanced glacial erratics, and a stone bench and unobstructed views to the west and south. Views to the south and west as you descend Torne Mountain Next you'll reach a junction where the blue trail splits temporarily into the easier alternate blue trail to the left while the steep and rocky black-dot-on-blue trail continues straight. Turn left to stay on the blue trail unless you want a more hands-on challenge. Soon, the trail will make a sharp turn to the right and offer a view of a valley with Osio Rock ahead of you towards the right. Osio Rock near the middle of the shot After some switchbacks, the black-dot-on-blue and the blue trails rejoin. Follow some log steps steeply down to a junction with the red-blazed Torne Trail which parallels a drainage area and creek for much of the way. Rock hop across the creek and continue to follow the blue blazes as you climb up Osio Rock. You'll climb about 200 feet over a third of a mile before reaching the summit of Osio Rock, which offers beautiful panoramic views and is a great spot to take a break. The name "Osio" is a Lenni Lenape word meaning "beautiful view". Trees have since overgrown the summit, obstructing what was once a 360° view. Still, lines of sight exist towards Carris Hill, Wyanokie Tourne, Buck Mountain, the Wanaque Reservoir, Bloomingdale NJ, and New York City. Additional views are found on the southwest slopes. Proactive - The Southern Wyanokies Osio Rock and view east View west from Osio Rock On a clear day, the New York City and Jersey City skylines can be seen to the southeast View of Wanaque Reservoir from Osio Rock Osio Rock is also a great spot to watch the hawks and turkey vultures ride the air currents and search for their next meal. Continue along the blue trail and descend Osio Rock. Along the way you'll pass an interesting evergreen that looks like it was plucked out of a Dr. Seuss book. You'll eventually reach a creek, which the blue trail used to cross on rocks. A sign across the stream notes that the trail is now closed. Do not continue across the creek. Instead, this is where we make a sharp right turn and get on the red trail. Follow the red blazes north for nearly a mile. You'll parallel the creek part of the way and gain almost 300 feet, including scrambling over some boulders, as you cross a saddle and then descend again. The trail will end at CR-700/Glenwild Avenue. Cross the street, turn right, and walk the short distance along the shoulder back to the parking lot. Alternatively: about 50 feet before reaching the road, make a right at the junction with the blue trail and take the trail back to return to your original starting point across from the Otter Hole parking lot.
Overview: Mill Creek Marsh Trail is an oasis of nature in a highly urbanized area providing important habitat for birds, fish, crabs, and other animals. The flat trail through a tidal marsh is an easy walk and is very kid-friendly. If you're looking for other hikes to do with kids, check out our Top Kid-Friendly Hikes in New Jersey. Hike Length: 1.3 mile loop Elevation gain: Almost none Location: Secaucus, NJ About Mill Creek Marsh (from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority): Once the proposed site of a townhouse development, Mill Creek Marsh was preserved and restored by the agency in 1998. The invasive Phragmites reeds that had choked the marsh were replaced with native plant species to attract a diversity of aquatic life and birds and tidal flows were reestablished in the wetlands. The one-mile Mill Creek Marsh Trail provides breathtaking views of the wetlands and the New York City skyline which frame the 209-acre natural area. The most notable characteristic of the marsh is the dozens of ancient white cedar stumps that dot the waterway. They are the last remnants of a primeval forest that once covered a third of the area for hundreds of years. Today the rot resistant stumps serve as perches for egrets and shorebirds, making the marsh an especially popular destination for bird watchers. The tide will affect what you see in the Mill Creek Marsh. At high tide the shoreline is covered by six feet of water. At low tide the water line falls below the mudflats, revealing the edges of the channel. The tidal flow affects the visibility of the channels. When the tide goes out, the channels are more visible. If the tide is coming in, the channels will be difficult to see. At mid to high tide, additional areas are available for exploration. Parking: Bob's Discount Furniture. No, really. Park next to Bob's Discount Furniture in the Mill Creek Mall off of Route 3. Google maps link to the trailhead. Trailhead next to parking behind Bob's Discount Furniture Map: Trail Description: (from NY-NJ Trail Conference) Proceed through the gate to a signpost on the left, with a map of the area (the trail you will follow is marked in green on the map). Continue ahead on a gravel footpath lined with birch trees. At the first junction you reach (with a sign for "Tidal Bays"), bear right (the left fork will be your return route). As you proceed ahead, you'll notice the New York skyline in the background. To the left, the marsh is studded with stumps of ancient Atlantic white cedar trees (best seen at low tide), which thrived in the area when it was a freshwater swamp. The durable cedar wood was used by the early settlers for many purposes (including the construction of the original Paterson Plank Road), and by the early 19th century, few remained. All remaining cedars were destroyed by the completion in 1923 of the Oradell Reservoir dam on the Hackensack River, which allowed the influx of saltwater into the swamp. The stumps were buried for many years and were uncovered about ten years ago, when the site was remediated. Continue ahead on the gravel footpath, crossing a footbridge over the marsh. You'll soon reach another, wider bridge on the right, but proceed ahead on the gravel path, which curves left and begins to head north, parallel to the eastern spur of the New Jersey Turnpike. When another path branches off to the left, continue ahead on the main path, parallel to the Turnpike. After crossing another footbridge, the gravel path again curves left and heads first west and then south, circling the marsh. When a dirt path goes off to the right, continue ahead on the gravel path. At the next Y-intersection, bear left (the path to the right leads to a dead end in 500 feet). Then, at the following intersection (with signs for "Marsh Marvels" and "What's for Dinner?"), bear right. Soon, you'll come to an intersection where you'll see the "Tidal Bays" sign. Turn right and retrace your steps back to the parking area where the hike began.
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