Windbeam Mountain Spring Hike

Windbeam Mountain Spring Hike
North Jersey District Water Supply Commission
Passaic Co.,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Stonetown Circular Trail: Red blaze
Highlands Trail: Teal blaze
Windbeam Lane Extension: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.6 Miles

Pros: Good climb with great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: 2 Car Point to Point
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/csbuqam4fUgjeJR5A

Windbeam is a mountain that has a prominence from all sides and can be seen from miles away. It's a narrow, steep ridge that has excellent views from all sides. I had been meaning to hike this mountain for quite some time but haven't had the opportunity until now. The weather was finally beautiful after a week of rain and two previous weekend of heavy rain.

This was a two-car hike. We parked one car at the end of Windbeam Lane (there is a small spot at the end for just one car.) We parked the other car at the Stonetown Recreation Center, and started the hike from here. We took the Stonetown Circular Trail around the foot of the mountain, and then started the climb. The trail joined with the Highlands Trail as it climbed steeply up to the first view at Lower Windbeam Mountain. We continued climbing to the next view, with views on both sides of the mountain. And then we reached the summit with great views and a large flag on top.

We then took the climb down the mountain, which we took to the unblazed Windbeam Lane Extension Trail. We crossed around the fence blocking the trail, and our car was right there on the other side.

Map of the Route

Skunk Cabbage on the Foot of Windbeam Mountain

Windbeam Mountain from the Startof the Hike

First View, on Little Windbeam Mountain

View of Wanaque from Windbeam Mountain

Windbeam Mnt View

Trail on Windbeam Mountain

Manhattan Skyline in the Distance

Wanaque Reservoir

American Flag at Windbeam Mountain Summit

Quarry in the Distance