Lake Rutherford Loop via Appalachian Trail and Iris...

High Point State Park

Scenic New Jersey Appalachian Trail - View in High Point State Park - Photo Jeremy Apgar Scenic New Jersey Appalachian Trail - View in High Point State Park - Photo Jeremy Apgar

This loop hike ascends to several viewpoints, parallels the shore of scenic Lake Rutherford, and combines a walk on the rugged Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with a stroll along the Iris Trail, which follows a gentle woods road.

41.302684, -74.667402

From the kiosk at the southwest comer of the parking area, follow a blue-blazed trail gently uphill. In 0.2 mile, the blue-blazed trail joins the red-dot-on-white-blazed Iris Trail. Turn right and follow the joint blue/red trail a short distance to a four-way junction, with a four-foot-high drainage pipe on the left. Here, the red-on-white-blazed Iris Trail turns right, and the yellow-on-white...

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Trip Reports

rate experience
February 16, 2020
3
not my favorite...
I've done this hike twice , once in summer and yesterday and I can't put my finger on it but it's not one of my favorites. The first time, I extended it by turning right when the AT reaches the Iris Trail , visiting the stone wall ruins , then turning left when the AT crosses again which made it a bit more interesting and lengthy. This time I visited the Rutherford Shelter. Granted there are some viewpoints , a lake and rock faces but it never feels remote . The trails are well maintained and it's a relatively short, moderate hike.
rdgee65
January 17, 2019
4
What a nice hike!
Lake Rutherford was "singing" today. The lake is starting to freeze and with the brisk breeze blowing across the lake, the ice was making sounds sort of like what humpback whales make. (No whale sightings though!). The hike description is spot on and the trail is blazed clearly.
jwrushman
August 31, 2015
0
Hike description has been updated
<p>I did this hike yesterday and have updated and largely rewritten the description.</p>
Daniel Chazin
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