Pyramid Mountain is a large county park in multiple municipalities in Morris County that is primarily used for hiking. The park features numerous enjoyable trails, but it is best known for Tripod Rock, a 280,000-pound boulder balancing on three significantly smaller rocks. Brave visitors can crawl under the massive boulder, hoping nothing causes the rock to slip. There have been many theories over the years on how the unique balancing act was created from aliens to the local Native Americans creating it as a marker of the summer solstice. In reality, Tripod Rock was created by glaciers as the Wisconsin Glacier 18,000 years ago transported rocks as it expanded into New Jersey. A hike to Tripod Rock is perfect for anyone looking for a unique hike in New Jersey.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area
Visitors Center: Thursday-Sunday at 472 Boonton Ave, Montville, NJ 07045
Other Attractions: Valhalla Falls
Tripod Rock
As the Wisconsin Glacier expanded over North Jersey approximately 18,000 years ago, the moving ice altered the geography of the region, sometimes by picking up rocks and transporting them, sometimes hundreds of miles away. These rocks are known as glacial erratics, and Pyramid Mountain is covered with them from near and far. An easy way to tell if something is a glacial erratic is to look at a rock and ask yourself, “Does this look right?” If a rock does not match the rest of the nearby rocks, or is significantly larger, or perched uniquely, chances are it is a glacial erratic. Glacial erratics also tend to be round, as a result of the glacier moving them. (Note: this only works on areas that were actually covered by the glacier. A general rule of thumb for New Jersey, is anything over Interstate 80 was glaciated)
Tripod Rock is a glacial erratic, and by far the most famous one at the park, and New Jersey as a whole. A moderate hike takes you to the top of Pyramid Mountain, where you will find the rock. Brave visitors are free to climb under the rock, hoping nothing causes the rock to slide. Fortunately, it is very sturdy, so a few kids trying to push it over (as many do) will not cause it to fall.
Bear Rock
Besides Tripod Rock, there are two other named glacial erratics in the park. The second major glacial erratic at the park is Bear Rock. Bear Rock is a massive boulder that has a sort of natural cave on the side where the boulder juts out slightly. While this is not a true cave by any means, it can provide some shelter for one or two people during rain. While Bear Rock does not balance like Tripod Rock, it is massive.
Whale Head Rock
The final major glacial erratic is Whale Head Rock, the smallest of the three. If you look at the boulder from a certain angle and use your imagination, it does look like a whale’s head. Whale Head Rock balances on a narrow point of itself, before widening out, creating another balancing effect.
Overlooks
Pyramid Mountain features multiple overlooks. Unfortunately, none are particularly exciting. They should only be visited as a stop on a longer hike, not a destination in itself, as many of them offer limited views due to tree growth or power lines in the view. The main trail to Tripod Rock features an overlook labeled with a star on the map. While this is one of the views with power lines, New York City is visible in the background.
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS.
Additional Information
- Pyramid Mountain is extremely popular. The parking lot is decently sized, but will fill up on nice days. People do park on the road, but there are “No Parking Signs.” Alternate legal parking is available at the Boonton Ave baseball fields, or at Kincaid Woods. Both of these parking areas are further away from the main sights.
- As of 2025, the visitor center is open Thursday-Sunday 10:00-4:00
- The trails at Pyramid Mountain all have short but moderately challenging rocky uphill sections. Wear proper footwear.
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