Mt. Tammany

Location: Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey
Season Visited: Summer
Trail Length: 3.5-mile loop
Time to Hike: 3 hours
Difficulty Level: 4

Worthington State Forest houses some of the best hiking in New Jersey.  Located in the Delaware Water Gap, the beauty of the area is really spectacular.  Trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and the destination is extremely popular, especially on weekends.

I decided to do a solo hike (well, my dog was with me) up Mt. Tammany on a Sunday, following the Red Dot (Tammany) Trail up the mountain and the Blue Trail down, which turned out to be a wonderful way to hike the mountain.  You can see these trails marked on this map as number six and number five.

I parked at the area right off of Rt. 80 (coming from the south) that is just before the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area parking lot.  At the end of the parking lot is a little area with picnic tables and trash cans, though by Sunday the place was pretty much trashed.  This is a very popular weekend hike, and you have been warned that there will be crowds of people.  Also, you might want to get there as early as possible, or you can kiss any parking goodbye.  By the time I was finished my hike (around 2 p.m.) there was not one single parking spot in any of the four parking areas around the trailhead.  I was lucky to get a spot at 11:00.

Right next to the picnic tables are the beginnings of three trails.  For this hike, you want to take the first trail (the one with the stairs closest to the parking lot).  This is the Red Dot Trail.  Immediately you begin your uphill ascent, first by stair, and then just by rocky hill.

One of the more mild ascents in the beginning of the trail.

You soon hit rock scrambles.  They are not unmanageable, but they are challenging.  Fortunately, you are rewarded with a lovely lookout only half a mile into your hike.

The Delaware River, looking rather beautiful this far north.

The trail from this point on is really just rocks and rock scrambles.  It is not easy hiking.  Luckily there is only a mile to go until you reach the top.

A welcome break from the rock scrambles, this pretty section of the trail is just plain old rock.

Before you know it you are at the summit, and the views are beautiful.  Be sure to check out the little nooks and crannies that give you great views of Mt. Minsi just over the border in Pennsylvania.

Me and Cleo at the top.

Mt. Minsi

Lots of people enjoying the view.

Just past these views you stop following the Red Dot and begin your descent on the Blue Trail.

The Blue Trail is quite different from the Red one and is much easier.  The two miles down are more gradual but no less beautiful.  On the way you'll see different vegetation and will eventually come to a cute little waterfall.

The waterfall is a popular destination.

Just past the waterfall and a wooden bridge is where you connect with the Appalachian Trail for about half a mile.  This returns you to the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area parking lot.  If you didn't park here, just follow the road back to your parking area.

The AT's classic white blaze.

Obviously, Mt. Tammany is a great day hike.  It only takes a few hours and you get some spectacular scenery.  Drawbacks are the crowds and the close proximity of the highway, but the hike is definitely worth it despite these things.  You might even make some friends on the trail!

Enjoy your hike, and keep wandering.

Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad Review

Dimensions: 20x78 inches for the "long" size
Weight: 23 oz.

The Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad is the first sleeping pad that I've ever personally owned, and the second one I've ever used.  The first one I used was a big foam thing belonging to my husband: comfortable, but impractical for backpacking since it rolled up to about the size of a yoga mat.  This is the first sleeping pad I've used that is meant to be rolled up into a storable size, though I do find it to be a bit on the chunky side.

Rolled size comparison to a gallon of milk.  As I said, a bit on the chunky side.  However, there is a LOT of air space inside that stuff sack.  It could easily be squished down to a smaller size.

As it's name suggests, this sleeping pad requires inflation.  There is no pump, so you have to do it the old fashioned way.  I was a bit concerned about this at first because I tend to get light-headed when doing something as simple as blowing up a balloon, but it turns out this is really easy to inflate.  Once it's inflated, it holds its shape very well throughout the night.  I used it for three nights straight without having to re-inflate it.  Only by the morning after that third night did I think it could use a little topping off.  It does a fine job of insulating you against the ground on a warm night, and is rated for 35 degrees Fahrenheit and up.  I certainly wouldn't use it for anything colder.

Fully inflated (pillow not included).

The real question, of course, is how comfortable it is.  I would say that it's quite comfortable, but takes a little getting used to if you're not familiar with air pads.  It sort of feels like a really comfortable pool raft.  It certainly can't be called uncomfortable.  I slept just fine with it, and I'm a very picky sleeper.

So, what are the cons?  Well, the bigger size could be a drawback, and this is certainly not a winter sleeping pad.  It's also a bit slippery.  I found myself sliding off of it at night.  It's also very skinny.  I'm a small person, and even I had to be sure to concentrate so I wouldn't end up falling off the side of the mat.  There is an extra wide option if you are concerned about this.

Overall, the Big Agnes Air Core Sleeping Pad is a nice, affordable pad that will give you a little extra comfort at night in the tent.  And really, what more could you want?  I give it four out of five stars.

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Hidden Pond and Indian Springs Trails

Location: Brandywine Creek State Park, Greenville, Delaware
Season Visited: Summer
Trail Length: Hidden Pond is a 2.8-mile loop.  Indian Springs is 1.9; also a loop.  I estimate my confused combination of the two to be about 2.8 miles.
Time to Hike: 1.5 hours
Difficulty Level: 2 (3 if you factor in the trail confusion)

Brandywine Creek State Park is a pleasant and interesting state park with a few nice hiking trails.  I decided to try hiking the Hidden Pond trail on a perfect August afternoon.  Unfortunately, as you will understand, trying to hike one particular trail in Brandywine - especially Indian Springs or Hidden Pond - is nearly impossible.  Join me on my confusing journey through the two of these trails.  And don't bother to bring a map - it probably won't help.

I began my trip at the Thompson's Bride parking area, but I would probably park at the office if I had to do it all again.  I walked down a short, unmarked path to Hidden Pond trail and made a left, and thus began my descent into trail crossroads madness.  Now, I had been warned by a nice worker at the parking lot that the trails in this area were difficult to navigate.  He told me that he had never been hiking around Hidden Pond/Indian Springs without getting lost, and looked at me skeptically when I grabbed a map and said I'd take my chances.  I assumed that by carefully following the map I would make it through the Hidden Pond loop without mishap.  I was wrong.

This is the general path I think I followed.  Purple is Hidden Pond trail and yellow is Indian Springs trail, but the trails do not correspond to the map in many places.  The place where my arrows stop is where I think I turned right and re-traced my steps back the way I came.

The X on the map is the parking area, and the circle is where the unmarked trail that leads to the Hidden Pond trail begins.  I made a left upon coming to Hidden Pond trail for absolutely no reason.  It just looked like a nice way to go.

This is a very easy section of the trail that follows the lovely Brandywine Creek.  Along the way I came upon the first of many small highlights of my hike - a spined micrathena spider.  I am not sure if I have discussed this in this blog, but I have an obsession with spiders.  These trails were filled with two spiders that I know and love: the spined micrathena and the venusta orchard spider.  If you like spiders then this is the trip for you!  But be advised if you don't - they really are everywhere.

This first of about five spined micrathenas that I spotted along the way.

The Brandywine.

As you can see on the picture of the map, I then decided to turn right to follow Hidden Pond trail (which is also a section of Indian Springs trail).  The trail immediately became overgrown, but it soon widened a bit and headed uphill.

A few feet behind my dog the trail narrowed to about five inches wide and was covered with growth.

It widened out soon after, however, and began a moderately steep uphill climb.  This does not last long enough to be challenging.

After crossing through numerous unmarked sections of trail, guessing my way through intersections (sometimes correctly, sometimes not), and having to backtrack once due to the impossibility of walking any further down a section of trail without becoming covered in spined micrathenas (micrathenas are harmless but I never wreck a spider's web unless I absolutely have to - like to get inside my own house or something), I made it to the nature center, which is about the half-way point on the map.  There I used the facilities (rare to hike a trail with a bathroom - kind of nice but also reminds you how un-wildernessy this park is) and related my trail woes to a sweet older lady at the front desk, who told me how to take Hidden Pond trail back to the parking area.  Her advice was, of course, completely useless once back on the trails, but it made me feel better to have it anyway.

And thus I hiked down a section of trail where I had not been before, and then somehow ended up exactly where I had been before.  It took me a bit to get my bearings, but eventually I re-traced my steps and got back to the parking area safe and sound, but not before taking a few more pictures of the scenery.

Venusta orchard spider

Pretty cool fungus.

As you can see by the pictures, the hike was beautiful even through the confusion.  The spiders are exciting enough for me, but add a section of old-growth trees and you've really got my attention.  This is enough to make Brandywine Creek a pleasant place to hike, but it's certainly not one of my favorites.  I get annoyed when parks don't maintain their trails (or their maps), and you're never really very far from cars and malls and the like when you're in this part of Delaware.  Still, when you're craving a walk in the woods and can't travel more than an hour to do so, Brandywine Creek is a fine place to go.

Enjoy your hike, and keep wandering.

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Phelps Mountain

Location: Adirondack Mountains, Essex County, New York
Season Visited: Summer
Trail Length: 8.8 miles there and back
Time to Hike: Six hours
Difficulty Level: 5

Adirondack Park  is an absolutely huge state park in northern New York.  It's a hiker's dream, with over 2,000 miles of trails to explore.  One of the most enticing regions of the park is the Adirondack High Peaks, the 46(ish) peaks that are over 4,000 feet high.  I decided to hike Phelps Mountain, which is supposedly one of the "easier" high peaks at 4,160 feet.  It was anything but easy, but it sure was beautiful.

The hike begins at the Adirondack Loj (actually the parking area right before the Loj).  There is a $10 parking fee.  Stop by the office once you've parked.  There are friendly and knowledgeable staff that advise you on the changeable mountain weather and give you tips for hiking trails that you haven't done before.  The trailhead is also used for Mount Marcy, among other hikes, and enters the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Begin at the trailhead by the parking lot.  The trails are very well marked.  Be aware that the mileage listed to Phelps Mountain is only to where the ascent begins and doesn't include the actual climb up the mountain.  Sean and I had originally been under the impression that the trail was 6.8 miles long, but it is 8.8.  Pace yourself.  The mile up the mountain is absolutely brutal.

For a time you'll simply be walking in the woods, and it will be moderately easy.  You'll come to a boardwalk.  There are many small boards along the way, but this is an all-out boardwalk.  Enjoy the ease - while you can...

Also enjoy being in Middle Earth!

There are many gorgeous streams and little cascades along the way if you veer slightly off the trail.  I recommend stopping at them to rest and take pictures.  Some would make great swimming areas, but remember that this is mountain water.  It's freezing!

There are lots of cute frogs and toads around here.

Sean resting on the rocks.

After a while you will come to one of the highlights of the hike - Marcy Dam.

Cross the water bridge to continue on your journey.

After the dam is a registration station.  You should be sure to register, especially if you're in a small group.  The mountain club sends out rescues for hikers who don't return.

After some more deep woods hiking you'll come to High Water Bridge and its little waterfall.  I should also mention that between Marcy Dam and High Water Bridge you will have to do a stream crossing.  There are plenty of rocks to cross on, and we went right after a torrential rainstorm, so you don't need to worry about actually getting wet.  Just be aware that this moment does come.

High Water Bridge.

Continue on your hike until you come to this sign:

At this point you have hiked 3.4 miles.  I highly suggest mentally preparing yourself for the mile to come.  It is, without question, the most difficult mile I have ever hiked.  We saw about five other groups on our hike, and everyone agreed - this section of the trail might technically be one mile, but it feels like five.  It is an arduous uphill climb.  And yes, it is a climb.  Almost the entire mile is made of rock scrambles.  Since, as I mentioned earlier, we went right after a downpour that lasted several days (and actually continued after our hike), we were also climbing little slippery waterfalls.  I advise you to be prepared for these conditions.  Oh, and one other thing - BRING BUG SPRAY.  The bugs became a joke amongst the hikers we saw, but it was more of a laugh-or-you-are-going-to-cry thing.  I'm against that hardcore DEET stuff just like every other intelligent person on the planet, but there's a reason they're still making it.  This is one occasion where you'll need it.  Trust me.

The climb up Phelps Mountain was so difficult that I really didn't have the time (or willpower) to take pictures of all the wonderful rock scrambles.  Here's what I did get, though.

The trail at this point is really just rocks.

One of the more mild rock scrambles at the bottom, before I stopped taking pictures of them.

Resistance to the water was futile.

Clintonia at a break point.

Remember how I said to mentally prepare yourself?  I said this not only because of the physical difficulty of the trail, but because this mile seems to go on forever.  You get to the point where you realize you're really high up and start getting the first of the spectacular views to come.  You think to yourself, "Wow, I'm almost to the summit!"  And then you continue to think this for the next hour.  I would hazard a guess that the first four or five times you think you're almost there you actually aren't.  Fortunately, the views keep tempting you to climb higher...

You're about 20 minutes from the summit when you hit this view.

There is an excellent photo spot only 5 minutes from the summit.  It's a little less buggy than the very top, but you really can't beat the views from the summit itself.  After all of your hard work, you deserve to soak in the splendor.

It's almost impossible to avoid the mud in the trails near the summit if you've been hiking after rain.

Don't forget the photos!

Obviously, the views of the surrounding high peaks are beyond spectacular.  Are they worth the climb?  Absolutely.  Unfortunately, hiking in June means you might not be able to relax at the summit due to the bugs.  Lucky for you, the climb down the mountain is much easier than the climb up it.  Just be wary of slippery rocks.  I did fall more than once.

You are bound to be pretty exhausted after your journey down the mountain.  Stop at a creek to rest.  You can actually take a little nap by the running water without getting eaten alive.

The walk back is mostly pleasant, depending on your stamina.  Since I don't get to hike something this intense more than once a year or so, I was pretty much out of all the stamina I possess about two miles from the parking lot.  I walked those last couple miles feeling like a zombie.  Fortunately, someone was encouraging me.

About a mile after this sweet but spelling-challenged mushroom, the end is in sight.  Even with our frequent breaks, we made it through the hike in exactly six hours, having started at 10:30 and ended at 4:30.  For reference, it was only about noon when we got to the Phelps Mountain sign, so that's how much longer it took us to complete that section and then return.  Half of the time spent on our 8.8 mile hike was spent on the 2 miles of Phelps alone.  In the end, of course, every bead of sweat (and there were a lot of them) is worth it.  This hike is invigorating and gorgeous, and certainly doesn't lack adventure.  When you're finished, you'll get the honor of saying that you have hiked one of the 46 high peaks!  Perhaps you'll even be on your way to becoming a 46er.  Enjoy your hike, and keep wandering!

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