Although best known for Pyramid Mountain and Tripod Rock, on the west side of Boonton Avenue, the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area also includes Turkey Mountain, on the east side of the road. This hike explores the lesser-used Turkey Mountain area.
At the southern end of the parking area, you’ll notice a triple yellow blaze, which marks the start of the Yellow Trail. Follow this trail south, parallel to Boonton Avenue, for a short distance, then turn left and cross the road at a designated crosswalk. The trail continues along a level, graveled-surfaced road, passing Mars Corporate Park on the left. Soon, you'll pass the start of the Red Dot Trail and then the White Trail, both on the right (the junction with the White Trail is marked by a cairn), but continue ahead on the Yellow Trail.
In another third a mile, the Orange Dot Trail crosses. Continue to follow the Yellow Trail, which now becomes rougher and narrower and begins to descend. In about half a mile, the Yellow Trail passes the other end of the White Trail on the right (also marked by a cairn). Soon, you’ll reach the base of the descent, where the Yellow Trail turns left onto a woods road. After crossing puncheons and rocks over a wet area and a footbridge over a stream, the trail begins a steady climb.
In a short distance, the Yellow Trail turns right, leaving the woods road, and continues on a footpath. The climb now steepens. Soon, the trail crosses a ravine and turns left to closely parallel it. This ravine was created by a quarry that operated here in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. The quarried rock was transported to the nearby Lake Valhalla (where it was crushed) via the Horse Shoe Trail, which is followed in part by today’s Yellow Trail. The crushed rock was then taken to Boonton, where it was used to remove impurities from the iron ore that was smelted there. Although commonly referred to as “limestone,” the rock found in this area is more correctly known as dolomitic marble.
At the end of the ravine, the Yellow Trail turns left and continues to climb gradually. Soon, it reaches a power line clearing. Here, the Green Dot Trail begins on the left, but you should turn right, continuing to follow the Yellow Trail, and cross under the power lines. On the other side of the power lines, the trail turns right and crosses a stream on rocks. It continues along the side of a hill on a rocky footpath, then bears right and descends. At the base of the descent, the Purple Dot Trail begins on the right.
About 1.8 miles from the start of the hike, you’ll come to a T-intersection. Here, the Red Trail begins on the right, but you should turn left to continue on the Yellow Trail. Just ahead, there is an attractive waterfall in wet seasons (the waterfall is dry during periods of sparse precipitation).
Proceed north on the Yellow Trail, which climbs briefly, descends to cross a small stream, then resumes a steady ascent. After reaching the crest of the rise, it descends gently on an old woods road.
Soon, you’ll reach another junction, where the other end of the Red Trail is straight ahead. Turn left to continue on the Yellow Trail, which climbs Turkey Mountain on an old woods road, passing through gaps in several stone walls on the way.
On the summit ridge of Turkey Mountain, a large rock outcrop to the left of the trail offers east-facing views when there are no leaves on the trees, but even when the views are obstructed by foliage, the rock outcrop provides a nice place to take a break (be careful not to touch the poison ivy that grows along a portion of the outcrop!).
When you’re ready to continue, turn right at a cairn and continue to follow the Yellow Trail along the flat summit ridge of the mountain. Soon, you’ll reach the true summit (892 feet). Here, the trail turns left and begins to descend.
After a brief level section, the Yellow Trail climbs slightly to a secondary summit of Turkey Mountain. Here, under the power lines, the Yellow Trail turns right. In 25 feet, you'll reach a junction (marked by a cairn) where the Orange Dot Trail (black dot on orange) begins. Turn left onto the Orange Dot Trail, passing through a field of blackberries (which ripen in late July). Follow the Orange Dot Trail as it descends through the woods. Soon, you'll reach a junction with the Green Dot Trail (black dot on green), which begins on the left. Turn left onto the Green Dot Trail. The Green Dot Trail soon bears right and reaches a panoramic south-facing viewpoint over Lake Valhalla. You’ll want to pause here to rest and enjoy the outstanding view.
Continue ahead on the Green Dot Trail, and in about 500 feet you'll come to the ruins of a stone cabin. The cabin was never occupied, as the owner abandoned construction when the power lines came through.
After examining this interesting ruin, return to the junction with the Orange Dot Trail. Turn left and follow the Orange Dot Trail, which descends steadily on a footpath, which soon widens to a woods road. After leveling off, the trail follows a wooden boardwalk over a wet area, then reaches a junction with the Yellow Trail.
Turn right onto the Yellow Trail, retracing your steps on a level, gravel-surfaced woods road for half a mile back to Boonton Avenue. Cross the road and continue to the Visitors Center and the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 08/25/2006 updated/verified on 07/19/2021
This loop hike follows woods roads and footpaths up Turkey Mountain, passing remains of old quarries and reaching a panoramic viewpoint.
Although best known for Pyramid Mountain and Tripod Rock, on the west side of Boonton Avenue, the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area also includes Turkey Mountain, on the east side of the road. This hike explores the lesser-used Turkey Mountain area.
At the southern end of the parking area, you’ll notice a triple yellow blaze, which marks the start of the Yellow Trail. Follow this...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take I-287 South to Exit 47 (Montville, Lincoln Park), and turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Main Road (U.S. Route 202). Continue on Main Road as the road makes two sharp turns – first to the left, then to the right. In 0.6 mile, just before reaching a fire station, turn right onto Taylortown Road. Continue on Taylortown Road for 1.8 miles until it ends at Boonton Avenue (County Route 511). Turn right onto Boonton Avenue and continue for 0.7 mile to the entrance to the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, on the left side of the road, opposite the Mars Park Corporate Center.
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