Taking a Hike

Bearfort Mountain - Surprise Lake Trail

Brutal yet beautiful, this is how I describe my 7 mile hike at Bearfort Mountain (West Milford/Greenwood Lake area NJ).

Beautiful as you walk along the puddingstone ridges and through lush rhododendron tunnels. Three different types of mountain dragonfly' and wonderful vistas. Most trail guides take you to Surprise Lake (along the Yellow Trail), then have you return back. I strongly recommend continuing on to the State Line Trail (Blue) for amazing vistas overlooking Greenwood Lake. 

Brutal as you hike up many rock scrambles; some steep. A good challenge, which I enjoyed. However, these scrambles and the heat (July) bested me from completing the yellow trail loop, which touched a small segment of the Appalachian trail.

During this hike, I sighted a young Buck and a snake (see photo). We surprised each other on the trail. There have been reports of bears. Alas, no sightings. 

A secondary hike is to start from the Blue Trail by the Greenwood Lake Marina (see trail map for details).

This is a highly recommended trail and may be worth a revisit in the cooler Fall weather. View the complete set of photo images from Bearfort Mountain - Suprise Lake.

Jenny Jump State Park: The New Blue Trail

There's a new trail in town; at Jenny Jump State Park (near Hope NJ). Recently I hiked with the team that lead the development of this new six (6) mile trail; The West Jersey Crew (NY NJ Trail Conference). This was their unofficial inaugural hike, which also served to recruit volunteers to maintain segments of this trail. Your author is interested in learning how to maintain trails and taking on a segments responsibility.

The hike (light blue blaze) was held under cloudy threatening sky's; as if we need more rain in New Jersey. Many sections if the trail were mini-streams or muddy; yet overall,  wonderful vegetation and a scenic view of the valley and distant (11 miles away) Delaware Water Gap. This will be good all seasons trail; level 2 (easy with a few ascends). 

It was enjoyable meeting the crew and learning about their five years of work and the goals for maintenance. There is one final segment to be completed and the hope is to formally inaugurate the trail by Fall 2011.

View more images on Flickr: Jenny Jump State Park.

 

Sterling Forest - Highlands & Fire Tower Trails

This was advertised as a level '3'  eight mile journey; which turned out to be 11 miles and level 4: but who's  counting. The Sterling Forest trail was a tremendous hike with more than 2,500' of total ascends through rocky and scenic trails. I attended this hike with Doug Gould's  Adventures Unlimited hiking group.

The hike began in NJ at Long Pond Iron Works State Park (near Ringwood NJ), crossing into NY  State and through to the 55' Sterling Lake Mountain Fire Tower  (Teal Highlands Trail & Red Blazed  Fire Tower Trail).  Along the way; we encountered a large rattle snake. One hiker in our  group reported seeing a juvenile bear running parallel to the trail. The ascends were often steep and rocky; presenting a good challenge. The high-point was reaching the Sterling Lake Mountain Fire tower, with magnificent views of Sterling and Greenwood Lakes. This fire tower (circa 1922) welcomes hikers to climb to the top offering an incredible vista.

One tip for this hike; wear black fly bug spray.These small flies are a major nuisance. Another tip for those seeking less of a hike; start your journey from the Sterling Visitor's center, which will reduce the length and some of the steep ascends.

View images on Flickr: Sterling Forest and Fire Tower hike.

Snow Shoe Hiking : Worthington - Delaware Water Gap to Sunfish Pond

Nine miles on fresh powder snow; an enjoyable day on the Appalachian Trail through Worthington Forest (part of the Delaware Water Gap National Park - NJ side). The trail was in deep fresh powder with one hiker already through; tamping down a path with his snow shoes. I was pleased with my 2.6 miles/hr pace; even with long gradual ascents.

Walking "on" the frozen Sunfish Pond added to the adventure. It was my intent to take the turquoise trail at the far end of the lake up to the Tammany Ridge fire-road - returning on the Red-Dot. At this point; my snow shoes were making the initial trail; and I quickly lost the turquoise blazes. I might have stayed to explore further; but a snow squall came through; decided it was best to retrace back instead. Off across the pond and back to the Appalachian.

Enjoy my photographs: Snow Shoe Hiking at Worthington Forest-Sunfish Pond.  

Next trip, I will begin on the Red Dot and descend to Sunfish pond.

Hiking at the Beach: Island Beach State Park, NJ

I have two great outdoor passions; the beach and hiking. What a great way to combine them - taking a hike at NJ's Island Beach State Park. I recommend that you take this hike off-season, since it will get very crowded on good beach weather days after Memorial Day.

Unlike most of the Jersey shore, this is a protected environmental area with large dunes and forest-like entrances to beautiful white sand beaches. The last beach is dominated by 4WD vehicles and shore fishing. And a magnificent view of Old Barney, the lighthouse on Barnegat Bay. On this journey, we did not locate any of the local inhabitants, which include turtles and foxes. However the dune vegetation was interesting and picturesque.

There was no blazed trails, simply wander down the beach and wander in and out of the various entry paths. The final beach is limited to 4WD's with permits (I was  tempted to take the Jeep Grand Cherokee out on the sand - but decided not to... next time perhaps) and is a good vigorous 1.7 miles to the end. Conditions can be chilly do to offshore winds and a chance to work on your tan as well.

View my pictures from this hike at Island Beach State Park.

Return to Stokes State Forest, NJ

Stokes State Forest, located in Sussex County NJ, has become one of my favorite all season hiking locales in NJ. And there are many great hikes in NJ !

This time I returned to the Appalachian Trail by Culver's Gap. The last time it was with snow shoes and 3' of fresh snow. Spring has arrived. The pictures will tell the story. However, a rare treat was being invited into the Fire Tower' observation box. Great conversation with the forestry worker and an amazing view! I now know how to identify a Turkey Buzzard (over 30 in the area) - they fly in a drunk manner, a Hawk (they glide) and an Eagle (darts like a rocket).

 

My hike took four hours and seven (7) miles (I stopped to take pictures) - going from 800' to 1,550' diverting off the Appalachian trail at Stony Brook - then back to the parking lot via the Coursen Trail.

Trail hint - at 1.6 miles (from the Culver Gap parking lot), there is a small trail going left off the white blaze Appalachian Trail - which leads to a nice outcrop and vista (where I photographed some turkey buzzards in flight).

View pictures from my hike at Stokes State Forest, NJ.

Hiking Mt Tammany - Delaware Water Gap, NJ

Looking down, almost straight down on Rt 80 from the cliffs of Mt Tammany is - quite a sight. And makes the rocky journey up the red-dot trail worth it. Yet Mt. Tammany is much more than just a scenic vista. The various scene changes - from rocky outcrops to tall trees to rhododendron along the Dunnfield Creek, make this a truly inspiring hike. Be sure to hike down via the Blue Trail.

Generally I prefer to hike during the week when the trails are quieter and was concerned when we found the last spot in the parking lot on Good Friday. Duh - it's a holiday. Yet most people, I believe stayed along the base picnicking by the creek or off to Sunfish Pond. From a photographers stand point, having fellow hikers along the trail helped to tell the story of the steep or rocky pathway up and back down from the summit. 

The summit is, 1,527 feet above sea level, 300' less than High Point and quite small against the Rocky Mountains (13-15,000'). However, when you relax on the outcrop, with the Delaware River rushing below your feet - it's magnificent. And worth the hike.

View pictures from my hike up Mt Tammany and along Dunnfield Creek.

While on the vista, one person was on his cell phone (one reason I enjoy hiking on weekdays), and he was telling his friend he was 5,000 feet up overlooking the Delaware. Another person was saying how she loved this view from Jenny's Jump. Oh well...  was not worth correcting either.

PS: According to Wikipedia, Mt. Tammany does not qualify as a mountain peak:

"... defines a major mountain peak as a summit with at least 500 meters (1640 feet) of topographic prominence. An ultra prominent peak is a summit with at least 1500 meters (4921 feet) of topographic prominence."

Stokes State Forest, by Bicycle

Riding through the park offers a different perspective of Stokes State Forest, NJ. My first ride (haven't ridden  much in the past many years) was on 3/24 and my mission was to find the snow banks that (reportedly) still remained on Sunrise Mountain Road. On an earlier snow shoe hike, I was told that the road was completely blocked three (3) miles from Culver Gap. Blocked even for snow mobiles. 

No snow banks remained.

I returned on 3/28 with a mission to ride a complete 17 mile look around the park. I did fairly well until the return on 206 South, which is a long long hill ... up hill. In both cases, it was an enjoyable way to visit this magnificent forest.

Pictures from my bike ride through Stokes State Forest.

Hedden Park (Dover NJ): quick night hike

We have covered this little park in Dover NJ many times, because it is in my backyard (literally). This evening. took a quick hike to test new hiking boots, poles and gloves - as the temperature was a balmy 22 degrees (f). I don't mind walking the Hedden Park trails at dusk/early evening, as I know this park so well.

At this time of year, there is such a quiet peacefulness on the trail. Please enjoy my pictures from Hedden Park, Dover NJ.

And the gloves (TNF Apex North Face) and boots (Garmont CCS) were comfortable in the colder temps.

Dismal-Harmony Natural Area - Mendham NJ

Seriously, if you live in North New Jersey, visit one of these trails in Mendham (no they aren't paying me to say this - but one of the guys there owes me some ice cream!).  This town of about 6,000 has 55 miles of trails; a strong commitment to preserving some of the best that this state has to offer.

Today I hiked the Dismal-Harmony Natural Area (Wood Terrace Loop). The forecast was for a sunny afternoon, so the dark clouds and winds had me wondering if snow was unexpectedly on the way. Undaunted, I began my hike.

Take heed - the map says make left turns at the initial trail junctions. The first junction, I went - right and wound up on Stony Brook Road - wondering what I did wrong. I wandered on what I thought was a trail and wound up overlooking Woodlawn Avenue (according to my GPS). I later learned that Stony Brook Rd is a small parking entrance for Patriots Path. At the end of my hike, I once again missed the turn off and wound up here again. I did find a few nice pictures, so the erroneous detour was enjoyable.

The trail runs by an old Boy Scout Camp (note to Mendham officials - clean off the graffiti inside the cabin - very offensive). A friend saw some of my pictures and recalls camping the area in the late 50's and 60's. The trail (white blaze) is part of the extensive Patriot's Path. At the "yellow" blaze, turn left.

The trails are well marked and within a short time you encounter Legend Rock. The Yellow blaze continues forward - yet there is a junction to the left. This will take you to Legend Rock. You will return and continue the yellow blaze after visiting this impressive rock formation. The rock formations in North New Jersey date back to the glacial period. In the Fall, you can see this rock formation well before you arrive at the "yellow" trail junction. Very impressive.

The trails descents to Dismal Brook - which you can hear well before you reach. When someone asks why I enjoy these hikes, I try to explain the wonderful sound of these brooks. At the brook, you turn right - however it appeared there was a trail running to the left, which i thought was the Patriots Path (it wasn't) however, it was worth exploring. I came upon the spillway by Mt. Pleasant Avenue. However, this may be private property. Following the brook back; continue on the trail. It is a continuation of the yellow trail yet there are no blazes.  It is well groomed so it is easy to follow. Before reaching the Patriots Path, I encountered falls. Not large but with the rock formations, impressive and enjoyable.

Patriots Path continues; next time I will follow this longer - this time however the weather was looking threatening, so good judgment called for me to return. Make a hard right turn and head up the hill and follow to the parking lot (just be careful to turn off - or like me - you wind up on Stony Brook Road (again).

View pictures from my hike on Dismal-Harmony Natural Area.