Mt. Tammany is a great hike with shorter options for little kids!

Mount Tammany is located near the Hardwick Township in New Jersey. This is one of the most popular hikes in New Jersey and families who visit will not be disappointed. While the entire length of the hike is beautiful, the ultimate prize for visitors ae the sweeping view of the Delaware Water Gap.

If you’ve got older kids and are up for an adventure, you’ll likely want to tackle the entire 3.6-mile hike around the Red and Blue Dot trails. The hike is moderately difficult but easily manageable for kids that are stable on their feet and somewhat adventurous hikers.

The best way to tackle the hike is to go counter-clockwise up the Red Dot Trail first and then back down the Blue Dot Trail (also known as the Pahaquarry Trail). This will offer the easiest way path through a small section of rock scrambling on the Red Dot Trail.

You’ll find great scenery throughout your uphill hike on the Red Dot Trail before finally reaching the summit of Mount Tammany. Bring a lunch or snack to enjoy while taking in the views at the top, then head back down the mountain on the gradually descending Blue Dot Trail. This path will eventually take you past a swimming hole and some waterfalls, as well! This trailhead area also offers an entry point to the Appalachian Trail and the final portion of your hike will actually take you along a very short stretch of it that follows the banks of Dunnfield Creek!

If you’ve got younger kids or are just in the mood for a shorter hike, there are other options that are a bit easier but will NOT take you to the summit of Mount Tammany. If you’re not interested in reach the summit, simply walk along Dunnfield Creek for about .7 miles to the swimming hole for some water play. If you’re not in the mood for swimming, you can hike 1.2 miles to see Dunnfield Falls and water cascades by following the signs at the split in the Dunnfield Creek Trail.

If seeing the summit is a priority it is possible to reach it by going out and back on the Blue Dot Trail. Your hike will be just as long as taking the whole loop (about 3.7 miles) but slightly less steep. You’ll also miss the rock scrambling portion of the Red Dot Trail.

There are several large parking areas just off Route 80. It is important that you DO NOT park on Route 80. This is not allowed under any circumstances! Wherever you park, there are walking paths that connect the parking lots and main trailheads.

You’ll find the Dunnfield Creek Parking Area off Route 80 West, just before the last exit in New Jersey. You’ll see a sign on the right for the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area. There are two parking areas available here but remember that you cannot backtrack on Route 80 so it’s wise to check the first lot first and then the second lot. If both of these is full, try the overflow parking area at the Kittatinny Point visitor center and walk back to the trailhead. (Head back out onto Rt. 80 from the Dunnfield lot and take the very next exit right, then make a left like you are going to go around to 80 E, then instead of merging onto 80, immediately head to the right into the visitor center.)

Given the popularity of this hike, the parking areas can fill up quickly on weekends. You can get parking updates by visiting the Worthington State Forest Facebook. There is also a free, seasonal hiking shuttle that runs on weekends and holidays in season between the Dunnfield Creek Lot, Kittatinny Visitors Center and the nearby Park and Ride. Check www.gomcta.com for schedules and routes.

There are sometimes portable toilets available in the parking lots at the trailhead. If those are not there, you can find composting toilets at the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center that are open during office hours. If all else fails, the Delaware Water Gap Travel Plaza, on Rt. 80 West about 5 mins before the trailhead has bathrooms.