Appalachian Summer

Rule No. 1: Wear hiking boots.

Rule No. 2: Drink lots of water.

If you hike the Appalachian Trail to Sunfish Pond wearing sneakers, in violation of Rule No. 1, guaranteed your feet will be sore for days.

Appalachian Trail near the Delaware Water Gap.

Sunfish Pond on the Appalachian Trail.

But you will also remember the stunning views of mountains, valleys, clear streams and pristine Sunfish Pond.

The New Jersey leg of the Appalachian Trial — it measures some 72 miles — runs from the Delaware Water Gap to High Point State Park, at the northwestern corner of the state.

The easiest way to get there is to take Route 80 West to the last exit in New Jersey, at  Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Stop at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center to get brochures if you need them, then drive a few feet to the Dunnfield parking lot to leave your car.

You will be in Worthington State Forest, where 10 trails of varying length, altitude and difficulty connect to the Appalachian itself. One path climbs 700 feet in two miles. If you are out of shape, rest as often as you need — and follow Rule No. 2.

The actual Appalachian Trail takes you up to Sunfish Pond. The hike is almost four miles long and climbs 1,000 feet. It takes about four hours, up and back — which is considered moderate and good for inexperienced hikers. The terrain is rocky in some locations and you need to navigate the stones carefully to avoid spraining an ankle (that’s when you’ll regret not following Rule No. 1). 

Getting to Sunfish Pond is the highlight. It’s a glacial lake of pristine waters that invites sweaty hikers to dive in. There are no signs forbidding swimming.

If you still have energy, circle the lake. The left shore is strenuous, with boulders that make walking extremely difficult and a path about a foot wide. The right shore offers a smooth, flat surface. From any angle the pond offers beautiful vistas. There is deer and bear in the area.

Measuring more than 2,175 miles, the Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937 and stretches through 14 states between Georgia and Maine. There are official sites at the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and a guide to the New Jersey section.

Next time, NJ My Way contributor Daniel Santacruz will remember the hiking boots.

Tags: Hiking | Sunfish Pond | Appalachian Trail | Appalachian Trail Conservancy | National Park Service

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