Hiking Norvin Green’s Stone Living Room and Torne Mountain

Located just a short hike from Norvin Green State Forest’s parking area is one of New Jersey’s more fabled destinations: The Stone Living Room. The Stone Living Room is a popular hangout spot atop Wyanokie Torne and has been a fixture of West Milford folklore for decades and a Weird New Jersey staple. Aside from the Stone Living Room itself, a hike here includes multiple excellent views of the New York City skyline along a very rugged hiking trail up and down two separate peaks in under 3 miles. Continue reading to learn how to get to this unique site and the incredible views along this short but challenging hike.

Background

The hike described below features two different peaks in the Wyanokie Mountains. Both peaks are often called Torne Mountain, but the further south of the two (the peak featuring Osio Rock) is the one officially named Torne Mountain and reaches an elevation of 1,001 feet. The other peak (the one featuring the Stone Living Room) does not have an official name, but is sometimes referred to as the Wyanokie Torne and reaches an elevation of 1,120 feet.

The Stone Living Room is a popular destination on the Blue Hewitt Butler Trail. Although there are many theories about the creation and purpose of it, the Stone Living Room was almost certainly created by hikers as a hangout spot.

The Hike

Begin by parking in the main lot on Glenwild Ave. If this parking lot is full, there is an overflow lot a few hundred feet up the same road (renamed to Otterhole Road). From the main parking area, cross Glenwild Ave to where you will find the Blue Hewitt Butler Trail. Alternatively, there is trail access via the Red Torne Trail between the two parking areas, which can be reached by a short road walk. If you parked in the main parking lot, I recommend taking the Blue Trail to avoid the road walk. The trails intersect quickly, though, so it does not matter too much which trail you choose.

If taking the Blue Trail as recommended, the trail immediately begins with a short rocky uphill climb. This is a good introduction to what the rest of the trail will look like—rocky and hilly. After less than a quarter mile, you will reach the Red Trail. I recommended completing the loop by hiking the Red Trail first and returning on the Blue Trail. This is because there is a steep section that is significantly easier to hike uphill. This also saves the Stone Living Room for last.

Turn left onto the Red Trail. The Red Trail begins with a slight uphill section, but the majority of the trail is down a seasonal creek. This trail is very rocky, and you may need to use your hands to help climb down some of the rocks. After about a quarter mile, you will once again reach an intersection with the Blue Trail. Continue straight on the Red Trail; you will return on the Blue Trail and cross over the same spot, as this hike is a figure-eight. The Red Trail gradually flattens out before ending at a small creek.

Torne Mountain and Osio Rock

The Blue Trail begins right where the Red Trail ends. Take the Blue Trail, where you will almost immediately start the nearly 300-foot elevation gain to the top of Torne Mountain.

About halfway to the top of Torne Mountain, you will be greeted with a view to the west of an unnamed peak. While you might think this is the peak housing the Stone Living Room, that is actually located further to the north, or to the right of the overlook.

Continue on the trail, working your way uphill to reach Osio Rock and the top of Torne Mountain. Osio Rock is the bald summit of Torne Mountain. While not offering 360-degree views, such as on the nearby Wyanokie High Point, the views here are still excellent, and arguably the best on the hike. On a clear day, you can see New York City in the distance. Additionally, there are some views of the Wanaque Reservoir.

After taking in the views from Osio Rock, continue forward on the Blue Trail. In a short distance, you will come across an interesting glacial erratic on the side of the trail. It is possible to crawl underneath a massive boulder wedged between two other boulders, similar to how you can crawl under Tripod Rock at Pyramid Mountain.

From the erratic, it is a surprisingly quick descent down to where the Blue Trail crosses the Red Trail at the previously hiked point.

Stone Living Room

From the intersection with the Blue and Red Trails, continue straight to remain on the Blue Trail. Once again, you begin a rocky ascent. You will quickly reach a fork in the trail, with a sign indicating two options: a steep and rocky route or an alternate, easier route. I recommend taking the steeper route as it is more interesting and features an overlook that is not visible on the easier route. If you decide to take the easier route, it rejoins the trail shortly after the steep section. Note that although it is labeled “easier,” the trail is still steep and rocky, just less so than the other trail.

If continuing straight ahead on the steeper route, you will immediately be greeted with a very steep climb up a smooth rock face. You will likely need to use your hands at times. It is for this section that I recommend taking the Red Trail first and ending on the Blue Trail. The uphill climb here is not too difficult, but it is much more challenging downhill.

At the top of the climb you will be greeted with another view of New York City in the distance, as well as the previously hiked Torne Mountain. The easier route does not reach this view. If you decide to take the easier route, you can backtrack to this point once the trail merges again.

From the overlook, continue until the trail merges with the easier route. From here, the trail gradually climbs uphill, but it is very gentle compared to some of the previous climbs. You will pass a few open faces that provide some decent views of the Highlands along the way, but you have experienced the best views already.

After about a quarter of a mile from where the trails merged, you will notice a small carin (a stack of rocks) in the middle of the trail. The carin indicates that you are near the Stone Living Room.

At the carin, make a right turn, creating a near U-turn to where you will see a distinct, but unmarked trail. Follow this trail about a hundred feet until you reach the Stone Living Room. The Stone Living Room is simply a fire ring and circular bench created by locals, and is a popular hangout spot.

From the Stone Living Room, return to the Blue Trail. From here, continue on the Blue Trail, which shortly begins to descend to Glenwild/Otterhole Road. You will once again reach the initial intersection with the Red Trail. From this intersection, return to the parking area the same way you came.

GPS Route

Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS. How to use the GPS routes on your phone.