Pyramid Mountain

A few weeks ago I went to Pyramid Mountain in Boonton New Jersey. Upon entering the visitors center parking area I picked up a trail map and planned out my hike. I started on the Blue trail which started off with a walk over a nice footbridge and a small stream. After a small uphill climb I picked up the White trail and walked on boardwalks over a wet marshy area. Once I was out of the open wet area I passed by the Ruins of the Morgan Place which wasn't that exciting and was also crawling with bugs due to Bear Swamp. Luckily Bear Rock was only a short ways down the trail which I was looking forward to seeing.

Bear Rock is a glacial erratic which is a rock that is different from the size and type of rocks native to where it rests. According to the trail map Bear Rock is one of New Jersey's largest glacial erratic and was deposited there by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago. Bear Rock really is enormous and deserves to be admired, it is easily one of if not the biggest rocks i have ever seen. After studying the rock and imagining what the Lenape might have used it for hundreds of years ago I exited the swamp and began the first difficult climb of the hike. The climb up the trail was fairly short but exhausting and required the use of both hands to scramble over some rocks. At the top of the climb I headed left toward Tripod Rock which Pyramid Mountain is most known for.

Tripod Rock is also a glacial erratic and as the name implies it is a huge boulder resting on three much smaller boulders. Tripod Rock really makes this hike special, as it truly is a wonder of nature and is very fascinating.When I was finished with Tripod Rock I continued on the White trail to the first scenic overlook and to pick up the Orange trail. The scenic overlook gave a view of the Taylortown Reservoir and was a very relaxing welcomed sight.

Next I continued on the Orange trail which followed alongside the reservoir which offered many great sights along the way. This part of the hike was one of my favorites due to being so close to the reservoir which I really enjoyed. After finish the Orange trail i picked up the yellow trail which took me back the Blue Trail where I started at the visitors center. Even though Pyramid Mountain is a very interesting hike with lots to see I would warn you not to go on the weekend because I could imagine it being very crowded with other hikers hanging around certain spots.