Norvin Green State Forest
![View from Wyanokie High Point - Photo credit: Nicholas Rinaldi View from Wyanokie High Point in Norvin Green State Park - Photo credit: Nicholas Rinaldi](https://highlands-trail.org/sites/default/files/styles/hike_park_destination_page/public/park/25_NorvinGreen1_Rinaldi2012.jpg?itok=_u4C2QEU)
![View from Wyanokie High Point - Photo credit: Nicholas Rinaldi View from Wyanokie High Point in Norvin Green State Park - Photo credit: Nicholas Rinaldi](https://highlands-trail.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/park/25_NorvinGreen1_Rinaldi2012.jpg?itok=RVScVzOz)
Park Overview:
Norvin Green State Forest has one of the largest concentrations of trails in NJ. Nearly all are “difficult.” There are 27 scenic views, with names like “Wyanokie High Point” and “Yoo-Hoo Point.” Take rugged shoes.
Park Description:
Norvin Green State Forest:
With more than 5,000 acres, Norvin Green State Forest has one of the largest concentrations of trails in the state. Norvin Hewitt Green, nephew of Ringwood Manor owner Abram S. Hewitt, donated much of this land to the State of New Jersey in 1946. The state forest consists of two geographically distinct sections:
- South of West Brook Road: The section south of West Brook Road is often accessed from the New Weis Center. The trails in this area can also be accessed from the Otter Hole parking area on Glenwild Road at the West Milford/Bloomingdale border.
- North of West Brook Road: This geographically separate part of the Norvin Green Forest extends north of West Brook Road into the Monksville/Stonetown area. The North Jersey District Water Supply Commission also has watershed lands in this area to the west. Although the trail network in this area is not as extensive as in the area south of West Brook Road, several trails traverse the area, offering rugged climbs and expansive views.
Trails Overview:
South of West Brook Road
- This section of Norvin Green State Forest has the largest concentration of trails in the park, fifteen in all (if the co-aligned Highlands Trail is included). As a result, portions of many trails may be combined for loop hikes. There are at least sixteen "scenic views" identified on NY-NJ Trail Conference's North Jersey Trail Map #115, with names like "Wyanokie High Point," "Yoo-Hoo Point," and "Carris Hill."
- Alert: The trailhead for the Mine Trail/Wyanokie Circular Trail [yellow & red] is permanently closed by the landowner. This former trailhead is on Snake Den Road, near the Weis Ecology Center parking lot. Signs have been posted and access blocked at both ends of the private property. Please plan your hikes to enter and exit the forest trails at other locations. Use the Hewitt-Butler/Mine Trail [blue and yellow] via the Otter Hole Trail [green] from the Weis parking lot, or the Highlands Trail from West Brook Road/Townsend Road to the Roomy Mine Trail extension to access other trails Map of revised trail system.
- Trails range in length from 0.4 to 6.4 miles. The NJ Park & Forestry Service identifies ten trails, of which one is "easy," three "medium" and the rest "difficult." The "easy" Macopin trail [1.0 mile; white] requires walking in 1.5 miles on the "medium" Otter Hole Trail [green] to reach it. NY-NJ Trail Conference maps are located at kiosks and three trailheads. Total miles of trails: 29.5.
North of West Brook Road
- The northern section of the Hewitt-Butler Trail extends from the intersection of Greenwood Lake Turnpike & East Shore Drive in Hewitt southward to West Brook Road near the Ringwood/West Milford boundary [7.2 miles; blue]. Together with portions the Hewitt-Butler and Horse Pond Mountain [white] trails, the Burnt Meadow Trail [yellow] can be used to make a 5.8-mile "lollipop"-loop hike.
- Two new trails opened in summer of 2008. The two-mile Lake Sonoma Trail [orange] and the 1.6-mile Overlook Rock Trail [white] allow even more loop hikes and gorgeous views of the area. The Lake Sonoma Trail connects the Stonetown Circular Trail to the Overlook Rock Trail. The Overlook Rock Trail connects the Lake Sonoma Trail to two points along the Hewitt-Butler Trail
- The Stonetown Circular Trail's 9.4-mile loop is so strenuous that many hikers choose to cover only half of the trail at a time [red triangle on white] At least half the trail is within the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission watershed [see advisory below].
- There are four trails, ranging from 1.2 to 9.4 miles. Total miles of trails: 23.5
The Highlands Trail: Click here to go directly to information about the Highlands Trail in Norvin Green State Forest. Visit The Highlands Trail website for complete, accurate and up-to-date information about New Jersey's Millennium Trail, including trail descriptions, current trail conditions and maps.
Want to plan a specific hike in this park? See the "Find a Hike" page, scroll down the Parks column for "Norvin Green State Forest" where several appear.
Advisory: Hikers are asked to respect the property owners and stay on the trails. Failure to do so could jeopardize the generosity of the owners allowing the public to hike. Also, dogs MUST be leashed.
- Saddle Mountain to the west of Weis Ecology Center is private property and closed to hiking - but may reopen, watch this space.
- The state forest borders watershed lands adjoining the Wanaque Reservoir, which is patrolled by uniformed guards of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission. Hikers who enter the watershed are advised to remain on the marked hiking trails.
MAPS: Detailed trail maps are available for purchase from the Trail Conference (click link for North Jersey Trails on this site). In addition two NJ State Park Service maps are available free on-line. Use the Web Map link on this page to access the latest maps.
Park Acreage:
5416.00 acresMunicipality:
RingwoodNorvin Green State Forest has one of the largest concentrations of trails in NJ. Nearly all are “difficult.” There are 27 scenic views, with names like “Wyanokie High Point” and “Yoo-Hoo Point.” Take rugged shoes.
Norvin Green State Forest:
With more than 5,000 acres, Norvin Green State Forest has one of the largest concentrations of trails in the state. Norvin Hewitt Green, nephew of Ringwood Manor owner Abram S. Hewitt, donated much of this land to the State of New Jersey in 1946. The state forest consists of two geographically distinct sections:
- South of West...
Park Acreage:
5416.00 acresMunicipality:
RingwoodContact Information
Web Link:
NJ Parks & Forest ServicePhone:
(973) 962-7031Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leashHike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Trip Reports
rate experienceSee the follow link for details: http://www.njaudubon.org/sectioncenters/sectionweis/introduction.aspx. This only refers to the building, not to the trails or the parking.
Be sure to carry a map with you, since maps may or may not be available at the Trailhead Kiosk maintained by the NYNJTC. Links to free on line maps are available to download here: "Map of revised trail system" and a Simplified map and brochure may be download at this link". You can also order the NYNJTC North Jersey Trails map from the Trail Conference office through the link provided and if you can't wait for delivery, and have an iPhone or iPad, you can download the complete NYNJTC North Jersey Trails map set for your iPhone or iPad by continuing to follow links to the instructions for PDF maps