WNJ Exclusive: Hiking Mount Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap
At the top of Mount Tammany.
All photos by Jillian Weislo
by Jillian Weislo
After hearing about one of my coworker's experience hiking Mount Tammany, I decided I had to see it for myself. Mount Tammany is the southernmost peak of the Kittatinny Mountains and forms the east side of the Delaware Water Gap. The Red Dot Trail is almost a completely vertical hike, rising 1,250 feet in only 1.5 miles. It is physically challenging, as there are large rocks and boulders to climb, but there are plenty of spots where you can stop, enjoy the view, and catch your breath.
The view from my first rest stop.
The top of Mount Tammany overlooks the Gap, Mt Minsi (on the PA side), and Rt. 80 below. After taking in the view from the top, you can take the Blue Trail back and enjoy a gradual descent back down. This trail ends at Dunnfield Creek.
A millipede taking a lunch break.
I was surprised that I didn't see too much wildlife. At one rest stop I saw turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, but that was about it for birds. There were a lot of insects to see if you take the time to actually look for them and several kinds of brightly colored mushrooms along the trail. In my opinion, it is more of a trail for scenic views than wildlife viewing, although I have heard of many bear and rattlesnake encounters. As with most places, it really depends on the day.
One of several kinds of mushrooms seen along the trail.
As always, I had my four-legged hiking partner, Lola, with me. If you have a high energy dog and want to tire them out, this is a great place to bring them as long as they can handle the steep incline and jumping over rocks. It was a good idea to leave my six pound Yorkie at home because she probably wouldn't be able to jump over some of the bigger rocks. As an added bonus, this was a tick free hike for both me and Lola.
Be sure to check out WNJ's video Rattlesnake encounter atop Mount Tammany. I hope the video will inspire you to take a trip to
Mount Tammany as it did for me.
The view from my first rest stop.
The top of Mount Tammany overlooks the Gap, Mt Minsi (on the PA side), and Rt. 80 below. After taking in the view from the top, you can take the Blue Trail back and enjoy a gradual descent back down. This trail ends at Dunnfield Creek.
A millipede taking a lunch break.
I was surprised that I didn't see too much wildlife. At one rest stop I saw turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks, but that was about it for birds. There were a lot of insects to see if you take the time to actually look for them and several kinds of brightly colored mushrooms along the trail. In my opinion, it is more of a trail for scenic views than wildlife viewing, although I have heard of many bear and rattlesnake encounters. As with most places, it really depends on the day.
One of several kinds of mushrooms seen along the trail.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 8/24/2011 2:45 PM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: delaware water gap mount tammany millipede turkey vulture red tailed hawk
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: delaware water gap mount tammany millipede turkey vulture red tailed hawk
Great job, Jill. I love your pitbull. My nickname at the paper is the Pitbull or the Toxic Bulldog.
My favorite part of hiking Mount Tammany was drenching in the lovely pool with a waterfall on the way back down the trail.
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