Abram S. Hewitt

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is a 2,001-acre protected area located in West Milford, Passaic County, in northern New Jersey. The forest is centered on the northern portion of Bearfort Mountain, situated between Greenwood Lake and Upper Greenwood Lake in the New Jersey Highlands. Unlike many state parks, Hewitt State Forest is accessible only on foot, preserving its isolated and largely untouched character. The forest contains approximately 20 miles of rugged trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail that traverses its northwest corner. At 1,487 feet, the Bearfort Mountain ridge within the forest represents the highest elevation in Passaic County. The forest is named after Abram S. Hewitt, a prominent 19th-century industrialist and politician who served as mayor of New York City and was instrumental in the development of the iron industry in northern New Jersey. The terrain is characterized by challenging rocky scrambles and steep ascents that reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest supports a diverse array of wildlife adapted to the rugged highlands environment. The forest's mix of upland hardwoods, hemlock groves, and wetland areas provides habitat for white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, gray foxes, and numerous small mammals. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks and broad-winged hawks soar above the ridgeline, taking advantage of thermal updrafts along Bearfort Mountain. The forest's streams and wetlands support populations of brook trout, wood frogs, and various salamander species, including the red-backed salamander commonly found beneath rocks and fallen logs. Migratory songbirds utilize the forest during spring and fall passages, with species such as warblers, thrushes, and vireos resting and feeding in the canopy. The relatively undisturbed nature of the forest, combined with its limited vehicle access, has helped maintain healthy wildlife populations. Marshes and wetlands scattered throughout the lower elevations provide critical breeding habitat for amphibians and serve as water sources for larger mammals throughout the year.

The vegetation of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest reflects the unique geology and elevation of the Bearfort Mountain ridge. Hemlock and oak are the dominant species, forming a relatively undisturbed canopy that has developed over centuries. The higher elevations support stands of chestnut oak, red oak, and pitch pine adapted to the thin, acidic soils overlying the conglomerate bedrock. Hemlock groves thrive in the cooler, sheltered ravines and along stream corridors, creating a dense, shaded understory. Mountain laurel and rhododendron form thick shrub layers, particularly along trails and at mid-elevations, producing spectacular blooms in late spring. The forest floor supports a variety of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, including trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and various violet species. Marshes and wetlands scattered throughout the forest contain sphagnum moss, sedges, and wetland shrubs. The acidic soils derived from the conglomerate bedrock support blueberry bushes that produce fruit in midsummer, attracting both wildlife and foragers to the forest.

The geology of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is among the most distinctive in New Jersey. Bearfort Mountain is composed of Schunnemunk Conglomerate, commonly known as puddingstone, dating to the Middle Devonian period approximately 380 million years ago. This unusual rock is grayish-purple to grayish-red and contains embedded rounded clasts of white vein quartz, red and green quartzite, sandstone, red and gray chert, and red shale. The conglomerate bedrock stands in stark contrast to the granite and gneiss typical of the surrounding northern Passaic County landscape. The New Jersey Highlands, of which Bearfort Mountain is a part, contain some of the oldest rocks in the state, formed during continental collisions and breakups over half a billion years ago when mountains rivaling the Himalayas were thrust upward. Glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch further shaped the landscape, carving depressions that now hold bogs and wetlands. The rocky ridgeline, with its exposed puddingstone outcrops, creates a dramatic landscape that attracts geology enthusiasts from throughout the region.

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest experiences a humid continental climate typical of the northern New Jersey Highlands, with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing and substantial snowfall accumulating on the higher elevations of Bearfort Mountain. The forest's elevation, reaching nearly 1,500 feet, results in noticeably cooler temperatures compared to surrounding lowland areas. Spring arrives gradually, with wildflowers emerging in April and May as snowmelt feeds the numerous streams and wetlands. Summers are warm but moderated by elevation, with average highs in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, making it a pleasant escape from the heat of the valleys below. Fog and mist frequently envelop the ridgeline, particularly in autumn when the temperature differential between the highlands and surrounding valleys is greatest. Fall foliage is spectacular, with the oak-dominated forest displaying vibrant reds, oranges, and golds from mid-October through early November. Annual precipitation averages approximately 48 inches, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.

The land now comprising Abram S. Hewitt State Forest has a rich human history dating back thousands of years. The Lenape people were the original inhabitants of the region, utilizing the highlands for seasonal hunting and gathering. European settlement in the area began in the 18th century, with the surrounding region becoming an important center for iron mining and smelting. The forest's namesake, Abram Stevens Hewitt, was a pivotal figure in the development of northern New Jersey's iron industry during the 19th century. Born in 1822, Hewitt became a partner in the Trenton Iron Works and later served as a U.S. Representative and mayor of New York City from 1887 to 1888. His contributions to the iron industry and public service made him one of the most prominent figures in the region. The surrounding area of West Milford and Greenwood Lake developed as a summer resort destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting visitors from New York City seeking mountain air and outdoor recreation. Evidence of historic charcoal hearths and old mining roads can still be found within the forest.

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest was established as part of New Jersey's efforts to preserve significant natural areas in the Highlands region. The state acquired the land through a combination of purchases and donations, recognizing the ecological and recreational value of the Bearfort Mountain corridor. The forest was named in honor of Abram S. Hewitt, acknowledging his significant contributions to the industrial development and public life of northern New Jersey. Trail development has been a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, which maintains detailed maps and trail guides for the area. The inclusion of the Appalachian Trail through the forest's northwest corner, established as part of the trail's route through New Jersey, further elevated the forest's significance as a recreational destination. Over the decades, the forest has been managed to maintain its wild character, with minimal development preserving the sense of wilderness that distinguishes it from more developed state parks. Conservation easements and continued land acquisition have expanded the protected corridor along Bearfort Mountain.

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest offers approximately 20 miles of rugged trails that traverse the Bearfort Mountain ridge. The Bearfort Ridge Trail, blazed in white, extends 3.0 miles along the ridgeline and offers stunning views from exposed puddingstone outcrops. The Quail Trail, marked with orange blazes, covers 2.4 miles through varied terrain. The Ernest Walter Trail, blazed in yellow, runs 1.9 miles and connects with other trails to form popular loop hikes. The State Line Trail, marked blue on white, extends 1.2 miles to the New York border. A popular 6.0-mile loop combining the Bearfort Ridge, Ernest Walter, and Quail trails provides a challenging but rewarding day hike with significant elevation changes and panoramic views. The Surprise Lake Loop, rated 4.7 stars on AllTrails, covers 4.2 miles with 938 feet of elevation gain and passes a scenic glacial lake. Approximately 6 miles of the Appalachian Trail traverse the forest's northwest section. The trails are characterized by rocky scrambles, steep ascents, and exposed ridgeline hiking that demands physical fitness and careful navigation.

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is a primitive, undeveloped forest accessible only on foot, reflecting its designation as a state forest rather than a state park. There are no visitor centers, restrooms, or developed facilities within the forest boundaries. Parking is available at several trailheads along Warwick Turnpike and Union Valley Road in West Milford, Passaic County. The forest is located approximately 45 miles northwest of New York City, accessible via Route 23 and local roads. Hikers should come prepared with adequate water, food, and navigation tools, as the trails are remote and cell service can be unreliable. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference provides detailed maps that are essential for navigating the trail network. Dogs are permitted on leash. The forest is open year-round, though winter conditions can make trails hazardous due to ice on exposed rock. The nearest services, including gas stations and restaurants, are available in West Milford and Greenwood Lake. Visitors should be aware that some trail sections involve steep scrambles that may not be suitable for inexperienced hikers or young children.

Conservation of Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is guided by the broader mission to protect the New Jersey Highlands, a critical ecological corridor and water resource for the region. The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act of 2004 recognized the importance of this region as a source of drinking water for millions of New Jersey residents. The forest's undeveloped character serves as a natural filter for precipitation that feeds into the Greenwood Lake watershed and other water resources. Forest management practices focus on maintaining the health of native tree species, controlling invasive plants, and preserving the integrity of wetland habitats. The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference works with state agencies to maintain trails in a manner that minimizes erosion and protects sensitive areas. The unique puddingstone geology of Bearfort Mountain has been identified as a feature of geological significance worthy of preservation. Climate change poses challenges to the hemlock stands within the forest, as the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect, threatens these trees. Ongoing monitoring and selective treatment efforts aim to protect remaining hemlock groves from this devastating pest.