Mt. Tammany Red Dot-Blue Blaze Trail
A challenging steep and rocky climb to view the Delaware Water Gap with small waterfalls along the Blue Blaze trail
Summary
Location: Parking is before Exit 1 on I-80 W Columbia, NJ (alternative parking at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center)
Distance: ~2.9 miles total (~1.2 miles up Red Dot and ~1.7. miles down Blue Blaze trail)
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Elevation: 1,201 feet
Terrain: Rocky
Scenic Outlook Rating: 10 out of 10
How do I get there?
The best way to find the trail is to put "Mt Tammany Red Dot Trail" on Google Maps for a more specific location.
If you are on Route 80-W before you reach Exit 1 you will see a sign "Dunfield Creek Appalachian Trail" and shortly after that to your right will be the entrance to the parking area.
If that parking area is closed then proceed to Exit 1 and make a left at the stop sign in order to drive into River Road and park in the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center parking lot. It will be a short walk from that parking lot to the trail. You will walk under a small tunnel and cross the road into the parking areas for Mt.Tammany.
Where to start the trail?
From the Mount Tammany Red Dot trail parking area, you will be able to start either the red dot or blue blaze trail. Together both trails create a loop, it is just a matter of choosing one for the hike up. Due to the amount of rocks in the red dot trail it is best to hike up that trail and make your way down the blue trail. If you want to skip the hike and head for the river area for a swim then start with the blue blaze trail.
There will be a sign specifying the entry point of the red dot trail from the parking area
If you encounter a bridge as you enter the trail, you are entering the path to start the blue blaze trail
Where are the Scenic Outlooks?
The red dot trail contains the 2 scenic outlooks of this hike. The first one is encountered about 1/2 mile up the red dot trail, difficult to miss.
The second scenic outlook will be located at the peak of the red dot trail right before it converts into the blue blaze trail. If you are on the red dot trail and reach a point where you see the blue blaze trail sign, you just passed the second and perhaps best scenic outlook point of the hike.
The second scenic outlook is easier to miss and requires climbing down a steep area with large rocks. It will offer amazing views to the Delaware Water Gap.
There is a 3rd scenic outlook near the second one, but it is a little harder to find and you will see it to your right if you make it all the way down to the tip of the second outlook.
How to prepare for the hike?
Wear the appropriate footwear for a rocky terrain and the possibility of some muddy areas with small water streams that you will cross over.
Carrying water is essential and perhaps a little snack will help. Wear a couple of light layers because it can get very hot while climbing up, but once you reach the top it can feel cold again. You can also take a small compact towel and swim suit in case you want to dip into the water once you come down from the blue blaze trail.
Swimming
During the summer months you can take advantage of the rivers that run through the blue blaze trail, which you encounter if you start the hike up the red dot and come down on the blue blaze. Right at the end of the blue blaze trail you will see the rivers and small waterfall. You can also find small deep water areas above the waterfall for swimming.
If you want to skip the hike and only go for a swim, you can start the loop with the blue blaze trail, it will be approximately a 1/2 mile walk to reach the bridge, indicating you are in the small waterfall area.
This trail is very well maintained and has really good signs and marks along the path, making it easy to not get lost.
It can get crowded during the summer weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
Remember to be safe, leave no trace (masks, garbage, food) on the trail, and appreciate this beautiful hike in northwest NJ.
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