New Jersey Nice

I guess like most people I had no idea that New Jersey had such beautiful lands within it's borders. The AT leaves PA at the Delaware Water Gap, a rather spectacular cut through Kittatinny Mt. on the PA-NJ border.

Bakery in the town of Delaware Water Gap

Hiker Hostel

The view

Of course I had to stop in town for a snack--that's what hikers do. I was glad to be done with the rocks of PA and the first few miles of AT into NJ were smooth and full of surprises--rushing mountain streams in rhododendron grooves, majestic vistas. But as the trail proceeds NE up the border it gets rougher and, you guessed it, more rocks! I began to see a lot more wildlife, particularly in the Delaware Water Gap NRA and High Point SP areas. It is migration time for many birds including the broadtail hawks--saw dozens playing in the aerials atop the rocky ridgelines. Saw many other birds (geese, ducks, kestrals), lots of deer and my first couple bear.

 And in the northwest corner of the state is this 200' tall tower marking the highest spot in NJ. Even though the NJ section of AT is pretty short, it's filled with a lot of variety and challenges.