Appalachian Trail at Pochuck Boardwalk and Mountain

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.

Map of the Route

Pochuck Boardwalk Signage

Pochuck Boardwalk

Swamp at Pochuck Boardwalk

Short Boardwalk on the Pochuck Mountain part of the AT

Warning Signs at Pochuck Mountain

Appalachian Trail at Pochuck Mountain

Glenwood Road

On the Descent Near the End of the Hike. Looking Towards Wawayanda.

Nordkop Mountain Suffern Fall Hike

Harriman State Park
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.0 Miles

Pros: Short, sweet hike with good climb and good views
Cons: Sound of nearby highways and urban view, and walk on road
Hike Type: Loop
Level of  Difficulty: Slightly Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/68PLdzf2Yc25Xdn99

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

I have been to Nordkop Mountain many times, and this was a particularly crisp and clear early fall day, with the foliage just beginning to peak. We parked on Chestnut Street, right near Route 202, and we walked under the Thruway overpass on Route 59 and took the trail up. The trail is very steep and rocky, but it's short. We reached the first view, and then continued to the second view, and then took the woods road to Hemlock Lane, to Pavilion Road, and then Route 202 and Chestnut Street back to our car.

Map of the Route

Trailhead Sign at the Beginning of the SBM Trail

Ascending the Trail

Approaching the First View

First View, Facing Route 287 and the (now closed) Sheraton Crossroads

Manhattan Skyline from the First View

View of Suffern, from the Upper View

Thruway View on the Descent