Hike Reviews

We did this hike just yesterday and it was challenging but satisfying with beautiful panoramic views from the high point. It was fun to cross across the stream via log and stones a few times and the waterfall was lovely. We saw many others out enjoying the trails as well. Be careful sitting too close to boulders, as we were sitting enjoying the views of the Wanaque Reservoir, a 3-4 ft long black snake slithered out from under a large boulder and right across our path, it was non-venomous and harmless but just stay aware as always. There are a few spots the directions were a bit tricky and/or could use an update. For example towards the very start where it says "Continue ahead, following the blue and teal diamond blazes along a rocky woods road. When you reach the next Y-intersection, take the right fork" in our experience the teal/blue blazes trail actually continued on the left fork...we followed the right fork anyway for a bit as per the directions, it appeared to be white marked but ended abruptly at the stream so we retraced our steps and were able to follow the rest of the directions for much of the way. The only spot we later had issues were after we had seen Hi-Point, were on the white-blazed trail then the light green blazed Otter Hole Trail we weren't able to find this part of the directions "Near the top of the climb, the red-on-white-blazed Wyanokie Circular Trail crosses." It might be helpful to have some distances described for the light green trail portion, we were not sure how long we should be on it but we also did not see any other trails or markers for some time. We saw a very faded looking red on white marker next to a green marker but the brightly marked green trail also went left and there was no other discernible trail. We saw a very faint faded red on white marker again later too (also next to a clearly marked light green marker) but the trail continued to be clearly marked light green for most of the way, and unfortunately we did not see any markers for the orange-blazed Outlaw Trail. Unfortunately we did wind up missing the views of Buck Mountain probably. Luckily there was a sign for Otter Hole Parking later along the green trail and we were able to make our way out. For the most part the directions were great and I would do this hike again! Most trails were very clearly marked, we were able to see all the main points of the hike and the signs at some points of the trails were very helpful too. I'm not sure if we made a mistake somewhere or if the trails have changed a bit since the last update (the very faint faded red on white markers made us think it might be the case).

<p>I am visiting from The Netherlands and found myself at a loose end this weekend so I thought I would try to see if I would be able to do some hiking. I was very pleasantly surprised.<br>The directions on the website are excellent and I got round the route with no problems at all. The views were outstanding and the trails are really well managed - with even little red ribbons to show where there are diversions.&nbsp;<br>I hope that you people realise that your work is appreciated and that it allows all kinds of people to experience the pleasures of this spectacular part of the world.<br>I managed a coupe of little add-ons:-<br>I spent some time watching the heron which lives in the lake/swamp next to the car park.<br>I drove up the road for a couple of miles to Lindy's pool and got to swim in a beautiful freshwater lake.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>All the best from the low countries</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>LR<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I think I know where you made a mistake.&nbsp; The hike directions state:&nbsp; "After spending some time savoring the view, <em>retrace your steps</em>, following the red-and-white and teal diamond blazes as they descend very steeply over bare rock."&nbsp; I suspect that rather than "retracing your steps," you continued ahead on the Wyanokie Circular/Highlands Trail.&nbsp; That would explain how you ended up on the Lower Trail.&nbsp; Had you retraced your steps, you would have arrived at the junction with the Hewitt-Butler Trail.</p>

<p>Thank you. They have been added to the hike description.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Ken</p>

<p>My husband and I did this in early February 2012 and it was excellent.&nbsp; Beautiful views and waterfalls, a nice combination of stiff up and down with flatter areas.&nbsp; Saw practically no one all day.&nbsp; Would probably be very beautiful in the spring when the mountain laurel is in bloom.&nbsp; There are many stream crossings which could be difficult or impossible if there was more water.</p>