Point Mountain Loop from Penwell Road

From the parking area, proceed south on the orange-blazed Ridge Trail, which follows a wide mowed path to the left of cultivated fields, with views of Point Mountain ahead in the distance. In about a third of a mile, where the orange-blazed trail turns left, continue ahead on the blue-blazed Riverwalk Trail. The blue-blazed trail turns right at the end of the field, follows along its southern end, then turns left and descends on a footpath to the Musconetcong River. Soon, it crosses a tributary stream and widens to a woods road.

In another third of a mile, the Riverwalk Trail reaches a fork. The trail ahead is also marked blue, but you should turn right here, leaving the woods road, follow a footpath for 50 feet to the river, then turn left and proceed along the river, still following blue blazes. For the next half a mile, the trail closely parallels the scenic river, which features attractive cascades.

After passing a huge sycamore tree, the trail crosses Point Mountain Road and heads slightly inland, following a footpath through wild rose thickets. For part of the way, the trail may be marked with blue flagging tape rather than permanent blazes. After approaching the river once more, the trail bears left, away from the river, and begins to run through a deciduous forest. Soon, the trail bears sharply left and begins to head northeast, paralleling Musconetcong River Road, visible through the trees to the right.

About two miles from the start, the Riverwalk Trail recrosses Point Mountain Road and enters a parking area on the east side of the road. Here, the trail turns right and begins to climb on a rocky footpath, reaching a trail junction in 250 feet. Continue ahead, uphill, now following the orange-blazed Ridge Trail. The climb soon steepens, and the trail continues to ascend on a rocky, rugged treadway, with some rock steps.

After bearing sharply left in sight of a private home ahead, the trail reaches a panoramic viewpoint over the Musconetcong River valley from a rock outcrop to the left of the trail. The view includes farms and small towns. This is a good place to take a break and rest from the climb - the one steep ascent on the hike.

The Ridge Trail now briefly descends to a junction with a yellow-blazed trail, then climbs to regain the ridge. Follow the orange-blazed trail as it continues along the ridge, with occasional views through the trees to the left. After about half a mile of ridgetop walking, the trail bears right and descends slightly. It parallels an old stone wall for about 600 feet, then turns left and climbs back to the ridge.

Soon, the trail begins a steady descent from the ridge. After crossing a stream, it turns left and follows a woods road downhill. At the base of the descent, the trail emerges onto a field and follows a mowed path along its left side. At the end of the field, the it bears left and reaches a junction with the blue-blazed Riverwalk Trail, which begins to the left. Turn right and follow the orange-blazed trail along the right side of fields, retracing your steps to the Penwell Road parking area, where the hike began.