Torne Mountain Loop from Otter Hole
Directions to trailhead
Take I-287 to Exit 53 (Bloomingdale) and turn left onto Hamburg Turnpike. Upon entering Bloomingdale, the name of the road changes to Main Street. In 1.3 miles (from Route 287), you will reach a fork in the road. Bear right (following the sign to West Milford), and in another 0.1 mile, turn right (uphill) onto Glenwild Avenue. Continue ahead for 3.2 miles to a parking area on the right side of the road.
Hike Description
At the eastern end of parking area, at the sign "Welcome to Bloomingdale," cross Glenwild Avenue. On the south side of the road, you will notice a blue-blazed post, marked "HB." Follow this blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, which climbs the hill and then turns right, heading west and parallel to the road, for about a quarter of a mile. Here, with the road visible to the right, you will come to an intersection with the red-blazed Torne Trail. Turn left on this red trail, proceeding south. The trail climbs briefly, levels off, and then descends through a valley, which soon becomes a very rocky and boulder-filled gully.
In about half a mile, the red trail ends at a second junction with the blue trail, which crosses the gully amidst large boulders. Turn right and head west and uphill, following the blue markers.
After climbing steeply for a short distance, you’ll reach a junction with a black-dot-on-blue side trail. Turn right to continue on the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, which briefly follows a level path, then continues to climb. Soon, it comes out on open rocks, with views to the southeast over Osio Rock. After climbing on a switchback, the trail reaches a broader viewpoint to the south and southeast. Then, after climbing some more, you’ll come to a southeast-facing viewpoint, with the New York City skyline visible in the distance.
A short distance beyond, you’ll reach another junction with the black-dot-on-blue side trail. Turn right, continuing to follow the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, which soon comes out on open rocks, with views to the west and south. You’ll notice a single cedar tree, a stone bench and two balanced glacial erratics at this interesting spot.
The trail continues through a wooded section and reaches a final viewpoint, this one looking to the north and west. Buck Mountain is visible to the north (when there are no leaves on the trees), with the Pequannock Watershed to the west. The trail now bears right and descends rather steeply. In about a quarter mile, it reaches the first junction with the red trail. Continue ahead on the blue trail, now retracing your steps, until the trail crosses Glenwild Avenue to reach the parking area where the hike began.