Norvin Green State Forest is a sprawling expanse nestled in the Wyanokie Mountains of Passaic County. With 21 distinct trails spanning over 50 miles, the forest also connects to adjacent parklands, most notably the Stonetown Circular and the Jungle Habitat area of Long Pond Ironworks, offering virtually endless hiking opportunities. While it lacks the modern amenities typical of state parks, Norvin Green is ideal for those seeking a rugged, authentic backcountry experience just a short drive from New Jersey’s urban centers.

Basic Information

Pro’s and Con’s

Points of Interest

• Wyanokie High Point
  • Nearly 360-degree panoramic view featuring the Wanaque Reservoir and New York City
• Carris Hill
  • Numerous views of the Wanaque Reservoir and New York City up a steep mountain
• Otter Hole Falls
  • A nearly 16-foot two-tier waterfall
• Chikahoki Falls
  • A nearly 20-foot waterfall
• Stone Living Room
  • Local hangout spot with views of the New Jersey Highlands
• Roomy and Blue Mines
  • A pair of neighboring mines, one of which (Roomy) you can enter in the summer

Trails

Norvin Green State Forest features an intricate trail network of 21 trails that takes hikers to all the destinations and offers what feels like endless loop possibilities. All the trails are designated for foot traffic only and are generally on the difficult end of the spectrum.

Easier

While the park features trails for almost everyone, beginner terrain is limited. The best “easy” trail that is not simply a walk in the woods is the trail to Otter Hole Falls and Chikahoki Falls. While easy, this trail does begin with a large rock hop over Posts Brook, so it is still not a simple trail.

Moderate

For those looking for something a little more challenging, there are many more options. The entire northern section (north of Westbrook Road) of the park features moderately difficult terrain; as a bonus, these trails are typically less busy.

In the main park, some popular moderately difficult hikes are to the Roomy and Blue Mines. An easier overlook trail is Will Monroe Trail near Camp Wyanokie.

Difficult

Difficult terrain is where Norvin Green shines. The best overlooks can be reached on the steep, rocky scrambles to the summits of the numerous small mountains around the park. Highlighted trails include Carris Hill, Wyanokie High Point, and Torne Mountain (Stone Living Room). The previous trails are all extremely popular; for a less busy but still challenging overlook trail, hike Buck Mountain, which is along the co-blazed Teal Highlands and Yellow Wyanokie Crest Trails.

Parking

Unfortunately, Norvin Green State Forest has limited parking, which can make it challenging to start your hike. Other than at Manaticut Point, there is no roadside parking. Cars parked on the road frequently receive parking tickets.

• Otter Hole – 582 Glenwild Ave, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403 
  • Otter Hole Falls, Chikahoki Falls, Torne Mountain/Stone Living Room, Carris Hill; Small lot holding about 10 cars.
• Otter Hole Overflow – 62-76 Otterhole Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480
  • Otter Hole Falls, Chikahoki Falls, Torne Mountain/Stone Living Room, Carris Hill; Small overflow lot for the above parking, holding about 10 cars.
• Wyanokie Crest – 41.037556, -74.345361 (Glenwild Ave, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403)
  • Chikahoki Falls, Carris Hill; Small pull-off holding about 4 cars.
• New Weis Center – 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456
  • Wyanokie High Point, Roomy Mine, Blue Mine; Large parking area holding about 40 cars.
• Camp Wyanokie – 550 Snake Den Rd, West Milford, NJ 07480
  • Camp Wyanokie and Falls, Will Monroe Loop; A few small pull-off at a public campground. Parking is nearly always available
• Westbrook Road – 41.071722, -74.309139 (Westbrook Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456)
  • Roomy Mine, Blue Mine, Ball Mountain, Wyanokie High Point; Large parking area holding about 20 cars. The parking area is a bit removed from most destinations but rarely fills.
• Manaticut Point – 2-40 Crescent Dr, Ringwood, NJ 07456
  • Manaticut Point, Lake Sonoma; Roadside parking with virtually endless parking. The only simple access to the northern section of the park

Crowds

Norvin Green State Forest experiences high crowds year-round but especially on weekends. As mentioned above, parking can be a struggle due to these high crowds. Once in the woods, you will also likely see many other hikers as well. The most popular and congested trail tends to be the Wyanokie High Point from the New Weis Center.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the park is generally good, and trail maintenance is done by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, which is considered one of the best in the region. While the trails are well maintained and clearly marked, they change very often. The southern section has recently undergone a complete reblazing with the trail conference stating:

Several trail blazes have changed color to improve clarity and consistency, and multiple loops have been created to make the trail system easier to navigate.

I’d argue the frequent changes are more confusing, especially since, as of July 2026, the state park does not have the correct map on its website, despite the changes being complete as of 2025. Hopefully these are the last changes for the foreseeable future.

Who is this park for?

Norvin Green State Forest is best for experienced hikers or hikers willing to face a challenge for incredible views. There are no non-hiking activities at this forest, as there are no picnic areas, playgrounds, athletic fields, etc.; the forest is exclusively for hiking. For beginner hikers wanting a great viewpoint, consider another park with shorter and easier terrain. Beginner hikers will, however, enjoy the waterfalls, which sit at the base of the numerous peaks.

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