Norvin Green State Forest, a state forest nestled in the New Jersey Highlands, offers a rugged landscape characterized by significant elevation changes and an extensive trail network. Elevations within the forest range from 400 to 1,300 feet, providing varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. This undisturbed forest environment, featuring hills and water features like Burnt Meadow Brook, makes it suitable for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, road cycling, and more. The wild character of Norvin Green State Forest provides a demanding yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
Norvin Green State Forest provides a variety of things to do for those seeking outdoor activities. The area features more than 10 routes across several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, road cycling, and more. For instance, the challenging terrain and extensive trail system make it a prime location for hiking, with routes offering significant elevation changes and rocky paths. Trail running is also well-supported, providing a demanding workout amidst natural surroundings. More than 4,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Norvin Green State Forest, resulting in an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars for the available routes. To explore specific activities, consider guides such as Hiking in Norvin Green State Forest or Running Trails in Norvin Green State Forest.
96
Routes
4.8
(44)
Average rating
848
People visited

17
hikers
8.19km
02:28
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
11.9km
03:32
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
5
hikers
6.33km
01:49
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.59km
01:21
130m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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38
riders
11.6km
01:04
160m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
29
riders
23.8km
03:07
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.96km
00:33
80m
80m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

28
riders
18.4km
01:44
320m
320m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
runners
4.96km
00:37
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
1
runners
7.98km
01:02
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
11
runners
7.75km
00:56
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
4.95km
00:31
40m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
73
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

17
riders
142km
07:23
1,870m
1,870m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
32.5km
01:31
300m
300m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
31.2km
01:24
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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17
riders
15.7km
01:35
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
18.6km
01:45
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
101km
06:34
1,320m
1,320m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.0
(1)
9
riders
27.3km
01:39
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Norvin Green State Forest is primarily known for hiking and trail running due to its rugged terrain and extensive trail network. Other activities include nature walks, bird and wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting in designated areas, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in winter. The trails are accessible by foot only.
Yes, Norvin Green State Forest features a challenging trail network with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet (122 to 396 meters). Many trails are considered difficult, offering a rigorous experience with constant small ups and downs, rocky terrain, light scrambling, and boulder hopping. For more information, see the Hiking in Norvin Green State Forest guide.
The forest offers numerous scenic viewpoints, including glimpses of the New York City skyline. Wyanokie High Point is a particularly notable destination, providing one of the best panoramic views in the state. Other views include Burnt Meadow Brook and Lake Sonoma.
No, official sources state that Norvin Green State Forest is accessible by foot only. Mountain biking and road cycling are not officially permitted on the trails within the state forest. Komoot offers guides for MTB Trails and Road Cycling Routes in the broader region, which may include routes on roads or outside the forest's trail system.
Norvin Green State Forest offers some options suitable for families, though many trails are rugged. It is advisable to check individual trail descriptions for difficulty and length before planning a family outing. A dedicated guide for Family-friendly hikes in Norvin Green State Forest is available.
Information regarding specific dog policies should be verified with the park administration. Generally, state forests in New Jersey allow leashed dogs. Komoot provides a guide for Dog-friendly hikes in Norvin Green State Forest.
Key water features include Burnt Meadow Brook, Chikahoki Falls, Otter Hole, and Lake Sonoma. Chikahoki Falls and Otter Hole are particularly impressive after heavy rains. These features add to the natural beauty of the forest.
Norvin Green State Forest is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 4,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The 18 available routes have an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Trail maps are often available at trailheads or through official park resources. Digital maps and routes can also be found on komoot, which provides detailed information for various activities. Users can explore specific routes and download maps for offline use.
The official website for Norvin Green State Forest is part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's website. The park office phone number is 973-962-2240. The forest is administered by Ringwood State Park.
While many trails are rugged, some easier options may be available for beginners. It is recommended to consult specific trail descriptions for difficulty levels. Komoot offers a guide for Easy hikes in Norvin Green State Forest.

