Old Mine Road, Hardwick Township, NJ
Phone: (908) 841-9575
www.njparksandforests.org
www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/upload/sb2Hikes-2.pdf
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Turn Right out of Kittatinny Point Visitor Center parking lot. After 0.2 miles turn Left and pass under the I-80 overpass. Bear Left at the end of the overpass and after 0.1 miles turn Right into the parking area. Map
Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking may be difficult during or following inclement weather. Portable toilets are available in the parking area. Hunting is allowed; visit www.njfishandwildlife.org for details on dates, rules and regulation. During periods of severe drought, restrictions may be enforced; contact the Worthington State Forest Office: 908-841-9575 or the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center: 908-496-4458. This is a carry-in/carry-out site; bags are available throughout the area. Please make sure to leave the area as found. Occasionally northern copperhead or timber rattlesnake can be seen, so exercise caution while exploring.
The scenic wonders of this forest are accessible to the fit hiker. To reach the crest of Mt. Tammany for the remarkable view, either hike the rugged 1.3 mile Red Dot Trail, or the somewhat easier 1.8 mile Blue Dot Trail. Mount Tammany makes a 1,200-foot rise over less than two miles, making for strenuous hiking. It is critical to be dressed appropriately, have water and be physically prepared for this climb.
This forest abounds in wildlife. Open all the senses to fully appreciate the biodiversity of this place. In addition to bird song, many frog species are peeping or trilling in spring and summer. Six species of salamanders find a home in these lands. Wildflowers are plentiful, drawing in a diversity of butterflies. Springs and lakes provide dragonfly habitat. Choose a field guide and be prepared to spot something new.
| | Worthington State Forest contains three of New Jersey’s scenic wonders; Mt. Tammany, Sunfish Pond and Dunnfield Creek. The 1,547-foot Mt. Tammany towers 1,200 feet above the Delaware River, offering some of the best scenic views in the state. Sunfish Pond is a glacial pond set atop of the Kittatinny Ridge; its crystal waters and serene setting entice visitors to return. Make sure to check out the various rock structures that inspired hikers have left to honor the beauty of the area. Dunnfield Creek’s pristine, cascading waters, set off by towering hemlocks and mixed hardwood trees, is an experience not to miss. Opportunities for viewing wildlife abound along the various trails that crisscross this area.
the breathtaking view from the top of Mt. Tammany. The climb requires effort, but once there, the vantage point provides opportunities to witness bird flights below eye-level, putting a whole new slant on bird identification. More than 1,200 feet below this perch the Delaware River winds like a ribbon through the Delaware Water Gap.
A brisk hike up the trail along Dunnfield Creek in winter can reveal Cooper’s Hawk, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Pileated Woodpecker, Winter Wren and maybe even a porcupine. The greens of the mosses and ferns look magical next to the wintry-whites of icy pools, small waterfalls and snow-covered rocks of the creek.
Bring lunch and water and don hiking shoes to tackle the 7.0 mile round trip up the Appalachian Trail (AT) to Sunfish Pond. Sit on one of the many large rocks that ring the lake, and during lunch break listen and watch for Wood Thrush, Eastern Towhee, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler and many other species of birds. These hikes can be extra strenuous so be prepared.
Walk any one of the many miles of trails in Worthington State Forest in the summer to possibly sight a black bear. The forest is home to many breeding birds at this time. Cooper’s Hawks nest in the hemlocks and it is a special thrill to catch sight of their darting, twisting flight amidst the tree trunks. Listen for the elaborate trill of the Winter Wren along Dunnfield Creek. Bug spray is recommended in this season.
A venture to the top of Mt. Tammany on a clear day will reveal the rich palette of fall colors of the Ridge and Valley area below in Warren County, as well as the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Watch the variety of raptors overhead, or even below, as they wing their way south. A lucky day may include hearing the distinctive “croak” of the uncommon Common Raven. The Delaware Water Gap is arguably the most likely place in New Jersey to view this species.
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