The Appalachian Trail

The Best Time of the Year to Hike The Appalachian Trail

The entire stretch in New Jersey Appalachian Trail is intersected by highways, country lanes, or Park roads. It takes three to four days to thru-hike and camp out on New Jersey's section of the AT, but it can also be taken one day at a time in under ten modest day-hikes.

The best time to hike the New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail is from late April through early June, and during September and October.

How and Where Do You Access The New Jersey Appalachian Trail?

There are many detailed road maps of New Jersey that will show a dotted line marking of the trail. Forest ranger offices at the state parks along the trail will have maps showing their sections of the trail.

The Trail itself is marked with 2 by 6 inch white painted patches on trees and rocks along the way. Two patches, one above the other defines a change in direction of the trail.

Popular Parking Locations and Access Points Along The New Jersey Appalachian Trail

Popular Day Hikes Along the New Jersey Appalachian Trail

Wawayanda Mountain
This 6-mile hike through Wawayanda State Park takes the hiker through 13,000 acres of remote trails, cliffs, plateaus, bogs, ravines,streams, and beautiful vistas. The mountain contains some of oldest bedrock along the entire AT dating back over 12,000 years. Start at one of the two access points on the Warwick Turnpike.

Wallkill & Vernon Valleys
This 9.8-mile hike covers the eastern half of the Wallkill River and Vernon Valleys, and Pochuck Mountain, a rugged, multi peaked ridge. This section offers the hiker a lot of diversity as the trail covers river valleys and ridge lines.

Sunrise Mountain & High Point
This very popular AT hike takes you to The northern Kittatinny Ridge with a climb to the highest point in NJ to an elevation 1803 feet at High Point. Here you can experience beautiful vistas along jagged ledges and views of the High Point Monument, Normanook Fire Tower, and the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion over the Walkill River valley and Delaware River.

Rattlesnake & Bird Mountains
This 11 mile hike is one of the most difficult hikes along the New Jersey Appalachian Trail. Though it is mostly a ridge walk with few climbs, the trail traverses very rocky, jagged terrain. This is an area with plenty of wildlife. Take time to stop and enjoy the wildlife scenic vistas.

Sunfish Pond & Mount Mohican
This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in New Jersey and can get crowded with many hikers during the warmer months and on weekends. Begin your hike with a stop at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Information Center at Kittatinny Point. They have forest rangers that can give you trail maps and information on the geology, wildlife, and fauna of the area. Behind the visitor center is an awesome, scenic view of the Water Gap.
Sunfish Pond is a blue lake formed from a gouge in the Wisconsin Glacier that later filled with water. Mt. Mohican is located between Mt. Tammany and Catfish Mountain, and is the highest point in Warren County. The Appalachian Trail travels over the summit. On the return hike down from the pond, take the Green trail along Dunnfield Creek to the Blue trail back to AT to the parking lot.

top of page

Home | Contact Us | Latest Pages