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A challenging day run that highlights an ever-changing terrain in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest.


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Map Key

7.8

Miles

12.6

KM

89%

Runnable

1,388' 423 m

High

711' 217 m

Low

1,259' 384 m

Up

1,250' 381 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Spring · Views · Wildlife

There is no swimming allowed in either Surprise Lake or West Pond.

Overview

This run in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest has a bit of everything for the northern NJ runner. There are lakes, great views (including NYC skyline), minor rock scrambles, pitched pines, hemlock trees, and a few sections of steep incline to keep the heart pumping.

Need to Know

  • The exposed bedrock is covered with lichen, and on a wet day is extremely slippery. Even the slightest decline that would otherwise be routine becomes a challenge in the rain.
  • Parking off of Warwick Turnpike is very limited at the trailhead (41.155770, -74.362864). There are other turn-out parking spaces both east and west of the trailhead, but that means you'll have to hoof it a few minutes to get to the trail's start.
  • Parts of this State Forest are open to hunting.

Description

The run begins on the the white-blazed Bearfort Ridge Trail, just off of Warwick Turnpike. After a few minutes of running, it quickly turns uphill, with over 600 feet of elevation gain in about a mile. The first hill encountered is nominal, but the second you have to work for with an extended period of 15% grade or so. There is also a minor rock scramble at the top to add to the enjoyment.

The next 2.0 miles have minimal elevation gains and some obstructed views of the surrounding hillsides. Around the 2.6-mile mark, there is an interesting rock ledge/chasm to traverse. Soon after, there are good views of the distant rolling hills and eventually, just before the trail ends, you can see a portion of the NYC skyline on a clear day.

A few feet after the 3.0-mile mark, turn left (northwest) onto the yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail. This is a fabulous trail with lots of variety. First up is a quick detour taking the West Pond Overlook Spur to its namesake. Enjoy a great view from a rocky ledge just south of the pond.

Head back to the main trail and head northwest again, tackling a minor but tricky rock scramble and then turn northeast at approximately the 3.5-mile mark. Ernest Walter Trail continues for 0.7 miles across mostly flat terrain. Despite the mellow grade, it's still an interesting traversing sections of exposed bedrock that passes many odd-looking scrub pines.

Ernest Walter Trail ends (for now) when intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. Here, turn right (headed northbound) on the AT for about a half a mile, then turn right (south) onto State Line Trail, a rugged, rocky singletrack that goes straight downhill. At the overall 5.25-mile mark, start to look for the yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail again. This can be tricky to find, and more than one runner has continued down State Line Trail too far, only to have to head back up this steep hill.

Back on Ernest Walter Trail, it's 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 many people seem to ignore the restriction. Don't be one of them!

The orange-blazed Quail Trail bears left just after leaving Surprise Lake and it gradually descends from the northern ridges of the State Forest. It's a wide singletrack without views and fanfare, but still a very nice run in the woods. It's a little wet all-year round and very wet in the rainy seasons. It is also a welcome respite after completing other challenging trails in the park.

Quail Trail continues for 2.5 miles, almost directly to the parking area. It's easy to miss, but be sure to find the white-blazed Bearfort Ridge Trail off to the right at about the 8.15 overall mile mark. If you start to descend to Warwick Turnpike and you're not back on the white blazes, you missed it.

Flora & Fauna

Nestled in an isolated forest with no vehicle access, this run has many hemlock trees, scrub pines, and countless oak. Vultures, black bear, and many deer can be spotted.

Contacts

Shared By:

Lou Poulas

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 10 votes

#1864

Overall
  4.5 from 10 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in New Jersey

#1,864

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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
Boulders along the path at Bearfort Ridge
Jul 8, 2018 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
Mountain Laurel is EVERYWHERE on this trail. It's gorgeous!!
Jul 8, 2018 near West Mi…, NJ

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All Clear 46 days ago
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