Apshawa Preserve Full Loop Spring Hike

Apshawa Preserve Full Loop Spring Hike
West Milford, near Butler
Passaic Co,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Purple Trail: Purple blaze
Blue Trail: Blue blaze
Orange Trail: Orange blaze
Green Trail: Green blaze
Red Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.9 Miles

Pros: Scenic and quiet area
Cons: Views aren't exceptional

I had been here two weeks earlier, and has lacked the time to properly explore this area. I had also been to this preserve the year prior, but took the Blue Trail to the White to the Butler Trail. I had wanted to explore this other part of the preserve. I parked in the parking area off Northwood Drive, and went to to the end of the parking lot to the small Pond at the Purple Trail. After passing the pond, I took an old trail that is no longer blazed as a shortcut to the Blue Trail. I took this to the Orange Trail, and then to the Green Trail.

I took the green trail south to where it crossed the Apshawa Brook. There is a really pretty dam over here spilling water over like a waterfall. I continued along the trail past some unknown metal drums, and then continued on the trail as it climbed to the top, affording a view. I then continued down the path to the Read Trail at the Butler Reservoir, which I looped around, then taking the Green Trail back to the Orange Trail, and to the same shortcut to the Purple Trail, though this time I continued ahead and went out via the Blue Trail.

Map of the Route

Koplen Pond at the Beginning of the Hike

Waterfall Over the Dam at a Pond on Apshawa Brook

Pond on Apshawa Brook

Below the Waterfall over the Dam at Apshawa Brook

Abandoned Rock Structure and Tanks Along the Trail

Another View of an Abandoned Rock Hut

View from the Summit View on the Green Trail

Another View from the Summit View

Butler Reservoir Facing North

Butler Reservoir Facing East

Selfie at Butler Reservoir

Butler Reservoir Facing Southeast

Butler Reservoir Facing South, with Partially Submerged Boat