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New Jersey
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New Jersey State Parks

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USA Parks
New Jersey
Gateway Region
Norvin Green State Forest
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
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NORVIN GREEN STATE FOREST
NORVIN GREEN STATE FOREST
1304 Sloatsburg Road
Ringwood, New Jersey   07456-1799

Phone: 973-962-7031
The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain of Norvin Green offers sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, the forest is near Wanaque Reservoir and is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads. Several trails link up with public and private facilities, including the Weis Ecology Center and reservoir property. The existing trails, either old forest roads or new trails constructed by volunteers, are perfect for nature walks and other outdoor classroom activities. With hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, Norvin Green provides the avid hiker with scenic vistas, including the New York skyline, Burnt Meadow Brook and Lake Sonoma. The property is accessible by foot only.
History of the Area
Norvin Green State Forest is a 5,416-acre state forest located in northern New Jersey, primarily in Passaic County. The area that comprises the forest was originally settled by the Lenape Native American tribe for thousands of years before European colonization.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the land that is now Norvin Green State Forest was utilized for farming and logging. Numerous small villages and mills were established in the region, taking advantage of the natural resources available. However, over time, the land was gradually abandoned and left to regenerate naturally.

During the early 20th century, as urbanization and industrialization intensified in the region, there was a growing recognition of the need to preserve natural areas. In response to the increasing demand for recreation and conservation, the state of New Jersey began acquiring parcels of land in the area, with the intention of creating a state forest.

The 1940s and 1950s saw the acquisition and consolidation of various properties in the vicinity, culminating in the establishment of Norvin Green State Forest in 1962. The forest was named after Port Authority Commissioner Norvin H. Green, an influential advocate for the creation of green spaces in New Jersey.

Since its establishment, Norvin Green State Forest has provided ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, rocky slopes, and cascading waterfalls, make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

The forest also plays a vital role in protecting local water supplies, as it contains several tributaries of the Pequannock River, which ultimately flows into the Newark Watershed. The Newark Reservoirs, which provide drinking water to the city, are situated downstream from the forest, making water quality preservation a primary objective.
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Trails
A system of marked hiking trails are available for the public to explore. These trails offer visitors opportunities to hike interior woodlands and rocky vistas. There are no multi-use trails available in the park.

Please note that the trail difficulty ratings are opinion only. All trail mileages represent only the portion of the trail that goes through Norvin Green State Forest, and complete trail lengths could be longer, therefore a topgraphical trail map is recommended for navigation of the trails. Maps may be purchased in the Weis Ecology Center or through the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference.

TRAILS: DifficultCaris Hill (Yellow blazes) 1.0 miles DifficultHewitt-Butler (Blue blazes) 5.5 miles DifficultLower (White blazes) 1.5 miles MediumMacopin (White blazes) 1.0 miles EasyMine (Yellow blazes) 1.0 miles DifficultOtter Hole (Green blazes) 1.5 miles MediumPost Brook (White blazes) 1.0 miles MediumTorne (Red blazes) 1.0 miles DifficultWyanokie Circular (Red blazes) 4.0 miles DifficultWyanokie Crest (Yellow blazes) 5.0 miles
Area Attractions
Weis Ecology Center

The Weis Ecology Center is administered by the New Jersey Audubon Society and is dedicated to environmental education. Programs focus on the interdependence of plants and animals of the Highlands region of the state. Weis is a residential center that offers recreational opportunities such as hiking and cross-country skiing.

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Area Campgrounds
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
995 Weldon Road
Lake Hopatcong, NJ
973-663-0200
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Britt's Bait & Tackle
41 River Rd
Oakland, NJ
(201) 651-0900

Directions
Take Route 287 to exit 57, follow Skyline Drive to Greenwood Lake Turnpike to West Brook Road to Snake Den Road. Follow signs to Weis Ecology Center. Parking is available at Weis Ecology Center or along Burnt Meadow Road and Glen Wild Road.

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New Jersey
9

New Jersey State Parks

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