Abram S. Hewitt State Forest
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Park Overview:
With its many overlooks, colorful bedrock, and stunted pitch pines, Abram Hewitt State Forest encompasses part of the Bearfort Ridge, one of the most picturesque mountain ridges in all of New Jersey.
Park Description:
Abram S. Hewitt State Forest
The 2,000-acre Abram S. Hewitt State Forest encompasses a section of the Bearfort Ridge between Greenwood Lake and Upper Greenwood Lake, north of Warwick Turnpike. Bearfort Ridge, formed of the unusual Schunemunk conglomerate or "puddingstone," is an anomaly in the midst of the Highlands. With its many overlooks, colorful bedrock, and stunted pitch pines, it is one of the most picturesque mountain ridges in all of New Jersey. The challenge: conglomerate is hard and does not erode easily, so all of the trails "climb steeply" in places.
See also Wawayanda State Park for a description of the Terrace Pond area which is geologically similar to and located south of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest.
Trails Overview:
Abram Hewitt State Forest in New Jersey is isolated and accessible only on foot. The popular 6.0-mile Bearfort Ridge Loop (green) offers a loop hike from Warwick Turnpike. Other trails are the Ernest Walter Trail [1.9 miles; yellow] and the State Line Trail [1.2 miles; blue on white], which provides access from Lakeside Road (County Route 511). In addition, the Appalachian Trail [white] traverses the northwest corner of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest and leads into New York State. These trails are often combined to create interesting and scenic loop hikes.
Use Web Map link on this site for a NJ State Park Service trail map. Can also purchase North Jersey Trails map set with more detailed trail information.
View detailed descriptions of hikes in Abram Hewitt State Forest.
Park Acreage:
1204.00 acresMunicipality:
HewittWith its many overlooks, colorful bedrock, and stunted pitch pines, Abram Hewitt State Forest encompasses part of the Bearfort Ridge, one of the most picturesque mountain ridges in all of New Jersey.
Abram S. Hewitt State Forest
The 2,000-acre Abram S. Hewitt State Forest encompasses a section of the Bearfort Ridge between Greenwood Lake and Upper Greenwood Lake, north of Warwick Turnpike. Bearfort Ridge, formed of the unusual Schunemunk conglomerate or "puddingstone," is an anomaly in the midst of the Highlands. With its many overlooks, colorful bedrock, and stunted pitch pines...
Park Acreage:
1204.00 acresMunicipality:
HewittContact Information
Web Link:
Abram S. Hewitt State ForestPhone:
(973) 853-4462Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
- Southern end of the state forest: There are two close-by parking spots, each with a few roadside spaces. Take Greenwood Lake Turnpike [County 511] west to Greenwood Lake. Where the road becomes the Warwick Turnpike, the first parking area is on the right, 0.3 mile west of the intersection with Union Valley Road [County 513]. This parking area serves the 6.0-mile Bearfort Ridge Loop (green), which is accessed via the short black-square-on-green-blazed Bearfort Ridge Spur. The second parking area is about 0.3 mile further, and serves the Terrace Pond North Trail [blue]. GPS Coordinates: 41.15644, -74.363696
- Northeastern end of the state forest: Take Greenwood Lake Turnpike [County 511] west to Greenwood Lake, turn right on Lakeside Road [which continues as County 511] to Greenwood Lake Marina at the state line -- parking across street from the marina. From this point, the 1.2-mile, very steep State Line Trail [blue on white] climbs the ridge to end at the Appalachian Trail. GPS Coordinates (approximate): 41.173824, -74.341545
- Public transportation: NJ Transit Bus #197 to Warwick Turnpike and Union Valley Road, or the Greenwood Lake Marina. Check bus schedule because not every bus goes as far as Greenwood Lake. In general, service to Greenwood Lake is provided once every two hours.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
NJ Transit Bus #197 to Warwick Turnpike and Union Valley Road, or the Greenwood Lake Marina. Check bus schedule because not every bus goes as far as Greenwood Lake. In general, service to Greenwood Lake is provided once every two hours.
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