Will It Be a Mast Year in New Jersey This Year?

A mast year, also called a mast boom, is when a tree or group of trees produces an exceptionally large crop of their seeds, such as acorns. These years are natural cycles for many tree species, including oaks, which are common in New Jersey.

Some people consider a mast year to be a predictor of the coming winter. I'm sorry to report that it is not a predictor of winter. Lots of acorns or seeds do not mean a severe winter. Unfortunately, plants and animals are no better at predicting the future than humans.

The 2023 mast year was a significant event in New Jersey. The next mast event for many species, particularly oaks, is expected to be between 2026 and 2028. However, the timing can vary between different species, so other species might have their next mast year at slightly different times.

When trees produce a massive number of seeds, it creates a glut of food for wildlife. A surplus of food can lead to a booming population of animals like squirrels and chipmunks in the year following a mast event. That definitely happened in my North Jersey backyard.

Producing such a large seed crop is very energy-intensive for the tree, and it will typically have a very low yield of seeds the following year as it restores its energy.

The term "mast" in this context comes from Old English "mæst," which referred to the nuts of forest trees, especially those used as food for pigs. This Old English word is derived from Proto-Germanic "mastiz" and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots related to gathering or collecting food. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader meaning, including the seeds and nuts of various trees that serve as a food source for wildlife.

A mast year scene

Cretaceous Park New Jersey

Hadrosaurus

Cretaceous Park New Jersey? Our state is not the first one to come to mind when talking about dinosaurs. There is New Jersey’s official state dinosaur - Hadrosaurus foulkii - the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton ever found in North America. It was discovered in 1858 in a marl pit in Haddonfield, NJ by William Parker Foulke, and it helped revolutionize scientific understanding of dinosaur posture because it suggested that some dinosaurs could walk upright. It lived about 70–100 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period.

We also have the first recognized Tyrannosaur, known as Dryptosaurus. Its name means “Tearing lizard” or “Slashing reptile.” It is also from the Late Cretaceous, around 67–66 million years ago. It grew up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) long and was carnivorous. It belongs to the Eutyrannosaurian theropod group, which was an early relative of Tyrannosaurus rex.

Dryptosaurus

It was first described by Edward Drinker Cope in 1866 as Laelaps aquilunguis, later renamed Dryptosaurus by rival paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh due to naming conflicts. It was one of the first theropods ever discovered in North America. The discovery was made in a marl pit near Barnsboro, NJ, making it a local legend in paleontology.

Marl is a type of sedimentary material that's rich in calcium carbonate, clay, and silt. It forms in freshwater or marine environments, often through the accumulation of microscopic organisms like algae or the breakdown of shells and skeletons of marine life, and is common in post-glacial lake beds, coastal plains, and marine deposits.

In Mantua Township (behind a shopping center!), paleontologists have uncovered one of the most remarkable fossil sites in the country. The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University has taken that site and built it into a destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and families alike. 

Dr. Kenneth Lacovara, a South Jersey native and world-renowned paleontologist, has traveled across the globe digging for dinosaurs, but his most astonishing finds came from the quarry near where he grew up. Over the last 18 years, more than 100,000 fossils from over 100 species have been unearthed at the Mantua site. The site officially opened to the public in March as the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, inviting visitors to dig for real fossils, tour exhibits, and learn how prehistoric history can shape the future. 

A local news report on the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University before it opened in March 2025.

Crossposted at One-Page Schoolhouse

Wyanokie High Point & Chikahoki Falls Loop

Wyanokie High Point

Our second challenging hike for this weekend is the Wyanokie High Point and Chikahoki Falls Loop located in Norvin Green State Forest. This strenuous loop features waterfalls, swimming holes, and sweeping reservoir views. This loop is a popular hike in northern New Jersey. This trail is a good choice for those looking for a challenging but not overly strenuous hike that offers a variety of terrain and stunning views.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. While not as rugged as the Giant Stairs, the trail includes significant elevation changes, rocky sections, and some steep climbs, particularly on the ascent to Wyanokie High Point.

Length: The loop is typically between 6.5 and 8.5 miles, depending on the exact route taken.
Time: Allow at least 4 to 5 hours to complete the loop, as the rocky terrain can slow you down.

Wyanokie High Point is the main destination of the hike. The summit offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view that includes the Wanaque Reservoir and, on a clear day, the New York City skyline. It's a perfect spot for a lunch break.

Chikahoki Falls is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall that is a highlight of the trail, especially after heavy rains or in the spring. You can often get a good view from a short detour off the main trail.

The hike takes you through diverse landscapes, including dense rhododendron tunnels, rocky ridges, and old logging roads. You'll also pass through areas with evidence of the region's iron mining past.

Beyond Wyanokie High Point, the loop often includes other scenic viewpoints like Carris Hill and Yoo-Hoo Point, providing a continuous string of rewarding views.

While the hike is a loop, there are options for out-and-back hikes for a shorter trip, such as a direct route to Wyanokie High Point.

The area has a history of iron mining, and you may pass by old mine shafts, such as the Roomy Mine and Blue Mine. Be aware that some of these are closed to the public or only open during certain times of the year to protect hibernating bats.

The most common starting point is the parking lot on Snake Den Road, which is part of the New Weis Center for Environmental Education property. Parking here is for hikers visiting Norvin Green State Forest. Note that the lot is typically open from 9 AM to dusk.

The trail system in Norvin Green is extensive, and it's essential to follow a map and be attentive to the blazes. A common route uses a combination of the Otter Hole (green), Hewitt-Butler (blue), and Wyanokie Circular (red-on-white) trails. A trail map from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference is highly recommended, as cell service can be unreliable. Pay close attention to the trail blazes as it is easy to take a wrong turn in the extensive network of trails.

Sturdy hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and uneven ground. Bug spray, especially during tick season.

The trails can be very rocky and challenging, especially during or after rain, as the rocks can be slick.

The Giant Stairs Palisades Trail

We have posted many hikes and trails here. We often post about easy and moderate ones that might be done by a family. But this weekend, we are posting about two challenging New Jersey hikes.

The Giant Stairs Palisades Trail is a renowned and challenging hike located in the Palisades Interstate Park on the border of New Jersey and New York. It's known for its rugged terrain, stunning views of the Hudson River, and the unique, mile-long rock scramble that gives the trail its name.

This is a strenuous and challenging hike, recommended for experienced hikers. The main difficulty comes from the "Giant Stairs" section, which is a demanding rock scramble over a field of boulders that have fallen from the cliffs above. The hike also includes steep descents and ascents on stone steps and switchbacks.

Length: The most common loop is around 4 to 5 miles.
Time: Allow at least 3-4 hours to complete the loop, as the rock scramble section can be slow-going.

The most popular loop typically starts at State Line Lookout and uses a combination of trails. Long Path (aqua blazes) trail takes you from the parking area, descending toward the river. The Forest View Trail (blue-and-white blazes) continues the steep descent to the river level. Finally, the Shore Trail (white blazes) is the highlight of the hike, where you'll encounter the "Giant Stairs" rock scramble, which can be difficult to navigate and requires close attention to the white blazes to stay on track. The loop then ascends back to the Long Path to return to the starting point.

At the Giant Stairs
Photos: Stephen Harris - Flickr

The Giant Stairs is the most famous part of the trail—a nearly mile-long section of a boulder field where you must climb over, around, and sometimes under large rocks. It's an intense workout that requires using both your hands and feet.

Peanut Leap Cascade is a beautiful waterfall that tumbles into the Hudson River, and can be a picturesque spot for a break.

The hike begins and ends with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the New York side of the Palisades from the State Line Lookout.

Be prepared for a significant elevation change. The trail descends over 500 feet from the clifftop to the river and then climbs back up again.

Parking: The primary trailhead is at the State Line Lookout in Closter, NJ. There is a large paved lot, but a parking fee is charged (with the first hour often being free). The lot can fill up quickly on nice days.

What to Bring: Plenty of water and snacks. Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are highly recommended due to the rocky, uneven terrain. Long-sleeved clothing is a good idea to protect against poison ivy and ticks. A map of the trails is essential, as cell service can be spotty.

Do not attempt this hike in poor weather conditions, especially icy or snowy conditions, as the steep sections and rock scramble become extremely hazardous. The trail has steep drop-offs, so exercise caution, especially near the cliffs.

Trekking poles can be helpful for the steep descents and ascents, but you'll need to be able to stow them away for the rock scramble section where you need both hands free.