Noon O' Clock Hiking Series - Norvin Green & Ice Cream

Okay, everyone! It’s been a while, but itching to get back into hiking shape with you guys, and the weather looks great for Saturday. i haven't done this one in ages, but it's a great hike. It's a very well-marked trail, with a breathtaking panoramic lunch spot and a water fall. There are no bathrooms last I checked, or running water, so fill up water bottles at home. And make sure you’re parking by the old Weis ecology center, not the lot by otter hole! I think I fixed it on google maps but it’s right off snake den road.

So the last time I did this wasn't great. Parking was tight, and I ended up losing a lot of the group, because half the group couldn't keep up with the ones that wanted to go fast. I think I need to say that this is a tough hike, so if you're a first-time, this probably isn't for you. If you want to hike fast, hike with another group. We will aim to do 2 mph though (not slow, not fast), as it gets dark around 5:30 now. We'll also be starting at 12:00 SHARP (or as close as I can get to it; no 12:30 start.) Afterwards, we'll stop off at this place in Wanaque. From what I remember, they have great ice cream. Hope you see you there!

Hike Directions: Overview: GREEN (Otter Hole) – BLUE (Hewitt Butler) – RED on WHITE CIRCLE (WCI) – WHITE (Lower) – WHITE (PBT – Post Brook Trail) – BLUE (Hewitt Butler) – GREEN (Otter Hole).

0.0 – Start following GREEN, which is the paved road/trail that runs from the end of the parking lot, by the gate and some signs, between a stream and a field.

After the field, GREEN goes to the right of the Highlands Natural Pool, and then veers left where there are several different trail markers on a tree in addition to GREEN.

Head uphill past a few water cascades, through a rocky section and bridge, then cross a woods road to a trail kiosk.

0.4 – At the trail kiosk, start following Hewitt-Butler (BLUE). [GREEN goes right, YELLOW DOT on WHITE CIRCLE starts and is co-aligned with BLUE]

0.6 – Continue following (BLUE). [YELLOW trail leaves to the left]. Head steeply uphill to several viewpoints.

1.0 – Continue following Hewitt-Butler (BLUE). [WHITE goes off to the right]

Head uphill past a large glacial erratic with a BLUE blaze on it.

1.3 – Turn LEFT towards a large rock painted with “HI POINT”, an arrow, RED on WHITE CIRCLE and a TEAL blaze.

1.4 – Arrive at High Point for a 360 degree view of the area. On a clear day the New York City skyline is visible. This is a terrific spot for a break.

2.1 – Turn RIGHT, now following WHITE (Lower). (detour a few steps straight past the turn for a pretty stream). [RED on WHITE CIRCLE (WCI) and TEAL continue straight over a stream].

3.4 – Wooden arrow signs: Weis 2.4 miles, Carris, PBT. Continue following WHITE (Lower) as it passes the end of YELLOW (Carris) on the right, goes over a rock, and veers to the left.

Soon, arrive at a junction at a bend in a brook with wooden arrows for E and W PBT, Lower, Chik Falls, O-H Prkg, Carris.

Turn RIGHT, now following WHITE (PBT) to the west. [WHITE (PBT) also goes to the left, east. WHITE (Lower) ends]. GPS:PBT/Lower

3.8 – Chikahoki Falls. To view the falls them from the front instead of the side, rock hop or cross fallen trees if the water level allows it.

Continue following WHITE (PBT) up sharply to the right as it passes by the top of the falls.

4.0 – Start following BLUE (Hewitt-Butler) and TEAL (Highlands). [WHITE (PBT) ends. BLUE/TEAL are also to the right] GPS: WHITE/BLUE/TEAL

4.3 – Continue on BLUE (Hewitt-Butler)/TEAL (Highlands Trail) passing YELLOW on the right and then left. GPS: BLUE-TEAL/YEL(WC)1 and 2

4.6 – Continue on BLUE (Hewitt-Butler)/TEAL (Highlands Trail) [Unmarked trail on left].GPS: BLUE/UNMRKED

4.9 ­– Junction of BLUE (Hewitt-Butler)/TEAL (Highlands) and the start of GREEN (Otter Hole) on the right. GPS: BLUE/TEAL/GREEN

Veer LEFT on BLUE to check out Otter Hole – a nice water cascade that makes for a good break spot.

Retrace your steps to the junction with GREEN. Now follow GREEN/TEAL.

5.3 – Sign: Weis/Pkg is 1.6 miles. Continue straight, now following just GREEN. [YELLOW crosses the trail, TEAL leaves to the left].

5.5 – An overlook to the west. Continue on GREEN (Otter Hole), mostly level with minor elevation change.

6.2 – Continue on GREEN (Otter Hole). [RED (WCI – Wyanokie Circular) crosses left and right (to High Point)]. Sign: Weis/Pkg is 1.3 miles.

6.5 – Continue on GREEN (Otter Hole). [WHITE (Macopin) starts on the right and leads to High Point.]

Continue on GREEN (Otter Hole) as it joins and leaves a rocky woods road.

7.3 – At the trail kiosk from the beginning of the hike, turn LEFT to retracing your steps on GREEN (Otter Hole) back to the lot.

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