Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
4.5
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4.5
54 reviews
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38
Very good
14
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Ashely Fang
New York City, NY388 contributions
Jun 2020
There are lots of glacial oddities that are fun to look at, as well as a scenic route by the river and a view of the Manhattan skyline. It does get quite rocky and the ascent can be difficult at times, but it's very shady and is a beautiful place to be. To see most of what the trail has to offer, it may take about 4 hours. Dog and kid friendly.
Written June 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanju_222323
New Jersey16,799 contributions
Oct 2019
The area features unusual glacial erratics, dramatic rock outcrops, extensive wetlands, waterfalls, and several scenic overlooks – including views of the Manhattan skyline. How about Tripod Rock, a 160-ton boulder resting atop three smaller boulders? between how it's resting on three small rocks. *thinking *. let me google, ok found it. Roughly 18,000 years ago, the receding Wisconsin Glacier shaped the unusual glacial erratics found here, like Tripod Rock (a 180-ton boulder balanced on three smaller boulders) and Bear Rock (one of the largest in New Jersey, and I have also attached a pic)
The trail system here is good for beginning hikers but interesting enough for experienced ones. To create longer loops, connect the trails with Turkey Mountain, the two trailheads are across the street from the parking lot. The park’s highest point is 934 feet, with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline. This hike is for all people, with all levels of fitness. The route includes some moderate elevation gain with huge rock outcroppings. You'll need the trail map for this hike, especially if it is your first time visiting the park. Start at the trail kiosk (where there are typically free trail maps) and follow the Mennen Trail (Blue) over the footbridge. My suggestion would be - stick to the trail which you are following.
The trail system here is good for beginning hikers but interesting enough for experienced ones. To create longer loops, connect the trails with Turkey Mountain, the two trailheads are across the street from the parking lot. The park’s highest point is 934 feet, with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline. This hike is for all people, with all levels of fitness. The route includes some moderate elevation gain with huge rock outcroppings. You'll need the trail map for this hike, especially if it is your first time visiting the park. Start at the trail kiosk (where there are typically free trail maps) and follow the Mennen Trail (Blue) over the footbridge. My suggestion would be - stick to the trail which you are following.
Written November 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,824 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
Pyramid Mountain trails are open 365 days a year from Sunrise to Sunset. The Visitor Center, however is only open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. The Visitor center is the first place to stop. They have exhibits concerning the geology, flora and fauna of the area, as well as, trail maps. You can also find trail maps outside the Visitor Center in the kiosk, so hiking Monday-Tuesday is not a problem. On the days the Visitor Center is open, a staff member is there to answer any questions you might have and guide you to the trail that best suits your needs. The total area of Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic area is 1,530 acres with a diverse and visually exciting landscape of moderate to easy renovated trails that are clearly marked. From fields, bodies of water to rugged outcroppings the trails are never dull and boring. Bears, eagles and beavers are visible reminders of the still rugged nature of this wildlife sanctuary. In the spring and summer wild flowers like red cardinal flowers and pink ladyslippers are in bloom. Bird watchers will enjoy the red-bellied woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees and summer arrivals like the scarlet tanagers and yellow warblers. I suggest taking the blue trail which leads to the white trail that leads to the glacial erratic called Tripod Rock which was deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago.. It is about an ! 1/2 hour round trip hike. This trail includes a 934 foot elevation that allows a view of the New York Skyline.
Written May 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,824 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
The Visitor's Center has trail maps which you will need so make a stop there first. The VC also has displays featuring Lenape Indians (their 10,000 year old history in the area and artifacts), Their are also displays of the geology of the area (glacial), wildlife and other interactive nature exhibits. Around the Visitor's Center there are small butterfly gardens and information plaques. The trails are clearly marked and the paths worn so that they are easily followed. The hiking is light to moderate. Steep grades are scattered about but they are only for short distances. The geology of the area was shaped by glaciers, erosion, volcanos and plate teutonics with precambrian granite and gneiss visible. Glacial erratics like Big Bear Rock (one of Nj's largest) and Tripod Rock (a 180 ton rock resting on three smaller rocks) are highlights. Glacial terminal moraines left from the Wisconsin Glacier (18,000 yrs. ago) are scattered about. The area supports 100 species of birds, 30 species of mammals and 400 species of native plants and wild flowers. The highest point is 934 feet and one of the lookouts allows you to see the Manhatten skyline. The park is pet friendly with it's own parking lot. It also conducts guided nature walks, school programs, snowshoeing, K-country skiing, summer programs, scout programs, special events and teacher certification programs.
Written August 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
North Brunswick, NJ308 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Very beautiful place for a hike. It's a decent hike with many trails and beautiful scenery. There are quite a few interesting rocks to see. It can get packed quick so going early is the best place.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoyLScam
Northern NJ389 contributions
Dec 2019
This location is great for hiking solely due to the presence of Tripod Rock, a 170-ton glacial erratic that seems impossibly positioned!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulp
Boonton, NJ248 contributions
May 2017
So my dog loves going for hikes a great thing because he motivates me and my wife to take him out. We only had a short amount of time between possible baseball and hockey games so we grabbed the dog jumped in the car and took off for Pyramid Mt. We decided to hike the blue trail on the opposite side of the street thinking we had about an hour to kill. Well never fails when my wife leaves it to me to lead the way who needs a map I've hiked these trails and have rode my dirt bikes and 3 wheelers through these woods since I was 8. Well it all started off to just do a quick loop on a flat trail. HAHAHA that ended when I changed trails and headed up to the power lines remembering the house foundation that was somewhere up there. So up the hill we went I think my waif was about to kill me when we were no longer on a marked trail foraging our way through the thick brush underneath the powerlines. Even my dog was wanting to turn back but we pushed on and low and behold we come out to another trail just by the stone foundation. Wasn't it with it..... as I was removing several ticks from our cloths she snarled at me. Then instead of taking the easy way like using a marked trail I decided to continue through the woods on unmarked trails how could ya get lost? I knew we were in NJ lost is just a state of mind. So I notices baseball was canceled from an email which gave us plenty of time to wander around in the woods. 3.5 hours later and a cranky wife who wouldn't drink the water in the streams. ( I had to remind her she put me in charge ) we come out by lake Valhalla and now had to venture back to the car all the way over on Boonton Ave. Well I have to admit I had fun 🤔....was I the only one in that did? Nope not at all the dog loved it too. Lol so I ended up doing hockey alone while my wife and dog crashed on the couch after we got home. Pyramid Mt. Is a great place to hike trails are clearly marked and all the trails are cleared of fallen trees. As I said I grew up in theses woods long before the trails were marked so it was a pleasure wandering around my old stomping grounds. Seeing the old stone house or over looking Lake Valhalla. To drinking water from the streams it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning / afternoon.
Written May 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich V
Montville, NJ49 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
If you like to hike, Pyramid Mountain is a great spot. They have multiple trails, some with beautiful Manhattan views. You can pick an easy hike, to very challenging. 100 steps trail offers a lot of climbing and will get your heart rate going. Be sure to try and get to Tripod rock.
Written January 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meater
Kinnelon, NJ56 contributions
Oct 2016
Pyramid is an easily accessible county park, parking is limited so get here early. There are a number of trails to select from some Easy some more Strenuous depending on your level of fitness. Overall I highly recommend the park. Make sure you visit Tri-Pod Rock (you will ask how did that get there?)
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climbmax
53 contributions
Feb 2020
6 miles of a hilly trail. Nice view on the lakeside section. Nothing out standarding or challenging. The Tripod rock was a cute sidekick.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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