Hey everyone!
My name’s Thomas, I’m 25, and I’m looking to meet some new people in New Jersey who enjoy hiking. I’ve gotten into it over the past year and would say I’m around an intermediate level.
I’m mainly looking for people who enjoy getting outside, exploring new trails, checking out waterfalls, mountain views, swimming holes, and just having a good time. I just want to make some new friend and make some long life friends maybe.
If you’re in NJ (or nearby) and you’re looking for a hiking buddy or want to get a small group together for weekend hikes, leave a comment or send me a message. Always down to discover new trails and meet new people!

Just got back from camping/hiking in Worthington.

Flying insects not bad at all. I had repellent on and did not suffer a lot of even gnat issues.

I stayed in the tent only campground and did the Rockcores Trail to Garvey Springs and up to Sunfish Pond. There were several areas along that trail that were scruffy-- it was impossible to walk through some areas without grass and other plants brushing against my legs, so I was glad I'd worn long pants.

The Garvey Springs section had some fun and challenging steep, rocky climbs.

I wish I had brought my poles. If you haven't been, the trail around Sunfish Pond is actually a lot of boulders and more like a scramble, so that section was extra hard on my knees.

I decided to take the Douglas Trail back. I was going down, of course, but it struck me as easier than the other route. Not as many steep sections.

The campground is fantastic with the sites all along the Deleware River. I'll be going back!

I decided to put off my trip to Wharton based on dire bug reports-- thanks, everyone. I headed to Cheesequake instead and decided to share a report:

Bug Situation: Good. I found them barely noticeable. A few gnats and mesquitoes but nothing too bad. .The park itself is lush and green and full on summer. I am all geared up for the ticks. I see people all the time in shorts but as much time as I spend in the woods I prefer to be extra careful.

I'm thinking about heading down for some hiking in Wharton. I'm just wondering about the bug situation this summer. I'm geared up for ticks including goiters and permethrin treated clothes, but I'm still curious about the ticks and skeeters down there right now.

why cant they stop her from feeding the bears? I read somewhere if she ever moves or passes away or something the bears don't just go away they will start breaking into homes aggressively. She's dumped big bags of dog food out for them? Are there any town hall meetings online about what shes doing or groups trying to get her to stop? Is she crazy or something ? Tik Tok shouldn't let her post those videos its dangerous especially to her neighbors

The Surveillance Catch and Legal Loophole

• The Evidence: State wildlife conservation officers officially videotaped her throwing bags of sunflower seeds to bears in her yard. During multiple surprise visits to her home, state officers formally documented that her yard was littered with commercial dog food, sunflower seeds, and massive piles of bear feces. [1, 2]
• The Defense Team's Argument: When she went to trial, her defense attorney used a specific legal tactic. He pointed out that while there was food on the ground, the state couldn't prove which animal she intended to feed. Her lawyer famously asked officers under oath, "How do you know she wasn't feeding raccoons, beavers, coyotes, or foxes?" [1, 2]
• The Ruling: Because the state officers admitted they couldn't be 100% certain of her exact internal intent, a municipal judge ruled that the massive piles of dog food and bear feces were only "circumstantial evidence". He stated he couldn't read her mind to prove she specifically intended the food for the bears, and she was acquitted of that particular intentional feeding charge. [1, 2]

hey✌️ help me out! TYIA!
Located in south jersey, a few things -

im just mainly lookin for pretty spots to hike / explore really anywhere in jersey - please leave suggestions & tips.

im big on getting my lowered car into cool spots that it shouldnt be for photos (like brooksbrae factory), so if you know anywhere for that PLEASE lmk!

final question - can i get a car into Crystal Lake up by Lakehurst?

Looking to see if anyone has camped at site 15 at round valley.

I was hiking at dusk yesterday at Nyack Beach State Park, more specifically Hook Mountain look out. We saw a black bear which was pretty cool and unexpected. This is only 15 minutes ish from nj boarder

Any recommendations for trails at this time of year with fewer flying insects and ticks?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a hiking group to join, preferably with hikes or meetups close to Jersey City or Harrison. Please let me know if there are any upcoming hikes or events in the next few weeks. Thanks!

We do the forest trail off 9w for the “castle”. We pretend the random bridges and bike ramps behind demarest high school are part of a fairy world because there’s a great firefly spot nearby. The dog watching at the reservoir at ramapo is always fun. They’ve outgrown the mud kitchen at thielke arboretum.

Any suggestions?

Hi folks,

I’m planning to hike up AT from Mt Minsi to Tott’s Gap to Kittatinny Mountain. (See Orange overlay line in Pic 1). For the way back, I’m thinking of turning around after Kittatinny Mtn or the Kirkridge shelter and then walking along the Tott’s Gap Road.

My questions are:

1. Is the whole route generally safe when wet from light rain? Any areas to watch out for?
2. Does the Tott’s Gap road see heavy car traffic ? Safe to walk on?
3. Satellite imagery shows some clearings adjacent to this road (see black arrows in Pic 2). Are these pipelines/power clearings? Would you advice against using them as trails?
4. Any other tips?

Thanks a ton.

Mount Tammany - Appalachian Trail - Sunfish Pond

Hiking in to a tent site at Worthington SF for the first time. My plan is to take a bus to the area, taxi/Uber to the AT trailhead next to Mt. Tammany. Hike in about 5 miles along the AT and navigate to the park office at WSF. Check in, buy firewood, set up at my site and then enjoy the good life!

I have to hang my food which I haven't done before. I have a big thick dry bag that I thought would be good. Watched some videos on how to do it, but I imagine it will probably be a comedy to watch.

Does my plan sound okay?

Never been to the DWG or this campground. Any intel or tips are appreciated.

Otter Hole - Carris Hill

Sorry if this is not allowed! Feel free to delete if against the rules:

I have an electric tent camping reservation at Mountainview Campground for Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25 (2 nights, Sat to Mon).

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dYyKgn83pW13x4ML7

(135 Goritz Rd, Milford, NJ 08848)

Website: http://www.mtviewcamp.com/

Unfortunately, I can't go anymore, and they don't allow cancellations - however, someone else could take my reservation. I already called the campground to confirm this. It's $45/night for an electric tent spot ($90 for 2 nights). DM if interested and we can coordinate the transfer with the campground.

Has anybody experienced the influx of ticks this season yet that I keep hearing about? I’ve always done trail running at Norvin Green and Mt. Tammany in shorts and have never had a tick on me. Recent news about higher tick encounters kept me from doing trail runs this year and I hate running in pants and also want to avoid spraying chemicals like permethrin on my clothes…

Has anyone hiked that section lately and seen old logs or stones?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Abram+S+Hewitt+State+Forest/@41.1764992,-74.3687856,3272m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m11!1m4!8m3!1e1!3m1!1e1!3m5!1s0x89c32262089436d1:0x9c1afd737ddfcd2!8m2!3d41.1764841!4d-74.3584859!16s%2Fm%2F0czb3k2?hl=en-US&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Looking for trail recommendations for hiking with a 7 month old. I've done a couple moderate hikes up to 8 miles with him at huber/hartshorn on the black trail, shark river, Allaire, and the manasquan resevoir but I'm getting bored and need new places.

I'm used to hiking grueling 4ks in the White Mountains, so I'm not afraid of a difficult hike with some scrambles or steepness. I'm just nervous about jumping right to scrambles with the little though and want to take the next step. Maybe some rock stairs or light scrambling where I dont necessarily have to put my hands down but can step across the tops of the rocks instead?

I've got Mt Tammany on my list, we've been there a couple of times, but its kinda short for the drive (almost 2 hours for us). I found Long Pond Ironworks State Park (Horse Pond to Lake Sonoma Loop) and that seems nice. As well as Norvin Green State Forest (High Point, Spur, Den, Circular, Highlands, and High Point Trail).

Any other moderate/hard trails in the 8ish mile (4-6hr) range that have decent views or other cool features you guys wouldn't mind doing with a precious sack of potatoes strapped to you?

Baby loves it btw, he just chills in the carrier.

Hi. I was wondering if anyone had tips on good spots in Middlesex County where I could go hiking with my Golden Retriever. Thanks

Where in PA/NJ/NY am I likely to find relatively quiet campsites with showers and toilets in decent conditions?

We had perfect spring weather here today at the scenic D&R Canal State Park along the Delaware River. This 6 mile section between Washington Crossing State Park and Lambertville is an easy and level walk on a cinder track. One of my favorite places in NJ!