County Road 602/Millbrook Road, Hardwick Township, NJ
Phone: (570) 426-2452, Bushkill, PA
www.nps.gov/dewa
U.S. Department of the Interior
Turn Left from the farm parking area to continue north on Old Mine Road. After approximately 1.3 miles, at Millbrook Village, bear Right onto CR 602 South/Millbrook Road and continue 1.1 miles, look for the trailhead gate on the Right side of the road. Map
If time is a factor, take the shorter route to the cliffs by following the Appalachain Trail south for one mile from Millbrook Road to the Catfish Tower. Proceed another 0.5 miles to the cliffs for lunch with a view and then return north on the trail.
Rattlesnake Swamp can be chock full of breeding birds. Many species of wildflowers are a botanist’s delight. Look for pink lady slippers, sheep laurel, starflower, mayapple and painted trillium, especially in May. The walk on the AT to the Catfish Tower and beyond has the best wildlife viewing potential in early morning or late afternoon.
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| Pickerel Frog | John Parke |
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| | This four-mile hiking loop goes from CR 602/Millbrook Road on the Appalachain Trail south through a beautiful rhododendron swamp, then a hemlock forest, and finally up along a rocky trail to rejoin the Appalachain Trail(AT). There is an extraordinary view from the cliffs; spread out in the valley below are forested lands and intermittent fields with a sprinkling of homes. Walking back north on the AT, the Catfish Fire tower is apparent. If a staff member is present, climb the more than 100-foot tower and enjoy the 360-degree view. On a clear day the view of the Catskill Mountains in New York State, the Poconos in Pennsylvania, up into Sussex County and southwest toward Allentown, Pennsylvania can be enjoyed. For additional details about the trail, visit www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/hikes-mv-vcglen.htm.
the opportunity to experience the breathtaking view from the cliffs. Add in the exceptional potential for spotting wildlife and spring and summer wildflowers for a noteworthy New Jersey hike.
Although a season of stark grays, browns and whites, this region is highlighted by small pockets of color. Stands of evergreen mountain laurel and rhododendron are vivid against winter’s soft hues. Search these stands for sheltered mammals and perhaps the cryptically-colored Ruffed Grouse. A flash of red may signal the flight of a Pileated Woodpecker – listen for their loud call and drumming. Keep an eye out for a Bald Eagle or an occassional hawk winging by the cliff face.
Many varieties of wildflowers spring up in and around the swamp, and various species of warblers, such as Black-and-white, Common Yellowthroat and Prairie, along with vireos, woodpeckers and flycatchers, can be seen at this time. Watching songbirds in spring is very rewarding; search through newly leafed-out trees for flashes of brilliant color. Black bears begin stirring about in the spring. If sighted give the bears a wide berth; the same treatment should be given to any basking snakes. Make a point to visit in late June when the understory of rhododendrons are in full blooom. Listen for the dusk chorus of treefrogs, spring peepers and pickerel frogs.
Summer hikes provide great opportunities for observing the most variety of animal species. While climbing around the fire tower and cliff ledges in search of birds or views be on the lookout for New Jersey’s two venomous snake species - northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake. Keep a safe distance and avoid contact. A visit to the swamp in early morning or evening might yield a glimpse of an elusive bobcat or the distinctive “Who-cooks-for-you-all” call of the Barred Owl, an inhabitant of wet woods. At dusk, the insistent call of the Whip-poor-will may be heard as well. Tread carefully in June, so as not to step on red salamanders crossing the trail. A variety of butterfly sightings are possible, including but not limited to Monarch, Black, Spicebush and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Spring and Summer Azures, Eastern Tailed Blue, Red-spotted Purple, Cabbage White, Eastern Comma and Question Mark butterflies, Little Wood Satyr, skippers, sulphurs and hairstreaks. Bug repellant is recommended at this time.
Red maples and rich green rhododrendon in the swamp create a special fall palette, and the view of colorful foliage from the cliffs can be spectacular. Black bears may be sighted around the swamp; admire from a distance. Look for migrating raptors along the ridges; Broad-winged, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, along with Bald Eagle and occassional Golden Eagle may be seen. Songbirds begin migrating southward as well. From mid to late August through November there will be various species moving at various times. Warbler watching in the fall requires more patience as the birds are not in breeding plumage. Scour trees and brush for the Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white and Prairie Warblers, and check for Common Yellowthroat in the swampy area.
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