Appalachian Trail Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Appalachian Trail. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Appalachian Trail in New Jersey crosses Kittatinny Ridge, High Point and Delaware Water Gap, offering forest hikes, shelters and broad views.

A Long-Distance Trail Through Ridge and Forest

The Appalachian Trail in New Jersey is a comparatively compact but varied section of the 2,190-mile footpath linking Springer Mountain in Georgia with Mount Katahdin in Maine. It runs for roughly 70 miles across the north-western part of the state, entering near the Delaware Water Gap and continuing north towards the New York boundary. Much of the route follows the Kittatinny Ridge, a long, elevated landform shaped by ancient geological forces, with hardwood forest, open farmland, wetlands and rocky viewpoints creating a changing walking experience.

From the Delaware Water Gap to High Point

The southern section is closely associated with the Delaware Water Gap, where the Delaware River cuts through the Appalachian Ridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Farther north, the trail passes through or beside Worthington State Forest, High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest and Wawayanda State Park. High Point, at 1,803 feet, is New Jersey’s highest natural elevation, while the boardwalks and wetlands around High Point State Park offer a different landscape from the ridge-top woodland. The trail also crosses rural roads and passes near small communities rather than following a continuous developed visitor corridor.

A Trail for Day Walks and Through-Hikes

Visitors can experience the route through short walks, linked day hikes, overnight backpacking trips or a full traverse of the New Jersey section. Spoor, exposed rock, roots and changing weather make appropriate footwear and navigation important. The landscape is shared with black bears, deer and many woodland birds, although sightings are never guaranteed. Accommodation, food and transport are concentrated in surrounding towns and park gateways, so a little logistical planning is essential for point-to-point walks.

When is the best time to visit Appalachian Trail?

Best: June, August–September · 22–27°C

4° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -6.1°C, High: 3.9°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 75 mm, High: 95 mm J

5° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -5°C, High: 5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 68 mm, High: 85 mm F

10° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -1.1°C, High: 10°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 85 mm, High: 103 mm M

16° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 4.4°C, High: 15.6°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 85 mm, High: 103 mm A

21° Temperature Range for MayLow: 10°C, High: 21.1°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 91 mm, High: 111 mm M

Best 26° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 15.6°C, High: 26.1°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 94 mm, High: 114 mm J

28° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 18.3°C, High: 27.8°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 94 mm, High: 114 mm J

Best 27° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 17.8°C, High: 27.2°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 94 mm, High: 114 mm A

Best 22° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 13.3°C, High: 22.2°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 85 mm, High: 105 mm S

16° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 7.2°C, High: 16.1°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 79 mm, High: 97 mm O

10° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 1.1°C, High: 10°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 86 mm, High: 106 mm N

5° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -4.4°C, High: 5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 84 mm, High: 102 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	4	84
February	5	76
March	10	94
April	16	94
May	21	101
June (best)	26	104
July	28	104
August (best)	27	104
September (best)	22	95
October	16	88
November	10	96
December	5	93

Getting to and around Appalachian Trail

How to get there

The New Jersey section is best approached by car, with access points near the Delaware Water Gap, Columbia, Branchville, High Point, Stokes State Forest and Wawayanda State Park. The trail itself has no single terminal visitor centre or dedicated transport hub. Regional airports serving the wider area include Newark Liberty International Airport and Lehigh Valley International Airport in Pennsylvania, though both require onward road travel. Rail and bus services can reach some surrounding towns, but they do not provide a simple continuous connection along the route. Check the exact trailhead, road access and parking arrangements for the hike planned, as facilities vary between public lands.

Transportation

A private car is generally the most practical way to reach separated trailheads, although point-to-point walks may require two vehicles or a pre-arranged shuttle. The Appalachian Trail crosses roads rather than following a dedicated transport corridor, and public transport connections are limited in rural areas. Walking is the principal means of movement once on the trail; bicycles and motor vehicles are not substitutes for the footpath and may be restricted on particular managed lands. Use only designated parking areas, avoid blocking gates or local roads, and consult the relevant park or forest authority before relying on a seasonal access road.

Best attractions in Appalachian Trail

The New Jersey Appalachian Trail offers a chain of landscapes rather than a single attraction. At the southern end, the Delaware Water Gap provides a dramatic river crossing through the Kittatinny Ridge, with access to nearby trails and the wooded setting of Worthington State Forest. The route then climbs and descends through ridge forest, farmland and open clearings before reaching High Point State Park, where the state’s highest elevation and broad northern views form a natural focus. Stokes State Forest contributes quiet woodland, lakes and wetland scenery, while the northern section approaches the larger forest and lowland landscapes of Wawayanda State Park. Shorter walks can be planned around road crossings and established access points, whereas backpackers can link shelters and campsites where regulations permit. The trail’s appeal lies in these transitions between river, ridge, forest and rural settlement, with seasonal foliage, birds and changing light adding variety without requiring a continuous through-hike.

State park 4.5 (251 reviews)

Swartswood State Park

Experience the tranquility of nature at Swartswood State Park in New Jersey, where adventure meets serene landscapes in a breathtaking outdoor retreat.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Appalachian Trail

The Delaware Water Gap is the most prominent natural landmark on the New Jersey section, where the Delaware River passes through the Kittatinny Ridge and separates New Jersey from Pennsylvania. Kittatinny Ridge itself is the route’s defining geological and visual feature, producing long wooded elevations and occasional open outlooks. High Point, New Jersey’s highest natural elevation, is marked within High Point State Park and forms a key reference point for the state’s northern uplands. The Appalachian Trail’s shelters, white blazes and historic route alignment are cultural landmarks of long-distance hiking rather than monumental architecture. Around the trail, lakes, wetlands and forested valleys in Stokes and Wawayanda state parks show the contrasting environments preserved within the wider corridor. These features are managed landscapes as well as scenic sites, and their significance depends on the relationship between geology, water, woodland recovery and public conservation.

State park 4.7 (542 reviews)

Kittatinny Valley State Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Kittatinny Valley State Park, a premier natural retreat in New Jersey.

Show more landmarks

Explore Appalachian Trail on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Appalachian Trail

There is no restaurant district along the Appalachian Trail itself, and hikers should not expect food service at shelters or remote trail crossings. Dining is concentrated in nearby towns and roadside communities, including the wider areas around Delaware Water Gap, Blairstown, Branchville, Sussex and Vernon, with options varying from cafés and diners to pubs, takeaways and family restaurants. Larger settlements provide the most dependable choice for resupply, while convenience shops and petrol stations can be useful for basic provisions where available. The surrounding region reflects north-western New Jersey’s rural character, with farm-produced goods, seasonal fruit and vegetables, baked items and locally made products appearing through farm shops and community markets. Backpackers should carry food for sections without reliable access and check current opening arrangements rather than assuming that a rural establishment will be open when a hike finishes.

Cheesesteaks 4.5 (412 reviews)

Fat Daddy's Cheesesteaks

Discover mouthwatering cheesesteaks at Fat Daddy's in Lafayette, NJ – where quality meets affordability in every bite!

Show more restaurants

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Appalachian Trail, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Appalachian Trail essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Card and contactless payment are common in larger towns, supermarkets, petrol stations and many established accommodation businesses, but remote trailheads and campsites may not offer any payment facility. Carry some cash for small purchases and do not assume that a trail shelter, rural parking area or vending point accepts cards. Cash machines are more likely to be found in nearby towns than beside the trail. International visitors should notify their card provider about travel and check foreign transaction charges before travelling.

Safety

Conditions can change quickly on exposed ridges and wooded paths, with heat, thunderstorms, snow, ice, mud and fallen branches affecting travel at different times of year. Rocky and uneven ground calls for suitable footwear, while limited mobile reception is possible in some hollows and remote stretches. Carry navigation tools, water and enough food for the distance, and tell someone your planned route. Black bears live in the region; keep a safe distance, never feed wildlife and store food and scented items securely according to current land-manager guidance. Take particular care near roads and do not assume every viewpoint or slope is protected by barriers.

Emergency Situations

Call 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies. Give the dispatcher the trail name, nearest road crossing, shelter, park, ridge or marked feature, and your direction of travel; GPS coordinates can be valuable where reception allows. If a phone signal is unavailable, move only if doing so is safe and use assistance from other hikers or a nearby public facility. For non-urgent medical needs, consult current information from local health services or park authorities rather than assuming that a rural trailhead has on-site care. International visitors should carry identification and relevant medical details.

Do's and Don'ts

Stay on the marked footpath where possible, respect private property and obey the separate rules applying to state parks, forests and other managed land. Camp, use shelters and light fires only where expressly permitted, and pack out rubbish. Keep dogs under control and never disturb plants, historic features or wildlife. Do not feed bears or leave food unattended. Yield courteously on narrow sections, keep noise low near campsites and respect local residents at road crossings. Check current restrictions before collecting water, fishing, swimming or making any overnight arrangement, since permissions differ across the route.

Local Tips

High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest and the Delaware Water Gap provide useful reference areas for planning different parts of the New Jersey route, while towns such as Branchville, Blairstown and Vernon serve the broader rural area. Consider dividing the trail by landscape rather than distance: the Delaware corridor, central Kittatinny Ridge and northern section around Wawayanda each have a distinct character. Autumn brings strong foliage colour but can increase demand on popular access points, while spring may leave muddy ground. For a longer walk, arrange transport before starting rather than relying on an unplanned roadside connection.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Howdy	[haw-dee]
Goodbye	See ya	[see yuh]
Yes	Yup	[yuhp]
No	Nah	[nuh]
Please/You're welcome	Please/No problem	[pleez/no prob-lem]
Thank you	Thank ya	[thank yuh]
Excuse me/Sorry	Pardon me/My bad	[par-dun me/my bad]
How are you?	Howdy	[haw-dee]
Fine. And you?	Doin' well. And you?	[doin' well. and yuh?]
Do you speak English?	Ya speak English?	[yah speak ing-glish?]
I don't understand	I ain't catchin' ya	[I aint catch-in yuh]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	I reckon I'll take a look at the menu	[I reckon I'll take a look at the menu]
I don't eat meat	I ain't no meat-eater	[I aint no meat-eater]
Cheers!	Bottoms up!	[bot-ums up]
I would like to pay, please	I reckon I'll settle up now, please	[I reckon I'll settle up now, please]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Help!	[Help!]
Go away!	Git out!	[git out!]
Call the Police!	Ring the Sheriff!	[ring the sheriff!]
Call a doctor!	Fetch a doc!	[fetch a doc!]
I'm lost	I'm turned around	[I'm turned around]
I'm ill	I'm feelin' poorly	[I'm feelin' poorly]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	I reckon I'll grab...	[I reckon I'll grab...]
I'm just looking	Just browsin'	[just browsin']
How much is it?	What's the damage?	[whats the dam-age]
That's too expensive	That's steep	[that's steep]
Can you lower the price?	Can ya come down on the price?	[can ya come down on the price?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	What's the hour?	[whats the hour?]
It's one o'clock	It's one	[It's one]
Half past (10)	Ten-thirty	[ten-thur-tee]
Morning	Mornin'	[mornin']
Afternoon	Afternoon	[Afternoon]
Evening	Evenin'	[evenin']
Yesterday	Yest'day	[yest'day]
Today	Today	[Today]
Tomorrow	Tomorrer	[tom-or-er]
1	One	[One]
2	Two	[Two]
3	Three	[Three]
4	Four	[Four]
5	Five	[Five]
6	Six	[Six]
7	Seven	[Seven]
8	Eight	[Eight]
9	Nine	[Nine]
10	Ten	[Ten]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Where's... at?	[Where's... at?]
What's the address?	What's the street?	[What's the street?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Can ya point it out (on the map)?	[Can ya point it out (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?	When's the next bus?	[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)	A pass (to ....)	[A pass (to ....)]

History of Appalachian Trail

Geology of the Kittatinny Ridge

The New Jersey section of the Appalachian Trail follows landscapes shaped over immense geological timescales. The Kittatinny Ridge is associated with resistant Silurian quartzite, while the surrounding valleys contain softer rocks that have eroded more readily. This contrast created the elevated ridge, forested slopes and open viewpoints characteristic of the route. The Delaware Water Gap formed where the Delaware River cuts through the ridge, providing one of the state’s defining natural gateways. These geological relationships explain why the trail repeatedly climbs to exposed crestlines before descending towards wetlands, valleys and river country.

Indigenous Homelands and Colonial Change

Before colonial settlement, the region was part of the homeland of Lenape communities, whose lives were connected to the Delaware River, inland forests and seasonal resources. European settlement brought farms, mills, roads and changing patterns of land ownership. The ridge itself remained less intensively cultivated than the valleys, but surrounding forests were cut for fuel, construction and charcoal, while agricultural communities developed around more accessible lowlands. Place names and surviving rural landscapes reflect this layered history, although much of the trail passes through land whose present appearance has been substantially shaped by later conservation.

From Working Landscape to Protected Land

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, north-western New Jersey combined farming with timber use, small industries and transport routes linked to regional markets. Some areas later experienced forest recovery as marginal farms were abandoned and land-use patterns changed. Public acquisition and conservation created the protected landscapes through which the trail now passes, including High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, Wawayanda State Park and other managed lands. These designations preserve habitats, water catchments, historic rural settings and recreational access, while requiring visitors to respect differing rules across adjoining properties.

The Appalachian Trail Era

The Appalachian Trail was conceived in the 1920s as a continuous footpath through the eastern mountains and was substantially completed in 1937. Its New Jersey route developed through cooperation between trail advocates, land managers and volunteers, linking existing protected landscapes and rural roads into a long-distance corridor. The trail has since become both a through-hiking route and a resource for local day walkers. In New Jersey, maintenance, relocations, shelter management and conservation depend heavily on volunteer effort and coordination with public land agencies, while growing recreational use has made responsible access increasingly important.

Appalachian Trail in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Appalachian Trail, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of North Jersey

Explore North Jersey for Hudson River cities, immigrant foodways, Revolutionary history, industrial heritage and forested highland landscapes.

Explore North Jersey

More of the country

Explore more of New Jersey

Discover New Jersey: From vibrant cities and historic towns to scenic beaches and lush parks, the Garden State offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and adventure.

Explore New Jersey