best place for half day hike with view from mountains

[Kyle G]

Hello fellow hikers. I don't have time for a multi-day trip and I won't have my equipment here for another few months anyway so I am looking for a day hike. Also, this day hike should have a nice view from a mountain. I was looking through the website and others and I think the best I've found is Beartfort Mtn, which I also like because on that page it says after you come off the ridge and go to Surprise Lake you can ditch the trail and make it a 4 mile day or choose a 7 mile option. I will be bringing with me an inexperienced hiker so this 4 mile option sounds good. I've hiked in MN and WI a lot, but this is my first time in NJ. Also, I'm in Hoboken now and I don't want to drive too far for a one day hike.

 

I was hoping for some extra tips on this trail or maybe a suggestion of an alternate hike you guys may know about.

 

The other thing, I see on Saturday is Youth Hunting Day all across the state but it seems Sunday should be fine.

 

Thanks

[Brom Vermeulen]

You might consider something in Harriman Park. Great variety of trails, no concern about hunting, and easy to get to. From Hoboken you could even take a train.

 

[njHiking.com]

I think the 4 mile route is a good option and the views from Bearfort are nice, but keep in mind there are several short rock scrambles. NJ scrambles tend to be pretty minor, but I wanted to point it out if that matters to the hiker with you. There are photos of some of them on that page.

 

Ramapo is another option that might work, and Brom's suggestion of Harriman is good too - that's a fantastic park with a huge trail network (and probably the best option in the area for a Saturday hike during hunting season. )

 

Dawn

 

 

[Paul]

Hey,

i don't know if you ever did this hike, but i hope you didn't turn back after you got to Surprise Lake. If you go a little further , you get a fantastic view over Greenwood Lake. Worth a return trip if you missed it.

[Kyle G]

Actually I was trying to arrange this with someone else and then it didn't work out and then got cold, so I haven't gone yet! However, it is getting warm again so once I go I will let you know how it turns out.