FKT: Andrew Gelston, Benjamin Vince - Four Birds Trail (NJ) - 2021-05-01

Route variation
one way
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
3h 23m 50s
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Started at the northern terminus and ran southbound along the Four Birds trail, finishing at the Wildcat Ridge WMA parking area.  The first 3.5 miles were recently reblazed, making navigation a breeze through this section.  The only real navigational issue was at the northern section of Timberbrook Lake, about 6 miles into the run.  Seems there are both old and new blazes, each following a slightly different path.  One runs along the lake shore while the other passes through a thick pricker patch and stream crossing before reconnecting 100 yards up.  Of course we opted for the more difficult path.  This section could probably use a reblazing to avoid confusion.

As others have noted, this is an extremely rocky and technical trail which slows the pace substantially.  The combination of route-finding and rock hopping make this route more challenging than it would appear.  Some very remote sections and one of the hidden gems of North Jersey.  For a full write-up, see our strava posts.