Get DirectionsFrom the southern end of the parking area, follow the Blue Trail, which starts just north of a kiosk and immediately passes a memorial plaque for Stephen Klein, Jr. In 150 feet, you’ll reach a junction where a branch of the Blue Trail goes off to the right. Continue ahead on the Blue Trail, which crosses Stony Brook on a wooden footbridge. Just beyond, you’ll reach a fork, where the loop of...
Hike Description:
From the southern end of the parking area, follow the Blue Trail, which starts just north of a kiosk and immediately passes a memorial plaque for Stephen Klein, Jr. In 150 feet, you’ll reach a junction where a branch of the Blue Trail goes off to the right. Continue ahead on the Blue Trail, which crosses Stony Brook on a wooden footbridge. Just beyond, you’ll reach a fork, where the loop of the Blue Trail begins. Bear right at the fork and follow the eastern leg of the Blue Trail, which crosses under power lines and heads north along a nearly constant contour, with huge boulders above on the left and a camp recreation area (with a grassy ballfield, a picnic area and a small pond) below on the right.
In a quarter mile, the Orange Trail begins on the right. Continue along the Blue Trail, which soon bears left and begins to climb rather steeply. At the top of the climb, there is a viewpoint over Turkey Mountain to the east. The trail now heads back into the woods, bears right and descends slightly.
Almost a mile from the start, the Blue Dot Trail begins on the right. Turn right here and follow the Blue Dot Trail through deep stands of mountain laurel. In a short distance, the Yellow Dot Trail begins on the left. Keep to the right here, and continue along the Blue Dot Trail. In 250 feet, a purple-blazed side trail goes off to the left. Follow this short trail, which leads in a short distance to Lucy's Lookout, a west-facing viewpoint from open rocks, named for Lucy Meyer, the leader of the fight to save this mountain. After enjoying the view, continue ahead on the purple-blazed trail to its end at the Blue Dot Trail, and turn left onto the Blue Dot Trail.
In less than a quarter mile, you’ll come to Tripod Rock – a huge boulder, perched on three smaller stones. Geologists explain that this boulder was deposited here by glacial action, although some believe that it may be a Native American calendar site. This unusual feature helped galvanize public support to preserve the mountain when it was threatened by development. This is a good place to take a break. When you’re ready to continue, follow the Blue Dot Trail north for 0.4 mile to a junction with the Orange Trail.
Turn left onto this trail, which goes through interesting, remote and rugged mountain scenery. In about a third of a mile, you will see a house directly ahead. Here the trail turns sharply left and climbs to the top of Eagle Cliff. After passing a huge balanced rock on the left – a glacial erratic known as Whale Head Rock – the trail bears left and begins a steep, rocky descent through mountain laurel thickets.
At the base of the descent, the trail turns right and heads north for about 0.2 mile. It then bears left, crosses a branch of Bear House Brook and reaches a junction, where the White Dot Trail begins on the right. Turn left to continue along the Orange Trail, following the sign for “Visitors Center,” and cross Bear House Brook on rocks. The Orange Trail continues south, paralleling Bear House Brook, which runs through the valley below to the left and eventually widens to form Bear Swamp.
In another half mile, you’ll reach the huge Bear Rock. This massive glacial erratic, which can be said to resemble a giant bear, has been a local landmark for centuries. It was probably used as a shelter by Native Americans, and today it marks the boundary between Kinnelon Borough and Montville Township.
From Bear Rock, turn left and follow the Yellow Dot Trail across Bear House Brook on a wooden footbridge. A short distance beyond, bear right at fork to continue along the Yellow Dot Trail. In a third of a mile, this trail will bring you up to the ridge, through a dense stand of mountain laurel.
When you reach a junction with the Blue Dot Trail, turn right, briefly retracing your steps. A short distance beyond, you’ll reach a junction with the Blue Trail. Bear right and continue ahead on the Blue Trail, which gradually climbs to the highest elevation on the Pyramid Mountain ridge (934 feet), marked by a large cairn. Here, at a sign for the "Overlook," you should turn left and head to an east-facing overlook from open rocks, with the New York City skyline visible on the horizon on a clear day.
After taking in the view, return to the Blue Trail, bear left, and follow it as it gradually descends the southwest face of the mountain on switchbacks. Near the base of the descent, the Orange Trail begins on the right at a large cairn. Follow the Blue Trail as it turns left, climbs a little, then continues to descend gradually, crossing under the power lines.
At the next intersection, bear right, continuing along the Blue Trail, which crosses a footbridge over Stony Brook and proceeds ahead to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 04/04/2002 updated/verified on 03/19/2021
This loop hike passes two unusual glacial erratics - Tripod Rock and Bear Rock - and climbs to several panoramic viewpoints.
40.946535, -74.388556
Morris Co., NJ
5 mi
3 hrs
Web Map: Pyramid Mountain Trail Map
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 :
Take I-287 to Exit 44 (Main Street, Boonton). Proceed west along Main Street and turn right onto County Route 511 (Boonton Avenue). Continue on Route 511 for 3.3 miles to the parking area for the Pyramid Mountain Visitors Center, on the left side of the road (the Visitors Center is opposite Mars Park, about 0.8 mile north of the intersection of Route 511 and Taylortown Road).
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Not available
Give $10 to support trails.
June 08, 2023
08:30 am
Trip Reports
rate experience April 16, 2014
Most trails are open
<p>I have hiked there recently and almost all trails are open. You can hike to Bear Rock or Tripod Rock, etc. with no problems. </p>
<p>The exception is the blue trail going to Turkey Mountain from Boonton Turnpike up the "100 steps". The power company has obliterated this section of trail (looks like a war zone with no trees, no blazes, etc.), although most of the "100 steps" are stll there. I do not know when the power company will finish their work in this section of trail and when park management will reblaze and reopen it.</p>
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April 15, 2014
Trails opened?
<p>Are all the trails at Pyramid now open?</p>
September 25, 2013
Beautiful...and some updates!
<p>Couldn't have asked for a better day for hiking--mid 60s, perfectly clear, and sun everywhere.</p>
<p>These directions were spot-on, and I followed everything to a T. To people reading this--I'm pretty sure they're finished with construction. I went on the "closed" trails and they were totally clear. Estimated completion time for the trails was fall 2013, so it looks like they're just about done.</p>
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<p>Great hike, excellent views, and really peaceful.</p>