New Jersey AT hike

[wardsgirl]

Last week, my 13 year old son and I had the pleasure of backpacking and slackpacking (with the help of fellow VFTT member askus3) the AT through most of New Jersey. Like most April school vacation weeks, the weather was terrific. It only rained twice, and both times, we were either in a hostel or a lean-to.

It was great to get out into the woods and away from the TV, Playstation, etc. Our only disappointment was that we didn't see a bear. However, we saw many other forms of wildlife, including Canada geese, turkeys, deer, garter snakes, a black snake, a swan, and numerous other unidentified birds. Fortunately, we only came across two ticks.

The highlight of our trip was a short blue-blaze to the High Point monument, the highest point in New Jersey. We were there late in the day, with no tourists about. This was also the coldest night of our trip, when temperatures went below freezing.

Before our trip, when we told people that we were going backpacking in New Jersey, people thought we were nuts! However, the scenery was very diverse, ranging from rolling farmland, to steepish mountains (Waywayanda), to wetlands. It was really quite a treat to get away from the mud and monorail trails in the Whites. Backpacking in New Jersey- try it you'll like it!

 

[the_swede]

Glad you enjoyed your trip! That strip of the AT from New York into NJ along the Bellevale/Bearfort Ridge is awesome, isn't it? How far south did you get along the Kittatinny Ridge?

 

[wardsgirl]

Yes, the ridge above Greenwood Lake was very different than the rest of the trip. Thankfully, it was cloudy that day and a breeze kept the gnats away. Also, the rocks are nice and grippy, so one is always sure-footed. Definitely a nice stretch. Our whole hike took us from NY 17 (up Agony Grind) to Deckertown Turnpike (NJ).

 

[NewHampshire]

Nice! I have only just started dabbling in New York hiking, but now you have piqued my interest in NJ too.....

Brian

 

[Rob S]

I live just 2 miles from the Appalachian Trail and the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center in Blairstown, NJ. If anyone needs a ride or shuttle somewhere, or a place to eat and shower, gimme a holler. Our home is less than 20 minutes from the PA border at the Delaware Water Gap.

- - Rob

 

[Jay H]

Up Agony Grind... Does that mean you went southbound? Agony Grind is right after the thruway crossing and the probable most dangerous section of the AT, crossing Rt 17 on a 4 lane highway with blind corners and people driving 60mph+

I am glad you were able to enjoy the trip and sorry you didn't see a bear. I've seen so many bears when kayaking and hiking, its almost a regular occurence!

Jay

 

[wardsgirl]

Dangerous? Naah. We parked at Elk Pen and walked under the highway, if that makes sense. (I have never done anything more trecherous than crossing the Pallisades Parkway at rush hour- but that was last year's AT trip!)

We were bummed about the bear situation. It seemed like every shelter we stayed at had a bear there according to the previous register entry. Oh well, I'll have to stay in the Whites for bear sightings!

Hey, Jay, I saw a 'hobo encampment' just south of 17A. Is that where they found the dead guy? Just wondering. If so, I wonder why he didn't just break into that abandoned house on 17A?

Hope to see you for ice cream next week!

 

[the_swede]

Hey, Jay, I saw a 'hobo encampment' just south of 17A. Is that where they found the dead guy?

The dead guy was found just off the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail in Harriman, a few miles south and east of 17A.

 

[Jay H]

Hmm, not sure if I follow you, If you park at the Elk Pen and walk south over the NYS Thruway, you walk OVER the thruway on Arden Valley Road... then you get to another 4 lane highway which is Rt 17 (NY is very confusing as there are multiple 17s 17A, 17K, M, G, etc. etc.) That 17 is busy at rush hour with people avoiding Thruway traffic...

The AT's palisade's parkway crossing has at least a woodsy median in the middle with an AT register on it...

Jay

 

[wardsgirl]

The AT's palisade's parkway crossing has at least a woodsy median in the middle with an AT register on it...

Jay

And it had a mouse family living in it last year! Lucky I didn't shriek and run across the road!

OK, I think I started on Arden Valley Road. After Island Pond.. heading south... I walked over a highway... I don't remember, it was the first five minutes of vacation!

 

[Jay H]

Yup, that highway is the NY Thruway... There is a sign that you can't see when you're on the bridge that shows it's the "Appalachian Trail" as you drive north on the thruway

Jay

 

[1ADAM12]

Very nice! What a way to spend with your son. Memoriies that will last a lifetime.

I really like the sunset picture!