Today we went back to the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap. There seems to be more options here for routing longer day hikes and also more challenging terrain. I also really like the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mohican Outdoor Center. The ladies who work there are super nice and they already remember us. We parked at the MOC. My plan was to hike the 5 mile loop from the MOC, up to the ridge on the Rattlesnake connector trail, follow the ridge northeast on the AT passing by Catfish tower and circle back through Rattlesnake Swamp.

We had perfect weather. The hike along the ridge in this direction was lovely. We reached Catfish tower and climbed up it as far as we could go to look at land from above. The winds were fairly strong today, but the sun was shining and it was a great day for hiking. After descending from the ridge, we hopped off the AT and onto the Rattlesnake Swamp trail. The area through the wetlands offered a variety of ecosystems much different then the dryer sections of trail on the ridge.

Once back at the MOC, we stopped for breakfast. They make the best cranberry orange pancakes. I highly recommend stopping here after your hike.

Click “Read More” below for more photos from this hike.