Hiking Stephens State Park
(specifically the Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop trail).
I think I typed this entire post and then the internet ate it or it got misplaced somewhere.
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I went hiking at Stephens State Park. The trail name is called: “Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop. ”
The Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop is roughly 8.3 miles. We cut parts out and went on the “Fuzzy Things” trail, which ultimately made our adventure 7.5. The Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop is typically moderately trafficked, but because we went on a cold day, we didn’t see anyone. Just a fisherman at the beginning!
All of the trails for Stephens State Park start near the Musconetcong River. Apparently, it’s a tremendous freshwater trout fishing spot. At the trailhead, there are a fishing spot, picnic tables and picnic shelters, park office (open in April) and a restroom with flushing toilets. There is even a playground within walking distance. The rest of Stephens State Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, or even horseback riding.
There are trail markers (red trail, white trail, and orange) and trail loops that range from 1-8.3 miles.
Depending on which way you do the loop, the Orange, White, and White Rumbly Climb Loop is either
steep in the beginning followed by a long gradual downhill for the last several miles
long gradual uphill oer seeral miles followed by a and steep downhill
We decided to do the Orange, White and White Rumbly Climb Loop backward, so we were climbing most of the time and a steep 1 mile downhill for the last mile. I don’t like steep downhills, but it wasn’t too bad.
In all, it was a fun (but a cold day). If you are ever in the Hacketstown area, I will check it out (and also the River Star Diner).
You can see all the hikes here