Schedule for September 2023                                           IHC home page

Sunday     September 3, 2023              Merrill Creek Circular                Moderately Strenuous

Will meet at Merrill Creek fishermen’s parking and do a circular hike around Merrill Creek of 7 miles. Will cross 3 dams with beautiful views of the reservoir. One half of the route is hilly. Dam access roads are flat.

Leader:     Guy Percival               973-590-7437           PERCIVALGUY@GMAIL.COM

Meet: 9:00 AM     Boat Launch Parking, Merrill Creek Reservoir, 1 Merrill Creek Rd., Washington, NJ 07882

From I-78 West Exit 4: Turn right at the end of the ramp on to S. Main St. and drive north 1.8 miles to the center of Stewartville. At the blinking light, turn right on Washington St. (becomes Stewartville Rd.) and go 2.7 mi to Rt-57 in New Village. Cross Rt-57 diagonally, turning left onto Montana Rd. which goes uphill for 2 mi. Left on Richline Rd. and drive 0.3 mi, turning left again, onto Merrill Creek Rd. Follow signs to the Boat Launch. (GPS 40.7388, -75.0907)

Saturday    September 9, 2023         Bike at Sandy Hook, Atlantic Highlands, NJ            Moderate

Bike and explore at Sandy Hook National Sea Shore. http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/maps_shu.htm .

Leader:     Jean Fletcher             973-285-5263     cell 973-452-1567      JRFLETC@OPTONLINE.NET

Meet: 9:00AM   Note early start!       Parking Lot M, North Bragg Rd, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732

There is no fee after Labor Day. If questioned say going to Lot M or Fort Hancock. Nearby the Lot, there is an elevated bird observatory deck which we will visit before we start to bike. Bring sand walking footwear which you can use and leave in your car. We will then bike back to the park entrance, finding lunch along the way, and return. Other stops, such as the Lighthouse, are possible along the way. Bring lunch, sun/wind protection, a bike lock, a spare tube/tire for your bike as well as any beach gear you feel will be useful. Flush toilets and running water are available. There is a small canteen near the Lighthouse. Trash must be carried out of the park.  

From Garden State Parkway South Exit 117, Sandy Hook/Rt-36. Proceed toward Sandy Hook on Rt-36 about 15 miles (plan time for this, there could be heavy traffic). Exit Rt-36 to the park by following the right lane only over the bridge into the park. Once in the park, pass through the entrance plaza on Ocean Avenue (changes to Hartshorne Dr). Continue straight for 4.8 mi to S Brag Rd. on right. Follow S Brag Rd. 0.3 mi to Ford Rd. Cross over Ford Rd. and continue on N Brag Rd. 0.3 past “9 Gun Battery Area.” to Parking lot M at end. GPS (40.4706, -74.0050)

Sunday   September 10, 2023               Ramapo County Reservation Observation                 Moderate

Hike highlights include Waterfall, goat farm ruins, NYC view, more. About 8.5 miles

Leaders:   Mike Roulier              973-879-8218           MROULIER2016@GMAIL.COM  

                  Jill Wilson                  973-879-0531           SUNSHYN812@GMAIL.COM

Meet: 9:00 AM                       Ramapo Valley County Reservation, 600 Ramapo Valley Rd, Rt-202, Mahwah, NJ 07430

From Rt-17 Mahwah, NJ: Take Rt-202 south 1.8 miles to Ramapo Valley County Reservation entrance on right side of road.

From I-287 Exit 58 Oakland, NJ: Take Rt-202 north 4.8 mile to Ramapo Valley County Res. on left. No left turns allowed here!

So, continue north about 1 block and make U-turn and come back to parking lot entrance. GPS (41.0776, -74.1863)

Sunday     September 17, 2023       NYC Hudson River Greenway                     Strenuous

This hike will be along the Hudson Greenway in NYC. Will be a level 10 – 11 miles.

Leader:     Craig Nunn                 551-206-6823           DYSTOPICNJ@GMAIL.COM

Meet:         Meeting place and time to be announced one week ahead by IHC email.

Sunday  September 24, 2023           High Bridge to Ken Lockwood Gorge                     Moderately Strenuous

Will meet in High Bridge and hike through the town. With a visit to the historic Iron Works and Solitude house. Then head north on the Columbia trail until it meets Ken Lockwood Gorge. Return via the Gorge. Hike is 8 miles and hilly in places. Note we are meeting ½ hour early for parking.

Leaders: Guy Percival                 973-590-7437           PERCIVALGUY@GMAIL.COM

Meet: 9:00 AM     Union Forge Park, 22 Washington Ave, High Bridge, NJ 08829

Take I-78 West to Exit 17, Rt-32 North. Go north 2¼ mi to West Main St (Rt-513) Proceed 1 mile and make a right on Arch Street going over the bridge. Go 0.4 mi to Washington St, turn left drive 0.1 mi to playground parking.   GPS (40.6662, -74.8929)

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