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Delaware Water Gap Hike

October 2005 UPDATE: The Visitor's Center is closed due to flooding from an early April 2005 storm. Some bridges are out but the trails listed here are passable.

Length: 6 miles (9-10 miles - long version)
Difficulty: moderate - strenuous (some hills and rocky terrain/trailbed)
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 - 5.5 hours (to 7hrs - long)

The Appalachian Trail (AT, white blazes) leaves from the western end of the Dunnfield Parking Area (closer to PA) which is located on the north side (west bound) side of Route 80 (GPS: N 40.97185, W 075.12607). Take the AT north for about 1.25 miles until you reach a 4-way intersection. To the left may be a trail going to "Campsite #1". Straight ahead is a continuation of the AT. You will now make a right onto the Holly Springs Trail (red blazes or may not be blazed).

Take the Holly Springs Trail for about 0.5 miles where it will intersect the Dunnfield Creek Trail (green blazes). Make a right turn onto this trail. After about a mile you will intersect the Blue Dot Trail (blue blazes). Make a left turn onto this trail.

After about one mile you will reach a large rocky overlook (Mount Tammany) onto the Delaware Water Gap. Eat lunch here. After lunch take the Red Dot Trail (red blazes) down to the parking area.

Longer variation: Instead of turning right onto the Holly Springs Trail, continue straight on the Appalachian Trail (past the obvious split with the green trail) until Sunfish Pond and make a right onto the Dunnfield Creek Trail (green blazes). Follow the above directions for the rest of this variation. Distance: 10? miles.

Shorter alternative: Start on white trail, immediately go right onto Blue Dot trail. Follow the above directions for the rest of this variation. Distance: 4 miles total (max)?

References: NY-NJ Trail Conf. map #15

Driving Directions from NYC to the Delaware Water Gap

Take the George Washington Bridge to Route 80 West. Take Route 80 west for about 70 miles. About a mile before the bridge across the Delaware River, which separates New Jersey and Pennsylvania, there is a turn-off on the right for a parking/rest area and then an underpass from this parking area which will take you to the ranger station/visitor center. (Just after turning off to the right for the parking area, veer left, go through the underpass to the left, and then go right to get to the visitor's center.) Park in front of the Ranger station/Visitor's Center (there are restrooms here, GPS: N 40.97012, W 075.13012). You will know that you are getting close to the bridge because the exit numbers on Route 80 will be decreasing! The parking area is just after mile marker 1.

If you miss the turn off for the parking area, take the very next exit, which is the last exit in New Jersey and then follow signs (to the left) for the Visitor's Center. Do not cross the bridge to Pennsylvania. There is no toll to be paid on this trip (only at the GW bridge on the way back). If you have paid a toll, you have gone too far!

The total driving time is estimated at 1.5 hours without traffic. Total driving distance is about 75-80 miles.

What to Bring

Other Useful Information

We are meeting, promptly, at 8:00am in front of X. Drivers should double park their cars in front of the building (please gas up BEFORE coming). All passengers are expected to contribute their fair share towards gas, parking fees, and tolls! We will return to the city in mid to late afternoon. Rain cancels the trip.

Questions: Michael Brochstein

 
The visitor's center where you should park. (August 2001)    
     
 
The trail head where you will start the hike. (August 2001)  

Sunfish Pond (May 2005)

     

View of the Delaware River from Mount Tammany (May 2005)

Last updated:  5/2005