Lower Trail

Lower Trail is a short, easy hike in Norvin Green State Forest in New Jersey, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The route is about 1.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 193 feet from a starting point around 505 feet to a high point of 613 feet. The climb is gentle overall, but the steepest stretch comes at about the 1-mile mark, where the grade reaches 13 percent. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the best bets. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Wanaque Raymond Dam show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 76°F, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. That station sits roughly 370 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the trail run a bit cooler. The hike takes about half an hour, and it makes an easy pairing with other trails in the area. Carris Hill Connector Trail is about 0.4 miles away, High Point Loop is about 1.1 miles away, and Wyanokie Circular Loop Trail is about 1.3 miles away. Paddlers can reach the Wanaque River, about 1.7 miles off.