Climb A Natural Rock Staircase Into The Clouds On The Summit Trail In New Jersey's Amwell Valley
By Kim Magaraci|Published May 27, 2022
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Kim Magaraci
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
If you’re looking for a fun, unique hike without having to travel all the way up to North Jersey’s skylands and highlands, head to the Amwell Valley and hike Baldpate Mountain! This Mercer County, New Jersey park is one of the best hikes in the state.
Baldpate Mountain, also known as the Ted Stiles Preserve, is a big ridge on the south end of New Jersey's Amwell Valley, below Sourland Mountain and close to the Delaware River and Route 29.
The area around Baldpate Mountain was hit by the strong straight-line and tornadic winds of a storm in 2021, so there is still quite a bit of blowdown in the area. The trails are cleared and were once again open to the public just a few months after the storm passed through.
As you climb, you'll encounter all sorts of wildlife. While black bears aren't common this far south, they do hang out here occasionally, and you might get lucky enough to see one!
It's far more likely that you'll see box turtles, rabbits, deer, and foxes.
After you get to the top of the summit trail, you can explore the homestead on the right, or head left for the peak of Strawberry Hill, which overlooks the Delaware River area.
The hike back down to your car is an easy one along the road from Strawberry Hill Mansion. You can also backtrack and head down the way you came, if you love playing on the rocks!
