The McDade Recreational Trail is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Initially the 2.7-mile section north of this hike and another unconnected 5-mile section farther south were the only parts completed and available for use. As of September 25, 2010, the entire McDade Recreational Trail is finished and interconnects continuously for 32 miles.
A short connector trail to the left of the information board in the parking lot takes you to the McDade Recreational Trail at Pitman Orchard. For this hike turn right on the McDade Trail, which is more of a grassy road but eventually becomes a gravel trail.
At 0.7 mile cross a bridge over Raymondskill Creek. The gravel trail continues to a second bridge at one mile. After crossing this bridge the gravel trail ends, becoming a dirt footpath heading towards the Delaware River, then following parallel to the river.
Where the grade now descends steeply along the narrow strip of land between Route 209 and the Delaware River, it was not possible to continue the six-foot wide gravel surface of the trail. The alternative was to carve a dirt foot trail into the side of the hill. This attractive trail flows up and down and twists around following the natural landscape while offering unobstructed views of the river - sometimes right on the river and other times from a ledge above. Traffic noise from Route 209 cannot be avoided but the views should make up for it.
At 1.4 miles the trail switchbacks down sharply and steeply to the left. At 2.1 miles the trail emerges on to an access parking lot on Route 209. From this point the trail continues south along route 209 as the wide gravel trail it started out as. For this hike, turn around here and retrace your steps back into and through the woods. You won't feel like you are following the same path back as the views of the river will be different heading north.
At 4.2 miles watch for the short access trail to the parking lot on the left.
Click for a link to trail maps.
Date of hike: September 18, 2010
[ 0.0] Right on McDade Recreational Trail from parking lot access road.
[ 0.4] Cross bridge over creek.
[ 1.0] Cross second bridge; gravel trail ends and becomes dirt path
[ 1.4] Trail switchbacks steeply down to the left.
[ 2.1] Parking lot at Route 209; turn around and head back.
[ 2.8] Trail switchbacks steeply uphill to the left.
[ 3.2] Cross over bridge; shortly after trail turns back to gravel
[ 3.8] Cross over bridge.
[ 4.2] Left on access trail that goes to the parking lot
A lovely scenic hike on dirt multi-use trail cut into the side of the hill along the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.
The McDade Recreational Trail is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Initially the 2.7-mile section north of this hike and another unconnected 5-mile section farther south were the only parts completed and available for use. As of September 25, 2010, the entire McDade Recreational Trail is finished and interconnects continuously for 32 miles.
A short...
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.
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.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
I-80 to exit 34B (Jefferson/Sparta); follow Route 15 North for 18 miles then continue on Route 206 North for 16 miles. After crossing the toll bridge over the Delaware River, turn left on Route 209 (Federal Road). Drive 2 miles then turn left into the McDade Recreational Trail gravel parking lot along east side of Route 209. There is no sign but you will see an information board in the parking lot.
Get Directions
Directions to Trailhead
Public Transportation
Give $10 to support trails.
June 05, 2023
16:30 pm