Otter Hole to Wyanokie High Point Loop

Norvin Green State Forest
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Hewitt-Butler Trail: Blue blaze
Otter Hole Trail: Green blaze
Macopin Trail: White blaze
Wyanokie Circular Trail: Red blaze
Outlaw Trail: Orange
Wyanokie Yellow Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 5.3 Miles

Pros: Scenic Brook, good climb, and good view
Cons: Lots of cars at parking area
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/TQmZP7xL6Wik6Et98

I had been to this area the week before and was determined to further explore more trails in the Wyanokies. I had been to Wyanokie High Peak quite a few years ago, and remembered it having a good climb and exceptional view. 

I parked at the overflow parking at the Otter Hole Parking area (the main parking area at the trailhead was already full.) I took the Hewitt-Butler Trail and went down the Otter Hole waterfall, crossing the brook at the falls, and then taking the Otter Hole Trail gradually climbing up while heading north.

I then took the Macopin Trail up the mountain, and then took the Hewitt-Butler Trail. I veered a bit to the west for the view, and then headed east to the summit, where there is a short scramble to an almost 360 degree view with an especially impressive view of the Wanaque Reservoir. I then headed back down on the Wyanokie Circular Trail, to the Outlaw Trail, and then the Wyanokie Crest Trail, which I took back to the Otter Hole and the Hewitt-Butler Trail back to my car.

Map of the Route

Otter Hole Pond

Trailhead Signs

Crossing Otter Hole Stream

Otter Hole Waterfalls

Evergreen Rhododendron Forest

Wyanokie High Point, Western View

Trail Markers Before Final Wyanokie High Point Ascent

High Point Summit

Wanaque Reservoir from Wyanokie High Point

Wanaque Reservoir and Manhattan Skyline

Wyanokie High Point from the Distance