Point Mountain Loop from Point Mountain Road

From the kiosk near the entrance to the parking area, head uphill on the blue-blazed Riverwalk Trail, which follows a rocky footpath. In 250 feet, the blue-blazed trail turns left, but you should proceed ahead on the orange-blazed Ridge Trail, which continues to climb. After turning right, the climb steepens, and the trail continues to ascend on a rocky, rugged treadway, with rock steps.

After bearing left in sight of a private home below to the right, the trail climbs to a panoramic viewpoint over the Musconetcong River valley from a rock outcrop to the left of the trail. The tranquil view includes farms and small towns. This is a good place to take a break and rest from the climb - the one steep ascent on the hike.

The Ridge Trail now briefly descends to a junction with a yellow-blazed trail, then climbs to regain the ridge. Follow the orange-blazed trail as it continues along the ridge, with views through the trees to the left. Along the way, you'll pass an interesting pointed rock on the left. After about half a mile of ridgetop walking, the trail bears right and descends slightly to parallel an old stone wall. Here, the White Trail begins on the right, but you should continue to follow the orange-blazed Ridge Trail, which turns left and climbs back to the ridge.

Soon, the trail begins a steady descent from the ridge. After crossing a stream, it turns left and follows a woods road downhill. At the base of the descent, the trail emerges onto a field and follows a mowed path along its left side. At the end of the field, it bears left into the woods and emerges onto another field. Turn left here and begin to follow the blue-blazed Riverwalk Trail, which proceeds along the edge of the field.

At the end of the field, turn right and follow along its southern edge, then turn left and follow the blue blazes as they descend on a footpath to the Musconetcong River. After crossing a tributary stream, the trail widens to a woods road. When you reach a fork, bear right to continue along the blue-blazed trail.

In a third of a mile, the Riverwalk Trail reaches another fork. The trail ahead is also marked blue, but you should turn right, leaving the woods road, follow a footpath for 50 feet to the river, then turn left and proceed along the river, still following blue blazes. For the next half a mile, the trail closely parallels the scenic river, with attractive cascades.

After passing a huge sycamore tree, the trail reaches Point Mountain Road. If you have had enough hiking for the day, you can turn left and follow the road for 300 feet to the parking area. Otherwise, you can complete another mile-long loop. Cross the road and continue along the blue-blazed trail, which soon heads slightly inland, following a footpath through dense wild rose thickets.

The trail approaches the river once more, then bears left, away from the river, and begins to run through a deciduous forest. Soon, the trail bears sharply left and begins to head northeast, paralleling Musconetcong River Road, visible through the trees to the right. In half a mile, you'll return to Point Mountain Road, with the parking area where the hike began directly across the road.