Trail Guide for the Red Dot Path on Mount Tammany
The Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail, nestled within the Delaware Water Gap, offers a captivating hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Located just off Interstate 80 (I-80), the trailhead can be easily found by following signs from the highway, leading to a parking area specifically designated for hikers.
The trailhead, situated on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, is marked by distinctive red blazes or dots on trees and rocks, ensuring hikers stay on the correct path. The precise GPS coordinates for the location are approximately 42.2896° N latitude and -74.6531° W longitude.
As you embark on your journey, you'll be surrounded by a rich history. The Mount Tammany hiking area was once the town of Dunnfield, which boasted a post office, train station, and a thriving slate business. Today, only the parking lots remain as a testament to its past.
The Red Dot Trail, named after Lenape Chief Tamanend who negotiated a peace treaty with William Penn, is the quickest route to the top of Mount Tammany. While it features some rocky climbs, it does not include any challenging scrambles. However, it's not recommended for the descent due to its impact on the knees; instead, the Blue Dot Trail (originally known as the Pahaquarry Trail) is suggested for a more gradual descent.
The Blue Dot Trail, a Lenape word for "the place between the mountains beside the waters," offers a short stretch on the Appalachian Trail during the descent. It's recommended to have hiking clothes, but fitness clothes can also be used. An extra layer is advised for the summit, as it can be breezy.
Micro-spikes are recommended to handle icy rock sections during winter, and it's advisable to have winter hiking experience before attempting the hike in winter. The hike from Stroudsburg takes approximately 10 minutes, from Easton 45 minutes, and from New York City (via flight) 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Remember to bring at least 1-1.5L of water for the hike, and do not drink water from creeks without treating or filtering it. A recommended daypack for the journey is the Osprey Hikelite 26, while the Altra Lone Peak 9 is a recommended shoe for long hikes with improved grip.
For those seeking up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync, AllTrails Plus is a useful tool. For added safety, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.
It's important to note that the parking lots at Mt Tammany fill up quickly, especially on weekends. So, plan your visit accordingly to ensure a spot. The Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail is located in Mt Tammany Parking, Columbia, NJ 07832.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice, the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail offers a unique and rewarding hiking experience within the Delaware Water Gap.
- The Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail, a captivating hiking experience, is located within the Delaware Water Gap and offers a quickest route to the top of Mount Tammany.
- The trailhead for the Red Dot Trail, accurately marked by distinctive red blazes, can be found on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, offering hikers a designated parking area.
- Remember to pack appropriate gear such as a daypack like the Osprey Hikelite 26, recommended shoes like the Altra Lone Peak 9 with improved grip, and essentials like micro-spikes for icy rock sections during winter.
- For added safety during your adventure on Mount Tammany, consider using tools like AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, and Garmin sync, while the Garmin inReach Mini 2 provides reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry.
