Get DirectionsThis short loop hike circles the 44-acre Friendship Park in Bloomingdale, owned by the County of Passaic. The trails in this park have been blazed by volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail...
Hike Description:
This short loop hike circles the 44-acre Friendship Park in Bloomingdale, owned by the County of Passaic. The trails in this park have been blazed by volunteers of the New York-New Jersey Trail 
Conference.
From the parking area, follow a gravel path across a grassy area. At the edge of the woods, a triple-orange blaze marks the start of the Orange Trail, a loop trail that you will be following for the entire hike. Enter the woods and bear left to proceed around the loop in a clockwise direction.
Soon, you’ll reach a Y-intersection, where the Yellow Trail begins on the right. You should bear left to continue on the Orange Trail. At the next intersection, the Red Trail proceeds ahead on the wide path that you have been following, but you should turn left and descend on a narrower path, continuing to follow the orange blazes. The Orange Trail crosses a stream on rocks and bears left (as the Blue Trail begins on the right), then loops around to the right and begins to climb.
Approaching a chain-link fence (the fence marks the northern boundary of the park), the trail bears right and begins to parallel the fence. It soon bears left and begins to climb more steeply. After reaching the crest of the rise, the trail bears right again and descends steadily. On the way down, at a cairn, the Blue Trail joins from the right. At the base of the descent, with an interesting wetland on the right, the Blue Trail leaves to the right.
After going around an S-curve to avoid some blowdowns, you’ll arrive at the next intersection. Here, the Yellow Trail proceeds ahead on the wide path that you have been following, but you should turn left, continuing to follow the Orange Trail, which begins to climb. At the crest of the rise, the trail turns sharply left and descends a little. It then climbs to a large rock ledge, with a small tree growing out of a crack in the rock.
The trail descends from the ledge, then climbs a little. Soon, it begins a steady descent, passing an interesting rock outcrop on the left and several huge boulders arranged to form a natural “fireplace” on the right.
At the base of the descent, the Orange Trail crosses a wet area, curves to the right, and continues on a wide path. After passing several huge oak trees on the right, you’ll notice a wooden footbridge on the left. Just beyond, you’ll arrive at the grassy area on the left where the hike began. Turn left and follow the gravel path back to your car.
To view a photo collection for this hike, click here.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 05/30/2012 updated/verified on 01/01/2015
This hike loops around this 44-acre Passaic County park.
41.009115, -74.334695
Passaic Co., NJ
1 mi
1 hrs
Avenza App Map: Morris County Highlands 125
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
From I-287 north or south take Exit 53 (Bloomingdale) and turn left onto Hamburg Turnpike. Upon entering Bloomingdale, the name of the road changes to Main Street. In 1.3 miles (from I-287), you will reach a fork in the road. Bear right (following the sign to West Milford), and in another 0.1 mile, turn right (uphill) onto Glenwild Avenue. Proceed for another 0.3 mile to the intersection of Woodward Avenue (on the left). Opposite this intersection, you will notice a dirt parking area bordered by stones on the right. Turn right and park here.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Not available
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June 08, 2023
08:30 am
Trip Reports
rate experience May 12, 2019
Friendship Park
Perfect park for hiking with children and teaching them how to use the trails markers. We'll be going back.
July 17, 2014
perfect with young kids
<p>My 11 year old and I just took my 5 year old on this hike. It was a perfect hike; lots of ups and down, but nothing difficult. The trail is very well marked and was a great trail for teaching my 5 year old to read trail markers.</p>
February 10, 2013
NJUrbanForest.com Virtual Hike of Friendship Park!
<p>Join NJUrbanForest.com on a virtual hike of Friendship Park!</p>
<p>http://njurbanforest.com/2013/02/10/hiking-passaic-countys-friendship-park/</p>
<p>Plenty of Pictures!!!!</p>