50 Camp Mohican Road, Blairstown, NJ
Phone: (908) 362-5670
www.outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/mohican/index.cfm
U.S. Department of the Interior
When leaving parking area turn Left onto CR 659/Spring Valley Road and after 0.8 miles turn Right at the stop sign onto CR 602 North/Millbrook Road. Proceed 0.2 miles and turn Left onto Maple Lane. After 1.6 miles turn Right at the stop sign onto Mohican Road. At 0.3 miles the road splits; stay Right on Mohican Road. Continue 1.9 miles and turn Left at the stop sign onto Gaisler Road. After 0.5 miles turn Right onto Camp Mohican Road and follow the road approximately 1.0 mile to the center on the Left. Map
The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking is available. The lodge office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Lodging is available and includes cabins, lodges and individual and group campsites. Contact Mohican Outdoor Center or visit the website for rates. A small retail store is here, along with friendly staff that can give advice about seasonal wildlife viewing and hiking the many trails that intersect the center.
Raccoon Ridge, also known as “Coon,” is one of the best hawk watches in north Jersey, and is approximately 2.5 miles southwest of the Mohican Outdoor Center on the Appalachian Trail. This can be a strenuous trip; wear hiking shoes, carry a walking stick and take enough food, water and warm clothing (the wind can be brutal); plan to spend the day. A pile of boulders and a magnificent view mark the spot - in addition to a gathering of dedicated hawk watchers - whenever conditions are right. Fall migration begins in September, and peak migration takes place from mid-October to mid-November. Be there in the first half of November during a cold snap driven by northwest winds and witness what ‘Coon is known for: tremendous flights of Northern Goshawk, eagles and Red-tailed Hawk. Be sure to allow enough time to hike back to the center before dark, as this sometimes-rocky trail is extremely difficult, and possibly dangerous, to navigate in the dark. ‘Coon is also excellent for spring hawk flights, although no official data is currently collected.
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| Beaver | John Parke |
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| | The center is run by the Appalachian Mountain Club and is within the boundaries of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). Perched on top of the Kittatinny Ridge, it is a hub of hiking activity because it is at the confluence of several popular hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from Camp Mohican Road and followed southwest to Raccoon Ridge or northeast to Rattlesnake Swamp Trail, or even further north to Crater and Blue Mountain Lakes.
Catfish Pond in back of the center’s office. Talk to the staff about obtaining a canoe or kayak at the center. In warm weather, this may be the best way to appreciate this glacial lake. Whether on foot or on the water, don’t miss the opportunity to observe the beaver lodge.
Bald Eagle will be foraging for food; be alert for these impressive birds. If the winter snowfall has been sparse, take a brisk walk along the Appalachian Trail. If deeper snow blankets the area, cross-country skiing may be the best way to witness wildlife that otherwise would be unreachable this time of the year; black bear, red fox, coyote, raccoon, opossum and porcupine are all possibilities. Wintering birds such as White-throated Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco and woodpeckers like Pileated, Downy and Hairy will be evident along the way.
Start by visiting Catfish Pond or the wetlands area south of the lodge. Early in the season, amphibians migrate to the ponds throughout the area, so be careful walking and driving. Investigate the small vernal pools and ponds for wood frog or spotted salamander eggs. This is a great spot for spring bird migration. It is not uncommon to see Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Yellow and Northern Parula Warblers as well as Cerulean Warbler which is known to nest in this area. Louisiana Waterthrush and Eastern Phoebe could be along the stream edge. Scout treetops for Scarlet Tanager and Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, and listen mid-height for the rustle or sweet trills of shy Hermit and Wood Thrushes. At dusk listen for the elusive Whip-poor-will repeatedly calling its name.
As the weather warms, a leisurely canoe trip on Catfish Pond can be refreshing as well as rewarding. Keep a look out for bear cubs, fox pups, beaver kits, ducklings and goslings, but do not get too close and disturb. Sit still and watch the as the Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Wood Thrush, Indigo Bunting, Northern Waterthrush, Carolina and House Wren make repeated trips to the nest to feed their young. Northern Goshawk, Common Raven and Pileated Woodpecker are also known to breed in the area.
In addition to the astounding hawk migration (see below), the scenic views of the Delaware River on the western edge of the Kittatiny Ridge and the panoramic view of Warren and Sussex County to the east are not to be missed. A camera is a must.
Consider making the hike south to Raccoon Ridge for the day. Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle and Broad-winged, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Osprey, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, Northern Goshawk and American Kestrel are all regularly seen here.
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