Highlands Trail Section Closed: Rt 605 – Lackawanna Drive
Park: Highlands TrailTrail: Highlands Trail
Beginning in July 2026, part of the Highlands Trail Section #5 in Byram, New Jersey will be closed to the public while EPA addresses contamination in and around the Mansfield Dump Superfund site. The impacted section is between Rt 605 (Stanhope-Sparta Rd) and Lackawanna Drive. EPA anticipates the trail will be closed from July 2026
Update 10/10/2025: Trailheads P3 and P4 West are closed due to the fire. The Bearfort Waters Clinton/Highlands Trail co-alignment are unaffected by the fire. Below, the area in red is effectively closed, while the yellow is unaffected and open. UPDATE 09/15/2025: This fire is inactive A wildfire has broken out in the Newark Watershed, closing
Hike: Stillman/Highlands/Bluebird Trails Loop from Mountain Road
Park: Storm King State ParkTrail: Highlands Trail
North-facing view over the Hudson River from Storm King Mountain – Photo by Daniel Chazin This 4.5-mile loop explores the dramatic ridgelines and sweeping vistas of Storm King Mountain, a crown jewel of the Hudson Highlands. Starting from the trailhead off Route 218, the hike climbs steadily along the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail, soon joined by
Falling Waters and Grand Loop Trails – Schooleys Mountain County Park – Photo: Daniel Chazin This 3.5-mile loop in Schooley’s Mountain County Park explores the park’s wilder, less-developed western side, far from the picnic areas and lodge. Starting from the main lot, the route descends past Lake George and into the rocky gorge of Electric
Wetland along the Doris Duke Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin This moderate 4-mile loop hike explores the scenic and tranquil Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary in Sterling Forest, where hunting is prohibited. Following the yellow-on-white Doris Duke Trail, the route winds through forests, skirts marshes with views of beaver lodges, and climbs to a rocky
UPDATE 5/2/2025: Long Pond Ironworks State Park in New Jersey is open. However, due to the November 2024 Jennings Creek Wildfire, the trails in Sterling Forest State Park in New York remain closed. Specifics on these closures are listed below: Sterling Forest State Park Trail Closures: These trails will be closed until further notice to
The Highlands Trail is currently being rerouted between Hopatcong and Mahlon Dickerson County Reservation. Trail users should be aware of ongoing work in this area and follow posted signage. Additional details will be provided as the project progresses. Thank you for your patience as we improve the trail!
