Get DirectionsFrom the third parking area, head south, passing to the right of the lake and the Casino. Continue ahead on a gravel road, passing a ballfield on the right. At the end of the lake, the road curves sharply left. In another 350 feet (before reaching a chain-link fence across the road), you’ll notice a kiosk and a triple-white blaze on a tree to the right. This marks the start of the White Trail...
Hike Description:
From the third parking area, head south, passing to the right of the lake and the Casino. Continue ahead on a gravel road, passing a ballfield on the right. At the end of the lake, the road curves sharply left. In another 350 feet (before reaching a chain-link fence across the road), you’ll notice a kiosk and a triple-white blaze on a tree to the right. This marks the start of the White Trail, which will be your route for the entire hike.
Turn right and follow the White Trail into the woods. It climbs to the edge of an escarpment, descends a little, then resumes a steady climb. Be alert for a
sharp turn to the right. Just ahead, the trail switches back to the left and begins a steeper climb. At the crest of the rise, the trail comes out on a rock outcrop, with a panoramic east-facing view. A wooden bench has been placed here to permit you to rest and enjoy the view.
Just ahead, the trail begins a steady descent, passing interesting rock outcrops on the way down. At the base of the descent, the Yellow Trail begins on the right. The White Trail climbs again, first gradually, then more steeply on a rocky path through mountain laurel thickets. At the top, the trail turns sharply left. Here, a rock outcrop just ahead on the ridge, with pitch pines, offers a broad view to the west.
After taking in the view, backtrack for about 25 feet, turn right and continue through dense mountain laurel thickets. The trail soon climbs back to the ridge and heads south, following a rugged route, with several short but steep ups-and-downs, and limited views to the west through the trees. Pay careful attention to the blazes, as there are several herd paths that lead in the wrong direction. Towards the end of the ridge, the trail descends a little, then comes out onto a broad southwest-facing viewpoint from a rock ledge to the right of the trail.
The trail levels off, then climbs to pass a balanced boulder on the right. It descends a rocky slope, then levels off. After crossing a stream and passing a fractured rock outcrop on the right, the trail begins a short ascent. At the top of the climb, it turns right and goes through a tunnel under massive boulders. It now climbs past a huge rock outcrop and again starts to descend.
At a limited seasonal viewpoint to the east (with the Kakeout Reservoir visible in the distance during leaf-off season), the trail turns left, passes a huge overhanging boulder on the right and levels off. It soon reaches a kiosk (and a nearby bench) that marks the terminus of the Yellow Trail, which comes in from the right. Just ahead, the trail begins a gradual descent. After crossing an intermittent stream, it makes a short climb. The trail passes a massive rock outcrop on the left, then descends rather steeply. It goes over another rise and descends to cross a tributary stream on a wooden bridge.
After climbing over another rise and crossing Trout Brook on a wooden bridge, the trail steeply climbs around a cliff, turns left onto a gravel road, and continues to climb rather steeply, passing a wooden bench along the way. It reaches an open area at the crest of the rise, where it bears left, leaving the gravel road, and continues on a footpath. Soon, you’ll pass rock outcrops on the left that offer a west-facing view overlooking the ridge that you followed at the start of the hike.
The trail now descends, twice briefly joining dead-end branches of the gravel road that it followed up the rise. It continues on a footpath to end at the second parking area of Silas Condict County Park. Turn left to return to the third parking area, where the hike began.
To view a photo collection for this hike, click here.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 06/23/2011 updated/verified on 03/12/2024
This hike climbs to several panoramic viewpoints, passes a balanced rock and goes through a rock tunnel.
41.005327, -74.384914
Morris Co., NJ
3 mi
2.5 hrs
Web Map: Silas Condict County Park
Buy Map: Morris County Highlands Trails Map
Avenza App Map: Morris County Highlands 125
Hike Checklist:
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.
The Essentials
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.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Follow N.J. Route 208 North to I-287 South and take Exit 52B of I-287 (N.J. Route 23 North). Follow Route 23 north for 2.6 miles and take the exit for Kinnelon Road/Kiel Avenue. Turn left at the traffic light onto Kiel Avenue south, cross Route 23, and continue for 1.1 miles to the entrance to Silas Condict County Park, on the right. Turn right and follow William Lewis Arthur Drive (the park entrance road) for 0.7 mile, passing two parking areas and a locked gate on the right. With the lake and a stone building (known as the Casino) visible on the left, park in the third parking area along the road. (If the third parking area is full, return to the second parking area and park there.)
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SUPPORT
Support the trails with a donation!Trail Conference volunteers maintain trails in this hike.
Trip Reports
rate experience October 28, 2021
White trail, Silas Condict County Park
We went back to this trail today, after about a year, as it was a perfect fall day and we know that this trail has great vistas for viewing autumn coloration. Today did not disappoint: moderate temperature (pretty warm in the sun), blue sky, nobody else in sight. A highlight was seeing three eastern garter snakes over the course of the hike. One was in a little stream that crossed the trail, swimming and ducking under stones. Another felt threatened enough to coil into strike position.
We do have one comment, though, and hope it is constructive. We are experienced hikers and have been going to this trail on and off since it opened ten years ago. The blazes are inconsistent. While at times there are 3 in a straight line pretty close together (20 feet or so?), at other times there are unmarked turns of 90 degrees or so, and the next blaze is occasionally quite a way from the turn so that you have to search for a minute or two to make sure you're going the right way.
Peter & Carol
September 30, 2019
Nice hike!
We were pleasantly surprised by this hike. For us, it was a moderately strenuous two hour hike, with great vistas, an interesting rock tunnel and a beautiful lake at the trailhead. I would highly recommend this hike. We found it a bit difficult to locate the trailhead, as described under the Directions to Trailhead. A simpler approach is to look for the other trailhead (since the trail is a loop starting and ending at the lake), which is clearly visible on the left as you enter the parking area. Have fun!
December 18, 2018
Just yesterday!
My son and I got a good workout yesterday and we had the whole trail to ourselves! I Agree with the other posters—good footgear and plenty of water are a must. Blazes could use a fresh coat of paint. Cave Tunnel was so cool!