Appalachian Trail: Deckertown Tpke to Sunrise Mountain
Distance: 7.9 miles
Elevation: 845 feet
Time: 2 hours, 53 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail; 52 Hike Challenge
The original plan today was to hike from the Deckertown Turnpike parking to NJ-23, but I didn't have a 10 mile hike in me and wanted to be back in time for dinner, so I hit the other side of Deckertown Turnpike and did the shorter hike to Sunrise Mountain! I had been to sunrise mountain in 2020, so this was a hike to connect some of the dots that I had previously missed. There was a pile of water jugs in the parking lot, assumingly for thru-hikers, and only one other car in the lot. I crossed the road to start my hike, took a few photos, and I was off!
The trail gently climbs for the first bit of trail and soon pops out at a nice clearing at a shelter. The trail turns right here, and just in case that blaze is missed there is a large sign saying "NOT THE AT" where an access road travels. The trail climbs for a little longer before generally leveling out. I noticed immediately this section of trail is much gentler than the other sections have been. I noticed a side path that could lead to a pond/lake/swamp, so I took the overgrown path and got a very partial view of a grassy wetland area. It looked like I could have searched further for a better view, but I wasn't feeling it.
Continuing on, the trail meanders through some beautiful open forest with stone walls and the works, and before I knew it I was back at the spot I've already hiked! I could have turned around here, but this hike has been relatively featureless so I decided I earned a good view. I continued on towards Sunrise Mountain and was very happy I did. There is a short section through a clearing that is mostly grown-in with lots of flowering plants that the butterflies love. I was able to get a truly excellent photo of a Tiger Butterfly here (and I love that I knew it was a Tiger Butterfly - thank you Animal Crossing!).
Soon after the butterfly garden there is a spur path to the Sunrise Mountain Road parking lot, and a very short climb to the Sunrise Mountain summit pavilion! I was lucky enough to have the whole area to myself, so I put my stuff down, took a bunch of photos, and had a nice snack break. I noticed there were storm clouds over PA with rain, but the radar SWORE it wasn't coming my way (thankfully it was correct).
The return trip was more of the same. I noticed a bunch of millipedes again which was cool, but what truly stopped me in my tracks was a long Black Rat Snake chilling in the middle of the trail! It was very content just chilling there, so I made my way around it. I noticed an unblazed path near the Lincroft Farm Trails, and there was another sign clearly stating that it was not the AT. I always appreciate reminders like that, as someone who has been lost on the trails in NJ numerous times. Soon after I was back at the car in dry clothes and ready for dinner!
- Park at Appalachian Trail parking on Deckertown Turnpike.
- Cross Deckertown Turnpike and enter Appalachian Trail Southbound.
- At junction with blue-blazed Lincroft Farm Trails, continue on AT Southbound.
- At junction with blue/black-blazed trail, continue on AT Southbound.
- At pavillion, take a break and enjoy the view.
- Turn around, and retrace steps.
- NOTE: There are unmarked trail junctions not listed here. I only listed blazed trail junctions.
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