|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: This is a pleasant, short hike to some outstanding viewpoints to the east, southwest, west and northeast. Its a great place for a picnic lunch. Starting at parking on Stonetown Rd, follow the road south for a short distance to the blue blazed Highlands Trail (just before junction with Westbrook Rd). Turn left (east) into the woods and begin a gradual climb up the south slope of Windbeam Mountain. You will see a few limited viewpoints along the way. The trail levels out, then after a short downhill section it joins the red & white blazed Stonetown Circular Trail. Together they climb to the top of Windbeam Mountain. Reaching the top you will come to several outstanding viewpoints, the best of which comes after a short descent into a shallow ravine and climb up the other side. From here, retrace your steps to the junction of the Highlands and Stonetown Circular Trail and return via the Stonetown Circular. Trailhead: Route 287 to Wanaque (511) exit. Proceed north on Ringwood Ave (CR 511). Make a left on West Brook Road, cross bridge and bear right at split onto Stonetown Rd. There is parking for two cars on the right shoulder just south of the Stonetown Circular trailhead (blazes are white with red triangle). Leave "hiking" note on dashboard. More parking is available at the athletic fields a few hundred yards to the north and on the left. (Lat:41.077017 Lon:-74.304583) Trail Guides for Windbeam Mountian : New Jersey Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (973) 835-3600 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 50 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ambler on 3/2/2012 Walked this this past weekend: a favorite trail for a short hike with lots of reward. Trail was in good condition, no one else on it. There were a few people enjoying the view from the first peak, none on the second. A portion of the Stonetown Circular trail appears to have been realigned since last summer. It now swings around the south side of Little Windbeam and joins the Highlands trail earlier than it used to. I came back down on the old trail (red dot blaze) and it looks like it still gets some traffic but there are a lot of trees down and erosion is obviously a problem. 
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/1/2012 This hike seemed very nice, but hasn't been cleared since the october 2011 snow. Many trees down and very muddy. We turned around after 15 minutes. January 2011
Reviewed by Bill S. on 12/1/2011 I've been passing this mountain for years and always wondered if there was a trail up to the top . Well through googling it I found it ! Thanks Brian ! Love , love , love this trail ! Especially bushwacking straight up to the top from directly across from the ball fields lot . By the time I got to the top climbing all those rocks I was whooped ! Awesome views . I took the blue back down - nice winding , gradual decline back down . I'll be back soon !
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/23/2011 Difficult but rewarding hike with great views of Wanaque Reservoir. Started at the Stonetown Rec. Area with lots of parking and took the red trail to meet up with the Highlands trail. Continued on HT all the way to Bear Mnt and back. A Great hike.
Reviewed by devin on 4/19/2009 The stonetown circular is where it's at, but Windbeam is at the very moment engulfed in fire. It's not gunna be the hike it used to be anymore :(.
Reviewed by AHL124 on 6/16/2008 Did this hike on 6.14.08 but as an end to end from Board Mtn over Bear Mtn to Windbeam Mtn. The climb up Board Mtn was intense. Very peaceful part of the highland trail not many people but plenty of deer. I believe that it was around a 5 mile hike. Also took awhile to find the end spot to park. We park at the stonetown rec center. trail was across the stonetown rd. Would do this one again.
Reviewed by Nick on 12/5/2007 Have done this hike many times. I love it because it's short but a great workout. Years ago, my friends and I hauled a motorcycle battery, antenna and cb equipment to the top and talked all over NJ. Most other times it was nice to just hike up and spend a day sitting on the rocks.
Reviewed by Eric on 9/27/2007 I did the whole Stonetown Circular last July and the trail was surrounded by wild blackberries and blueberries. Delightful and delicious! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Jersey Hiking, New Jersey Trails, New Jersey Hikes, Passaic County Hiking, Passaic County Trails, Passaic County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
