Hike of the Week 1/13/2006

Description:

The Flat Rock Brook Nature Center manages a 150-acre tract in Englewood that has been protected from development. It includes the 75-acre Allison Woods Park, established in 1924 under the will of William O. Allison, and an additional 75 acres acquired by the City of Englewood over a ten-year period beginning in 1968. The preserve has 3.6 miles of trails, and the hike described below forms a loop around the property.
        From the parking area, head downhill to the Nature Center building, where you can pick up a free trail map. Find the trailhead of the White Trail, marked by a triple white blaze, directly opposite the entrance to the Nature Center building. Head north on this trail, which follows a wide path. The Red Trail soon joins from the right and leaves to the left, but you should continue ahead on the White Trail, which gradually ascends the hill on switchbacks. At the top of the hill, you’ll come to the Outdoor Classroom. Here, the Red Trail joins from the left. You should turn right, now following the joint White and Red Trails.
        Soon, the Red/Blue Trail leaves to the left. Continue along the joint White and Red Trails, but when the White Trail turns sharply left, proceed straight ahead on the Red Trail for about 50 feet to a southwest-facing overlook, marked by a rock parapet. Interstate Route 95 can be seen through the trees straight ahead (the sounds of the traffic can also be heard). The tall building in the foreground is the Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck. On a clear day, you can see the First Watchung Mountain in the distance.
        Retrace your steps to the junction and turn right to continue on the White Trail. Just ahead, at a T-intersection, the White Trail turns right and joins the Blue Trail. When the White Trail leaves to the right, continue straight ahead on the Blue Trail. Follow the Blue Trail as it loops around, first to the east, then to the north. The trail runs close to the perimeter of the nature center property, with private residences visible through the trees.
        At a sign for “Bridge Over Look,” the Blue Trail arrives at a T-intersection with the Red Trail. Turn right and follow the Red Trail, which begins a gentle descent. At the next Y-intersection, bear right onto the Yellow Trail, which continues to descend a little more steeply, then levels off.
        When the Yellow Trail makes a sharp right turn, adjacent to a yellow “B.C.U.A.” sign, continue straight ahead, now following the Green Trail. To the right is Flat Rock Brook, which soon widens into MacFadden’s Pond, named for the physical culturist Bernarr MacFadden (1868-1955), who lived nearby in the early 1900s.
        At the end of the pond, you’ll notice (to the right) a wooden bridge over its outlet. This bridge is known as the “Mystery Bridge” because it mysteriously appeared over one weekend. Just below the bridge, you may observe attractive cascades if the water level in the brook is high. This is a good place to take a break.
        Continue ahead along the brook, now following the Red Trail. This is the most scenic portion of the hike, with the brook tumbling over rocks to your right. The trail descends on a moderate grade, with wooden steps provided along the steeper sections.
        When you reach a T-intersection at the bottom of the hill, turn left, following the sign pointing to the “Nature Center.” The Red Trail now ascends steadily. When you reach the top of the climb, turn right onto a wide path, again following the sign to the “Nature Center.” Continue ahead to the paved road, with the Nature Center building directly in front of you. Turn left and return to the parking area where you began the hike.

V3 Last updated: April 1, 2006   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.