Hike Reviews

We returned to this hike on the first Sunday after Election Day 2020 in a much greater spirit than our first time around this loop on the Sunday after the 2016 election. We ran into an old school friend on that first 2016 hike so today was a fine reunion and a fine hike. We followed the recommended counter-clockwise direction as the climb up to the viewpoint and summit are more gradual. With the leaves mostly fallen on a cloudless day, the view of the pond was clear and same above. The trail is well blazed, although I agree that the DD blazes can be hard to see against the fall colors in the background. This loop also features some really good rock craft by the NYNJTC crews that built it - fun stepping stones and useful steps at many trouble spots. The Moderate rating is fair and the time estimate on target. Another advantage of this loop is a decent sized parking area with a large and solid kiosk (another useful Eagle Scout project). My favorite was the walk along the ridge, but the ascent and descent at either end of the hike are in nice natural bowls with running water. A real pleasure.