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 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 38 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
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!
Reviewed by weatherNOWcast on 4/6/2007 At least a dozen great views. Excellent site lines. The Highlands trail is very nice. I have hiked it four out of the last 5 days and have enjoyed it each day.
Reviewed by mike o on 1/25/2007 Terrific view. Fairly steep and steady climb. Walk up the teal trail and down the red blaze trail. A light snow made it an extra special hike today. 
Reviewed by KevinC on 11/28/2006 Trail was little difficult for beginners but the great view was the reward. The deer hunting season started on the day I went on hiking. The gun shots here and there made me nervous. I wouldn't do it again this time of the year. I went all the way around the Stonetown though.
Reviewed by Jeff on 11/11/2006 Difficult hike, less traveled locally leaves you less disturbed on weekend hikes. Great views of Ringwood and Wanaque and the Wanaque Reservoir.
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/23/2006 Don't wuss out, do the whole Stonetown Circular . 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||