Torne Mountain Loop from Otter Hole

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Parking


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Overview This loop climbs to the summit of Torne Mountain, with excellent views along the way.
DetailsTime:
1.5 hours
Difficulty:
Moderate
Length:
1.7 miles
Features:
Views
Dogs:
Allowed on leash
LocationPark:
Region:
State:
NJ
County:
Passaic
MapBuy Trail Map:
PublicationDate:
11/07/2002
Submitter:Daniel Chazin

Driving Directions

Take Interstate Route 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.

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 0.25 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 0.5 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. For the next half mile, as you climb Torne Mountain, first steeply and then more gradually, there are a series of bedrock outcrops that offer constantly changing views to the south and west. Many large rounded boulders in the vicinity reveal the extensive glaciation this area once experienced.


After passing a viewpoint to the west, 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, with the Pequannock Watershed to the west. From here, the blue trail descends rather steeply and, in about a quarter mile, reaches the first junction with the red trail. Continue ahead on the blue trail, now retracing your steps, until the trail crosses Glenwild Avenue at the parking area where you left your car.