Trail Guides
Below you will find a listing of the trails in and around camp. The summary section for each hike shows the trails used, total length and elevation gain. A short summary description of the trail is provided to explain some of the trail features. To view the full trail description, click on the "Read more" link associated with any of the trails.
Trail Summary
Scouts may follow this easy and short path around the swamp, passing through what was an old farm (1774) where the outpost campsite was several years ago. The trail passes near to the foot of the mountain, skirts the swamp and the headwaters of the Jacksonburg Creek, then returns to camp after just 1 ¼ miles.
Trail Summary
Scouts may follow this nearly level trail from Parsons Lodge through the forest surrounding No-Be-Bo-Sco, to the former Camp Towadena, and the old waterfront on Fairview Lake. A favorite for Webelos and younger troops and patrols, the trail is not challenging, and offers a quality picnic opportunity on the shore of Fairview Lake. The old Scout Camp Towadena is now owned by the Township of Stillwater as a Green Acres property, so swimming may take place only in accordance with the 8-Point Safe Swim Defense Plan.
Trail Summary
Scouts will enjoy the challenge of climbing the mountain and the grand view from the top of the cable cut. This route also passes by a beaver pond near the top of the mountain (the source of which is called Copperhead Spring). While the climb contains many boulders, the descent is very easy, offering a wonderful circuit.
Trail Summary
Scouts will enjoy walking the same path that thousands of people have walked from Georgia to Maine (even if just for a brief distance). Who knows, your troop may bump into a true “through-hiker!” This trail goes up the cable cut to the great view at the top of the mountain, then across the ridge, with one or two other lookouts, then descends back into camp on some mildly challenging terrain.
Trail Summary
Singularly the best view in easy hiking distance to the camp, the fire tower has been a popular hiking destination for Scouts since the 1930’s. The trail heads up the cable cut, past Copperhead Spring, then crosses Millbrook-Blairstown Road and continues on the Appalachian Trail until reaching the fire tower. Will you meet a member of the NJ Forest Fire Service at the top? The return into camp is much easier, following a gradual descent down the mountain.
Trail Summary
Scouts will enjoy this moderate hike to a crystal clear lake perched high on the mountain. They will also enjoy the several lookouts from the Appalachian trail along the way. The steep ascent up the mountain is followed by an almost flat hike along the top of the ridge, all the way out to Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec, a former Boy Scout camp now owned by the federal government. Permission for visiting must be arranged in advance.
NOTE: This trail is not recommended during hunting season.
Trail Summary
History-minded troops will enjoy a visit to Millbrook Village, a hamlet whose heyday was in the 1800’s. For a complete history and description of the village, find a pamphlet at the welcome station near the parking lot. All Scouts will enjoy the hike over the mountain, and the brooks and terrain encountered between the Appalachian Trail and the village. The trail ascends the mountain, then descends the other side at a gentler pace. The challenge of this trail is in climbing the mountain, then climbing it again on the return trip.
NOTE: This trail is not recommended during hunting season.
Trail Summary
Some of the most fantastic waterfalls in the state of New Jersey are located between the Delaware Water Gap and High Point. This trail is the Scout’s opportunity to experience one or more. The trail ascends the mountain via the cable cut, then descends following used and abandoned roads to the glen. The glen is a fantastic ravine where Van Campen’s Brook has carved an incredible scar into the landscape. There is opportunity for exploring, and possibly swimming depending on posted signs. On the return, the trail ascends the mountain again, but descends on a gradual path into camp.
Trail Summary
This is a challenging hike with many worthwhile intermediate stops. The challenge of this hike is keeping to a schedule, since Scouts will want to stop often to take pictures and enjoy the natural beauty. The trail includes the cable cut, Copperhead Spring, Catfish Mountain Fire Tower, Catfish Pond, and Rattlesnake Swamp (the trail doesn’t go through the swamp, it merely skirts the edge on dry ground).
NOTE: This trail is not recommended during hunting season.
Trail Summary
This aggressive hike involves climbing the mountain, hiking through Millbrook Village, through Watergate, to the glen, and then returning to camp via Copperhead Spring. Time is the major constraint to this hike, as Scouts will need to balance the need to stay on schedule with their desire to explore just a little more, or stay a little longer at each location.
