Hike Reviews
November 28, 2020
Hike description has been updated
The hike description has been updated to substitute the pink-on-white blazes of the Five Ponds Loop for the green-on-white blazes of the Halifax Trail. The Five Ponds Loop, which was blazed this past summer, has taken over the western portion of the Halifax Trail.
November 28, 2020
New blaze color
The trails have been updated and the green on white blazes are now pink on white! Once we figured that out it was very easy to follow!
September 21, 2020
Moderate Loop with Easy Parking (Off-Season)
My wife and I enjoyed this loop hike, which we agree is properly rated as moderate. Comparing the previous comments from 2011, I think the hike description has significantly changed since that review. The hike is well described and well blazed throughout. Not too many blowdowns blocking the trail after the August 2020 tropical storm, but some areas where tree tops were torn from their trunks. Since we were hiking on a cool day after the summer season, the passage through Skylands Manor was pleasant and not at all busy. We enjoyed walking the switchbacks of the combination mountain bike trail, which is very well constructed. Mountain bikers were courteous to yield to us, too. Finishing up back at Shepherd Lake with a snack at a picnic table was a nice treat. I also followed an All Trails loop that seemed to match this hike, but it diverged around the 3/4 mark. Distance was accurate.
September 24, 2011
Nice hike with 1 confusing direction & trail in need of TLC
<p>I did this hike today. The first half of the hike was excellent. The direction that says "Just beyond a greenhouse, you'll reach a road junction at the entrance to Parking Area A. The double blaze seems to indicate a right turn into the parking area, but you should instead bear left and then immediately turn right and follow the park access road downhill," is a bit confusing. There is no left to bear. Simply turn right on the road following the parking area. The white-blazed crossover trail, described as "wet," is now muddy and nearly impassable in places, where large trees have blown onto the trail. Make sure you've got long pants and possibly a machete to follow cross-over trail as it "follows the route of a buried gas pipeline to paved Morris Road." High grass and brambles make this a difficult throughway. Despite the difficulties, I really enjoyed this hike and offer thanks to Daniel for sharing. -- C Lynn</p>