Norvin State Forest- challenging exploratory hike 14 miles w/ 3,200' elevation

\\*Moderate to advanced hike; sorry no beginners\\*

Norvin Green State Forest offers some rugged and challenging trails. This is a really cool area to hike! Expected various terrain, lots of rolling hills and impressive scenic overlooks- including the New York skyline from a distance. This hike will be "exploratory" in nature. Our group has done this hike in the past, but this time we take it up a notch with some fun excursions along the way. Safety will always be a priority and you will never have to do anything you are not comfortable or physically able to do. But please only sign up if you are the type of hiker that likes a challenge and appreciates a little deviation from the "NORM".

Speaking of the norm, we are known to hike fairly fast with almost no stopping. In a break from the "norm", we will make a few stops as the views are stunning (a 10ish minute lunch stop will occur at one of the vistas). There will also be 2-3 areas in which there is an opportunity for an up and back down rock scramble. Some may chose not to scramble and wait for those that do scramble. That is totally ok, just pack a little patience and cheer the scramblers on as you take a well deserved rest.

Expect an overall pace of about 3.3-3.5 on flats/downs, slower on the climbs. We will stop at the peaks with a view and walk it off at the top of those without a view...:)

End time is best estimate. It will be a long day, but fun.

THE GOOD:
We will see the Chikahoki Falls and the following scenic overlooks: Carris Hill, Yoo Hoo point, Ball Mountain and Wyanokie High Point.
There will also be some rock scrambling at Osio Rock and other items of interest along the way. Snacks and pics in the stone living room!

THE BAD:
Bears .....I have read many comments about the bears. So we will need to keep eye out and be prepared in case. Recommending bear spray for this hike. There are signs all over stating the bear activity, but no bad incidents reported. Lets keep it that way!

Parking fills up, so we need to be there early. I usually start Sunday hikes later, but we won't get parking then.

WEATHER: light rain and snow ok, but will reschedule for steady rain storms or ice.

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear which is hiking boots or trail runners due to rocky and slippery conditions.
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions- pay attention to weather forecast
3- WATER or other source of hydration; food as needed- foods you can eat on the run if needed, but we will stop briefly to fuel up.
4- Hiking poles and bags as needed.
5- Bear spray not a bad idea

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION: Parking is limited and this hike is about 2.5 hours from Phila. So we need to carpool where possible. Can use comment section to assist with this.
We will meet and park at the Outer Parking Lot of The New Weiss Center- See Meetup PIN. GPS coordinates for the outer parking lot are: 41.0698407, -74.321792
PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND DO A SATELLITE VIEW OF PARKING AREAS AHEAD OF TIME. Allow plenty of time for timely arrival.

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a wait list will exclude you from being moved off of future wait lists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Ringwood, Meetups in Ringwood.