472 Boonton Avenue, Montville Township, NJ 07045

(For driving / GPS address)

Hours of Operation / Fall and Winter Activities / History / No Smoking Policy

Enjoy a wide range of geological and ecological experiences at the spectacular natural area known as Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. This area of 1,675 acres offers rugged trails, fields, forests, rock outcroppings, and wetlands. The highest point in the park is 934 feet with a magnificent view of the New York City skyline.

Easily visible to hikers are the unusual glacial erratics, such as Tripod Rock, a 180-ton boulder balanced on three smaller boulders deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago. Bear Rock, located nearby, is one of New Jersey’s largest glacial erratics. The flat-topped ridges and narrow valleys in the park are not only beautiful, but also vital in the water cycle, feeding downstream reservoirs, supplying needed aquifers, and supporting flora and fauna. For experienced hikers looking for new routes, the Kincaid Access Area provides access to some less-frequented, pristine trails, as well as alternate access to the park’s most popular features, such as Tripod Rock.

After an exhilarating hike on the trails, come inside the Pyramid Mountain Visitor Center to experience a variety of interactive educational exhibits about the history and wildlife of the area, including the Lenape Indians and early European settlers, habitats, and how the Wisconsin Glacier shaped the land. Amazing photography featuring the park and its inhabitants in each of the four seasons adorns the walls. Use the sound board exhibit to listen to recordings of local wildlife, or touch real natural and historical artifacts found on site. Enjoy observing the live insects and trying crafts and games.

Digital trail maps are available online.

Fall and Winter Activities:

FALL: The miles of wooded trails of Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area are a perfect place to enjoy the colorful show as the leaves change color. The views from the many scenic overlooks reveal the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of a variety of tree species, as well as the silhouettes of migrating birds of prey circling overhead. The mild temperatures and gorgeous scenery make this the ideal time for a hike on our trails. Highlights of fall programs include several popular annual events: guided evening hikes, canoe paddles, and many more naturalist-led programs for all ages and interests.

WINTER: Even when the weather turns chilly, the action at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area doesn’t cool off! The winter landscape reveals some of nature’s secrets as myriad wildlife tracks suddenly become visible in the snow. Bring your family to stroll the wooded trails and boardwalks, and use your detective skills to discover the animals’ winter activities.

The Special Events page highlights programs and activities, offering unique and fun opportunities for visitors of all ages.

History:

For over ten thousand years, this natural area provided shelter and served as a hunting, fishing, and gathering site for the Lenape Indians. Over three hundred years ago, the Lenape Indians experienced their first encounter with European colonizers.

Many of the first explorers and traders who discovered this corner of old Pequannock were of Dutch extraction. Surveyor stones and enduring stone walls still mark their homestead farms and woodlot boundaries.

Pyramid Mountain was established in 1989, after a lengthy grassroots effort to preserve the area from development. The first parcel was funded through support from the Mennen Company in 1989 and the Visitors Center was dedicated in 1993.

Hours of Operation:

Pyramid Mountain trails are open daily Sunrise to Sunset throughout the year.
The Visitor Center hours are from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday - Sunday. However, the visitor center may not be open if staff is on the trails.

No Smoking Policy

The Morris County Park Commission has recently announced a No Smoking Policy banning all smoking including burning of, inhaling from, exhaling the smoke from or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other matter of substance which contains tobacco or any other matter that can be smoked, or the inhaling or exhaling of smoke or vapor from an electronic smoking device. CLICK HERE for more details. Thank you for your continued support!

For more information, 973.334.3130.