Highlight Hiker Blog

April 22, 2022

Norvin Green State Forest
Highlands Trail West
hiking - foot traffic only

This was the last remaining section that I had to conquer in Norvin Green State Forest: a little section that connected Norvin Green to Newark-Pequannock Watershed. And, when I say “little” I say there involved a climb or two and 5+ miles of woods walking. I twisted my ankle a bit on the descent from Buck Mountain so on my way back, I opted to road walk rather than going up and over again. No need to risk injury and potentially delay the season before it’s gotten started, amiright?

It was a great hike, despite, and I have to say that it much easier to get up Buck Mountain than to get down Buck Mountain! No matter if you are climbing it’s east face or west face!

This section of the Highlands does demand some road walking through a local lake community, but it was very pleasurable and easy going. People said hello as I passed and no one looked at me cross-eyed wondering what the heck I was doing. There are restricted areas on the westernmost edge of Norvin Green, before it connects with Newark-Pequannock watershed, so just stick to the trail and try not to veer off of it, despite the tempting little unmarked trails. The restricted areas are private property, so it’s just a matter of respect, y’know?

Overall, pleasurable hike. Well traveled and it’s actually quite easy once you get over Buck Mountain and you can really pick up the pace. It’s not my favorite section of the Highlands Trail, but there certainly wasn’t anything terrible about it. I smiled the whole way through, so that ought to count for something!

Map It

Norvin Green State Forest

Highlands Trail

Total Mileage:
5.54 miles

Total Elevation:
1,187 feet

I started out at the overflow parking area on Otter Hole Road and walked down to the trail head that would connect me to the Highlands Trail.
Otter Hole was easy to cross, even though the winter runoff had raised the water level.
Reaching the Highlands Trail head
Headed west and up Buck Mountain
This is the calm before the rising storm!
Straight up, no stopping, climb, climb, climb!
Even though I hadn't reached the summit of Bucks Mountain, I couldn't resist a photo of the view!
On a clear day you can see the Manhattan Skyline
Photos never quite capture the way it actually looks, it's either too distant, or too close. This was the wide angle photo.
Don't look down!!
Still more climbing to go
From the top of Bucks Mountain
Can't get enough of that skyline!
You get the reward of a beautiful vista after your ascent.
A city so nice they named it twice!
Moving on... this is the view from the western face of Bucks Mountain. Then it was the long slog downhill.
You come off the mountain and immediately onto the road.
Turning left onto Crescent and following Crescent uphill through the lake community until it reaches the woods.
But it's a very nice community to wander in.
The road was in good shape, and the residents were kind to me when they drove by.
No sidewalks, so take care. The trail is well marked.
This little wall marks the entry to the trail. Private property lines both sides, so please be respectful and stick to the trail.
Oh! Hello, little snake! Aren't you adorable sitting there warming yourself in the sun!
As you approach the Newark-Pequannock Watershed park border, there are unmarked trails and woods roads that lead this was and that. The Highlands is well marked and easy to follow. Flat and fast, too!
Magnolias on the return road walk back to the car.