norvin green state forest

After looking up the Most Challenging Hikes in NJ, my friends and I decided to hike the 8.6 Mile Loop, which includes Wyanokie High Point, Carris Hill, and Buck Mountain - http://www.njhiking.com/nj-challenging-hikes-wyanokie-high-point-buck-mountain/). Even though most of us had not done much, if any, physical activity in months, we bundled up and set out around 9am on a Saturday morning.Finding the trail in the beginning was a little challenging as we took a right after the big steep hill (you'll know it when you see it). After wandering the woods for 15 minutes, we found ourselves at the bottom of the hill, climbed back up, and took a left towards the trail marked with red L's in white circles. At the bottom, there is the trail map across the bridge. From there, the trails were clearly marked and very easy to navigate. Even finding the unmarked trail later in the day was quite simple.The first two miles of the hike took about 1.5 hours, but we were getting used to the climb and stopping for pictures every now and then. Along the hike, there are incredible views and lookouts. From High Point, you can see miles of mountains as well as a very clear view of the NYC skyline! Each view along the trail was better than the last and peaked at the top of Buck Mountain (also because the climb/scramble up the side was quite challenging).After the second mile, we averaged about 30-35 minutes per mile with a group of 8 people. As I mentioned, the trail is very well marked out - you can generally see the next 2-3 markers on trees, stones, etc. In the rare case that you can't find the next one, turn around and find one behind you. Follow the angle you see that marker - as if you were doing the trail in reverse - and you should easily be able to find the next point. We hiked the trail in mid-November so the ground was covered in a thick layer of leaves and sometimes snow. This made it a little more difficult to see the uneven ground and rocks beneath the leaves, especially on the slippery downhills, but surprisingly, no ankles were twisted or broken.All in all, I really loved this hike and would certainly do it again. Described as "rugged and relentlessly up-and-down," it was definitely challenging but enjoyable. The park is beautiful, clean, and a true hidden gem in northern NJ.