At the north end of the parking area, you will notice a fenced-in area with a sign “Skate Park.” On the left, yellow and teal-diamond blazes are affixed to a wooden post. Follow the Yellow Trail and the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail into the woods, passing camp buildings on the left.
With the Blackfoot Cabin just ahead, turn right onto a partially paved road and cross a causeway over a wet area, with a lake visible on the left. At the end of the wet area, bear right at the fork and follow the yellow and teal diamond blazes uphill into the woods. Soon, you’ll reach a junction, marked by signs “Upper” and “Lower,” with a triple-blue blaze on the right. Turn right, following the “Lower” arrow, and continue along the Blue Trail.
At first, the trail follows a relatively level route through the woods, traversing several rocky areas. It then bears left and climbs rather steeply, passing some interesting rock outcrops on the left. When the Blue Trail ends, at the crest of the ridge, continue ahead, following the yellow and teal diamond blazes (do not turn right), and pass a balanced boulder on the left.
The trail continues along the ridge, with limited views through the trees on the left, and soon reaches an interesting split rock. It turns right just beyond the rock and zigzags up to follow near the edge of a rocky escarpment. The trail descends steeply through a cleft in the rock and, after a short level stretch, begins a steady descent. You’ll soon hear the sounds of traffic on the nearby Route 15, which runs close to the trail at this point, but the sounds diminish as you continue to descend.
After reaching a hollow and climbing a little, the trail resumes its descent. Soon, you’ll reach the junction where the Blue Trail begins on the left. Continue ahead, following the yellow and teal diamond blazes, now retracing your steps to the camp parking area, where the hike began.
To view a photo collection for this hike, click here.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 10/27/2011 updated/verified on 10/26/2011
This loop hike climbs to a ridge, passing interesting rock formations on the way.
At the north end of the parking area, you will notice a fenced-in area with a sign “Skate Park.” On the left, yellow and teal-diamond blazes are affixed to a wooden post. Follow the Yellow Trail and the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail into the woods, passing camp buildings on the left.
With the Blackfoot Cabin just ahead, turn right onto a partially paved road and cross a causeway...
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.
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.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Follow I-80 West to Exit 34B (Jefferson/Sparta) and proceed north for 5.0 miles on N.J. Route 15. Take the exit for Weldon Road and Milton, continue north on Weldon Road for 0.5 mile, and turn left into the parking area for Camp Jefferson (the parking area is just before the sign for “Camp Jefferson” on the left side of the road).
From I-80 East take Exit 33 and follow signs for Route 15 North. Proceed as above.
Physical address: 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.
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