Hike of the Week 7/20/2007

Description:

This hike traverses the 408-acre Eagle Rock Reservation. The reservation is located in the center of densely populated Essex County, but it is mostly undeveloped and features an extensive trail system. The Olmsted Brothers, who designed Central Park in Manhattan, contributed to the design of the reservation. The footpaths and dirt roads followed by this hike have gentle grades, and the hike is suitable for novice hikers and families.

        From the parking area, proceed ahead to the 9/11 Memorial. This beautiful and inspiring memorial to the tragic events of 9/11/01 is located at a panoramic viewpoint, from where the World Trade Center was visible. It affords a broad view over the New York City skyline, from the George Washington Bridge to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

        After taking some time to enjoy the view and contemplate the memorial, head north, towards the Highlawn Pavilion. Continue ahead under the awning of the pavilion and follow the service road that proceeds northward. At the next intersection, turn right and enter the woods on a footpath at a sign for the Lenape Trail.

        The yellow-blazed Lenape Trail follows a wide path along the side of a hill, parallel to Crest Drive on the left. You’ll pass several outcrops of the basalt rock that is characteristic of the Watchung Mountains, on which the reservation is located. (There are three Watchung ranges; Eagle Rock Reservation is part of the First Watchung.) Unlike the New Jersey Highlands, which are made of sedimentary rocks, the Watchungs are composed of igneous rock, formed of intrusions of magma that rose to the surface through cracks in the earth. (The Palisades are formed of a slightly different type of igneous rock known as diabase, which cooled beneath the surface of the ground.)

        In about half a mile, you’ll come to a fork, where you should bear left, continuing to follow the yellow blazes. Just beyond, the trail crosses Winding Way, a paved park road, diagonally to the right and continues along a chained-off dirt road. Here, a triple-blue blaze marks the start of the Blue Trail, and you follow both yellow and blue blazes along the road.  Soon, both trails bear right at a fork. At the next fork, the two trails diverge, and you should bear right to continue on the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail.

        Soon, the trail climbs past a large outcrop of Watchung basalt to the left. Then, after passing a green fence to the right, the trail emerges onto an open area, with an east-facing view from a rock outcrop at the edge of the escarpment. This spot is known as the North Lookout.

        The Lenape Trail now bears sharply left and descends (do not follow an unmarked path that continues north onto private property; the correct trail route is plainly marked with yellow blazes). At the base of the descent, the trail crosses a wide dirt road and continues ahead on another unpaved road.

        At the next intersection, with a huge stone residence visible ahead to the right, the Lenape Trail continues straight ahead, but you should turn left onto an unmarked dirt road that descends slightly. Soon, you’ll notice the intersection of Afterglow Avenue and Ravine Road to the right. Here, you turn left and continue along an unpaved road, with backyards of homes to the right.

        Just past the last home, you’ll reach an intersection with the Blue Trail. Turn right onto the Blue Trail, which enters the woods on a footpath. You’ll be following this trail for the next 1.3 miles.

        In about five minutes, you’ll come to a switchback, where the trail makes two sharp bends – first to the right, then to the left – to gain a little elevation. Just beyond, the trail crosses a grassy road, and a short distance further, it crosses another dirt road (known as the Broadwood Trail) diagonally to the left.

        After passing through a clearing with an understory of blueberries, the Blue Trail descends, crossing an intermittent stream at the base of the descent. It then crosses a dirt road (the Stony Brook Trail) and soon joins another road (the Edgewood Trail), which descends slightly.

        As the Blue Trail levels off, be alert for a double blaze that marks the point where the trail turns left on a footpath, leaving the road. Continue to follow the Blue Trail, which soon arrives at another dirt road (the Crosswood Trail). The trail turns left to cross the Stony Brook on a stone-faced bridge, then bears left and reenters the woods on a footpath, climbing gradually.

        After crossing the dirt road, the Blue Trail climbs a little further to end at a junction with the yellow-blazed Lenape Trail. Turn left on a grassy road, now following the yellow blazes, which soon bear right onto another grassy road.

        A short distance ahead, the Lenape Trail reaches a paved park road. The trail turns left to follow the road, but you should cross the road and continue ahead across the lawn to reach the parking area where the hike began.

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