The more unpredictable our political and social landscapes become the more we feel the urge to visit places untouched by the negative influences of man. We crave distance from social media, crowded spaces, and the stress of work. The stress of existing alone becomes nearly unbearable. That is if we let it.
I find myself with a constant desire to escape. Whether that means catching a last minute flight across the country or taking a day to hike. But, it’s not the need to leave that drives this desire. I love my life. But, sometimes I feel an extreme need to be grounded.
As happy of a person as I am, sometimes the constant strains of life weigh me down and send my brain into a swirling mess of negativity. Traffic, stress at work, depressing news cycles, cold weather, lack of exercise — the list goes on. There are little things that you can’t always control but when experienced continually can affect your mindset.
That’s why I hike. It helps me find my balance and perspective. Life doesn’t suck. Life is fucking awesome! But, if you let the little things weigh you down, it might feel that way.
Last Friday’s escape happened to be Mount Tammany in New Jersey. I sought perspective at an altitude of 1,526 ft. The mountain forms on the east side of the Delaware Water Gap and lies along the Appalachian Trail.
Exact location: N40 58.291 W75 07.531
Although the hike entrance appears to be a dinky truck stop along Interstate 80, this venture is something special. And it was made all the more noteworthy with my best friend by my side.
Once you find parking under the shade of the Worthington State Forest, start along the Red Dot Trail closest to the highway. And begin your descent!
This hike isn’t long, but it’s steep. Steep enough to make you sweat, even in brisk December air. I couldn’t have picked a better day to take an adventure. It was a beautiful, sunny day without a cloud in the sky.
We stepped, leaped and climbed our way up the trail. There were two viewpoints. The first is only after 0.5 miles. A steep, natural staircase of rocks opens up onto a rocky cliff where you find a prime view of the Delaware River Gap and Mt. Minsi to the right. You can turn back here if you decide that was enough hiking for you.
At 1.5 miles, you’ve reached the summit. From this rocky cliff, surrounded in trees, you have a broader view of the entire gap area and the mountainous landscape in the distance.
Here, I felt grounded. I took in huge gasps of the fresh, crisp air. I looked off into the distance and was reminded of how small my problems are. And how beautiful life is.
I was reminded again of how grateful I am, as Ray shotgunned a PBR at the cliff's edge. Life is fucking awesome, so let it be.
After our summit escapades, Ray and I backtracked down the Red Dot trail. If you feel inclined to take a longer route, continue down the Blue Dot trail from the peak. Overall, the Mount Tammany hike was a joy. I’m glad we got to enjoy such a beautiful first day of December mountain-side.
Is it your turn to step away from the stress of life? Join the birds and follow the wind to the peak of Mount Tammany. You might find yourself grounded 1,526 ft from ground level.
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