Where am I going?
Highlight Hiker Blog
May 13, 2021
Long Pond Ironworks
Former Hewitt-Butler/New Tapawingo
What do you call a trail when it is in the process of being re-blazed and renamed? I dunno. That’s why the title of this trail is so long! Ridiculous, I know, but what am I gonna’ do? The trail is still the Hewitt-Butler but by 2022 it will be the Tapawingo. The west side of the Tapawingo has been modified, but the east side has not. So… it is, as they say, in limbo. Poor trail. No one likes to live in limbo.
I hiked it anyway.
It was a short section, really. Just a simple out and back with slippery rock and blow downs, climbs, ridge walks, green forest and lots of little friends occupying the woods. It was this particular day that I noticed I hadn’t seen squirrels, chipmunks or deer and wondered why. The trees did leaf out a little earlier than last year, so maybe it just feels like they aren’t out and about yet but still… all I spotted were the tiniest of forest friends.
This section of trail was pretty cool because it butts up against the border of Jungle Habitat (with a fence). The newest version of the NY/NJ TC map #115 indicates that in 2022 there will be access points from Jungle Habitat onto the Tapawingo at two points: north and south. It was very fun while I was wandering to try and deduce where these intersections will be.
And it was one of those spring days that I’m always so grateful for: sunshine but not overly warm, with big puffy clouds casually floating across the sky. I couldn’t have been happier.
The trail, however, is a one-way uphill kind of trail coming from the east on the Burnt Meadow Loop. It even feels like you’re moving upward when you’re descending. So a lot of constant climbing (though none of it steep) that just makes going back that much more pleasant. And fast.
I suppose when the Tapawingo opens officially I’ll come back and do this section all over again. I can’t say I’m in a particular rush for it. The few scenic views were nice but fairly overgrown. And there wasn’t much about this trail that I felt really stood out in any particular way (except the name Tapawingo). In fact, looking at the photos I had a tough time remembering which trail this was sooooo…. I don’t mean to sound glib but this trail was a bit forgettable. Who knows? Maybe when the new alterations have been made, the Tapawingo loop will be a real stand-out! Especially if you can link it to Jungle Habitat, which is one of my favorites.
Long Pond Ironworks
Former Hewitt-Butler/New Tapawingo
Total Mileage:
Not Calculated
Total Elevation:
Not Calculated
The trail begins with nice, easy terrain but that changes, as it always does around here.
The green blaze is for the Burnt Meadow Trail, and the blue blaze is for the Tapawingo as they converge west of Burnt Meadow Road.
It was May and forest was gloriously green everywhere, whether the sun was shining or not. Luckily for me, the sun was shining.
The first view comes just before the Tapawingo splinters off from the Burnt Meadow loop. This spectacular scenic point is slowly growing over, but in the sun, it is a warm respite against the rock,.
You can see the potential view between the trees but in a few years, it might be too dense to even see that.
From here, the blazes are marked with the former Hewitt-Butler blues. They're pretty beat up and some have no paint left at all.
I saw very little wildlife on this trail, but what I did see were a lot of fallen timber.
This little spot was super slick. I slipped and nearly fell in both directions on this out and back trail. It is seasonal, however, and might not be an issue come the hot dry months.
These trees were tougher to get around than I had hoped.
This seldom used trail is pretty overgrown. I don't think I'd want to travel on it during deer tick nymph season!
If you look closely, you can see the fence that is the border between Jungle Habitat and Long Pond Ironworks. That will probably not be removed when the connectors are built, but rather cut into, as they are within Jungle Habitat.
This section of the trail seems to climb endlessly up hill on a long diagonal.
The one bit of wildlife I did spot was this beautiful bright Scarlet Tanager! Oh, my heart! I love these birds so!
You'd think just because you reached the ridgeline, you were done climbing. But this trail has a few surprises in store!
This view is equally beautiful and equally overgrown as the first. The hot, exposed ridge carries on for sometime, even though this little spot is the only spot where you can glimpse the world before you through the trees.
I suppose if I were a little bit taller I could see this view a little bit better!
My favorite: ridge walking!
I love knowing that I am able to walk on this ancient stone which has supported the footsteps of many people for thousands of years before mine.
Ducking under the shade of the forest, the hike hugs the ridge sporadically.
It dips down and then will climb up again.
Well, well, well! What do we have here? Another downed tree.
Climbing back up, and still hugging the ridge.
Until the trail once again leads you over the crest.
And once again you can see the potential for a view.
The trail then comes to an intersection. The blaze takes a hard right turn, but there is an unmarked trail that continues ahead. This is looking at the official trail.
Water pools in the forest below the trail, creating a little haven for wildlife and wood frogs.
I particularly liked this little bit of trail that clung to the old rock.
You can tell there is a difference in the feel of this place as you transition from Long Pond Ironworks to Norvin Green State Forest.
Jungle Habitat is no longer to the west. Rather, it is now Private Property and there are signs every 1/4 mile or so to let you know: No Trespassing.
Beginning at the junction of Norvin Green, the trail widens to a woods road.
And there is still no trespassing allowed.
An old carriage road, perhaps?
I did a little research and I think this is an Eastern Tent Caterpillar. Regardless, he's a cute little fella!
You can tell you're on a more common trail in a more common park when you see rusting human trash on the side of the trail.
Ah! My destination: the Overlook Rock trail junction!
Turning around and heading back was much the same as before - you climb for a bit and then the long descent back to Burnt Meadow Road.
Remember the unmarked trail I told you about? You can see it in this photo on the right. There is water pooling in tire tracks.
You can up and over the hot exposed ridge line, or you can take an unmarked side trail and stay in the cool, shady forest. But you are taking a risk by going that way since the two trails don't intersect directly and bushwhacking becomes involved, which damages the delicate ecosystem.
I chose the hot ridgeline. But I am a sucker for them, so OF COURSE I chose the ridgeline.
The lush, dense forest of Long Pond Ironworks. I have a affinity for this park and it's quiet, unassuming trails.