Is there a better way to spend a Top-5 day of the year in terms of weather?
This was our second hike within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Mt Tammany was the first) and it continues to impress. Fun fact, the designated area receives about 3.5 million visitors per year, and we saw a grand total of 9 of them on the trail, that'll work!
We didn't quite follow the intended route as the cliff views were socked in by fog, but luckily the trail system is extensive enough we could re-route after we started and basically take the route in reverse.
Depending upon the tracker used, we traverse 8.0-8.6 miles with an elevation gain somewhere between 1,100 and 1,500 fit. Excellent work everyone.
Some highlights
Sandy leading the way through a "treacherous" section that not all were comfortable handling (snicker, snicker).
Two truly impressive waterfalls. For folks that have not hiked here, the pictures below do not do them justice, it is definitely worth a trip. Fun Fact #2 - The three tiers of Raymondskill Falls are just 17 feet shorter than Niagara Falls.
Our extended route to Milford Knob was better than advertised, glad we tackled it.
A break along the cliff edge where we watched the aerobatics of some rather large radio operated airplanes tumble and twirl above the farmland below.
Here is the full photo album (also permanently linked on the right) and below I cherry picked some of my favorites. If any new pictures are sent in I'll be sure to add them. Click to embiggen.
Upper section of Raymondskill Falls
Some morning rays fighting though the fog on our initial ascent.
Hackers Fall
A break along Raymondskill Creek
The pond near Cliff Park Golf Course... courtesy of Brian
Luke leading the charge on Quarry Path
It's near October but green foliage still has a grip.... courtesy of Brian
This is a keeper, wonder what Hani was contemplating? I would be thinking of a breakfast sandwich
The upkeep on un-blazed recreation trails can be spotty, but luckily we didn't need Brian's machete.
Our radio operators below
One of the best break spots we've stumbled across
Mmm.... Sandy's trail mix and Kim's blueberry granola bars.
Watch your step! ... courtesy of Brian
"Lou on the Ledge" - by Hani
Still haven't figured out why this field was cut in such a manner, but it sure makes for an interesting photo... courtesy of Brian
Harriman State Park Relive Video Congratulations to everyone who completed the Harriman Hike! That was a full day of hard work, fresh air, and trail navigation. Our stats varied depending upon tracker, but we clocked somewhere between 10.2 - 11.2 miles, enjoyed an elevation gain between 2,100 and 2,600 feet, and get this ... took 27,500 steps, at least according to Stacey's tracker. Regardless, this hike squarely ranks first in length, total ascent, and duration - the sun was just setting behind the mountain as the last group was crossing the field to the Elk Pen parking lot. Highlights were extensive, here are just a few Everyone made it back! A few got a little lost and at one point Lou headed down the wrong trail, but for such an extensive trail system we did very well. Special thanks to Sheila for her keen eyes and Barbara for her cartography skills. Everyone completed the rock scramble, awesome job! Not sure if it was peer pressure or w...
We are hiking right above where the Hudson Rover is no longer visible on the map (go to Manhattan, look at the squiggly curve line north of it, where are a few miles north of where the small curve ends). The ground will undoubtedly be wet from all the rains this week, but the shower activity looks to be limited enough to still hike. As Jeff said, I will post something early tomorrow morning if the hike is canceled, but for now it remains a go.
Thank you to all who joined us! Our first ever meet-up was a success and we working on a follow up. The weather was almost perfect - it worked for the climb (1250 ft) but was a tad uncomfortable with the wind at the summit. The trail was in moderate condition as there was plenty of water and mud to work our way around, especially in the second half on the blue trail. We lucked out a bit too - Dunnfield Creek was flowing swiftly and made for a scenic rest spot. Special thanks to Darlene who realized a large group of our members was at a different parking lot! Rick brought some technology into play, here is a nifty video of our route based upon his GPS software which ties our coordinates against a three dimensional elevation profile of our hike: And here is our gallery. Click any image and it will pop out for larger view, and allow you to scroll through each more easily. Thank You Jeff and Rick for sharing. Our Route via Rick's GP...
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