Tourne Loop (4x) (Tourne County Park)

Tourne Loop (4x) (Tourne County Park)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop-Loop-Loop-Loop

Distance: 5.17 miles

Elevation: 1,266 feet

Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike

This one was a mental challenge. It truly took all the strength I could muster to not take a nap before this hike, but I knew if I napped I likely wouldn't get a hike in before my camp's concert that night, so I pushed and made it! It was also beautiful out - upper 70s and low humidity. There were lots of squirrels out and about and to my delight I was NOT pouring sweat at the top of lap #1! I had my first drop of sweat fall from my forehead halfway up my second lap, and saw my first person at the top of my second lap. I was moving slow and steady, just enjoying my time in the woods. 

The summer cicadas were buzzing loudly, taking breaks every now and then. I wish I knew how to tell if they were annual cicadas or the 13/17 year ones. Maybe there is? Maybe I'd need a body? Not sure! One bug I did fully identify was the spotted lanternfly, which had taken over a dead branch of a bush. There was a mix of early and late stage nymphs, so thankfully they weren't flying yet. I smacked them with my water bottled in a weak attempt to be a good steward of nature. 

After my soft murder spree, I continued on down, slipping on gravel no less than three times, passing a few more people, and soon I made it to the top of lap #3. I put headphones in at this point, because my energy had been waining but I wanted to hit four laps. I am still on my "Death Becomes Her" kick, so I was quite excited to listen to it for the 3,000th time! The bugs had finally gotten annoying at the bottom of lap #3, and I successfully made it to the top of lap #4 without having to wring out my shirt! I made my way back to my car for a shower, nap, and a concert!

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