Tripod Rock is a
glacial erratic
A glacial erratic is glacially deposited rock differing from the type of rock native to the area in which it rests. Erratics, which take their name from the Latin word ' ("to wander"), are carried by glacial ice, often over distances of hundred ...
,
in this specific case a
balancing rock,
or perched boulder, located in
Kinnelon
Kinnelon () is a borough in Morris County, New Jersey, United States, located approximately west of New York City. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 9,966, a drop of 282 (-2.8%) from the 2010 census count of 10 ...
,
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware ...
in the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. This multi-ton
Precambrian
The Precambrian (or Pre-Cambrian, sometimes abbreviated pꞒ, or Cryptozoic) is the earliest part of Earth's history, set before the current Phanerozoic Eon. The Precambrian is so named because it preceded the Cambrian, the first period of the ...
gneiss
Gneiss ( ) is a common and widely distributed type of metamorphic rock. It is formed by high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Gneiss forms at higher temperatures an ...
boulder, located near the edge of a long ridge, is balanced on three smaller boulders. Tripod Rock is roughly long, wide, and high, weighing approximately . A triangular crest runs the length of its top. The boulder is balanced on three smaller stones roughly in diameter that raise it above the bedrock by about at its lowest point. The point of contact between the boulder and its support stones forms an approximate 3-4-5 triangle.
About northwest of Tripod Rock are three other boulders comprising a triangle. The two larger boulders are partially balanced on smaller stones (see diagram). The apex rock is about to the northeast. only partially visible near the edge of that residence.
Two smaller perched boulders are located northeast of Tripod Rock (not shown on diagram) measuring approximately in diameter. No specific calendar alignment has been noted. Tripod Rock stands on a ridge overlooking a long valley where a massive glacial erratic named Bear Rock is located near a brook. Bear Rock was thoroughly excavated for archaeological artifacts during the 19th century, some of which are reported to be owned by museums. Bear Rock has a large overhang making it a possible rock shelter.
References
External links
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Areaofficial website, with trail maps and visitor information for the park that contains Tripod Rock
a
New Jersey Skylands Visitor websiteTrail descriptiona
Trails.coma
City University of New York, Department of Geography
{{coord, 40.9613, -74.385, type:landmark_globe:earth_region:US-NJ, display=title
Glacial erratics of the United States
Landforms of Morris County, New Jersey
Tourist attractions in Morris County, New Jersey