State Line Trail/Ernest Walter Trail/A.T. Loop from...

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

View of Greenwood Lake from the Ernest Walter Trail - Photo by Daniel Chazin View of Greenwood Lake from the Ernest Walter Trail - Photo by Daniel Chazin

This loop hike traverses the Bearfort Ridge, with its unusual puddingstone conglomerate rock and pitch pines growing out of bedrock, reaches a panoramic viewpoint over Greenwood Lake, goes through a rhododendron tunnel, and passes Surprise Lake and West Pond.

41.185735, -74.331571

This is one of the most spectacular hikes in the New Jersey-New York metropolitan area. Although it begins with a fairly strenuous 600-foot climb, the rest of the hike does not involve any major elevation changes. There are, however, many short, steep ups and downs, some of which require you to use your hands as well as your feet. The estimated time of four hours should allow you plenty of...

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Trip Reports

rate experience
September 04, 2019
4
Great hike!
Went with my 10 year old and it was a perfect morning. Easy to follow and well maintained trail I was very impressed. We stayed on the blue and white trail when we got to the intersection rather than the yellow was mentioned above. We didn't even need a map which was great so we could better enjoy the scenery rather than worry we had wandered off trail. I would say this hike is easily closer to 5+ miles, not 4.1. We hike a lot and could just tell but totally worth it. I do not recommend dogs because there are parts where you would have to lift them up a rock face 6+ feet high. Will def do this again with friends and family.
V_Cioni
May 17, 2019
5
Great hike - recommended!
For an update, I just did this trail on May 14, 2019. I highly recommend it in nice weather. It is well marked and well maintained. Unfortunately, it was very cloudy and misty so I was not able to see all of the views, but I enjoyed it very much and look forward to going back in clear weather. It was great exercise, very quiet, surrounded by nature. It took 3 hours as there was no point in stopping to take in the views. However, I expect they would be great as I was still able to see a couple of beautiful, secluded lakes. As it is not a far drive and parking is limited, get there early or go during the week. I had to lift my 45 pound dog a couple of times, but not a big problem.
JY
December 02, 2016
5
Great bang for buck
Has a little bit of everything - Water, several GREAT views, some scrambling. First bit is a bit steep, then it levels off an is pretty great.
wbricker3
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