Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
We will start the day with a “warm up” hike. This is an easy 1.5 mile guided hike on a trail fully encircling a very scenic Lake.
The lake is made by damming a brook which flows through the preserve and originally used as a reservoir to supply nearby towns with drinking water. It was opened to the public in 2011 as a nature Preserve.
The hike has very little elevation change and you will hike over some very interesting floating bridges.
Dey Mansion
On our next stop you will receive a guided tour of the Dey Mansion. This historical building was Constructed between 1740 -1750 and played an integral role in the American Revolutionary War, it served as Washington's Headquarters on several occasions.
The Dey Mansion is built in Georgian style architecture with English and Dutch influences. In 1970 the Dey Mansion was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.
As of 1987 the Dey Mansion has been open to the public as a museum and it is owned and operated by the County of Passaic Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs. It also serves as a meeting place and reenactment center for many historic groups.
We will eat lunch at a local restaurant
Norvin Green State Forest Hike
After lunch we will indulge ourselves in a 3 mile guided hike in the Jersey Highlands.
The hike feels longer than 3 miles because it is through some very hilly and rocky terrain and you will also experience a little rock scrambling.
The trail also takes us to a few very nice viewpoints, one with 360 degrees panoramic views and you will also see an interesting stone living room with chairs, arm rests, and end tables all made of stone.
You will both hike through forest and over some open mountain tops and part of the trail is next to a mountain stream.
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