Lake Sonoma/Overlook Rock/Manaticut Point Short Loop...

Norvin Green State Forest

Cascading stream on the Manaticut Point Trail in Norvin Green State Forest. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Cascading stream on the Manaticut Point Trail in Norvin Green State Forest. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Huge Fractured Rock on the Manaticut Point Loop. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Huge Fractured Rock on the Manaticut Point Loop. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Inverted V-Shaped Rock Formation on the Manaticut Point Trail. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Inverted V-Shaped Rock Formation on the Manaticut Point Trail. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Lake Sonoma - Photo by Daniel Chazin Lake Sonoma - Photo by Daniel Chazin

This loop hike goes by Lake Sonoma and climbs to Overlook Rock and several other panoramic viewpoints.

41.091128, -74.320867

Between the boulder and the kiosk, a triple black-square-on-yellow blaze marks the start of the Manaticut Point Spur Trail. Head into the woods on this trail. Soon, you'll cross two branches of a stream on rocks, with several abandoned sections of concrete pipe adjacent to the stream, and pass by a huge fractured rock. A short distance beyond, you’ll cross another stream.

After...

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Trip Reports

rate experience
May 07, 2020
4
Much Better This Time Around
After my post in September 2016, my wife and I returned to this hike in early May 2018. As I hoped, all the small streams were running after generous spring rains, adding greatly to our experience. We also found that the trail markings were improved at the first junction where the loop begins, including a directional sign. The leaves were not yet fully grown in, so both short and long distance views were available. I also like the kiosk, which seems quite new. Lastly, I should mention that an advantage of this location is the generous curb length for parking along that undeveloped stretch of Crescent.
glennagrube
September 28, 2016
0
Bear Right at the Four Yellow Blazes
<p>My wife and I much enjoyed this hike on a sunny September day. &nbsp;We found the driving directions and the trail description to be quite accurate. &nbsp;The trail head is easy to spot and there is plenty of parking space on this unbuilt section of residential road. &nbsp;This is a moderate hike, with a few minor steeps and some rocky spots, but my inexperienced spouse handled all with no trouble.</p> <p>We caution others to pay close attention at the split in the yellow blaze trail. &nbsp;You will see four blazes as described, one pair indicating left and the other indicating a right turn. &nbsp;We did note that subsequent single blazes for the right hand trail are not easy to spot and the trail in that direction was not very well worn, either. &nbsp;However, if you pay close attention and follow the right hand footpath, you'll be rewarded soon enough with a nice view of Lake Sonoma. &nbsp;On the return loop, we met a family that started their hike in the mid-afternoon and they missed this turn, ending up following this hike in reverse - hope they got out before dark.</p> <p>We were also thankful for the warning from a friendly hiker of a mother bear and her cub being in the vicinity. &nbsp;We did not spot any bear, but we were a bit bothered by a large barking dog that appeared at the top of an adjacent slope where the park must border private property.</p> <p>The best part of this hike was the view from Overlook Rock - a view of green hills near and far barely spoiled by only a hint of a few scattered residential roofs.</p> <p>We look forward to hiking this loop again when the various streams and the cascade are running.</p>
glennagrube
August 28, 2015
0
Hike has been updated
<p>The hike has been updated to include the recent reroute of the eastern end of the Manaticut Point Trail, which you describe in your comment. &nbsp;Thanks for bringing this to our attention!</p>
Daniel Chazin
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