Mt. Tammany via Farview Trial (Worthington State Forest)

Mt. Tammany, Dunnfield Creek, Holly Springs, & AT (Worthington State Forest)

Hike Type: Lollipop Loop

Distance: 8.72 miles

Elevation: 2,215 feet

Time: 3 hours, 27 minutes (3 hours, 13 minutes moving)
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike

A silly pattern in my hiking this summer is that I simply cannot be bothered to think about where to hike, so I've been very locked into repeats, which is not a bad thing! Naturally, this is mostly the Tourne, which is just a few minutes' drive from my Mom's house, but apparently it also applies to Mt. Tammany, becuase I could not stomach the mental faculties required to hike anything else (keeping in theme, I also flirted with Bear Mountain again, but wanted to limit time-in-car). ANYWAY, that being said, the plan was to do the same extended loop around Mt. Tammany as last Monday!

I was out the door just after 7:00am and drove past a wild backup on I-80 East (thank goodness I was driving west) - apparently a truck spilled over in the early hours of the morning and they had to shut down the interstate. I stopped at the Delaware Water Gap Service Plaza to use the bathroom and get an extra bottle of water (I only brought two, but with the humidity I was thinking one more couldn't hurt!). While sitting in the car, I decided I was feeling adventerous and was going to extend my already-extended hike by driving to the Farview Trail and adding on that trail to form a lollipop-loop (which would add 1.4 miles each way). I drove to Exit 1 off I-80, waited at the long light on Old Mine Road, and just after turned onto the Farview Trail parking area, which was a decently hidden gravel road that opened up to a large parking area for at least 20 cars. Across Old Mine Road is the former Karamac Trail parking area, but it has since been blocked off (making a deducation from maps and trail reports, I'm guessing it's been abandoned due to erosion). 

I saw a bunny at the trailhead as I got ready. Temperatures were in the low 70s but the humidity was other-worldly. It was wonderfully un-buggy, but I put bug spray on anyway. My camera lens immediately fogged up, which ended up being a literal and figuative uphill battle for the rest of the hike. I soon started my hike on the yellow-blazed Farview Trail (which apparently is also known as the Beulahland Trail according to the National Park Service), which entered the woods on a nice footbed with understory on either side. The trail soon split, with the blazes continuing on the right (I'm guessing this is a reroute, likely due to erosion). 

The Farview Trail zig-zagged through ferny woods and soon rejoined the older footpath, which felt like an old road. I was overjoyed with the surprisingly pleasant and easy climb up to the "Not-Kittatinny Ridge" (my name for the ridge the AT follows in Worthington, while the Mt. Tammany Fire Road traverses the main ridge). The trail split again, with both forks continuing parallel to each other as the trail made a very wide turn. I stayed to the right. There were no blazes indicating which way was "correct." There were some slippery slabs here, but they weren't steep so as long as I didn't walk like a fool I was completely fine!

Near an open area where the two forks rejoined, the humidity was so thick you could see the sun rays. My camera lens continued to be a mess, but I had gotten it to a point where I could take somewhat nice photos. The trail flattened out for a bit, which is apparently where all the bugs had been hiding out. I swatted at the bugs while the trail parallelled two parallel rock walls, occasionally running into some spider webs, which increased the futher along I hiked. At least I wouldn't have to swat them down on my return!

There was a walk-through blowdown right at a 1.0 mile mark and the Farview Trail soon traverses the trail's height-of-land, which had a piece of pink flagging tape on a bush. From here, the trail descended slightly past some impressive off-trail spider webs and then barely rose to the terminus with the Appalachian Trail!

I turned right onto the Appalachian Trail and I crossed paths with someone who appeared to be a thru-hiker. I could hear some voices through the woods, eventually passing two other hikers who did not appear to be backpacking. The trail here really is wonderful. A short, moderate, rugged descent followed by wonderful fern-lined walking followed by another, easier moderate descent and then easy walking for the rest of the way. 

I hiked past what looked like the numbers "1800" made out of sticks and rocks, which I assume was to indicate a mileage milestone for the AT, but in my head I'm pretty sure NJ is more than 400 miles from Kathadin, but maybe not? 

A bit further down, I passed a group of backpackers in the same spot that I saw the bear last week. Here, the trail briefly splits into two. The backpackers were on the right fork, which was a narrow footpath. I followed the left fork, which was much wider. I'm guessing the narrower side is a bypass for when the main trail is flooded after rain. From here, I could hear the creek and voices down below, and soon I could see the trail down below, too!

Now following Dunnfield Creek, I was wowed (as always) at the natural beauty, and I do understand why people (break the law and) go swimming here. I continued on until the sound of the creek flowing was slowly replaced with the sound of trucks zooming by on I-80. The massive blowdown near the AT's exit to the parking area had been cleared, and I took a quick bathroom break at the porta potty before emotionally getting ready for the climb!

I was curious how this climb would go after I had the best climb ever last week, and now I was doing it on tired legs in air that was made of soup. I had hardly started phase one of the climb when I was already fighting for my life - this would be a fun one! The air was THICK, and I was cursing the Earth by the time I made it to the views near the end of climb one. Thankfully, the view was wonderful as always! I was comically wet with sweat already, and it was only going to get worse! Only good thing was that the bugs were staying down low. 

I hiked past a family of turkeys as I approached climb two. I heard a few folks ahead of me, but I was hoping to not pass them as I was taking it SLOW. At this point, I was hiking directly into the sun and I was simply ready to pass away. I passed my first people since the AT early on in climb number two and my heart was PUMPING. I was simply not feeling great, but taking it slowly with many standing breaks.

Climb three was more physically sustainable but I was still fighting for any ounce of life I had left in my body. My hands were prunes from the constant inundation of sweat. Just as I thought all hope was lost, I heard voices, and then I was at the top! I visited the open area on the left before descending onto the viewpoint, which was lovely and full of vultures circling below. There were a few friendly people enjoying the view (AND BREEZE!), but I didn't stick around. I quickly retreated back into the shade.

I took standing break at the start of the Pahaquarry Trail and wrung out my shirt, which was somehow holding onto more liquid than all three of my water bottles combined (or at least it seemed...). My watch was comically telling me that I had climbed 10,000 feet, which was horribly incorrect, even if it felt like it. My iPhone was too sweaty to take notes, so I had to switch to using voice-to-text, and once I was feeling marginally better, I continued on!

There was a wonderful breeze on the ridge and it felt significantly cooler, which was just a wonderful treat. I nodded at the fire road, vowing to follow it one day to Sunfish Pond, but that day would not be today. Unfortunately, the descent was not any less rough or rocky, but in reality, it's only the one upper stretch that is rough, everything else is literally fine. I found myself wondering how long a true Kittatinny Traverse would be - following the high point on the ridge via trails from PA to NY (according to AllTrails, somewhere around 45 miles and under 7,000 ft of gain - legally doable in a 24 hour period)!

I slowly descended into a warm, humid, buggy hellscape (that's dramatic, it was fine). The sounds of Dunnfield Creek and people swimming began to fill the air, and then I turned right onto the green-blazed Dunnfield Creek Trail, which was a little wet at first but soon dried out. The trail is so pretty for the whole segment, but especially the first bit, where the trail gently follows the creek as it flows over mossy rocks and slabs. It even smelled like flowers!

The Dunnfield Creek Trail traversed a more open section where it was dreadfully hot and humid. I hopped over a frog on a super easy creek crossing and then slowly climbed up the stairs to the relocated stretch. I spent a decent amount of time trying to find information on the fire that went through this stretch and when it went through, but I couldn't find anything besides a fire off of Old Mine Road in the past year and a fire along the Red Dot Trail in 2020 - the mystery continues!

I did see a five-lined skink climbing a tree, though! It moved too fast for me to get a photo, but it was an exciting sight! I find it interesting how I didn't even know they existed until this year, but now I've seen three! Afterwords, I was back on the old trailbed with sausage fingers full present and soon I was getting ready to cross Dunnfield Creek. I wanted to dunk my head, but there were so many water bugs that I was quickly dissuaded.

I easily crossed the creek, continued along the trail, crossed another easy stream, and made it to the Holly Spring Trail. I took another short break here for water while I dreaded the next climb. Thankfully, the climb was actually quite easy and I was just being dramatic (what else is new). The woods here are so pretty, but after crossing a little trickle of a stream, the bugs were officially back. They had me hiking faster than I wanted to (and faster than my body allowed me to). 

I cruised (with a high heart rate) past the junction with the Appalachian Trail and back onto the Farview Trail. The bugs were pretty brutal here, but again, at least the woods were pretty! I hiked up and over the height of land and began my gentle descent. I stayed right when the trail split in the slabby area. The slabs were now dry which was a win! 

In the next stretch of trail, I saw a bear! This encounter was much less stressful and only exciting, as the bear was far down in the woods. I got a few photos with my camera but my sweaty fingers couldn't get my phone's camera open in time. It looked smaller, maybe a cub, but there were no other bears nearby (that I know of at least). Soon after, I hit the relocated zig-zag stretch, and then I could see my car!

I hurried myself out of the woods, as the bugs were the most brutal at the end. To my surprise, there were no bugs in the parking lot once I was out of the woods. There was one other car in the parking lot now, a Tesla with a sleeping woman in the passenger seat... I got my end-of-hike chores done, which included wrining out my clothes, putting dry clothes on, and trying my best to cool off. Naturally, the partner of the sleeping woman appeared just as I took my shirt off, but it wasn't an issue. I think he explored the Karamac Trail, since he came in with hiking gear from Old Mine Road. I was DEAD from the humidity, but it was a great loop!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Farview Trail Trailhead.

- Start hike on yellow-blazed Farview Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto white-blazed Appalachian Trail.

- At parking area, turn left onto red-dot-blazed Mt. Tammany Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto blue-blazed Pahaquarry Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto green-blazed Dunnfield Creek Trail.

- At jct., turn left onto red-blazed Holly Spring Trail.

- At terminus, continue straight onto yellow-blazed Farview Trail.

- Return to car.

Map of Worthington State Forest

Photo Album

Mt. Tammany, Dunnfield Creek, Holly Springs, & AT (Worthington State Forest)

Mt. Tammany, Dunnfield Creek, Holly Springs, & AT (Worthington State Forest)

Hike Type: Loop

Distance: 6.01 miles

Elevation: 1,614 feet

Time: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Hiking Challenges: N/A

The Hike

Time to revisit a long-time favorite - Mt. Tammany! I hadn't been to the water gap area in a while, so I was excited to get back out there. I had a dreadfully sleepy 40 minute drive and eventually did stop at the rest area just before the NJ/PA border on I-80 to get some caffeine in me before the hike! The parking lots were medium-full and a few hiking parties were getting started as I slowly got set up. I dilly-dallied a bit on purpose to let them get some distance so we hopefully wouldn't have to interact.

Temps were in the low 80s with delightfully low humidity - this might be the first time in like a decade that I would be climbing this mountain in nice weather! I walked to the Mt. Tammany Trail (red dot) trailhead and noticed they had a "Wasps Ahead" sign - thankfully I never encountered the said wasps! Once in the woods I nearly immediately caught up to a group that was comprised of a couple that would NOT stop holding hands, a man in jeans and no shirt, and a fourth guy who just seemed happy to be there.

Phase 1 of the climb had a lot of people going in either direction, and the climb proper wasn't as awful as I had remembered (blah blah blah I'm in good hiking shape now blah blah). I passed a few people at the first viewpoint and enjoyed seeing paddlers down on the river from the cliffs. Sadly, I did not see a bear in the next flat stretch like I had a couple of summers ago - just many more people. 

I enjoyed the bone-dry trail, specifically the spot that is usually wet just before the second climb, and mentally was comparing this hike to any of the hikes in Franconia Notch - steep, rugged, and near a loud highway!

Climb #2 had me zig-zagging up a rugged rock pile with steep grades, past a few more hiking duos that did not appear to be having a great time. It was, as always, a bit of an ass-kicker, but the trail rewards afterwards with a mellower grade and eventually another walking break. 

Climb #3 was easier, but longer. I passed and crossed paths with many more people, with one dad in particular who simply refused to pull over as I was hiking directly behind him. There was one more walking break and one more (easy) final push, and then, voila! I had arrived!

The viewpoint was delightfully empty. I took a moment to wring out my shirt while a phenomeninal breeze brought me back to life. I was feeling surprisingly good, as this mountain usually beats the life out of me. I think this in part due to hiking in nice weather, but I should also give myself credit for being super consistent this year in my fitness hikes. 

Continuing onto the blue-blazed Pahaquarry Trail, I was flirting with the idea of extending the hike. I've always wanted to follow the fire road out to Sunfish Pond, but that would have added MANY miles and time - something I wasn't overly interested in. Another option would be to turn right onto the Dunnfield Creek trail and follow Holly Spring back to the Appalachian Trail... a decision for later.

The ridge walk was delightful and at the junction with the Mt. Tammany Fire Road, the trail turns left and begins to descent on a wide, dreadfully rocky trail. At least the woods were pretty! I eventually passed a group of 13ish 20-somethings clogging the entire wide trail and sharing a cigarette, which was... a choice! As per usual, the heat and humidity increased the further I descended and I began to mentally prepare for bugs.

Near Dunnfield Creek, I passed a wonderfully unbothered deer about 30 feet off trail simply munching on some vegetation. I could hear people jumping into the creek, and soon enough I was at the green-blazed Dunnfield Creek Trail!

For the first time ever, I turned right! I was feeling great, it was a wonderful day, and I was excited to hike for a bit longer. I hiked on this stretch of trail once a very long time ago, and it was... tumultuous. Tumultuous meaning VERY wet, and I fell into the creek. I was hoping for better hiking today!

The trail immedaitely felt more wild, less traveled, and paralleled the creek which was gently flowering over some mossy slabs. There were endless wine berry bushes along the trail and... the bugs were back, but I was just grateful for an bug-free climb! The canopy above was surprisngly open as the trail gained elevation so gently that I hardly noticed.

Later, the trail veered right onto a relocated section, ascending rock stairs into a old burned area that was hardly noticeable. The Dunnfield Creek Trail traveled high above the creek for a while, occasionally traversing some over grown-in stretches and soon gently descended to rejoin the old trail. I passed a little garter snake that was too quick for a photo. 

Continuing on the old trail cooridoor, I enjoyed walking on what felt like an old road through some beautiful woods. I got excited and nervous as the trail neared the crossing I fell into many, many years ago, and was delighted to see that the water level was literally at least two feet lower than that day! The crossing rocks were fully submerged the day I fell in, and they were exceptionally exposed this round - yay!

The Dunnfield Creek Trail continued to follow Dunnfield Creek, which was now on the right. I saw a human, too! This was the first and only human I'd see outside of the traditional Mt. Tammany loop. There was another easy creek crossing, a big blowdown, and then I was at the junction with the Holly Spring Trail! It was buggier here, but nowhere near as bad as my last few adventures at the Tourne. My heart wanted to continue along the Dunnfield Creek Trail to Sunfish Pond, but it still would add too many miles and minutes.

The Holly Spring Trail turned left, ascended moderately, and the continued to ascend on a wider trail that felt like another old road. The woods here were lovely and open, similar to the woods of Harriman State Park. The trail dipped gently to cross a trickle of a stream and then easily ascended to the trail's height-of-land in more lovely, open woods.

This final "push" led to the terminus and junction with the Appalachian Trail! I was delighted with how lovely that stretch of trail was from the end of Pahaquarry to here. The AT descended easily at first and then a bit more moderately with eroded footing, but soon mellowed out on a lovely fern-lined trail. This was followed by another moderate descent with better footing and then flattened yet again. This easy descent would continue for the rest of the trail!

I passed another wonderfully unbothered deer that was munching away on some plants. My shorts were soaked and saran wrapped with sweat, but I was still grateful for the weather! A very little breeze came through the woods and knocked a limb off of a tree, which felt dramatic, and later on I began to be able to hear swimmers in Dunnfield Creek!

Soon after the trail gently wound around a corner, I turned my head, and realized that I was no more than 10 feet away from a bear! My fight or flight kicked in and I went to run, but I remember every bear safety assembly I went to as a kid said to not do that! I calmed out, walked away, and then began to admire. The bear, who I believe was a female, was super chill. We looked at each other, she munched on some plants, I took some photos, and she eventually followed the AT north as I continued south. A wonderful encounter!

Just afterwards as my adrenaline began to settle I made my way to the terminus of the Dunnfield Creek Trail and I continued my easy descent, now with the creek running down below on the left. There were many folks swimming off of the many herd paths, which is clearly posted as not allowed. I crossed the footbridge near the parking lot and noticed an enormous blowdown on the AT proper, but thankfully it could be bypassed with the parking lot spur path.

Soon enough I was back at the parking lot and taking a "victory lap" around the lot to get my hike's mileage to a solid 6 (it was at 5.94 miles when I got to the parking lot). I loved this hike and how lovely my extension was! I will definitely be repeating this in the future.

A small epilogue...

I decided to take the scenic route home via Old Mine Road and the National Recreation Area. Last time I drove Old Mine Road, the traffic light was out and I had to back up a long distance to allow an RV to pass, but thankfully the light was up and running! I was listening to the "Death Becomes Her" soundtrack as I fought for my car's life while dodging massive potholes. The road condition improved once I entered the National Recreation Area, but only for a few miles. There was one particularly bad washout area after the new pavement ended, and when I passed the abandoned buildings I explored as a teenager I noticed some were beginning to collapse, which was expected but a little sad to see!

Step-by-Step

- Park at Dunnfield Creek parking area.

- Start hike on red-dot/Mt. Tammany Trail.

- At terminus, turn left on blue-blazed Pahaquarry Trail.

- At terminus, turn right onto green-blazed Dunnfield Creek trail.

- At jct., turn left onto red-blazed Holly Spring Trail.

- At terminus, turn left onto white-blazed Appalachian Trail.

- Follow Appalachian Trail back to car.

Map of Worthington State Forest

Photo Album

Appalachian Trail: Culver's Gap to Stony Brook Trail (Stokes State Forest)

Appalachian Trail: Culver's Gap to Stony Brook Trail (Stokes State Forest)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 5.58 miles
Elevation: 820 feet
Time: 2 hours, 21 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

This is the final hike I needed to complete the NJ section of the Appalachian Trail, and naturally I started the day by procrastinating. I made my way to the Culvers Gap parking lot, but it was misting out so I decided to drive to the lookout on Sunrise Mountain first to kill some time which was lovely. When I made it back to the parking lot (30 minutes later), it was still misting but I decided to get ready. I was then approached by a thru-hiker who hammock camped next to the parking lot and he asked for a ride to Sunrise Mountain, which I agreed to. He packed up for about 15 minutes and then off we went! I learned that his name was Max, he was from Arkansas, he's been on the trail since April, his trail name was either Fisher or Fisherman, he didn't make it to the shelter last night because he enjoyed a cheeseburger for a little too long, he might go to Acadia after summiting Katahdin, and that he needed the ride to Sunrise Mountain so he could get ahead and meet his friend at High Point. I decided to not be prying and ask if he'd go back for this section, a mystery! Eventually I made my way back to the parking lot, used the horrible porta-potty, and actually got my hike started.

 

There is a short section of trail that connects the parking lot back with Sunrise Mountain Road, and in there I passed a hiker who had hammock camped there last night. He was barefoot and smoking a cigarette, and about 30 feet away was his bear bag on the ground attached to a limb that looked like it had just fallen. Very interesting start to the day. I crossed Sunrise Mountain Road and then the trail started to climb steadily and moderately. Some sections were rooty and eroded and others mimicked the classic rocky trail I've grown to know so well. The climb was incredibly humid, with some drizzling and cloudiness. Very scenic regardless of how wet I was (at least it wasn't just my sweat this time!). My favorite part of this section was the incredible amount of red efts all around! Some as small as just over an inch. I was nervous to step on them! I also saw the world's smallest frog during my climb.

 

There is one wide switchback during the climb which opens to a lovely view of the end of Culver's Lake and the surrounding hills. After the view, the trail levels out and meanders through some lovely woods. The switchback did throw off my brain and I got nervous I was hiking in the wrong direction, but thankfully I figured it out. Just before the lookout tower there is an unmarked trail to what I believe to be a radio tower (which I first thought was someone's residence - the tower is not on the NJDEP map, but it is marked on the NYNJTC map. On AllTrails, it's marked as Normanook Lookout Tower, which I believe is incorrect. The ridge in this area is known as Culvers Ridge, but apparently was formerly known as Normanook. I have more research to do). ANYWAY, opposite of the unmarked trail to the radio tower is another unmarked trail to a great view. I didn't see the mama deer staring at me 10 feet away which startled me, but thankfully she wasn't too bothered. I greeted her and politely asked to walk past, and she obliged. There was a fawn another 10 feet away that I also didn't notice. The path to the view was overgrown and WET, so I came out rather soaked. Definitely worth it though. 

 

Soon after this view is the lookout tower area, which is absolutely gorgeous. There was a sign on the tower that said "no trespassing without permission" and a phone number, but I decided to just climb it and see what happens. Now called Culver Lookout Tower, it used to be known as Normanook Tower, and it was built in 1935 by the CCC. It was wet and slippery, so I took my time, and it was well worth it. The clouds were starting to burn off, and there was a great view of the ridge towards High Point, and the monument was just poking out of the clouds. Just beautiful! There were two trail runners that were at the tower area with me, and one asked if I got caught in the rain last night, insinuating that I'm at least section hiking. I chuckled and said "nope just from my car," but then I realized that one of two things would have triggered him to ask this question: I either looked like I had my life together and was a serious hiker, or I looked like an absolute exhausted mess - it will forever be a mystery!

 

The trail continues north towards Sunrise Mountain, and soon intersects with the Tower Trail that looks like another scenic area. The AT descended the ridge very gently into the land of more red efts, which was lovely. This was a younger area of forest with endless small, skinny trees. The pitter patter of the droplets falling off was equally peaceful and stressful as all hell. On one had it was visually beautiful and aurally soothing, but on the other hand the smallest bird could set off a train reaction of drops falling that sounds like a monster charging towards me. 

 

My NJAT journey technically concluded at the junction with the Stony Brook Trail - hooray! I booped the brown blaze and had a celebratory beef stick, like any self respecting "civilized" hiker would. The return trip was quick and enjoyable. A gentle climb back to the firetower where someone was enjoying their lunch, more efts, and the clouds continuing to burn off. Just before the first view at the switchback I passed what was either a cub scout group or a summer camp group of ~15 kids that couldn't have been older than 10 with two adults/older teenagers. The kids were so excited about the firetower and multiple asked me how the view is, how cool it is, and how close they were. I usually get cranky with large groups, but this was wholesome as hell. After some more hiking I made it back to the car, changed out of my soaking wet clothes, and enjoyed my Wawa lunch from my new favorite place, the Augusta Wawa! Truly my only complaint from this hike was that my camera lens was constantly fogged up from the weather. I got home, had a snack, and ordered my patch!

Step-By-Step

• Park at Culvers Gap Parking Lot.
• Start hike on AT Northbound.
• Cross Sunrise Mountain Road, continue on AT Northbound.
• Enjoy Lookout Tower, continue on AT Northbound.
• Junction with green-blazed Tower Trail, continue on AT Northbound.
• Junction with brown-blazed Stony Brook Trail, turn around and retrace steps back to car.

"Stokes State Forest" from NYNJTC Map #122

        "Named in honor of Governot Edward Stokes, who donated the first 500 acres, this public area is managed for recreation and for timber, wildlife, and water conservation. Its 16,447 acres include some of the first land purchased for public use by the State of New Jersey.

        The effects of human activities are everywhere. Lenni Lenape grew crops in the fertile areas and hunted in the forest-covered mountains. The English and Dutch were known to farm the area in early 1700s. During the 1800s, the area was deforested through heavy harvesting of wood for lumber and for domestic and industrial fuel. Even into the twentieth century, many areas had no trees at all.

        Like High Point, Stokes State Park was the site of Civillian Conservation Corps camps. During the 1930s, the young men in the CCC constructed Sunrise Mountain Road, developed the Lake Ocquittunk, Kittle Field, and Shotwell areas, and built the park's extensive trail system. As part of their conservation efforts, they established evergreen plantations, which are evidence of early forest management in the area.

        Stokes State Forest contains 22 marked trails, many of which follow old woods roads. A 13-mile section of the Appalachian Trail traverses the park from north to south. In 2015, the 16.9-mile Blue Mountain Loop Trail, which incorporated a number of existing trails, as well as some newly constructed sections, was opened. For part of the way, it follows the scenic Big Flat Brook. The Stony Brook and/or Tinsley Trails can be combined with the Blue Mountain Loop Trail to create shorter loop hikes.

        The crest of Sunrise Mountain is one of the most frequently visited sites in Stokes State Forest. The mountaintop provides a breathtaking view at an elevation of 1,653 feet above sea level. The thin soil and harsh climate characteristic of Sunrise Mountain is a difficult environment in which few plants can survive. Mountain laurel, wild blueberry, pitch pine and scrub oak are among the natural vegetation found throughout the area. The pavilion at the summit was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps."

NJDEP Stokes State Forest Map

NYNJTC Stokes State Forest North Map

Photo Album

Appalachian Trail: Deckertown Tpke to NJ-23 (High Point State Park)

Appalachian Trail: Deckertown Tpke to NJ-23 (High Point State Park)

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 10.25 miles
Elevation: 1322 feet
Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail

The Hike 

I was going to attempt this hike a few days ago after work, but I wasn't in the mood for a 10+ mile jaunt that day, and I am so glad that I waited. The weather on this day is absolutely beautiful. The day started without a cloud in the sky, low-mid 60s, low humidity, and a constant breeze. By the end of the day we were in the 70s with Pixar-style clouds in the sky. Just amazing! Anyway, when I got to the parking area off the Deckertown Turnpike I was the only car in the lot, got suited up, and hopped into the woods!

 

The trail was classically rocky, first dipping down and then climbing back up. There was a hiker log box soon after the trail entrance, and some magnificently orange mushrooms soon after. The AT then crosses the Iris Trail and climbs a little bit higher near private property signs to an overgrown spur path to a view, which was fine. Soon after, though, the trail crossed a clear-cut pipeline area which provided an excellent view of the neighboring farmland of Sussex County. The breeze up there was incredible. 

 

Heading back into the woods, the AT continues to follow the ridgeline, dips down and climbs back up to another junction with the Iris Trail, and then the blue-blaze trail to the Rutherford Shelter (which shockingly, then connects with the Iris Trail. The original plan was to make a loop hike with the Iris Trail, but I had read on njhiking.com that the Iris trail is not mowed on the pipeline and that was enough for me to do an out-and-back (and trend with these hikes). 

 

The trail then continues to follow the ridge line to a couple more great views, the second better than the first. According to the NYNJTC map there is also a rock called "Dutch Shoe Rock" that I must have missed - next time! There are a few more viewpoints noted on the NYNJTC maps, but they are mostly grown-in. The trail makes a very steep descent (I believe the steepest I've encountered on the trail in NJ, maybe except for the climb to Pinwheel Vista?) into a wet area, which was dry due to the rain-less summer. I checked my phone here for a moment, and when I looked up I was started by a juvenile bear running away from me about 30 feet away. It was cute but scared me! The bear stopped to check on me about 60 feet away, but I was clanking my sticks together at that point so it peaced out. I wish I wasn't looking at my phone so I could have gotten a photo! Or maybe it was for the better... 

 

The trail then climbs up a rocky section and slowly levels out, climbing to a view towards Sawmill Lake. There was a nice view of the sky and the neighboring ridge, but the lake was hardly visible. There were some tents pitched up down at the lake, and I believe one person down there brought their dog that barked for what felt like 15 hours straight. 

 

At this point, the trail starts a gentle descent down to where the Iris and Mashipacong trails intersect, which was my turn-around point for the day. Back in February, I had hiked from the AT parking lot on 23-south to this point, and then down to route 519. I had a quick snack of peanut butter crackers, and started my return trip!

 

The return trip, like most in this journey, was fairly uneventful. I passed a few thru hikers who I chatted with about bears and snakes (the bear was not back for my return trip). When I was climbing back up the steep section, I pulled over for a hiker who was coming down, and he very proudly told me that I need to keep coming up since it's hiker etiquette that the person descending pulls over. In my head I said "I know this thank you for explaining it to me I pulled over because I am TIRED and do not need a lecture by a stranger" but my mouth said "ha thank you." Deep breaths got me through that (I was also mildly dehydrated at this point which made me crankier than usual. 

 

One more bout of crankiness set over me when I passed a family of at least 20, who were traveling in 4-ish groups about 100 feet apart. I get wanting quality family time, but geeze. Anyway, the rest of the return trip was quite lovely. I checked out the views again and took a few more photos. I liked the lighting at this point of the day a little more, and the clouds added a nice feature in the photos. I was delighted and surprised to see a tan praying mantis at the pipeline cut! I passed a few more day and thru hikers, and right before I was back I saw the hiker log box with a memorial photo of a passed hiker on the other side with a mini backpack which was really sweet. The photo had words that read "may your love of the outdoors help the weary hiker and the slightly confused find their way" which made me chuckle and smile. Cheers! Back at the car I did my quick change and headed to the brand new Augusta Wawa for lunch!

 

Step-By-Step

• Park at AT parking lot on Deckertown Turnpike.
• Start hike on Appalachian Trail northbound.
• At junction with red-blazed Iris Trail, continue on AT northbound.
• Enjoy view from pipeline cut.
• At junction with Iris Trail, continue on AT northbound.
• At junction with blue-blazed trail to Rutherford Shelter, continue on AT northbound.
• At junction with blue-dot-blazed trail, continue on AT northbound.
• At junction with red-blazed Iris Trail and yellow-blazed Mashipacong Trail, turn around and retrace steps back to car.

NYNJTC High Point State Park Map

NJDEP High Point State Park Map

Photo Album

Appalachian Trail: Deckertown Tpke to Sunrise Mountain (High Point State Park & Stokes State Forest)

Appalachian Trail: Deckertown Tpke to Sunrise Mountain

Hike Type: Out-and-Back
Distance: 7.9 miles
Elevation: 845 feet
Time: 2 hours, 53 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike 

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!

 

Step-By-Step

• 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.

NYNJTC High Point State Park Map

NJDEP High Point State Park Map

NYNJTC Stokes State Forest North Map

NJDEP Stokes State Forest Map

Appalachian Trail: High Point SP Boundary to Route 517

Appalachian Trail: High Point SP Boundary to Route 517

Hike Type: One-Way
Distance: 15.35 miles
Elevation: 1991 feet
Time: 6 hours, 57 minutes
Hiking Challenges: New Jersey Appalachian Trail; 52 Hike Challenge

The Hike

Hike #3, the last hike, and the longest hike of the weekend! We dropped one car at Route 517 just before the AT boardwalk, and drove towards Route 519/Greenville Road, where I had tried to park during the winter but the pull-off was frozen over. Halfway there my body told me that my morning poop was READY, so Gen and I decided we should start the day by driving up to the High Point monument, since she's never been (and there's a bathroom). We didn't realize that the gate was closed until 8:00am, and it was 7:45am. We decided to wait it out, and oof my body was not thrilled. Turns out it was a great idea - we got the whole top to ourselves, saw a beautiful oriole, and got to christen the toilets for the day - PLUS all NJ state parks are free this summer so it didn't cost a thing. After taking care of our business we drove back down to the pull-off on 519 and suited up for our longest day yet.

 

There is a short blue-blaze from the pull-off to the AT, and then the AT crosses 519 into a cut meadow full of wildflowers and then into the woods where we saw two red efts - the "juvenile terrestrial" stage of the red-spotted newt. According to wikipedia, the red efts eventually find a body of water they like and then turn into aquatic adults. After writing the previous two sentences, I learned that we saw one red eft (the bright orange one) and one terrestrial adult red-spotted newt (the one that's more of an olive color). Very cool! Just after this, a couple thru hikers passed us and commented on how great our hair smelled (they were smelling our bug spray) which gave us a good laugh.

 

This whole section of the Appalachian Trail was uniquely beautiful. It continually altered between hardwood forest and open farmlands. Some of the farmlands had wildflowers, some had scattered hay bales, some had boardwalks through tall grass, and all were gorgeous. There was a long boardwalk section through some wetlands, a few road crossings (none too busy), and one long section of trail that was either on old railroad grade or an abandoned road. The best part of this hiking was that we finally broke free of the rocky Kittatinny Ridge - most of this hiking was on soft dirt. Our feet were definitely feeling it after 8-ish miles, but it was nothing compared to the past few days (I also had new insoles and loosened the laces around my toes, but I choose to believe it was the terrain). A few groups of thru hikers passed us slowpokes in the first few miles, but the rest of the day was mostly just the two of us.

 

The final field that the trail skirts around was the most beautiful, with views of Pochuck Mountain and the surrounding hills and farms through the hay bales. The trail then descended to State Line/Oil City Road (both names appear on Google Maps), where the trail followed into New York and for just enough time before I got sick of it. It passes a bunch of homes, some of which were threatening and very clearly not welcome to visitors, but others (I think at least three) welcomed hikers with open arms and had a ton of trail magic. One house had a sign that pointed in one direction to Maine and to Georgia in the other. One woman was hosting trail magic and gave us a wave as we crossed the bridge over the Wallkill River. It was another one of those moments where my heart was full but I also felt like a poser - I waved and smiled back.

 

The next section of trail was also very unique - the Liberty Loop around the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. The first side was a long straightaway along a wide, road-sized path. Right when the trail re-enters the great state of New Jersey, there is a phenomenal tree and bench where we took a nice long break. It was here that I remembered I brought a slice of pizza with me, and I nearly peed myself from giggling with excitement. Dramatically, this break saved my life. I didn't realize how badly my feet were feeling until they had some time to rest. The funniest part of this break was the massive sweat stain that my butt left on the bench - whoops!

 

The wetlands in the NWR were gorgeous, but I assume drier than usual due to this uniquely dry summer. There were endless amounts of birds that I could have stared at forever, but it was exceptionally hot at this point so we kept it moving. There were some more beautiful wildflowers, and one final bench before the trail leaves the NWR and starts the last leg of the hike - a brutal climb through Pochuck Mountain and its peaks. We took one final rest, looked back at the meadow to see the final field we hiked around, and headed back into the woods.

 

This section starts on another long boardwalk, but the grasses were a little overgrown which made this one much less enjoyable, but it was very scenic. There is another road crossing, and then the climbing officially begins! In hindsight, I can't tell if it was actually steep or if I was just exhausted from hiking over 10 miles at this point, but these were slow miles. The trail passes the blue-blaze to a shelter and a possible water source (we didn't investigate, even though we should have - we ended up running out of water about 2 miles from the car) and then continues to climb. Looking at the AllTrails recording, this section roughly has 5 climbs, some more brutal than others. All very rugged. The first climb rewarded us with a lovely view back towards High Point, which was an amazing indicator of the progress we had made. 

 

We were definitely feeling gassed out for the last few miles - I didn't even take any photos. There were rolling hills, some steep climbs, woods roads/ATV/mountain biking trails, and a lot of solitude. We only passed one other hiker, and he was a bit of an awkward chatter, but it was no bother. He asked about the stone walls and I was so excited that I actually knew the answer (property boundaries when all of North NJ was farmland)! Crankiness began to set in, but thankfully the mountain rewarded us for our work at the end with an endless supply of wineberries! It was an incredibly poetic bookending to this weekend of hiking. That last mile was one of our slowest just from stopping to nosh every two feet. I was so happy we were able to end this hike on such a fun, positive note. 

 

After we made it back to the car, we headed to the ACME (former A&P) to stock up on liquids and candy, made our way back to my car, and then stopped at the Market Creamery on Route 23 and had what may have been the best ice cream of my life. They had an excellent view with lots of seating/grass and a bunch of animals to gawk at. Such a beautiful ending to a long weekend of hiking! Next up on Gen's visit was a trip to Great Adventure and a Backstreet Boys concert, but for now, sleep.

Step-By-Step

• Stay on the AT Northbound for 15.35 miles.

Map of Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge

Map of Liberty Loop Trail

Photo Album