High Mountain Preserve Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Get lost in the woods of High Mountain Preserve in the middle of urban NJ while experiencing an awesome view of the NY City skyline to the east from the peak of High Mountain - reportedly the first land sighted by Henry Hudson. Then plunge into the heavily wooded areas of the preserve before rising up Beech Mountain to a view to the west of the NJ Highlands and Pyramid Mountain.

From Red Trail Parking Lot take the Red-Blazed Trail until you meet the Yellow Blaze Trail. Take the Yellow Blaze Trail uphill to the top of High Mountain. Looking east you can see the NYC skyline in the near distance. Note there are two viewpoints, one a little below the actual top.

At the top, head west across the field looking for the Yellow Blaze Trail. Take the trail downhill as it winds along the edge of a ravine. Eventually you'll intersect with the Red-Blazed Trail; cross it and continue on Yellow Blaze Trail until you come to Reservoir Rd at the very north. Head to the left along the edge of the road until you see the trail enter the woods. This is now the Orange Blaze Trail (6 months ago, and on maps, it is a continuation of the Yellow Blaze Trail, but the yellow blazes have been painted over in orange).

Shortly you'll come to the White Blaze Trail. At this time stay on the Orange Blaze Trail and take it uphill, heading south. Eventually the trail will turn back to the north and shortly thereafter you'll come to a ridge on the left with a view point west; climb the ridge. If you look carefully at the mountains in the distance you can see a cut where I-287 runs and you should be able to see trucks on the highway. This is also a good lunch spot.

The Orange Blaze Trail continues on, but backtrack to the intersection with the White Blaze Trail. The White Blaze Trail goes past a small reservoir (Ancient's Pond) and then a golf course. The trail is poorly blazed by the golf course; continue to head south, parallel to the golf course wall (do not veer too far from the wall) and you'll eventually pick up the blazes again.

The White Blaze Trail will eventually turn east and start to climb. At the top of the climb you'll meet the Red-Blazed Trail. Take it to the right and back to the parking lot (on the way you'll cross the Yellow Blaze Trail where you climbed to High Mountain).

Saw Whitetail deer on the trail and three Red Tail hawks were circling overhead.