Vernon Valley
Sussex Co.,
New Jersey
Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail : White blaze
Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.1 Miles
Pros: Scenic boardwalk, otherwise quiet area
Cons: No good vista views
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly Difficult
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f1dGNhHjcLc9U6VH6
The farthest extent of my contiguous travels on the Appalachian Trail in my area to the west was the Pochuck Boardwalk in Vernon Valley. I was in the area and this gave me an opportunity to extend my breadth a bit farther west. I parked at the Pochuck Boardwalk in McAfee Glenwood Road, and took the boardwalk east for a short distance for some scenery. I then turned around and went back to the road, crossed the road and took the Appalachian Trail up Pochuck Mountain.
This part of the trail is somewhat steep and difficult as it ascends Pochuck Mountain, and there is no view on the climb. But it's a very quiet area without much foot traffic. I continued along the trail, witnessing some amazing fall foliage scenery along the way, and walked until the trail reached Glenwood Road. I then turned around at the road and took the same route back to my car.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Pochuck Boardwalk Signage |
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| Pochuck Boardwalk |
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| Swamp at Pochuck Boardwalk |
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| Short Boardwalk on the Pochuck Mountain part of the AT |
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| Warning Signs at Pochuck Mountain |
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| Appalachian Trail at Pochuck Mountain |
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| Glenwood Road |
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| On the Descent Near the End of the Hike. Looking Towards Wawayanda. |
