Hike Reviews

I returned to this hike for a second time on an early Sunday afternoon in late July 2023. I agree with the positive descriptions from previous reviewers - this hike's challenge are the short and somewhat steep sections with rugged and rocky footing. I enjoyed not only the many outlooks and vistas along the loop, but also the changing nature of the terrain and surrounding woods. There is a bypass option along the way, and this time I took the less steep and rocky option. This narrow footpath seemed to be minimally traveled and was almost obscured at points by lush grasses thanks to the recent heavy rains. The figure-eight loop is well blazed with only a few exceptions where I wandered off on unblazed spur trails. I also found that the crossings were good markers of progress along the way. I completed the hike in less than two hours, stopping for only a few minutes at the significant viewpoints. One key point worth mentioning: This hike is also readily accessible from the next parking area to the west along Glenwild Road (the one with the West Milford welcome sign). You can start on the red Torne Trail and turn right onto the blue Hewitt-Butler trail to continue with the hike description. The advantage of this starting point is more available parking on both sides of the road. I rated this as a 5-Star hike based on easy parking access, a nice variety of terrain and challenge. A great shorter loop when time is limited.