Signal & Tory Rocks

Signal & Tory Rocks, near Norvin Green State Forest (6/28/2008)

This out-and-back follows a 3-mile western section of the Stonetown Circular trail near Norvin Green State Forest, passing over Signal Rock and Tory Rocks. It was a hot and humid day but the hike only had one somewhat challenging climb (to Signal Rock, right near the beginning). We parked at the Ringwood Fire Station on Stonetown Road, hiked north along the trail reaching Burnt Meadow Road, a dirt road filled with ponds of rain water, before reaching an intersection with an orange-blazed trail heading to the west. At this point we turned and headed back. This orange-blazed trail, incidentally, isn't on the 2007 NYNJTC New Jersey Trails Map 115, nor is it mentioned on the webpage of Norvin Green State Forest, so it must be brand new. In any event, we hiked for 6 miles in about 3.5 hours.

The hike did involve one of the eerier experiences we've had hiking in New Jersey. There's a giant boulder jumble located between Signal Rock and Tory Rocks. I had mistaken it for Tory Rocks and began climbing around, exploring it. As Laura was taking a photo of me I heard a long, low-pitched, very stern groan of an incredibly irritated nature, coming from between the rocks very near where I was standing. As soon as Laura heard it she dashed off the boulders because she has a brain. I, on the other hand, apparently enjoyed the sound so much that I stayed for about four more rounds ... each time the groan grew more and more pissed. Finally I decided to hustle it out of there. I still have no idea what it was, but black bear comes to mind. One website does mention that there is a sizeable bear population in the Tory Rocks area which is partly sustained by the huge amount of blueberry bushes. One thing is for sure -- it wasn't happy at all that I was there on those rocks. On our return it was no longer there. Or at least he was in a better mood.

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