New Jersey has a lovely landscape, but lacks the striking rock formations of states out west like Utah. We may not have hoodoos (rock towers) that appear to be otherworldly, but we do have a mysterious rock formation right here in the Garden State.
This is Tripod Rock, a glacial erratic located in Kinnelon, in the uniquely named Pyramid Mountain Natural Historical Area.
Flickr/Heidi Frank
A glacial erratic is a piece of rock that differs from the size and type of rock native to the area in which it rests. It is carried by the melting of glacial ice, sometimes for miles.
Flickr/Mark Granitz
While it may not seem so strange up close, from a distance, you’ll notice that the massive boulder is balancing at an angle on three smaller rocks.
Flickr/JerseyGal2009
How has it maintained its balance for thousands of years? Some say it has a supernatural element, but it’s likely just science.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
The photos don’t accurately reflect its magnificence - it measures around 19 feet long and 10 feet wide, weighing about 140 tons. It is elevated about 18 inches from the ground.
Flickr/Steven Reynolds
Reaching the rock requires a scenic 3-mile loop hike. Quite manageable, you can check out the trail in the video below by NJHiking.com:
Flickr/Heidi Frank
Flickr/Mark Granitz
Flickr/JerseyGal2009
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Steven Reynolds
The Pyramid Mountain visitor’s center can be found at 472 Boonton Avenue, Montville. For directions to Tripod Rock, click here. For more New Jersey hikes, check out this easy 1-mile winter hike.
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