Abram S. Hewitt State Forest (commonly referred to as Abram Hewitt) is a nearly 2,000-acre forest at the northern edge of the state. The forest is located along Bearfort Ridge, a prominent ridge that extends from Route 23 northeast and into New York. The forest is virtually untouched, featuring hiking trails but no other development. To the south, and still on Bearfort Ridge, is the Bearfort Mountain Natural Area. This zone is technically part of Wawayanda State Park and is described in that park’s review, but features trails similar to those found at Abram Hewitt. Due to the steep and rocky geology, access is limited to two main points, which are described below. The steep and rocky nature makes this a park better suited for more experienced hikers, who will be rewarded with incredible views from the top of the ridge.

Basic Information

Pro’s and Con’s

Points of Interest

• Suprise Lake
  • A scenic lake atop Bearfort Ridge
• Greenwood Lake Views
  • Multiple views of Greenwood Lake from the top of Bearfort Ridge near Surprise Lake
• Waterfall
  • A small waterfall along Green Brook on the Bearfort Ridge Connector Trail. For more adventurous hikers, there is a series of off-trail waterfalls above and below the connector trail.

Trails

The trail offerings at Abram Hewitt are limited, but comprehensive. All the trails are well marked and easy to follow. They are not for beginner hikers, though, as they all have steep, rocky climbs and/or are lengthy.

From both the Warwick Turnpike and Lakeside Drive parking areas, you have access to the most popular destination in the park: Surprise Lake and the neighboring Greenwood Lake overlooks. From Warwick Turnpike, you can take the longer, 5.5-mile, moderately difficult Bearfort Ridge Loop. From the Lakeside Drive parking area, you can take the short 1-mile hike up to the lake. This access is much steeper, but also significantly shorter.

Parking

The parking at Abram Hewitt is also limited. There are two main access points: Warwick Turnpike and Lakeside Drive:

• State Line Trailhead – Across from Greenwood Lake Marina at 538 Lakeside Rd, Hewitt, NJ 07421
  • Surprise Lake and State Line Trail; tight parking area across from Greenwood Lake Marina. Parking also doubles as boat storage for the marina; access is behind the boat storage. Can only hold about 10 cars and regularly fills up
• Warwick Turnpike – 132 Warwick Turnpike, West Milford, NJ 07480
  • Surprise Lake and Bearfort Bridge, access to Bearfort Mountain Natural Area (Wawayanda State Park); numerous pull-offs on the westbound side of Warwick Turnpike. The largest, and the one with direct trail access is linked above.
• Highlands Preserve (Passaic County Park) – 41.155306, -74.358250, Warwick Turnpike, West Milford, NJ 07480
  • Overflow parking for Warwick Turnpike pull-offs. Can reach Abram Hewitt trails by hiking along Warwick Turnpike or through an unmarked trail through the “sand pit” at Highlands Preserve. Should only be used as a last resort due to extra distance, and lack of easy connection.

Crowds

The trails at Abram Hewitt are rarely busy, but as previously mentioned, parking can be an issue. If you are able to find parking, you will likely have a quiet hike.

Who is this park for?

Abram Hewitt is best for experienced hikers. All the trails are on the more difficult side and can be rocky in places. Even the “easier” route to Surprise Lake on the eastern side of the Bearfort Ridge Loop is not good for less experienced hikers due to the length and ascent.

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