Hike #379 10/19/8
The group on Schooley's Mountain at the lookout, Patriot's Path and Highlands Trail
10/19/8 Highlands Trail; Schooley's Mountain-Stephens State Park with Jim "Mr. Buckett" Mathews, Shelly Janes, Matt "Henry" Fenimore, Fred Hafale, Glenn Oleksak, Jason-Michael "Jamal" Flintosh, Sue Bickford-Martin, Irina Kulikovskaya, Jean Fletcher, Craig Nunn, Jen Heisey, "Commando Tom" Petrucci, Kyle Zalinsky, "Amish Paul" and Wyatt Hassler.
Schoole'ys Mountain Park, Grand Loop Trail
Bee Line Trail, Schooley's Mountain Park
Columbia Trail in Long Valley
South Branch of the Raritan River along Patriot's Path, Long Valley
Orchard on Patriot's Path, Long Valley
Patriot's Path, Long Valley
Patriot's Path. Long Valley.
Patriot's Path, Long Valley
Patriot's Path, Long Valley
Chester Branch of the Central Railroad of NJ, Long Valley
CNJ Chester Branch trestle site
CNJ Chester Branch trestle site over the South Branch
Gas line bridge in Long Valley
The trees in Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
I don't remember who I was on the phone with. Probably @[33703319:2048:Raymond Cordts] who was supposed to come, but he turned around when he was like three miles away!
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Gas line bridge, Long Valley
Lake George, Schooley's Mountain
Falls on Electric Brook
At the Electric Brook falls
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
A former quarry along Patriot's Path and Highlands Trail
Quarry cliff in Schooleys Mountain park
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
Schooley's Mountain
Henry took this I think
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
Schooley's Mountain
Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
Schooley's Mountain
Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
View from Schooley's Mountain
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Falls on Electric Brook
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Boulder Gorge at Schooley's Mountain
Lake George, Schooley's Mountain Park
Lake George, Schooley's Mountain Park
Lake George, Schooley's Mountain Park
Fall foliage along Lake George
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
A muffler on a building?
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Patriot's Path
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path, Schooleys Mountain Park
Crossing Flocktown Road
Crossing Flocktown Road
Crossing Flocktown Road
At Flocktown-Kossman School
At Flocktown-Kossman School
At Flocktown-Kossman School
At Flocktown-Kossman School
Fall foliage along Patriot's Path and Highlands Trail near Flocktown
Patriot's Path on Schooleys Mountain
Fall fuzzies
Patriot's Path on Schooleys Mountain
Patriot's Path sign on Schooleys Mountain
Along Patriot's Path
Fall fuzzies
Along Patriot's Path
Patriot's path route on back roads
Patriot's Path route on back roads
Commando Tom is amazed by the mail box. It's amazing. Be amazed. Yes.
THERE'S ANOTHER AMAZING MAILBOX along Patriot's Path route
Patriot's Path route on back roads
Another mirror shot. This is on the Horse-Shoe Trail where it follows back roads out of Valley Forge
Patriot's path route on back roads
Section of Patriot's Path heading down Schooley's Mountain's north side
Back road section of Patriot's path
Back road section of Patriot's path
Patriot's Path on northern Schooleys Mountain
Old lime kiln on Patriot's Path
Nearing Hackettstown
Development view near Hackettstown
Overlooking Hackettstown
Trail descending to Hackettstown below Mount Olive
Development nearing Hackettstown below Mt. Olive
Development below Mt. Olive
View from the paved trail below Mt. Olive toward Hackettstown
View toward Hackettstown
Hackettstown Hospital in view
View of Hackettstown from base of Mt. Olive
Development path nearing Hackettstown
Development path near Hackettstown
Development path near Hackettstown. Future Patriot's Path.
Near Hackettstown
Near Hackettstown
Nearing Hackettstown on the development paths
Sue and Fred in Hackettstown
This was a must stop!
Wine making store!
Wine making store!
Wine tasting in Hackettstown
Wine tasting in Hackettstown
Wine tasting in Hackettstown
Wine tasting in Hackettstown
Wine place in Hackettstown
Goofing off, running and diving into leaves every time a car passes by, East Avenue in Hackettstown
Caballos
AY AY AY MIRA MIRA! CABALLO!
One eyed horse
Hola, senor caballo! Donde esta el bano de los muchachos?
Yo voy a la tienda de los caballos. si.
los caballos no esta muy gordo
me gusta dibujar en los caballos con mis amigos
Shelly's shrooms
Patriot's Path on abandoned Mine Road
Mine Hill Road, now Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail
Mine Hill Road, now Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail
Mine Hill Road, now Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail
Mine Hill Road, now Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail
Leaves. Yup.
Yup.
Yup. Looking up from Patriot's Path.
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Goofing off with an abandoned car along the Highlands Trail
Abandoned car along Highlands Trail
Abandoned car along Highlands Trail
Abandoned car along Highlands Trail
Abandoned car along Highlands Trail
Along Highlands Trail along the Musconetcong
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Musconetcong in Stephens State Park
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Musconetcong
Memorial in Stephens SP
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Stephens State Park
Unfortunitely the original hike journal for this one was lost the fire of August 2010. If anyone has a copy let me know, otherwise here's what I remember...
I had some jump suits and tons of construction helmets I passed out at the beginning of this one to go with the construction worker theme. Wyatt and Jamal were absolutely great with staying in character for that one. The day was hilarious.
I had been having trouble trying to get people to show up at the meeting points using GPS quite a lot at this time, and car shuttles weren't going easily so I decided that this time I'd have only a few people coming from the convenient direction would meet me for car shuttles and then we could just get walking when we finally all met up.
Unfortunitely, of the three people I'd asked to help do the car shuttle only one of them showed up I think. I'm pretty sure it was Shelly. Glenn I guess ran behind and went to the actual meeting point, and DJ Ray was less than two miles down the road but his GPS said he was not in the place where he actually was so he went home. Furthermore, Shelly's GPS was trying to send her down roads that had been closed for two decades at least. I was so frustrated at GPS devices.
Anyway, we got to our starting point, Schooley's Mountain Park, and we started with a little loop. We headed through the park and got on the Upland Meadow Trail to the Grand Loop Trail, to the Bee Line Trail. Kyle was running behind so he parked in Long Valley and walked up to catch us on the Bee Line.
We then descended to the Columbia Trail and then turned right, then left again on Patriot's Path headed into the old orchard area. I took everyone off the orchard part and onto a path that led to the former CNJ Chester Branch railroad bridge site, then we crossed the South Branch of the Raritan on the gas pipeline bridge.
From here we got back on Patriot's Path which was coaligned with Highlands Trail heading up Schooley's Mountain. We stopped at the view point for a break at the top. I think Fred and Sue joined us on the top a little late.
After our break we split the group in two. I sent some along the Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail the more direct route on to Lake George while some of us took the option of going down into the gorge and seeing the falls on the Electric Brook. Kyle went with me and I'm not sure who else.
We continued from here up to Lake George and we walked across the floating bridge I think. We then continued on Patriot's Path as it went through the fields toward Springtown Road and past a tiny pond.
We soon crossed the road to the little parking area where we'd met earlier to close the short loop.
We then continued on along the trail heading north. When we reached Rock Road the trail was still not blazed. This amazed me because I'd been hiking through on this section through Harrington Field for years and it was just never gotten to. We turned right onto a new trail however...the section out to Flocktown Road was now cleared. In the past we'd had to walk out a short trail onto Falcon Court, but now the pathway followed a narrow strip of woods between homes and out to the road. It was not blazed yet, but we were able to follow orange flagging. To cross Flocktown Road I acted like a crossing guard with my helmet.
We continued on the trail going across the Flocktown Kossman School yard for a bit, and Jen decided to head back, I think she was having foot trouble. I also think Craig headed back soon too. Amish Paul somehow got himself stuck in the soccar net.
The next section was rather overgrown, heading out across a strip of woods to the power line where we turned left. We then crossed one developement road and continued on the power line. In the next section where Patriot's Path used to go straight and dead end at a knoll overlooking Hackettstown, we followed directions to the right, then left, then right again onto a section that had been there for a while. I thought it was neat that the road walk I'd always assumed I needed to do was the correct route. Even better, where the trail used to end at a retention pond berm, it continued much on the route I used to use to walk through. Instead of going to the next power line though, it switchbacked down hill to the abandoned section of Mission Road near the power line. It then crossed the line and went onto the completed section of the trail which led out to the corners of Mission, Resevoir, and Spring Roads.
Looking back on it now it's neat that my future fiance Jillane built that section of trail with her girl scout troop!
Once we reached the road, the blazes ended again, but I'd been told by Morris County Trails Foreman Russ Nee that I turn left, then head into the woods shortly after the developement to descend to an apartment complex area. This was also the route I'd used many times in the past.
Once in the developement, we continued out to the former A&P/Food Basic in Hackettstown.
There was a wine store in the strip mall doing a wine tasting even, which was perfect! All free samples, and so we went in and had quite a bit! I think Commando Tom and Mr. Buckett both got flagged! Their cups were taken away, very funny. Jamal was telling the guy inside that he had to check with his supervisor to make sure it was okay to drink on the clock, after which he asked me...so funny.
I think a few cut out here, and those of us who continued followed Rt 46 to East Ave out to Mine Hill Road, now the official route of Patriot's Path and Highlands Trail. On the way there we saw a horse with no eye, and every time a car came by we shreiked like school girls and dove into piles of leaves off the road as if we were facing imminent impact.
Once we got up on the abandoned section of Mine Hill Road, we were doing well on time, so we all layed down and rested in the middle of the road.
From here we continued on the Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path down into Stephens State Park. It was beautiful outside and we were in high spirits. We had to wait around for a bit because of the car shuttle mishap earlier in the day, but it was fine.
We went to dinner at Mama's Pizza, and they gave complimentary wine glasses with dinner, and Amish Paul gave me his. I think I even got a refill. We acted like idiots and had a great time. Jamal was in rare form as "Gary Gay" and kept his helmet on throughout dinner. Wyatt stood up and led everyone in a loud prayer. Perfect way to finish the day.
As a bonus, I did recover the rough draft of my Highlands Trail article I wrote on this section...here you go!
Highlands Trail
Part 2
The concept of "taking a hike" takes on many different meanings for different people; some think of a challenging rock scramble, others think of a pleasant stroll through the woods, or a multiple day backpack on the Appalachian Trail. For me, hiking is not just a "walk in the park", but rather experiencing life by foot, and in my opinion walking is the best way to explore the diversity of our environment. One of my favorite local showcases for trail diversity is the Morris County section of the Highlands Trail system. The HT enters the western side of Morris County on the Colombia Trail, formerly the route of the Central Railroad of New Jersey's High Bridge Branch. Considered to be primarily an iron hauling railway, it was also utilized for passengers enroute to one time tourist destinations such as Schooley's Mountain and Lake Hopatcong. The Colombia Trail enters Morris County at the Jenkinson tree nurseries at a place known as Crestmoore Crossing. It continues through Middle Valley before entering Long Valley. The treadway is a recently improved crushed stone surface. The town of Long Valley was a colonial settlement which carried the name of "German Valley" until the anti German sentiment of World War I, and "Dutch Valley" at the time of it's settlement in the 1700s. Parking is available off of Schooley's Mountain Road, and businesses where food and drinks can be purchased are only a short walk from the trail. Many historic stone structures can be found in the area, including the the ruins of the Union Church, the shell of a stone church constructed n 1774 situated on the south side of the trail. Just beyond the church, the trail reaches Fairview Ave where there is a temporary interruption due to redevelopement of former Welch Farms property. The trail can be regained to the east by following Fairview Ave to a driveway access just under a half mile down the road.
To the northeast of the town area, there is a major trail crossing. Here, the Colombia Trail is crossed by the Patriot's Path, which is also the route of the Liberty-Water Gap Trail. To the south the Patriot's Path, this part of it known as the Gillette Trail, leads to Rt 513. With only short road walks a hike toward Chester is possible, partially following the former CNJ Chester Branch Railroad. The Colombia Trail continues ahead to it's northern terminus at Bartley Road, and the Highlands Trail joins Patriot's Path leading north across Fairview Ave into Schooley's Mountain County Park. Formerly the YMCA Camp Washington, Schooley's Mountain Park offers several fantastic loop hikes for beginner, novice, and experianced hikers. The park is named for early Quaker land owners, and was once a very popular vacation destination. In fact, it is possible Schooley's Mountain was America's first Summer resort, known for it's chalybeate spring water spas. This iron rich water was widely believed at one time to have health-giving properties. The former camp was bought by Morris County in 1968 and opened as a park in 1974. While the resorts and spas have long since vanished, recreation is still very much alive on Schooleys Mountain. The Highlands Trail makes it's way steeply over the rocky south side of the mountain to reach a vista overlooking Long Valley, then continues to the main parking area where visitors will find playgrounds, the scenic Lake George, restrooms, and a pavilian. From the vista, there is evidence of past rock quarry work within the park. The Grand Loop Trail, used in conjuction with the Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path and the Bee Line Trail, make for the longest loop in the park. The Grand Loop and Bee Line Trails are much easier than the rockier HT route and are utilized by mountain bikes. Many other trails including Highland Cut Trail, Quarry Stone Path, and Upland Meadow Trail criss cross the park making possible many shorter loops for the less intrepid hikers. The most scenic loops within the park utilize the Highlands Trail/Patriot's Path in conjuction with the Falling Waters Trail or Boulder Gorge Trail, which parallel each other on opposite sides of the Electric Brook. In addition to the afore mentioned overlook, this loop showcases two waterfall cascades as well as Lake George, which is crossed by a floating bridge. On the Boulder Gorge Trail there is also a wilderness church setting known as the Loree Chapel. While these trails sound the most attractive, they are by far the most rugged and can be dangerous during wet or icy weather, so extreme caustion should be taken while hiking them.
The Highlands Trail route over Schooley's Mountain traverses some of the most diverse terrain of it's entire length. Within only a few miles, the trail makes it's way from the Colombia Trail railroad bed, up a rocky escarpment to a crushed stone path, then to mowed trails before crossing Springtown Road. From here, it remains to be coaligned with the Patriot's Path, though you may not see the signiture teal diamonds as volunteers are still working to place them. The trail continues a mile through young forests and across small wetland puncheons to Rock Road. While some sections have yet to be marked, the route of the trail is easy to find. To continue, cross Rock Road on the access road to the Harrington Activity fields and continue to the right side of the road. The new section of trail turns right leading to Flocktown Road across from the west end of the Flocktown-Kossman School. From here, the trail skirts the fields to enter a narrow strip of woods leading to a utility line where it turns left crossing Hunter Drive, then reaches Quail Run. Watch for the white patriot's path blazes and occasion logo with the path weaving around a tree. To continue on Patriot's Path/Highlands Trail, turn right on Quail Run, left on Winay Terrace, and right on Sparrow Lane where the trail re enters the woods at the end of the cul de sac. Ignore blazes continueing along the power line, as the trail ahead dead-ends after a short distance. This will eventually be a part of the through trail after the needed land is acquired. A future connection will also be made with a Washington Township municipal park known as Cataract Parkwhich features Cataract Falls and an abandoned iron mine. For now, this park is accessable only from pull off parking on Schooley's Mountain road just south of Hackettstown. A blue blazed trail ascends steeply to a seasonal view over Mansfield Township in Warren County, then descends into a hidden gorge where hikers will find Cataract Falls. An orange blazed side trail continues to ascend slightly to an abandoned iron mine. The mine is open and can be entered, though it is not very deep. From Sparrow Lane, The Patriot's Path/Highlands trail meanders through some lovely mixed hardwood forest, across the top of a berm, then switchbacks down hill to reach the abandoned portion of Mission Road. Next, a short distance along the road abandonment leads beneath a power line, then into woods passing an old lime kiln. It is about a half mile from the lime kiln to the current terminus of the trail on the corner of Mission Road, Resevoir Road, and Spring Lane. To continue to the next trail section, a long road walk would temporarily be necessary. The next section of the co-aligned trails is located on Mine Hill Road, a short distance from Rt 46. Part of Mine Hill Road is now closed to motor vehicles and is utilized by the trail. This section begins at a gate on Mine Hill Road where Powhatatan Road begins. The trail ascends high above a cascading creek. The Highlands Trail soon turns to the left from Mine Hill Road, crossing over a ridge and descending to Stephens State Park along the Musconetcong River. The trail continues to parallel the Musconetcong passing the Stephens State Park office, restrooms, another lime kiln, and picnic areas before reaching Waterloo Valley Road where it leaves Morris County. Stephens State Park is named for Marsena and Augustus Stephens who donated the first 228 acres of land to the state in 1937. More loop hiking opportunities await hikers within the park, most of which are not very difficult. The longest loop, and most difficult, is the yellow blazed trail which ascends the hillside and makes it's way to the abandoned section of Stephens State Park Road before descending to the park office. Maps of the trails system are available at the park office. Stephens State Park is the only location along this section of the Highlands Trail that offers camping opportunities. Stephens State Park can be reached at Stephens and Allamuchy Mountain State Parks800 Willow Grove StreetHackettstown, NJ 07840(908) 852-3790
Since my first time hiking these sections several years ago, I have regarded it as a great example of how people and nature can live together in harmony. Avid and aspiring hikers alike can appreciate these lovely miles of trails with both the safety in accessability and and solidude of the deep woods.
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