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Wyanokie High Point Circular
by Jake Farley
Take advantage of leafless spring with an exhilarating hike over mountain tops with far-reaching views. Amble down along streams past old fashioned made-for-movies mines, past waterfalls and through easy woods.
This 4-mile hike in Norvin Green State Forest in Passaic County, NJ, is sure to be one of the best and worth the trip from wherever you come. The hike uses a combination of trails, traversing boulders, broad slabs of rock, expansive views, ridges and peaks, Mountain Laurel, streams and waterfalls. It is an exciting and adventuresome trek for experienced hikers and novices with lots of energy.
From the parking lot, cross the street and head across a meadow, hugging the left side. Walk on Snake Den Road until it becomes a dirt woods road. Norvin Green State Forest is land-locked, making it necessary to gain access for this particular walk via nj Audubon land. Watch for the Blue Trailhead on the left in about 100 feet and follow the combined Yellow and Blue Trails up the mountain.
Wildlife abounds here. In the snow, bear and coyote tracks go off from the path and a raven flits from tree to tree, following hikers. Almost everywhere is a viewpoint across North Jersey's Highlands and eastward, all the way to Manhattan.
Turn left on the Red Trail as Blue leaves to the right. On Wyanokie High Point at 960 feet, you can see the Empire State Building on a clear day. Follow the Red down the mountain accompanied by flawless views, climbing and descending over rock slabs, and crossing streams until the trail smooths out through woods. Soon the White Trail appears from the right and the Yellow joins the Red from the left. Continue straight ahead onto the Red and Yellow Trails.
After crossing a stream on a wooden bridge, take a quick detour to the right to see the Blue Mine, a defunct iron mine. Soon the Yellow departs to the right but you go straight, turning left onto Yellow about 0.2 mile later. The trail climbs and dips sharply on its way to Blue Mine Falls. The path follows the Blue Mine Brook, crossing it twice before it turns left and joins the Red Trail sidling between private residences back to Snake Den Road. Turn left to the parking lot.
Getting there: From Route 287 North, take Exit 55 to Ringwood Avenue (Route 511 North). At 4 miles turn left onto Westbrook Road. Turn left onto Snake Den Road, bear left at the Y, following signs to Weis Ecology Center. The parking lot is on the right corner.
Elevation range: 400-960 feet
Difficulty: Moderate with strenuous climb
Hiking time: 2.5 hours
Maps: NY-NJ Trail Conference North Jersey Trails #21 or call Ringwood State Park (973) 962-7031, www.njparksandforests.org
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published March 25, 2006
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