Appalachian Trail PA and NJ, I-80 and Cherry Creek Crossing Trail

ABOUT THE PARK: 

Explore the AT Pennsylvania - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Appalachian Trail in New Jersey - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Cherry Creek Crossing Loop - Broadhead Watershed Association

DIRECTIONS: 

GPS Coordinates 40.97177, -75.12571

Dunnfield Creek Natural Area Parking

TRAIL MAPS: 

Delaware Water Gap & Kittatinny Trails Map 120 - New York New Jersey Trail Conference

Cherry Creek Crossing Loop Trail Map - Broadhead Watershed Association

HIKE DISTANCE:  8.8 miles

THE HIKE: 

I thought I had completed all of the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey but turns out I forgot about that little I-80 portion that connects Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  It was a good opportunity to incorporate some other trails in the area.

Walking out of the parking area it's a left then a right ...

... under I-80 then the next right.

There are a couple of opportunities to head over to the Delaware River for some views.

A gray catbird saying "MEOW".

This Baltimore Oriole allowed me one partial blurry shot.

Crossing over to the ramp up ahead for the walkway along I-80.

I did not know how Brodie would react to the pedestrian walkway along I-80.  At first his ears were pinned back but he moved forward.  Then the realization hit him that people throw various food items out of their car windows onto the walkway making for an all-you-can-eat I-80 smorgasbord!  And the bonus is you can't hear mom screaming at you to DROP IT with the big rigs zooming by.

A very audible waterfall on the far side of the river and railroad tracks.

It's not a color I would have ever chosen for a house but it was very striking and totally works.

This meets up with where I hiked the AT previously but I wanted to check out some unmarked trails I had not hiked before.

The trail leaves the AT to the left and is very clear except for a couple of downed trees.

This notching out of steps over a HUGE tree trunk happened very recently because the smell of sawed wood was still very strong.

A rock hop over a creek ...

... then a trail to the left to ...

... some waterfalls.

This unmarked trail runs right into the AT where we turned right.

At Lenape Lake we turned left to hike a loop around the lake on unmarked trails.

Back out on the AT, left to head back out.

Where the AT turns right on Delaware Avenue, keeping straight on Waring Drive.

This leads to a bridge over I-80.

A left before the gate ...

... towards a parking area for the Cherry Creek Crossing Trail then ...

... a left on the trail just before the green building.

This leads to the Cherry Creek crossing.

Not sure how this was going to play out.

But he finally got the hang of it and didn't fall in until the very end.

The trail comes out at River Road where it crosses the railroad tracks ...

... then turns right into Minisink Park.

At the far end side trails lead to Cherry Creek.

Looking back at the railroad tracks over Cherry Creek and just beyond that ...

... where we had crossed earlier.

The steps lead up to River Road where the trail turns left.

Crossing back over the railroad tracks and under I-80.

Passing by the Pennsylvania Welcome Center ...

... where a path veers around to the left ...

... back under I-80 following the Delaware Water Gap Walking Tour on the Cherry Creek Crossing map.

Some of these hair salon names are very creative.

Back at Dunnfield Creek parking.