Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
730.00 ft (222.50 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
9.00 mi (14.48 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

This is one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in New Jersey.  I did this as a thru hike in a southernly direction.  Park a shuttle car at the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area along Route 80 west.  The hike starts in the north at Catfish Pond Gap.  There is parking along Camp Mohican Road where the AT crosses the road.

Head south into the forest.  The trail has a steady gain for .5 miles when you reach a nice view point.  There is great views all along this ridge.  The best time of year in fall when the leaves are off the trees. The next mile is relatively flat until another nice view point.  The trail descends to the Kaiser Trail then ascends onto Raccoon Ridge with more great views for the next 1.5 miles.

After a brief descent, the trail climbs up onto Mount Mohican.  After one mile, the trail reaches Sunfish Pond. The trail along the pond is the most difficult section on this hike with many rocks to scramble over.  Once you reach the south end of Sunfish Pond, the trail widens but still rocky terrain in some areas.  It is about 3.5 miles to Dunnfield where you left the shuttle car.

Logistics + Planning

Current Weather: Powered by Dark Sky

Overcast throughout the day.
Tue
36°F
28°
Mostly cloudy throughout the day.
Wed
35°F
23°
Possible light rain overnight.
Thu
43°F
29°
Rain throughout the day.
Fri
60°F
36°
Clear throughout the day.
Sat
49°F
34°
Clear throughout the day.
Sun
50°F
30°
Mostly cloudy throughout the day.
Mon
51°F
28°

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Great views!

Cons

Rocky terrain. Sometimes crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

1,126.00 ft (343.20 m)

Highest point

1,575.00 ft (480.06 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Big vistas
Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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