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Pyramid Mountain Loop


Highlights:

Nice views, glacial erratics including the famous Tripod Rock
Near:Montville, NJ
Scenery:
Distance:3.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:500 ft
Hike Time:2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Take the blue trail. It crosses a stream and follows the power lines for a short distance, then turns right and begins a short, but stiff climb to the top of Pyramid Mtn. There are nice views of the NYC skyline here. The trail then flattens out and passes through a mixed hardwood forest. Continue on the blue trail, until you come to a junction with the white trail. From here its a short side trip to Tripod Rock, which is a large boulder that was plunked down on 3 smaller rocks by the last glacier.
Then double back on the white trail and catch the blue trail again. It descends steeply, down a rocky slope and soon it reaches a wet area. It crosses a stream on a log bridge and passes by Bear Rock, one of the largest individual boulders in NJ. Turn left on the white trail, which follows Bear House Brook, then bear left on the red trail (this avoids the powerline route that the white trail follows). Follow the red trail back to the blue and the blue back to your car.

Trailhead: Route 23 to exit for CR-511 (Boonton Ave). Take Boonton Ave south for just over 4 miles and the Pyramid Mountain visitors center is on your right. Park here and catch the blue trail. (Lat:40.94727 Lon:-74.38695)
Trail Guides for Pyramid Mountain Loop:
Circuit Hikes in Northern New Jersey
by Bruce Scofield (NY/NJ Trail Conference)

Best Hikes With Children In New Jersey
by Arline Zatz (Mountaineers Press)

New Jersey Walk Book
by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Morris County Park Commission 973-326-7600
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted  43 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 4   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Gene O on 5/30/2009
Hiked this one with my son today looped up using the White Trail to Bear Rock. Followed the advice below to take the Orange trail for the view and it was way worth it.

Reviewed by Janet on 5/28/2009
My husband, 8 year old daughter and I really enjoyed this hike. However, all three of us (and the dog) came home with ticks. Not deer ticks, I don't think, but still a little creepy. Be careful!

Reviewed by Rick on 4/24/2009
Good hike, nice for the kids, cool rocks

Reviewed by Jerry G. on 2/28/2009
I enjoy doing this hike a lot. In fact, our troop will be hiking it in a few weeks. Hope there is no snow.

Reviewed by mike on 6/8/2008
went yesterday and had a great time. tripod rock was so cool. different Terrain keeps it interesting.lots of frogs and chipmunks. kids 10 and 14 liked it alot. worth the 2 hour drive. very glad we made the trip as a warm up for the elk trail.

Reviewed by Kenny on 5/24/2008
i found this trail very nice. i hiked it with a few of my friends and had a lot of fun. we didnt really stay on the trail at some parts and just blazed through the woods, going up to a peek going back down etc. the cliff is a nice sight very big, about 40-50 feet high and very long. there were some neat orange salamanders with some spots on them which was pretty cool. in general this is a good hike that you wont leave you disappointed at the end of the day

Reviewed by RS on 3/23/2008
Instead of turning back at tripod rock, continue on the white trail for 1/2 a mile or so and make a right at orange. You will come out on a rocky ledge with a great view - a good place for a short stop. Continue on the orange trail as it descends the ridgeline towards the reservoir. Orange trail hugs the edge of the reservoir. Look for beaver activity. At end of orange trail, follow yellow for a few hundred yards until it rejoins blue near the bridge back to the parking lot.

Reviewed by Hemal on 3/22/2008
A very easy, pleasant trail. We went there in early March and although the day was rainy, nevertheless we still enjoyed. The tripod rock is amazing - out of this world. In the middle of nowhere the rock stood out as if it was placed by an alien or something. Really marvelous. If you go to Pyramid mountina you must go and see the Tripod rock. The town of Booton is very quaint small town. Don't forget to stop at Heavenly Temptations coffee shop on Main st.


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, Morris County Hiking, Morris County Trails, Morris County Hikes

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