The Jewish Outdoors Club

Join the JOC on Sunday, August 29^th, as we hike up Bearfort Ridge and on to Surprise Lake!

The Bearfort Ridge/Quail Trail Loop is about a 4.5 hour hike, located in the Abram Hewitt State Forest (Bearfort Ridge and Wawayanda Region). It’s a moderate to strenuous hike of about 6 miles with some elevation (about 1300 ft) and rock scrambling. You will have views along the trail including the New York City skyline if it’s a clear day (though I thought we wanted to hike to escape the city!), Upper Greenwood Lake, Sterling Forest, the Wyanokies, and of course Surprise Lake!

It features a little bit of everything you find hiking in Jersey: a mix of rugged and easy trail surface, including long patches of exposed rock, some short scrambling sections, nice views from the ridge, a rhododendron tunnel, and several wet areas/streams. Surprise Lake makes for a pleasant break spot, and the return is on a woods road.

Mileage: 5.9 miles, challenging. While this trail is not long, it is a challenge due to the rapid up and down of the ridge trail and some rock scramble sections throughout. The return is easier on a woods road, but that is very wet in spots and the blazes are spaced out and easy to miss in a few places.

Schedule:

We will meet in the parking lot at 10:00 am to sign in.  (I may have to be somewhere in the early evening--sorry for the early start.)  We are a little over an hour from the city. Give yourselves some extra time in case you get stuck in traffic. The hike should take about 4-5 hours. We will have lunch somewhere along the trail (bring your own food). You should be back in the city by around 5:00PM give or take (depending on traffic).

How much does it cost?

There’s a three dollars JOC fee to cover our expenses (please bring exact change).

Must I be in good shape?
A definitive yes!  This is appropriate for most fit hikers, and not appropriate for slow or inexperienced hikers. No, it is not a race, and we will certainly take some time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us, but we also have a specific destination to reach in a timely fashion.

How much room is there?
There is room for 30 people. Priority will be given to drivers, as needed.

How do I sign up?

Please answer the following questions by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it :

1) What is your name?
2) What is your cell phone number?
3) What is your email address? (please retype it even though it appears in my inbox -- it is much easier for me)
4) Do you have a car? If so, leaving from where, with how much room for passengers?

What if it rains?

Drizzle or very light rain doesn’t cancel, but anything more than that will, due to the danger of rock scrambling in the rain. Rain date TBD. I will send out an e-mail with updates if necessary (though hopefully it won’t be necessary!)

Rideshare:

We will send out a spreadsheet as soon as registration closes with a list of drivers and their contact details. Passengers are expected to each reimburse their driver $15 for gas, tolls, and wear & tear.

Packing List:

Water, Water, and Water!! If you don’t have a minimum of 2 liters of water, you cannot come. This is to ensure your own safety! You must have sneakers or hiking shoes (no open sandals, flip flops or high healed anything). Bring comfortable hiking clothing that can get dirty, 3 dollar JOC fee (please try to bring exact change), 15 dollars to reimburse your driver (if you are a rider), snacks, lunch, camera, sun screen, bug spray, and a fun attitude! You should also bring along a backpack so you can carry all these things with your hands free.

See you on the trails!!