A Complete Guide For Hiking Mt. Tammany in New Jersey – Including What You Need

So you have seen the dozens of pictures on Instagram, drooling over the gorgeous panoramic views, and now it’s time for you to conquer hiking Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey.

Mt. Tammany is a mountain in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in New Jersey. It stands at 1,528 feet and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. The mountain can be reached via several trails, including the Red Dot Trail, Blue Blaze Trail, and Dunnfield Creek Trail. Visitors can see as far as Pennsylvania and New York from the summit on clear days.

Highlights: Stunning Views, Diverse Flora and Fauna, Challenging Trails

• Stunning Views: Once you reach the summit of Mount Tammany, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Delaware Water Gap and the surrounding landscape.
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: From hardwood forests to vibrant wildflowers and sightings of wildlife such as deer, hawks, and eagles, the hike offers an engaging nature experience.
• Challenging Trails: The Red Dot Trail to the summit is steep but rewarding, offering adventurous hikers an exhilarating challenge.

How long does the Mount Tammany hike take?

For the experienced hiker, Mount Tammany starting from the parking lot and using only the Red Dot Trail should take about 2-3 hours.

If you are a beginner hiker, you should expect the hike to last 3-5 hours, with frequent breaks in between.

Is it hard to hike Mt Tammany?

Hiking Mt Tammany can be a challenging and strenuous hike, yet rewarding experience. The hike consists of a 5.4-mile loop of the Red Dot Trail to the Blue Blaze Trail that includes steep terrain and rocky paths, making it difficult for some hikers to complete. The real difficulty is the 1,250 feet of elevation gain in less than 1.2 miles.

If you opt to hike the Red Dot Trail up and down, be prepared for a more difficult hike. This way will be the most crowded with a lot of rocky terrain.

The easiest way is to take the Blue Blaze Trail up and back down, but this would require several hours as it would be more than 6.5 miles roundtrip.

Before attempting this hike, ensure you are physically fit and have all the necessary supplies, such as water, food, and appropriate clothing. With some dedication and effort, hiking Mt Tammany can be a rewarding experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Hiking poles may seem like a silly thing to have, but we are experienced enough to tell you this trail needs them. Many rocks, slippery areas, and climbing one or two hiking poles will help you get your footing.

Hiking poles can help you move faster and with greater efficiency; their long handles can push you off the ground with each step, making it easier to cover long distances quickly. Finally, they can help protect against wild animals since they make a lot of noise when hitting the ground. All in all, hiking poles are essential equipment for any outdoor enthusiast.

Where do you park to hike Mt Tammany?

If you’re looking to hike Mt. Tammany, there are a few places you can park. The Dunnfield Creek Natural Area parking lot is the most popular place to park on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey. But there is one tip we always suggest to make parking easier: get there early. If you get to the trailhead on the weekend before 8 am, you will most likely be lucky enough to get a parking spot without going crazy.

The lot offers free parking and easy access to trails leading up the mountain. If that lot is full, other small lots are available along Route 80 near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. These lots may require a fee or permit, so check with local rangers or recreational officials before heading out.

Additionally, suppose you’re looking for a longer hike up Mt. Tammany. In that case, you can park at the Kittatinny Visitor Center in Pennsylvania and take part in the Appalachian Trail to get to Mt. Tammany. No matter where you choose to park, ensuring your car is secure and following any posted rules when hiking Mt. Tammany, and its trails is essential.

Activities for Everyone at Mount Tammany:

• Summit Hiking: Challenge yourself on the Red Dot Trail and be rewarded with a panoramic view at the summit of Mount Tammany.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the trail. Remember to observe from a distance and not disturb them – including bear (bring a whistle).
• Photography: The scenic views at the top are perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

Insider Tips for Hiking Mount Tammany:

• Hiking Time: On average, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete the round-trip hike, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit. The hike is about 3.5 miles long.
• Start Early: The trail can get crowded, especially on weekends. An early start can help you avoid the crowds and get the most out of your hike.
• Stay Safe: The trail can be steep and rocky in places. Watch your step, take your time, and consider using hiking poles for additional support.
• Leave No Trace: Help preserve the beauty of Mount Tammany by carrying out any trash you bring in.

Can dogs hike Mount Tammany?

Yes, dogs can hike Mount Tammany. The trail is very rocky, so it’s a good idea to have the right gear for your dog to hike. This can include dog hiking boots, water, and treats. Check out some of our other dog hiking gear recommendations so your pup is prepped for the hike.

We are just as excited as you are to experience this great hike in New Jersey and one of the favorite NJspots in the state! So we have a few tips to get you started on the right foot (or left foot!).

1. Check The Weather

This may seem like an obvious tip, but we emphasize checking it. Whether hiking in the middle of the hot summer or the cold winter, Mt. Tammany is a challenging hike; you don’t want to get stuck in the elements. Rain or ice can make it much more difficult with the rocky trail leading up and down.

Remember that Mt. Tammany is in the Northwest of New Jersey, so the weather can be MUCH different than where you may be traveling from. So be sure to check ahead. *Tip* If you have a day in mind you want to go, check the weather leading up to that day. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, have a rain date. Don’t miss out!

2. Dress Appropriately

This goes hand in hand with our first tip. Once you know what temperatures and weather to expect, ensure you have the proper clothing. A hat and sunglasses for those warm summer days or layers for colder days. Remember, your body will produce more heat when hiking up a mountain, so having layers is a great idea.

Also, for your clothing, it can be a good idea to make sure it is breathable and loose-fitting so you can move and scramble up the rocks without constraining your movements.

Additionally, make sure you are wearing hiking boots or at least good sneakers for this trek. Open-toed shoes like flip-flops are highly discouraged; there are many rocks along the way that you can lose footing or hurt yourself. *Tip* Bring an extra set of clothing if you want to go swimming in the river afterward to cool off from your hike!

3. Bring Water

Whether you are a seasoned hiker exploring various State Parks regularly or hiking Mount Tammany for the first time, bring water. No matter what time of year or the weather, this is an extensive hike with over 1,200 feet of elevation gain, and your body will need hydration the whole way.

This is a hike that we highly recommend plenty of water. If you have friends coming with you, ensure you have enough water for each of you. Also, having a snack or trail mix along the way can help give you that extra boost to get to the top.*Tip* To keep your water cold on hot summer days, freeze half the bottle the night before and fill it with water before your hike. That way it will melt but stay cold along the hike.

4. Take Pictures, But Be Courteous

We know there are PLENTY photos taken daily at Mt. Tammany, especially during the summer days when people explore New Jersey. So be sure to take your own photos along the way. We know that the epic viewpoint is THE place for those Instagram-perfect photos, but take some along the way too. Looking back at the journey along the way is a great way to show people how excellent the hike was and how much you pushed yourself to get to the top.

Once you get to the top, you will be lucky if no one is there. But if there are others, be courteous and give people their moment to enjoy and take their own photos. Mostly everyone else wants to take a photo too, so take a couple of selfies and panoramic shots and then step aside so others can enjoy the view. *Tip* Make sure your camera or phone is well-charged before you get up there. The worst would be a dead battery at the top.

Wait, are there bears in Mt Tammany?

Yes, it is very common to see bears on the trail at Mount Tammany. But there are some things to keep in mind to ensure you and your crew are safe. Black Bears are native to this region, and while they may seem scary, they are just looking to keep to themselves most of the time. If you ever encounter a black bear in nature, the first thing you should do is stop. Observe what the animal is doing, as it may very well be scared of you and start to walk/run away.

If the bear seems to be interested in you, the next thing you should do is make yourself appear big. This means putting your hands up, holding a bag, or opening a jacket above your head and making noise. If you have several people with you, gather together, make yourselves seem big, and constantly make noise. It would be a good idea to get a hiking whistle to bring along with you to help with making noise. Most of the time, the bear will not be interested and run away.

Other Recommended Hikes in New Jersey

• Hike Stairway To Heaven
• Hiking Hemlock Falls in South Orange
• Hiking Through the Unexpected Wildlife Refuge

Want to hike Tammany with us?

The NJspots Community has hosted a hike at Mount Tammany before (see photos below). While we currently don’t have any scheduled, we recommend signing up for our email list so you don’t miss the next meetup hike!