This rugged, figure-eight double-loop hike climbs two peaks at the southern end of Norvin Green State Forest – Torne Mountain and Osio Rock. Although it is less than three miles long, the hike may seem somewhat longer, as it involves considerable ups and downs on rocky trails.
At the eastern end of the parking area, at the sign “Welcome to Bloomingdale,” cross Glenwild Avenue. On the south side of the road, you'll see a sign for the Hewitt-Butler Trail. Follow this blue-blazed trail, which climbs the hill and then turns right, heading west and parallel to the road on a rugged footpath, for about a quarter mile. Here, with the road visible to the right, you’ll cross the red-blazed Torne Trail.
Continue ahead on the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, which begins a steady climb of Torne Mountain. In about 15 minutes, you’ll come out on a open rock ledge, with limited views to the west and north. When there are no leaves on the trees, Buck Mountain is visible to the north.
Proceed ahead, following the blue blazes along the ridge of Torne Mountain. After crossing several open areas with west-facing views, you’ll arrive at a large open area with two cedar trees, two balanced glacial erratics, and a stone bench. This beautiful spot affords unobstructed views to the west and south.
The trail now begins to descend. Soon, you’ll reach a junction with a black-dot-on-blue side trail. Here, you should turn left to stay on the blue-blazed trail. Just ahead, you’ll come to a southeast-facing viewpoint over Osio Rock (the next peak you will climb), with the New York City skyline visible in the distance on a clear day. After descending some more, you’ll come to another view of Osio Rock. The trail now descends along the side of a hill, with Osio Rock visible to the left along the way. After a rather steep descent, the trail levels off.
Just beyond, you’ll pass the other end of the black-dot-on-blue side trail and descend into a ravine with an intermittent stream. The red-blazed Torne Trail crosses here, but you should turn right to stay on the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail. Follow the blue-blazed trail, which climbs through dense thickets of mountain laurel, levels off, then resumes its climb.
After passing a jumbled formation of huge boulders on the right, the trail again briefly levels off, then resumes a steady climb to reach a limited east-facing viewpoint. A short distance beyond, it emerges onto a rock ledge -- the summit of Osio Rock. This peak affords a spectacular 270-degree view. The large body of water visible on the left is the Wanaque Reservoir. This is a good place to take a break.
When you’re ready to continue, follow the blue blazes as the trail descends from Osio Rock. On the way down, you’ll pass a southeast-facing viewpoint over the private Lake Kampfe and then a west-facing viewpoint over a rocky peak studded with pines. The trail now descends more steeply on a rocky footpath. After a short level stretch, the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail ends, just before a stream, at a junction with the red-blazed Torne Trail.
Turn right onto the Torne Trail, which heads north on a level footpath parallel to the stream, then begins to climb through a ravine. In a third of a mile, you’ll once again cross the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail. Continue ahead on the red-blazed Torne Trail, which climbs steeply through large boulders, then continues to ascend on a gentle grade through an attractive valley.
The Torne Trail descends from the crest of the rise, again crosses the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, and ends just before reaching Glenwild Road. Turn right onto Glenwild Road and follow it for a short distance to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 03/30/2017 updated/verified on 08/10/2021
This loop climbs to the summits of Torne Mountain and Osio Rock, with excellent views.
This rugged, figure-eight double-loop hike climbs two peaks at the southern end of Norvin Green State Forest – Torne Mountain and Osio Rock. Although it is less than three miles long, the hike may seem somewhat longer, as it involves considerable ups and downs on rocky trails.
At the eastern end of the parking area, at the sign “Welcome to Bloomingdale,” cross Glenwild Avenue. On the...
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.
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.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take I-287 to 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, and in another 0.1 mile, bear right (uphill) onto Glenwild Avenue. Continue ahead for 3.2 miles to a parking area on the right side of the road. If this parking area is full, continue for another 0.2 mile to a second parking on the right.
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