Otter Hole and Buck Mountain Snow

Norvin Green State Forest
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Hewitt-Butler Trail: Blue blaze
Otter Hole Trail: Green blaze
Highlands Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 0:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.3 Miles

Pros: Scenic Brook and Waterfall, good view
Cons: None
Hike Type: Up and Out
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/tqCTrvPhnC4yxbKF8

It has snowed on Saturday, with a late-season Nor'easter first bringing rain and then leaving over a few inches of thick, wet snow. I did a hike on this cold Sunday morning on what may be the last snow hike of the season. The hike was short due to my limited time, and I had been nearby to this area hence my choice for this hike.

I parked at the Otter Hole parking area, and took the Hewitt-Butler Trail to the brook, taking pictures of the the snowy waterfalls at the Otter Hole and then crossing the overflowing brook on the stones in the water. I then took the Otter Hole Trail after crossing the brook to the Highlands Trail, and climbed up the mountain steeply until the view at Buck Mountain. This view afforded a nice vista to the east, facing the Manhattan skyline which was clearly visible in the distance. I then turned back and took the same route back to my car.

Map of the Route

Start of the Hike

Crossing the Brook at the Otter Hole

Otter Hole Falls

Buck Mountain View

Manhattan Skyline from Buck Mountain