Tourne Loop (4x) (Tourne County Park)

Tourne Loop (4x) (Tourne County Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop-Loop-Loop-Loop

Distance: 5.21 miles

Elevation: 1,286 feet

Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes
Hiking Challenges: 52 Hike Challenge 2025

The Hike

I had a few days off of hiking after my adventure in the Catskills due to a Wednesday-night wedding back in Boston (I am in New Jersey for July for work, which meant that I spent LOTS of time in the car recenltly). After a BIG nap, I decided it was time to revisit the Tourne and work on getting my local legend status! Temperatures were in the low 80s with HIGH humidity and clouds. My shoes were still a little damp after I left them out to dry after getting soaked by my own sweat post-Catskills, but then a thunderstorm further soaked them after (at least with fresh water?). My goal was just two laps, but I was dreaming of four. 

I started my hike by slapping myself in the face swatting at a gnat - solid start! The wineberries were beginning to open up, but were not ripe yet. I saw a chicken of the woods on the first descent and at the bottom of lap one I saw a fallen-but-cleared limb, likely from the recent thunderstorms.

A mosquito got me on the second ascent and saw my first two people at the top of lap two. I was actually feeling much better than I thought I would! There were many blue jays out on my second descent, along with more mosquitoes. I spent some time getting caught up on texts to distract from itching.

I saw a deer in the woods near the top of lap three and my shirt became Saran Swap at the top of lap three. I caught the same deer running through the woods on the third descent and continued onto my fourht ascent, feeling tired and proud. I was a slimy ball of sweat, but I got to wring out my shirt at the top of lap four. I eventually caught up to someone uniquely skipping down the hill as I passed some new folks at the bottom. The final 1/3 push back to the parking lot was quick and easy, crossing paths with one guy who looked at me, mumbled something, and ended with "Crazy huh?"

Step-by-Step

- Park on Denville Side of the Tourne. 

- Start hike on Yellow-Dot Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto Yellow Trail.

- Loop the Yellow Trail as many times as needed.

- When done, turn left onto Yellow-Dot Trail and return to car.

Map of Tourne County Park

Photo Album