Revisiting one of the most challenging hikes in New Jersey.
It had been six years since we’d done this loop (“Stonetown Circular in Summer”).
The views are simply outstanding in the first part of the hike, but the 2nd half felt a bit lack luster – so it was time to give it another go.
For detailed hike directions visit our main “Stonetown Circular” page.
Even with a very early start, it was still a hot day for early September. And with the lack of rain, some trees were already showing a little fall color.
We had the entire hike to ourselves other than passing one couple with a dog.
The second half of this hike was not nearly as bad as we recalled – the trail wasn’t as torn up and perhaps the trash had been cleaned up.
It’s a long day out still, and even the nice area after the Tory Rocks area can start to feel like a bit of a slog.
But overall, the excellent views and a few fun scrambles make this hike worthwhile.
Miles: 10.6
Route: RED TRIANGLE on WHITE (Stonetown Circular) the entire hike.
Bonus: A tough hike deserves chocolate milkshakes (“for medicinal purposes”) so we stopped at an ice cream shop on Rt 511 on the way home.