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Highlight Hiker Blog
March 12, 2021
Norvin Green State Forest
Hewitt-Butler Trail, Torne Mountain Trail & Osio Rock
The combination of the Hewitt-Butler Trail and Torne Mountain Trail are one of the most popular destinations for hikers from the Tri-State area. And it’s not surprising at all. It’s long 360 degree views, waterfalls, and challenging ascents and descents in a compact few miles make it an excellent adventure on a perfect sunny afternoon.
But who is it named after? Butler and Hewitt are both nearby villages, yes, but… who is the Hewitt of Hewitt-Butler fame? Well, prepare to look like the smartest person in your hiking group, because I’m going to tell you!
Hewitt is Abram S. Hewitt. But what made him so special that he has a popular trail named after him? And not just a popular trail, but a state forest in West Milford (find it HERE). And not just a popular trail and a state forest, but a community located within West Milford called Hewitt. And not just a popular trail, a state forest and a community located within West Milford but a hall in Barnard College. And a public school in the Bronx. And a 20’ historic memorial column. And a white marble statue! AND A FIREBOAT. Wha’???? Lucky sonofa…
But to know Abram Hewitt is to know the history of iron ore in northern New Jersey. And I’m about to impress you with one of the shortest summaries of a lengthy history you’ve ever read.
Cornelius Board first bought property between Wanaque and the Ringwood River to start mining for precious metals in 1740. Another family, the Ogden’s, moved in nearby and in 1792 they built the first blast furnace, and created an iron ore mining company which is aptly named, Ringwood Company.
After 20 years, the Ogden’s moved out and the area was leased by the British to Peter Hasenclever, a German dude who exploited 50,000 acres of land looking to make a fortune in iron ore. But despite his progress, he lost it all and in 1771. England sent in one Robert Erskine to manage the iron ore company in Ringwood. Erskine was an indelible figure in the Revolutionary War, not only helping the colonists with iron products and land usage, but he became George Washington’s map maker. Don’t cause to worry - we’ll get into Erskine’s past in another entry.
In 1807, Martin J. Ryerson (I could go on with Groundhog Day Ned Ryerson quotes here, but I will spare you. You’re welcome) bought the Long Pond Ironworks and was the first person to establish residence where the current Ringwood Manor stands.
Now here’s where it gets interesting…
In 1853 Peter Cooper (of Cooper Union fame) bought the property from Ryerson. At the time, his son Edward was managing Trenton Ironworks with his BFF: ABRAM HEWITT. Actually, Abram was married to Peter’s daughter/Edward’s sister, Amelia. And it is Amelia that we have to thank for the current Ringwood Manor.
We’ll get to Amelia and her Manor house another day (because it’s really fascinating) but I will tell you that while the couple lived primarily in New York City, they spent their summers here in at Ringwood Manor.
For the time being, let’s get back to Abram S. Hewitt. Now that you know when he lived (=cough cough= born July 31, 1822 in Haverstraw NY, died January 18, 1903 in Manhattan), I’m going to give you a swift list of the things he accomplished in his life.
As I mentioned before, he founded the Trenton Iron Company in 1845.
He supervised the construction of Cooper Union, which is a free education school in NYC.
He contributed to the reorganization of the Democratic Party in 1871 after successfully helping to bring down the corrupt Tweed-Tammany ring.
He served two terms in the House of Representatives from 1875-1879 and again from 1881-1886.
He was Chairman to the Democratic Party from 1876-1877
He was the 87th Mayor to NYC from from 1887-1888
He is known as the “Father of the New York Subway System” as he created the plan and the funding for the construction of the beloved subway.
He turned the tiny little C&O train line into the Virginian Railroad, which was given the moniker “richest little railroad in the world”.
He had six children: three daughters, Amy, Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, and three sons, Peter Cooper Hewitt, Edward Ringwood Hewitt, and his youngest son Erskine Hewitt, who eventually gifted Ringwood Manor to the state of New Jersey in 1936.
With a legacy like that, with his dedication to service and love for the Ringwood area, he deserves to have a popular trail, a state forest, a community in West Milford, a hall at Barnard College, a public school in the Bronx, a 20’ column, a white marble statue AND A FREAKIN’ FIREBOAT named after him. If you want my personal opinion.
Butler is named after Richard Butler. He was an important fella, too. And part of the Continental Army. But this blog is getting quite lengthy, so we’ll discuss R. Butler another time.
Last piece of information: “Osio” is the Lenepe word for “beautiful view”
There’ll be a quiz after the photo gallery.
Norvin Green State Forest
Hewitt-Butler Trail, Torne Mountain & Osio Rock
Total Mileage:
2.4 miles
Total Elevation:
669 feet
There is a lot of parking in the overflow lot, except on weekends, when you should plan to arrive early or late to get a spot. Roadside parking is not allowed.
There is clear marking to show you the correct way to go from the overflow parking lot to get to the trailhead.
I opted to park in the overflow parking, even though there were a few spaces left available in the main parking lot. I had previously climbed the Hewitt-Butler (blue blaze) and didn't care to repeat it due to snow cover, so I took the Torne Trail (red blaze) instead.
I entered this section at this point, and headed directly up the red blaze to (re)join the Hewitt-Butler.
If you don't bring trekking poles, you will find one of these VERY handy through the several ascents and descents throughout these trails.
When I reached the Hewitt-Butler at the point where I left off in the winter, I turned right and headed up the mountain.
It was a nice, steady climb up to Torne Mountain.
Pieces of the trail were still snowy, but it was mushy snow and I didn't slip (unlike earlier in the season).
TA-DA! Not quite the top of Torne Mountain, but the first view was very pretty.
A little further to go before you hit the highest point on trail.
You know how I love ridge walks. This was less of a ridge walk and more like a mountaintop walk, though.
Now we're getting to that Torne Mountain scenic view!
You follow along the trail a short distance from here to get to the overlook. I would imagine that in any other warm season the trees would obstruct this view.
Tiny snow patches were holding on for dear life despite the sun warmed rock all around.
You can explore the rocky top of Torne Mountain to find the best viewing point.
Between the rocks is hard scrub and thorny plants that I don't know the names of. If you intend to walk around here, wear high socks and pants, lest ye be scratched.
The views from the trail were rather nice.
This is the money spot, though, for views. You can't miss it when you come to it. The higher you scramble up the rock, the better the view, and the nicer the breeze.
RIP Budd.
There is a partial ring at the top (not the highest point, but the top for the best view) where you can have a low seat on well placed rocks.
This is the perfect place to take off your shoes and socks and give those toes a wiggle in the breeze. But I don't recommend walking around barefooted: lots of broken glass on the ground from previous revelers.
That's the view you're looking for!
It stretches on as far as the eye can see!
Overall, a very lovely destination. But we're not done yet, here, folks. This is just the warm up!
This is why these trails are rated 'difficult'. I took the "easier" route for the views, but I needed trekking poles along the route.
Throughout the easier route there were splashes of magnificent views through the trees.
And then the NYC skyline comes into view. But we're still not at the top!
This was the only blow down I encountered and I was almost too short to get over it!
The trees were swayed gracefully in the breeze at the top of the mountain.
This was the nicest view on the easier route, but the trail suddenly descends downhill and I needed my poles. You lose the view very quickly on that climb down.
At the bottom of Torne Mountain, you're greeted with a picture perfect rest/snack spot by this brook, which I do not know the name of. This is where the Hewitt-Butler and the Torne Trail intersect. You could head back the way you came, or you could head out on the Torne, but then you would miss the grandeur of Osio Rock, which I think is a far better view.
Don't let the photo fool you - this is a steep and rocky area and requires healthy amounts of climbing in every direction.
Yep. That's the trail.
But I wasn't going in that direction yet! First, I followed the brook to another waterfall and then climbed up to Osio Rock.
Huge rocks tell the geological story of the mountains in this region.
The trail through this section isn't any easier than the climbs... it is full of roots and rocks that are hell bent on tripping your toes!
The Torne Trail ends here, and you pick back up on the Hewitt-Butler. There are blue blazes to the right, but clear signage states that the park is closed to humans on that side.
The climb to Osio Rock isn't tremendous, nor is it terribly steep, but it is not gradual and you will work for this view of Torne Mountain from whence you just came!
Along the climb to Osio Rock, you'll get a nice view of your "easier" descent on Torne Mountain and a swift appreciation for the effort you've put into this hike.
Along the way, you are halted by the beauty of several viewpoints.
Up and up you go further, and the views really begin to take shape.
Between each view is a lot of climbing, so these are nice spots just to stop and catch your breath!
As I reached Osio Rock, I startled a turkey vulture. Do you remember Sharon from my State Line hike? This is her brother, Rick. Nice guy. A little skittish, but really sweet.
After Rick left, I had the whole rock to myself. It took a little bit of route planning to get ON the rock, as I'm a bit short, but I managed to push and pull my way up the marked trail and NOT the cheater unmarked trail!
Aaaaaand it's a 360 knock out view!
Every direction you look, there is something out there in the distance to see.
New Jersey might not have the highest elevation along the Appalachian Mountain Range, but it does not disappoint with its views.
The climb down from Osio Rock required my full attention and my hands on poles. There was only one real place to stop, so there were no pictures on the way down. Here I am back at the trail intersection of Hewitt-Butler and Torne.
A small bit of hand over hand climbing, but after that the Torne gets much easier as it hugs the brook.
When the trail levels out, it is a delightful reward. Not especially rocky or rooty and despite the mud, I was able to make really good time. The long afternoon sun warmed my face and I rejoiced in accomplishing these two challenging trails at the southern most end of Norvin Green State Forest.