Appalachian Trail Sunfish Pond Fall Backpacking

This weekday overnight backpacking trip follows the Appalachian Trail along Kittatinny Ridge, with scenic vistas extending into both PA and NJ. We will also be visiting Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial tarn along the Appalachian Trail, which is designated as a National Natural Landmark. This trip is geared towards turtle backpackers who prefer to hike at a less hurried pace, enjoying time to take in all that nature has to offer. Backpackers of all abilities are welcome, though we will be going very slow with many breaks, and faster hikers may be frustrated by our turtle pace. We will be frequently stopping to discuss interesting natural and cultural points of interest along the trail.

On Tuesday morning at 7:45am sharp we will meet at the Dunnfield Appalachian Trail parking lot off I-80. This will be the end point of our hike, and we will leave most of the cars here, and carpool in 2 cars to the start of the hike at the Appalachian Trail trailhead near Mohican Outdoor Center. I can volunteer to be a shuttle driver, and can cozily fit 4 passengers. We will also need a 2nd driver (who can also carry 4 passengers) to take us to the start point.

Thursday's hike will cover 5.51 miles with a 761 ft. elevation gain. This includes a gradual ascent of Mt. Mohican at the beginning of the hike, but most of the mileage is on top of the Kittatinny Ridge. We will traverse Raccoon Ridge with fantastic views into Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We will then follow the northern side of Sunfish Pond, making a stop at the pond outlet to resupply water. From the resupply, it's just under one mile to the Backpacker 2 campsite, where we will camp overnight. The campsite is the only authorized backpacking location within Worthington State Forest. It is large and has a privy (bring TP) and a bear box. Campfires are not permitted. At this time of the year, there will likely be other backpackers sharing the site, though it is a large area and we can likely spread out.

On Friday, we will pack up in the morning and descend Kittatinny Ridge via the Appalachian Trail. This hike is 3.06 miles with an elevation gain of 56 ft. We will finish at the Dunnfield parking lot. We will need a volunteer to transport the 2 original shuttle drivers back to Mohican Outdoor Center to pick up their cars left at the starting point.

Alltrails map of backpacking trip route

Information about Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Google maps link to parking lot where we will meet at 7:45am on Thursday

Meet at the westernmost parking lot at Dunnfield, labeled Appalachian Trail parking (not the one labeled as Red Dot trail parking). If parking ends up being an issue, you can park in the other Dunnfield lot or the larger Kittatinny Point lot on the opposite side of I-80 (the latter will be an extra 5 min or so walk to the trailhead at the western Dunnfield lot). See attached photo showing parking area where we will meet. Please note that the access road to the parking area is one way so you can't backtrack unless you get back onto I-80 and then turn around at the next exit.

Pit stops: there may or may not be a porta-pottie in this parking lot, and there are also primitive toilets and picnic tables at Kittatinny Point on the opposite side of Interstate 80. Restroom facilities can also be found at the truck stop off I-80 Exit 4 in NJ, or the PA Welcome Center off Exit 310 in PA.

Beginner backpackers: please reach out to me with any questions about gear. I am also available to do a pack shakedown if you would like to arrive earlier before the hike on Thursday. REI's suggested backpacking checklist

Trip will be cancelled if severe weather (heavy/sustained rain, thunderstorms, high winds) are forecasted. I will notify the group the previous day if this needs to occur.

This trip is limited to a small group, so please update your status if your plans change and you are no longer able to attend. In the past, we've had some no-shows on trips, and it isn't fair to take someone else's spot on the trip that could have otherwise attended.

Disclaimer: Read the group description for legal disclaimers. Hiking poses risks; you are responsible for you. Be smart and carry on your person (not your pack), a note with your name, an emergency contact, a list of medications and conditions and a list of allergies.