I found this lovely, somewhat remote area on the awesome
Birding and Wildlife Trails website run by the NJ Audubon Society. There aren't any views (though
there is a look-out denoted on the map, which is probably seasonal) but lots of climbing through lush forest, an abandoned reservoir and a nice stretch which parallels
the beautiful Roaring Rock Creek.
We parked in the lot right off of Harmony-Brass Castle Road where there is enough room for at least six cars. Following this map, we first headed west along White doing the entire 1.9-mile loop before arriving back at Roaring Rock Creek. We then took the Blue trail east along the creek and climbed to the summit (there was no view at the spot marked "East Overlook") before returning back to the creek by taking the leg of White (again) from the summit to the creek. We then explored the abandoned reservoir before heading east from the parking area to the picnic bench on the Family Trail. The map shows this as a loop but it ends at the picnic area. Total distance hiked was 3.6 miles in 2.75 hours with a fair amount of climbing.
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Room for 5-6 cars |
Beer-proof trash container |
White trail head |
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Side visit to... |
...abandoned reservoir |
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Back on White |
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Roaring Rock Creek |
He never left! |
Ruins below [photo by Laura] |
Now climbing... |
...and climbing... |
...on White |
Blurry White-breasted Nut Hatch |
Gorgeous greens... |
...along the way |
Partial view east |
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Wild turkey |
Path levels a bit |
Parallel paths |
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Tree-hugger [photo by Laura] |
"Big Oak Tree" denoted on map |
Heading to... |
...view-less summit |
Heading back down... |
...on White to... |
Roaring Rock Creek |
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[Photo by Laura] |
Laura in Roaring Rock Creek |
Mushrooms and cascades |
Hut across creek |
Tiny frog |
Climbing again, this time on Blue |
Limited view from "East Overlook" |
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Very limited view |
A bit overgrown in places |
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Bridge over... |
...Roaring Rock Creek |
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Hole filled with water |
Cascade behind... |
...the reservoir |
Photo from above |
Stretching |
Path along... |
...edge of... |
...abandoned reservoir |
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Roaring Rock Creek |
Heading back to car |
Our lunch spot [photo by Laura] |
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