Surprise Lake Loop is a 3.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near West Milford, New Jersey that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
forest
lake
views
Great hike with some scrabble and rocky areas and awesome views of Greenwood Lake
Just did this hike yesterday and there was a lot of snow on the trail. It was a fun hike with several rock scrambles and stream crossings. I can't wait to come back again when the flowers are blooming.
Gorgeous trail. Walking through the rhododendrons was surreal and the lake views were beautiful. Definitely a hard trail in some places with quite a few rock scrambles, so be prepared to do some light climbing
Great hike - did the 4.1 loop. Not nearly as hard as breakneck but still has it's tough spots. Views are incredible and love the lake as well. Definitely dog friendly.
NOT for beginners. It took about 5 hrs, and using a hiker's GPS, the actual distance is 5.1 miles. It is quite hilly, rocky, and there are 3 walls to traverse. You will be on all 4's, your butt, and possibly on your belly at times. Bring hiking poles, although many people do not. It is a really nice, but challenging hike, and the view of Greenwood Lake is quite beautiful. Worth it. Some people don't do the whole loop, and just go left from the blue to the yellow trail, see the Greenwood Lake view, and maybe progress to Surprise Lake which is just a bit farther. That is a much easier hike than the entire loop. Should you decide to do the whole thing, don't make the left onto the yellow trail, bear right to continue on the blue trail instead. This way you end with the spectacular views as a reward. Also, we took our dog, who does a lot of hiking, and he was exhausted. He even needed to be lifted up and down on 2 of the walls. Do it, and enjoy.
Some areas with intense rock faces but all in a a great hike!
Park in the lot directly across from marina. Actually ended past where orange merged in the rhododedrum forest as i calleded it and returned. Beautiful views at suprise lake and amazing views from Bearfort mtn ridge overlooking Greenwood lake on yellow.
Tougher than you think. Lots of scrambling. Amazing topography! The views are terrific.
Very nice hike, a bit buggy
Very nice hike, a bit buggy
Great views of the lake when you get to the top! Bad idea going after a rain storm in January, it was terribly icy and slippery. I would definitely do it again in the spring.
Great hike for beginners,
Average, NY trails are way better groomed than this one.