There’s hardly a better way to spend a fall weekend than escaping the metro area and cruising down I-80 West for a day of exploring Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. November at the park boasts significantly lighter crowds with visitation dropping about 20% from September and October peaks. Hikers are rewarded with crisp blue skies, lingering foliage and temperatures that haven’t yet fallen into misery.
About 90 minutes outside New York City, the dramatic gorge comes into view as the highway suddenly transforms from just another section of interstate to a winding tour of forested hills and shining river. A quick stop at the Kittatinny Visitor Center right off New Jersey Exit 1 is a great way to get oriented.
The Gap boasts over 70 miles of trails so narrowing down that perfect trek for your Saturday can be a bit daunting. Below is a brief summary of some of the premier trails in the park. No matter where you hike, all terrain is notoriously rocky so make sure to wear sturdy hiking boots.
Mt. Minsi (5 miles roundtrip, moderate) This climb up the peak of Mt. Minsi offers stunning views of the Delaware River and Mt. Tammany. The route will pass Lake Lenape with some boulder scrambling and dramatic cliff edges. Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail to the summit and finish the loop by taking the unmarked Mt. Minsi fire road back to the parking lot. Directions: Take exit PA 310 off of I-80 West, immediately after the toll bridge. Follow Rt. 611 South to Mt. Minsi/Lake Lenape parking area.
Mt. Tammany (3.5 roundtrip, strenuous) This is the perfect trail for those who want to get their blood pumping without the serious mileage. Rising over 1,500 feet above the Gap, Mt. Tammany offers some of the most breathtaking views of any hike in New Jersey. The best route to the summit is to take the red blazes up and travel the more gradual blue-blazed path on the descent. Directions: The trailhead can be found at the Dunnfield parking area which is well marked by a sign just before the last exit in New Jersey off I-80.
Sunfish Pond (7.6 miles roundtrip, moderate) This longer, more level route follows the Appalachian Trail alongside a creek through hemlock ravines.Your trek will be rewarded with a serene glacial lake surrounded by pristine forest high above the surrounding woodlands. Hike the white blazes all the way to Sunfish Pond then return via the green-blazed Dunnfield Hollow Trail for the perfect loop. Directions: The trailhead can be found at the Dunnfield parking area which is well marked by a sign just before the last exit in New Jersey off I-80.
Kaiser Road/Coppermine Loop (7 miles roundtrip, moderate) Pass abandoned mines, cascading brooks and even a pleasant little waterfall. Start at the Mohican Outdoor Center and follow the Appalachian Trail to the blue-blazed Kaiser Road trail, finally looping back around on the red-blazed Coppermine path. Directions: I-80 West to exit 12. Take 521 North to 94 South. Address of the outdoor center is 50 Camp Road, Blairstown, NJ.
A detailed map of the above hikes and more can be found at nps.gov.