Ramapo Torne/Raccoon Brook Hills Trail Loop from Reeves Meadow. Photo by Daniel Chazin This 5.2-mile loop in Harriman State Park features sweeping ridge views, dense mountain laurel tunnels, and cascading brooks, along with a bit of history. The hike begins at Reeves Meadow Visitor Center, following the red-on-white-blazed Pine Meadow Trail before climbing steadily on…
Hike: Short and Scenic Loop Hike on Bullwheel, High Peters Kill, and Red Trails
Trail: High Peters Kill Trail
Cascade on the Peters Kill – Photo by Daniel Chazin This scenic 2.1-mile loop in Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers a compact but memorable tour of the Shawangunks, combining forested carriage roads, dramatic cliffs, cascading streams, and historical relics from a bygone ski era. Starting on the Red Loop Trail, the route quickly joins the…
Wawayanda Furnace – Photo by Daniel Chazin This diverse 7-mile loop in Wawayanda State Park connects multiple scenic trails and historic sites, traversing rhododendron tunnels, serene lakes, hardwood forests, and wetlands. Starting on Cherry Ridge Road, the hike visits Lake Lookout via the white-blazed Lookout Trail, then winds along the historic Laurel Pond Trail to…
Sunrise at the beaver lodge on Silvermine Lake, Harriman State Park – Photo Amy Comerford This 4.2-mile loop in Harriman State Park combines lakeside paths, historic roads, and ridgeline climbs for a moderate but rewarding adventure. Beginning at the Silvermine Boat Launch, the route follows the yellow-blazed Menomine Trail past the scenic shoreline of Silvermine…
Jordan Pond – Photo by Daniel Chazin This varied and rewarding 5.5-mile loop in Clarence Fahnestock State Park links the Charcoal Burners, Cabot, Perkins, and Fahnestock Trails, weaving through scenic woodlands, quiet ponds, wildflower-filled meadows, and active farmland. Starting on the red-blazed Charcoal Burners Trail, hikers traverse historic charcoal lands and mountain laurel tunnels before…
Narrow passage on the Catfish Loop Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin The 4.6-mile Catfish Loop Trail explores the rugged, lesser-traveled southwest corner of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, offering a peaceful circuit through forested ridges, historic stone walls, laurel tunnels, and scattered viewpoints. Starting from Dennytown Road, the loop briefly follows the Appalachian Trail before…
View of High Point Monument – High Point State Park – Photo credit: Jeremy Apgar This 3.7-mile loop in High Point State Park offers a scenic ridge walk through the highest elevation in New Jersey, with sweeping views in all directions and two short but steep climbs. Beginning at the base of the 220-foot High…
