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Pyramid Mountain Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (30)
  1. Areas
  2. NJ
  3. …Northern New Jersey
  4. …Boonton
  5. Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
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“A quietly beautiful loop trail with rocky footpaths, stream crossings, overlooks, and memorable glacial erratics. ”

Kristen Arendt
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Map Key

3.5

Miles

5.6

KM

Loop

921' 281 m

High

613' 187 m

Low

488' 149 m

Up

488' 149 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This hike accesses Tripod Rock on Pyramid Mountain using a 3+ mile, forested, quietly beautiful loop with rocky footpaths, stream crossings, overlooks, and memorable glacial erratics, including Tripod Rock and Bear Rock.

Description

Take a weekday early morning to explore this local gem in Morris County, NJ. Watch the forests fill with light in the quietude of Northern New Jersey woods, starting with crossing Stony Brook over a wooden footbridge.

This hike is for all people, with all levels of fitness. The route includes some moderate elevation gain with huge rock outcroppings, scenic viewpoints, all leading to a 150-ton glacial erratic balanced on three small stones. Thought by some to be a Native American calendar site, this natural symbol of our local cultural/natural heritage compelled people to preserve the mountain.

You'll need the trail map or Hiking Project mobile app for this hike, especially if it is your first time visiting the park. Start at the trail kiosk (where there are typically free trail maps) and follow the Mennen Trail (Blue) over the footbridge.

0.2 miles into the woods, the Yellow Trail veers off to the right. Take it until you see the Orange Trail, which continues to wind its way through the forest, past stone outcroppings, and ultimately leads to great views of the Taylortown Reservoir.

At the next trail junction turn left (heading southwest); this is the Kinnelon Butler Trail (White), which leads to Tripod Rock, just after passing Big Cat Swamp. This is a gorgeous spot to stop for lunch while taking in this unique glacial erratic.

When you're ready to roll on, continue past the rock on the Kinnelon Butler Trail (White) for a short stint, until meeting the Mennen Trail (Blue) once again, which will lead you right back to the lot. This is by far the most popular hike that takes you past Tripod Rock, so plan this hike for an early morning weekday if you prefer some real peace and quiet.

Contacts

Local Club: New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

Land Manager: Morris County, NJ - Parks Commission

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 30 votes

#1

in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

#600

Overall
  4.0 from 30 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
30%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Pyramid Mountain Natur…

#3

in New Jersey

#600

Overall
43 Views Last Month
15,470 Since Nov 22, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Sometimes you're going over the boulders and sometimes through them, nothing to difficult, lots of families with kids.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ
End of the orange trail, turning around in the loop back on the blue trail.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ
Tripod Rock a truly AMAZING sight.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ
Lots of boulders to climb, with a few of the reservoir.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ
Scenic Overlook on the Blue Trail (Mennen).
Nov 22, 2016 near Boonton, NJ
Shortly after starting on the trail you come to this bridge.
Aug 6, 2021 near Boonton, NJ

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Check-Ins

Sep 16, 2023
G Allen Daily
2h 24m
Jun 11, 2023
Dan Man
May 22, 2021
Armaan Pandher
Mar 29, 2021
Wendi Vanesa
Scrambled 3.5mi — 2h 08m
Jan 2, 2021
N W
Nov 27, 2020
HANNAH FADDIS
3h 10m
Oct 10, 2020
Chris Lauretano
Sep 7, 2020
Deborah S

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