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
Hike Date: Saturday, July 10 Postponed Our last route was intentionally on the easy side to help get everyone back into the swing of hiking. This time we up the difficulty a full notch with an 8 mile route through Bearfort Ridge and into Wawayanda State Park. The loop is called Terrace Pond north has some rock scrambling, a few nice viewpoints, and a scenic (though sometimes crowded) pond. Neither Lou, Jeff, or Karen have hiked this one so let's discover together! Start Time - 9:00 AM Length - Appx 8.0 miles Elevation Gain - ~1,100 feet Difficulty - Moderate with Difficult, rocky sections Expected Duration - 4-5 hours Park Trail Map - Trail Map Parking Location – Side of the road on Warwick Turnpike, West Milford, NJ: 41.15744782812143, -74.36746903484052 Restrooms – None at the trailhead, best option is one of the Gas Stations on Route 511 Our Route:
Great first hike of 2020 - good trail, great weather, superb people. Thanks everyone for joining us! The good news - I clocked 5.2 miles with 1,130 feet of elevation gain. The bad news - my net calories by the afternoon was a gain of 200 after that lunch at the Sycamore Grille. Also of note this the first hike that came in with few miles than expected, we're getting better at this. The photo album is linked to the right and please contribute if you can. Or if easier you can send me directly as well. Obligatory Relive Video (Viewing in Full Screen is Much Better Photo Highlights Our first automated selfie A selfie that wasn't outsourced to google or siri As fire roads go, this was not to shabby View of Mt Tammany The AT The Delaware Water Gap The most dangerous stream crossing of the day Table Rock
Hike Date - Saturday, February 22nd For this hike we'll head back to where it all began.... sort of. Instead of hiking to the summit of Mt Tammany as we did in our first hike, we'll take in some great views of Tammany as we hike to the summit of her sister, Mount Minsi. This hike is entirely on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap and additional highlights of this route include a few minor rock scrambles, and a lovely Rhododendron tunnel (or 2, or 3), and a better than average fire road. We'll also test our navigation skills by ending on a lovely un-blazed section called Table Rock Start Time - 9:00 AM Length - Appx 5.9 Miles (It's winter!) Elevation Gain - ~1000 feet Difficulty - Moderate to Challenging Expected Duration - 3-5 hours Park Trail Map - NPS Trail Map Our Route - Our Route Parking Location - A gravel lot off of Lake Road in Bangor, PA. GPS Coordinates: 40.979850, -75.142087 and Google Maps link Restrooms - There are som
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