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A scenic loop run through Pyramid Mountain and around Kakeout Reservoir.


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Map Key

10.5

Miles

16.9

KM

94%

Runnable

909' 277 m

High

620' 189 m

Low

1,025' 312 m

Up

1,025' 312 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

30%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This long loop run incorporates several trails including the Mennen Trail (Blue), Montville-Butler Trail (Blue), and the Kinnelon-Butler Trail (White).

Description

Start this loop from the parking lot of Pyramid Mountain County Park. Take the Mennen Trail (blue markers). The trail travels the length of the park from south to north. It starts off along a groomed gravel path for about a quarter mile. Then the trail turns to singletrack the rest of the way.

This trail is very rocky in many places. One very difficult section is when the Mennen Trail meets the Kinnelon-Butler Trail. These two trails share the same path for about a half mile. The Mennen Trail makes a sharp left turn and joins the Kinnelon-Butler Trail. Soon the trail begins a very steep and rocky descent. This is the most difficult section of running in the entire park.

The Kinnelon-Butler Trail and the Mennen Trail part ways in front of a large glacier erratic with the Mennen Trail turning right and continuing north. The Mennen Trail becomes the Montville-Butler Trail when the path reaches a trail junction with the RS Trail (Red with White Stripes). This is near the north border of the park.

Continue on the Montville-Butler Trail which travels to the north end of Kakeout Reservoir. The trail is marked with blue blazes. After about one mile, the trail exits the forest onto Miller Road for a short distance until you re-enter the forest on the same side of the road you exited. Another 3/4 of a mile later, you'll reach Fayson Lake Road. Cross the road and re-enter the forest at the south shore of Kakeout Reservoir.

The trail turns left and follows the shoreline of Kakeout Reservoir, also known as Butler Reservoir. This is the most enjoyable section of the trail with great views of the reservoir. The trail ends at the dam near the north end of the reservoir. Turn right to cross the dam on the Blue-White Connector Trail to continue a loop run. The Blue-White Connector Trail is very rocky. It ends at a junction with the Kinnelon-Butler Trail.

Turn right onto the Kinnelon-Butler Trail and follow along an overgrown forest road. This is a very enjoyable section. At about three miles, you'll reach a unique glacier erratic called tripod rock.

Overall, this is an enjoyable run, especially the north part once you leave the county park.

Contacts

Shared By:

John Maurizi

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 5 votes

#5230

Overall
  3.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#49

in New Jersey

#5,230

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12 Views Last Month
2,401 Since Sep 4, 2017
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Photos

Tripod Rock a truly AMAZING sight.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ
Most of the trail is blue, but after the bridge you come to a fork (both blue) go right to get to the orange trail.
Aug 6, 2021 near Boonton, NJ
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
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
End of the orange trail, turning around in the loop back on the blue trail.
Aug 6, 2021 near Kinnelon, NJ

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Check-Ins

Sep 29, 2018
NICOLAS NOUVEL
south side of the loop is at times very difficult to follow because the flares are poorly marked. that portion is also overgrown and floored. had o… 9.5mi
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