Overview: This lollipop loop uses the recently-blazed West Ridge Trail, offers a multitude of views along two ridgelines, visits one or two glacial lakes (West Pond and Surprise Lake), and features a panoramic vista of Greenwood Lake.
Hike Length: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Location: Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, West Milford, Passaic County, NJ
About Abram S. Hewitt State Forest: A section of Bearfort Ridge reaches into Hewitt State Forest. Marshes and wetlands are scattered throughout the forest with several brooks and streams crisscrossing the lower areas. Hemlock and oak are the dominant species of this relatively undisturbed forest.
Nearby hikes: Bearfort Ridge & Surprise Lake, Terrace Pond Circular and Floating Walkway
West Ridge & Bearfort Ridge Loop Parking
A parking area off the shoulder of Warwick Turnpike is available. The trailhead is by the easternmost part of the shoulder area.
West Ridge & Bearfort Ridge Loop Maps
NOTE: The following maps are outdated and as of Fall 2020 do not reflect the trail changes made in 2020. These maps show the old blaze colors and do not show the new pink-blazed West Ridge trail. Use these maps with caution:
- NY-NJ Trail Conference – Wawayanda State Park – East & Abram S. Hewitt State Forest map
- NJ Parks & Forests Abram S. Hewitt State Forest map (note: even though the trail is within Wawayanda State Park, it appears in the map of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest and not in the official NJ Parks & Forest map for Wawayanda State Park.)
- NY-NJ Trail Conference North Jersey Trails map 115
West Ridge & Bearfort Ridge Loop Trail description
Starting at the east end of the parking pullout, look for the trailhead for the green/blue-blazed (formerly just blue) Bearfort Ridge Connector trail.
The trail immediately crosses Green Brook, which originates at West Pond which we will see later in the hike.
The trail goes up some stone steps.
The connector trail will end at the green-blazed Bearfort Ridge Loop trail. Turn left and follow the green blazes.
The trail now rises steeply. Keep an eye out on your left for an exposed ridge offering great views to the south. On a clear day, you can see the New York City skyline off in the distance.
Next, you’ll pass a partial viewpoint on your right.
Continue to follow the green blazes and look for the start of the pink-blazed West Ridge trail on your left.
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West Ridge Trailhead
The trail will dip down into a ravine, cross the Green Brook, and then climb up to West Ridge. The trail largely follows the ridgeline and offers several partial views along exposed ridges.
Keep an eye out for the end of the West Ridge Trail and a small yellow sign for the Ernest Walker Trail on a tree indicating to go straight to reach the Appalachian Trail and to turn right to go towards Surprise Lake.
We’ll turn right and follow the yellow-blazed Ernest Walker Trail. This section has some pretty steep areas where you’ll need to use your hands.
After about a tenth of a mile, keep an eye out on your left for an unmarked trail. Follow the short spur trail to a lovely overlook of West Pond. This is a great spot to stop for a break.
Retrace your steps back to the trail and then continue to follow the yellow blazes. You’ll scramble uphill a bit and then reach a junction with the green-blazed Bearfort Ridge Loop. This spot offers nice ridgetop views.
Here you have a choice. You could make a right and follow the Bearfort Ridge Loop back to where you started or turn left and make a detour to visit Surprise Lake and a spectacular ridgeline view of Greenwood Lake.
Directions for detour to Surprise Lake and view of Greenwood Lake
Follow the yellow and green co-blazed trail. Soon, you’ll pass a rhodedendron tunnel.
Shortly after, you’ll reach Surprise Lake on your left.
It’s a lovely lake, but the view of West Pond is nicer IMHO. Now follow the yellow blazes north as you exit the woods and climb a ridgeline. After a short distance, you’ll reach an exposed ridgetop with broad panoramic views to the north, east, and south of Greenwood Lake. This is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the view.
When you’re ready, turn around and retrace your steps back across the ridgeline, into the woods, and towards Surprise Lake. At Surprise Lake is the junction where the Bearfort Ridge Loop trail splits.
We’ll turn right (towards the west), but you could go in the other directions (it’s a loop afterall – so either way you’ll eventually get back to the same place. Just note that if you go left, you’ll want to pass the Bearfort Ridge Spur and continue to the Bearfort Ridge Connector or you’ll end up at the wrong parking area – see map for detail).
Continue to follow the co-blazed green and yellow trail until you return to the junction we passed before of the Ernest Walker and Bearfort Ridge Loop.
End of detour description.
From the junction, head south to follow the green blazes.
You’ll pass several viewpoints along the way, but one of the more notable points of interest is about a half mile along the trail when you’ll reach a large, open swampy area on your right with large vertical rock slabs along the edge of the trail.
The trail continues south and you’ll eventually pass the junction with the pink-blazed West Ridge Trail. Continue for another half mile and look for the junction on your right with the green and blue-blazed Bearfort Ridge Connector Trail. Follow the trail back to Warwick Turnpike to return to the parking area.
