Long Pond Ironwork’s Monk’s Trail!
Long Pond Ironwork’s Monk’s Trail is a 2.5 mile loop trail located near scenic Monksville Reservoir.
Monk's Mountain
Monk's Trail
The trail follows a white blaze near the abandoned Winston Iron Mine. The mine was in operation for a short time after the Civil War and was inactive by the 1880′s.
Winston Iron Mine
There is an interesting side trail (blue on white blaze) which leads to some amazing views of Monksville Reservoir.
Beautiful Monksville Reservoir
One of the unique finds on this hike was Prickly Pear Cactus.
Prickly Pear Cactus
The trail is a great scenic way to view some of the iron mine history of the NJ Highlands while taking in some great views. For directions and a full description of this great hike click here.
4 Responses to “Long Pond Ironwork’s Monk’s Trail!”
Have you hiked here? Have a question or comment? Share your thoughts!
Comments!
 | NJUrbanForest on Diamond Brook Park in Glen… |
 | pterminal on Diamond Brook Park in Glen… |
 | Newark Water Dept on Welcome to Essex County Mills… |
| NJUrbanForest on Hiking Torne Mountain! (Norvin… |
| NJUrbanForest on Hiking Silas Condict Park… |
Just took a hike here at monk’s trail. Although a little cold in the winter (we hiked on Dec 5th), it was still a great hike. The uphill climb, almost 300 ft, is a little tough for out of shape hikers.
Exploring the old open iron mines pits was fun. Definitely great hike.
I’m glad you enjoyed the hike!
(looking down at the map) hiking the trail in a clockwise direction is harder and steeper than going counter clockwise. There are entrances to the trail from either boat launch parking lot. Tennessee Gas is laying a new pipeline right now so check the NYNJTC website to see if it’s open and passable.
The blue side trail with the view is closer to the south boat launch, go to your left but it’s a steep climb. The Winston (Winton?) mine is easier to get to from the north boat launch. At the woods road a little past the yellow gate take the trail to the left that goes uphill, not the one that goes down towards the water. After passing under the electric wires and passing the gas line, look carefully for a path that goes to the left. Be careful you don’t fall in!
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for writing and sharing your hiking tips! Much appreciated!