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Near the entrance to the parking area, you will see a sign for the Mt. Tammany Trail (also known as the Red Dot...
Hike Description:
Near the entrance to the parking area, you will see a sign for the Mt. Tammany Trail (also known as the Red Dot Trail). You will be taking this red-on-white-blazed trail all the way up Mount Tammany. Follow the trail up wooden steps and bear left when you reach junctions with several side trails that lead to another parking area. The trail briefly levels off on a wide path, but it soon reaches stone steps that mark the start of a rather steep climb. Passing through a dense forest of hemlocks and deciduous trees, the trail ascends steadily on a rocky footpath.
After bearing right and climbing over several rock outcrops, you’ll reach the first panoramic viewpoint, from open rocks just to the right of the trail. You can see up and down the Delaware River, with Arrow Island in the river to the left, and Mount Minsi directly across the river in Pennsylvania. You’ve climbed about 400 vertical feet to reach this point, and you’ll want to rest from the steep climb and take in the view.
When you’re ready to continue, follow the trail upwards on a more gradual grade through an open forest, with an understory of blueberries. In about 10 minutes, the trail bears right to cross a streambed (often dry). Soon, you'll reach the base of a talus slope, which the trail climbs, first on rock steps and switchbacks, then on a rugged route over the jagged rocks. Just beyond, there is a short level stretch, but the steady climb soon resumes.
As you approach the top of the mountain, the grade moderates, and there are views through the trees to the right. Finally, you’ll reach the end of the Red Dot Trail, marked by a triple blaze on a rock. Turn right and follow a jagged rock outcrop downhill for about 100 horizontal feet to another panoramic viewpoint over the Delaware River and Mount Minsi, with the rolling hills of Pennsylvania in the background. You’ve now climbed nearly 1,200 vertical feet, and you’ll want to take another break here.
After you’ve rested from the climb, retrace your steps to the trail. Just ahead, you’ll see a triple-blue blaze that marks the start of the blue-blazed Pahaquarry Trail. Follow this trail, which heads northeast along the ridge of Mount Tammany on a rocky footpath, climbing gradually, with west-facing views through the trees. In a quarter mile, the trail turns sharply left at a sign for the Blue Dot Trail (the trail is actually blazed solid blue) and soon begins a rather steep descent on a rocky, eroded woods road. After a while, the descent moderates somewhat, but the road remains quite rocky for most of the descent. Towards the base of the descent, sections of the trail have been relocated off the eroded road and onto a parallel footpath.
A little over a mile from the summit, you’ll arrive at a junction with the green-blazed Dunnfield Creek Trail. Turn left and follow the joint blue and green blazes, which follow a wide path parallel to Dunnfield Creek. Just ahead, you’ll notice an open area with a bench that overlooks an attractive waterfall on the right. Continue ahead a short distance until you reach a wooden footbridge that spans the creek. Here, a short unmarked trail on the right leads to the base of the waterfall (if it’s hot out, you might want to dip your feet in the water!). This is another good spot to take a break.
When you’re ready to continue, cross the footbridge and continue along the trail, which parallels the creek on a wide path. Soon, the Pahaquarry and Dunnfield Creek Trails end, and you continue ahead along the creek, now following the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. This is the most scenic portion of the hike, as you pass through the narrow gorge of Dunnfield Creek, studded with rhododendrons, with the waters of the cascading creek below to your left. In another half mile, the trail bears left and crosses Dunnfield Creek on a steel bridge with a wooden deck. Just ahead, you’ll reach the parking area where the hike began.
To view a photo collection for this hike, click here.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 07/29/2005 updated/verified on 09/23/2022
This loop hike steeply climbs Mount Tammany, with panoramic views, and follows scenic Dunnfield Creek.
40.9718, -75.1255
Warren Co., NJ
4 mi
3.5 hrs
Buy Book: Kittatinny Trails Book
Avenza App Map: Delaware Water Gap & Kittatinny 120
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Take Interstate Route 80 west towards the Delaware Water Gap. Immediately beyond milepost 1, take the exit for "Dunnfield Creek/Appalachian Trail” and bear left at the fork. Continue past the underpass to the left and turn right into a parking area at signs with "P" and "hiker" symbols, as well as a sign for the Dunnfield Creek Natural Area. (If you miss the exit from Route 80, take Exit 1, turn left at the end of the ramp, and continue on the service road parallel to Route 80 past the visitor center. Turn left at the underpass, go under Route 80, turn left again, and turn right at signs with "P" and "hiker" symbols.)
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Not available
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April 01, 2023
14:30 pm
Trip Reports
rate experience January 25, 2017
Mt. Tammany
Hiked Mt. Tammany for the first time this early morning/late afternoon. Although it wasn't difficult to navigate through, the description to this hike is very much accurate and super helpful. I did this hike in about 3 hours. Not much foot traffic on a Wednesday which was nice for some much needed solitude. The weather was partly cloudy/mostly sunny with a high of 50 degrees. The view was spectacular! Once descending down the blue trail, a small sheet of ice/snow covered most of the trail with a whole lot of rocks peeping through. I actually broke out my microspikes and going down was breeze. The waterfall, bridge, and hiking along Dunnfield Creek was a great way to end a moderate to strenuous hike. It was like looking at a Bob Ross painting! Definitely a go to hike!
September 11, 2016
Mt. Tammany
<p>Did this hike yesterday (9/10/16), although the temperature and humidity were way up there, so it was a good thing that I had lots of water with me. This was a weekend, so there were a ton of people on the trail (shades of Breakneck Ridge on a weekend!). As noted, it's a steep climb, but no rock-scrambling, unless you count the talus slope part of it. The only addition I'd make to Mr. Chazin's description is that there are two different spots near the top of Mt. Tammany with good views, not just the one that he mentions, which is just a few yards before the end of the Red-Dot Trail. The other is about 0.06miles earlier/lower, where there is a rocky clearing, and you have to go downhill to the right of the blazed trail about 0.03miles. Both have good, but different views, with the one at the top giving a more unobstructed view of Mt. Kinsi. I went up Mt. Kinsi a couple of weeks ago, and I found the views from Mt. Tammany better.</p>
June 30, 2016
Red Dot Trail
<p>Hiked Mt. Tammany yesterday early morning. We did see a black bear cub near the first scenic lookout, about a 1/2 mile in. Just a reminder to play it safe on the trails. Instagram selfies with a bear in the background may get you likes, but it is not safe. This comment is just a reminder to educate yourselves on what to do if you see a bear. </p>