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A fantastic loop with outstanding views of Mt. Minsi, the Delaware River and the surrounding area.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

68%

Runnable

1,506' 459 m

High

323' 99 m

Low

1,151' 351 m

Up

1,182' 360 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

Overview

This is a classic run in Delaware Water Gap - and for good reason! As you climb to the summit of Mt. Tammany, it is easy to see why this is such a popular loop, as you are greeted with stunning views of the Delaware River, Mt. Minsi, and the surrounding wooded hillsides. While this is one of the more challenging runs in the park, the views are well worth the effort.

Need to Know

Restrooms located at trailhead; the trailhead parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends.

While you can run this loop in reverse, it is recommended to run up Red Dot Trail and down Blue Blaze Trail as Red Dot Trail is steeper and most people find it harder to descend.

Runner Notes

This loop is very popular. Plan to run early, during the week, or during the off-season to avoid the crowds.

Description

You can park at either the Dunnfield Creek Parking Area or the Red Dot Trail Parking Area. Start your excursion on the Red Dot Trail. Follow the red-blazed trail past the junction with the Red Dot Trail Parking Lot Connector and up a steady climb. Continue climbing the ridge, taking your time to slow down and enjoy the beautiful hardwood forests around you while you catch your breath.

After a mile of strenuous climbing, the trail grade becomes gentler, allowing visitors to breathe easy for a short while before their breath is taken away by the jaw-dropping views available at the overlook located on the summit of Mt. Tammany. Be sure to spend some time to take in the outstanding views of the Delaware River and Mt. Minsi which are especially breathtaking in the autumn.

Sadly (or thankfully, depending on you point of view), the climb on the Red Dot Trail ends at this point. Once you are done taking in the views from the summit, continue onto the Blue Blaze Trail. While this trail is still challenging, it isn't as steep as the Red Dot Trail, and the opportunities for striking views along the way make it all worthwhile.

Once on the Blue Blaze Trail, run along the forested bluffs of Mount Tammany for a half-mile, before turning northwest and beginning a considerable descent through beautiful hardwood forests. During the fall and winter, watch your step as the descent can often be covered in slippery, wet leaves.

After a mile of descending, the trail grades soften, allowing visitors to fully enjoy nearby Dunnfield Creek. At the junction with the Appalachian Trail (AT), continue south, following the trail downhill toward the parking area to finish your run.

Flora & Fauna

Mixed hardwood forests surround this trail, with white oak, red maple, and shagbark hickory in abundance.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 110 votes

#17

Overall
  4.6 from 110 votes
5 Star
69%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in New Jersey

#17

Overall
114 Views Last Month
47,239 Since Jul 7, 2016
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Photos

The Delaware Water Gap comes alive in the autumn. Interstate 80 (seen below and on the left side of the Delaware River) puts drivers right in the action.
Mar 30, 2017 near Belvidere, NJ
The summit of Mount Tammany looks out at Mt. Minsi across the Delaware River.
Mar 30, 2017 near Belvidere, NJ
The Red Dot Trail never gets old - different seasons offer different vista's, each unique that delivers a lasting memory.
Apr 22, 2017 near Belvidere, NJ
You'll pass by this scenic waterfall on the way to the summit of Mt. Tam.
Aug 20, 2016 near Strouds…, PA
View from Tammany (Red Dot) Trail with permission from hikePA https://www.flickr.com/photos/hikepa/
Aug 15, 2016 near Strouds…, PA
waterfall
Jul 12, 2019 near Belvidere, NJ
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