Three Essential Hikes in Northern New Jersey
Written: Dec 26 '03
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Pros: Beauty everywhere, if you know where to look.
Cons: Locations are rather far from the New York metro area.
The Bottom Line: New Jersey offers some beautiful hikes. Here's three of them.
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| NetDanzr's Full Review: New Jersey |
New Jersey, the state with the highest population density and close proximity to two large urban centers, New York City and Philadelphia, is not known for its natural beauty. Still, it is one of the most diverse states in the US, featuring nearly everything from beaches, through swamps, streams, lakes, grasslands and forests, to hills. The changing weather patterns over the year allow people to take full advantage of all the natural features. In the following paragraphs, I'll introduce you to three of the most beautiful natural areas, which encompass some serious hiking, a breathtaking view, a mountain stream, a beautiful lake, wildlife and even a ghost story.
Mount Tammany
If there is one hike a visitor to New Jersey should do, it is this one. The strenuous climb (1200 feet elevation change) rewards the hiker with an awesome scenic view, and the variety of surroundings allows for a year-round hiking. To get there, follow I-80 to the last exit before Pennsylvania. Stop at the information center to pick up a map (usually, you need to ask for it), cross under the highway and park in the lot. It it's full, a large grassy area righ next to it serves as overflow parking.
The hike starts at the eastern end of the parking lot. Look for wooden steps up the hill and red trail markers. After a minute or two of climbing up, the trail levels off and proceeds through a relatively open forest with little undergrowth. You may notice that this section features some sandy surface; I've got no idea how the sand got there. As the trail turns right, it starts climbing again, and you'll find yourself in a narrow, rocky gully. The climb is relatively steep, but once you reach the top and the trail turns right, you'll be traversing on the side of the mountain and thus walking on a relatively level terrain.
You'll soon reach the edge of the ridge, for the first good view of the Delaware River. I like this view better than the main view, as it is directly in front of the river. Take a short rest here, as you're about to climb some more. When you decide to go on, the trail climbs slowly but steady, only to drop down a little, as you enter a small valley. This part of the hike is usually quite wet, especially in spring and after heavy rains. After crossing a small stream, you'll come to a rock face. Watch the trail markers carefully here and make your way up the rocky steps. It's not as hard as it looks like, and the climb is shorter than expected. Once on top, the trail climbs some more. This part is particularly nasty, as you get no rest from the previous climb, and the trail looks deceptively flat. From time to time it actually descends a little, but only to climb some more. In 20-30 minutes, however, you should reach the top.
The view from the top is unsurpassed. There is a rocky overhang you can go down a little to see both sides of the Delaware river, and if you are extra adventurous you can climb down some more for a nice, isolated spot. The best time to be here is early morning when the sun shines on the Mount Minsi across the river, coloring its exposed stripes of various minerals.
To make your way down, follow the blue trail. This trail goes along the ridge for a while, only to turn sharply left, crossing a field that is particularly nice in late May. The trail then descends through an open, wet area and a rhododendron forest, which is typical for New Jersey, down to Dunnfield Creek. Turn left here, cross the creek and walk on the relatively wide and comfortable trail back to the parking lot. If you feel like hiking an additional eight miles, turn right instead and follow the green blazes to Sunfish Pond and then the white markers of the Appalachian Trail back.
In addition to the view, this hike offers a few extra things to watch for. The rhododendrons are very typical to New Jersey, and you may encounter them on many other hikes. In addition, the rocky section of the trail is a good introduction to most trails in Northern New Jersey. In fact, the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail is legendary for its rocky surface. Finally, this place is full of wildlife. I've seen deer, bears and even gray foxes here. Just keep your eyes open.
Jenny Jump State Park
This hike combines some local folklore with one of the most beautiful autumn forests, easy walking and nice scenic views. In addition, the park offers log cabins if you want to spend a weekend or more here. To get here, take Exit 12 off I-80 and head south, to the town of Hope. At the stop sign, turn left. Turn right at the Shiloh Road (second right after you clear the town center) and follow the signs to the park. Pass the ranger house (you may want to pick a map there), and go up the road to a small parking lot.
Start hiking on the red-blazed Swamp Trail. After some initial climb the trail levels off and turns left on a fork. The trail has nothing to do with a swamp; the terrain is relatively level and easy to walk on. You will be passing through some impressive forest, which has a certain gloomy mood in fog. In fact, the whole park deserves to be gloomy. According to the legend, it is named after a girl named Jenny who jumped off a cliff to escape an Indian raiding party. To make matters more interesting, you will be hiking towards the Ghost Lake, named after an Indian battle that took place there, which lies right at the Shades of Death Road.
During a sunny autumn day, however, the park is all but gloomy. You will soon arrive at a gravel road. Take it for a while, until it ends at a playground. Here, turn right and follow the yellow blazes of the Summit Trail. The next section can be extremely wet after heavy rains, so watch your step. Soon, you'll see a blue-blazed trail leaving to your left. Take it. After a short walk on the ridge, you'll come to an abandoned house. The view from here would be quite nice if a large nest of hornets hasn't been plaguing the area for years. Go on, and descend through one of the most beautiful patches of forest in New Jersey. As the trail turns sharply right, the scenery changes. This area is shielded from the sun and winds, and thus remains a little more wet. As a result, the air is colder here, the trees greener and the enormous boulders you'll pass are partially covered with moss. As you reach a couple of small streams (the trail turns left here), the original undergrowth will be all replaced by fern. In a few more minutes of hiking, you'll arrive at the Ghost Lake. You can cross to the other side and enjoy the view of the forest, which is particularly beautiful on an autumn morning.
Upon returning, climb up the blue trail and at the end turn left. Follow the yellow blazes and climb up some more. The trail will be very rocky, which is typical for New Jersey. Towards the end of your hike you'll come to two large rocky overhangs. The first one will point east, and it offers a great view. Several times I took a nap here (after clearing the area of snakes), and you may want to do the same. The second overhang points south, but most of the view is obstructed by another hill. The Greenwood Observatory is built there, and it is often open to public. Inquire at the park ranger office.
Merrill Creek Reservoir
After two challenging hikes it is time for something more relaxing, Merrill Creek Reservoir. This lake is relatively small, offers a nice circular trail, lots of wildlife (especially birds) and wildflowers. To get there, take Exit 4 North off I-78. Turn right on the four-way stop sign, and cross the next main street diagonally, onto the Montana Mountain Road. At the end of the road, turn left and then follow the signs to the information center. It is one of the best-equipped park centers, and I highly recommend you check it out.
This hike will keep you on the back-blazed Perimeter Trail, which circles the lake, for most of the time. Go straight from the exit from the Information Center, and follow the blazes into the forest. Keep right on the fork, and descend to another parking lot. Cross it, and enter the gravel road at the other end. For the next half an hour, you'll be walking through fields, which are spectacular in late spring when they are full of wildflowers, and a few small patches of forest. You will cross a small dam as well. Even though you'll have plenty of other opportunities to see the lake, I like the view from this first dam much better than any other view.
As you go on, you'll come to the main dam. This impressive structure is quite long, and it will take you longer than expected to cross it. In the middle, it offers some scenic view to your left and another great view of the lake to your right. When you clear the dam, the trail turns sharply right and enters the forest. Watch the blazes here, as sometimes the side trails may distract you. Soon, you'll cross a woods road, after which the trail forks. The one you want to stay on goes left, but if you go right you'll descend to a small observation platform over the lake, worth the side trip. When you go on, you will soon come to a third dam, divided by a parking lot. This parking lot is a premier location for birdwatchers during the raptor migration season. After you clear the area, the trail reenters the forest and narrows even more. It will then map the shore, and you'll see an impressive forest of dead trees sticking out of the water. While dead, the trees now provide habitat to dozens of other species.
Soon, you'll come to a bridge. Cross it, and the last leg of your journey begins. You'll come to a crossroads, and you'll face a choice. Turning left and almost immediately turning right on the green trail up the hill will get you back to the parking lot in fifteen minutes. After five miles, this may not sound as such a bad idea, and you'll still have plenty to see, including old farm ruins and a wildlife observation booth. You can also turn right, and follow the shore. This will add about three miles to your hike, but it includes a beautiful grassy field where you can lay down and watch the sky until you fall asleep. Guess which route I prefer...
Overall, these three hikes have the potential to show you the beauty of northern New Jersey. However, they should only serve as your introduction to the state. I've been hiking here for six years, and every month I keep discovering new hikes, new views and wonders of the nature. Considering how heavily populated the state is, I am constantly amazed at how much pristine space remains here, and how few people take advantage of it. If you look for adventure, solitude, workout or simply a nice afternoon with your friends or family, you don't have to travel anywhere. Everything is right under your nose.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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