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The gem of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, this trail offers incredible views, rock scrambles, and two wonderful lakes.


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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.1

KM

Point to Point

1,389' 423 m

High

1,205' 367 m

Low

341' 104 m

Up

200' 61 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

The yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail is about as good as it gets for Northern NJ. Access the trail via State Line Trail or the Appalachian Trail, though for an immediate payoff, it is recommended to choose State Line Trail.

From the start of this trail, it is a quick uphill climb that eventually reaches a superb viewpoint after ascending an open rock face. The view is of the central and southern portions of Greenwood Lake and Fox Island. This is particularly beautiful in the autumn. On clear days, you can spy the tops of the tallest skyscrapers in Manhattan.

After a gradual descent of about 0.5 miles, arrive at Surprise Lake. Swimming is prohibited here, but most people seem to ignore the restriction. Don't be one of them. Next, traverse a rather long rhododendron tunnel before a challenging climb up to the top of Bearfort Ridge (the Bearfort Ridge Trail also terminates in this section). There are a few challenging rock scrambles here that require 3 points of contact to be safe.

At the 1-mile mark, be sure to stop for a great view of the next lake by taking the West Pond Overlook Spur a short length to the lookout point. After one more difficult rock scramble, you'll reach the ridge and turn northeast. The last 0.7 miles are mostly flat with occasional views and many odd-looking pitch pines.

Contacts

Shared By:

Lou Poulas

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9171

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#51

in New Jersey

#9,171

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2 Views Last Month
725 Since Oct 14, 2017
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Photos

Surprise lake, beautiful in the winter
May 1, 2019 near West Mi…, NJ
Early in the fall foliage season, here is Greenwood Lake as it straddles the NY/NJ state border.
Oct 18, 2017 near West Mi…, NJ
Fox Island on the NJ side of Greenwood Lake on hazy day in mid-October.
Oct 18, 2017 near West Mi…, NJ
A picturesque rainy day along Bearfort Ridge Trail in Abram Hewitt State Park
Oct 16, 2017 near West Mi…, NJ
Interesting Silurian and Devonian sedimentary rock formations
May 1, 2019 near West Mi…, NJ

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Oct 30, 2021
Fred Yang
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