Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail
A steep New Jersey ridge climb earns a broad panorama of the Delaware Water Gap.
Artwork inspired by Charles Warren Eaton
The Red Dot Trail climbs Mount Tammany on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap. Its 1.2 miles to the overlook gain roughly 1,200 feet, so the short mileage hides a genuinely strenuous, rocky ascent. The reward is a view along the Delaware River between the opposing Kittatinny and Pennsylvania ridges; pause to notice the river's scale before heading down.
The National Park Service recommends combining the red-blazed ascent with the Pahaquarry Blue Blaze Trail for a three-mile loop, descending on the route many hikers find easier. Start at Dunnfield Creek, where parking can fill early on summer weekends and a restroom is available. Wear grippy shoes, carry water, and budget more time than a level three-mile walk would suggest.
- Red ascent
- 1.2 miles one way
- Elevation gain
- About 1,201 feet
- Loop option
- About 3 miles
Quick guide
- Climb the red blazes
- Expect a sustained 1,200-foot gain over 1.2 miles.
- Loop back on blue
- The Pahaquarry descent is generally easier than retracing the Red Dot.
Know before you go
- Arrive early
- The trailhead lot can fill on summer weekends.
- Pace the climb
- Treat the red ascent as strenuous despite its short distance.
- Read the gap
- From the overlook, trace the Delaware between the two ridges.
- Descend deliberately
- Use the Blue Blaze loop when conditions and your ability allow.
Good to know
This is the specific New Jersey trail, not an entry for the entire bi-state Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Wet rock and steep grades change the effort markedly.
Notice these
- Rocky ascent
- Delaware Water Gap overlook
- Red-and-blue loop