Culvers Gap to High Point – Appalachian Trail

I backpacked this 15 mile section with my 5 year old son in 2017. We stayed at the Mashipacong Shelter, where apparently local pizza places will deliver (pick up at the Deckertown Turnpike 500 ft away). It rained the second day, which brought out dozens of Eastern (red-spotted) Newts.

The section follows the Kittatinny Ridge through High Point State Park and Stokes Forest with many great views. It passes Sunrise Mountain and the Culver Fire Tower.

Alternate: If 15 miles is too much for you, check out this shorter 7 mile overnight hike that also includes Sunrise Mountain and Culver Fire Tower.

– read more –

Related stories

Hawks Cliff – Green Pond Mountain – Pequannock Watershed

Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike so don’t expect to get the trail to yourself. The steep rock scramble ascent will get your heart pumping quickly and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but all the action is in the first mile.

Breakneck Ridge – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike so don’t expect to get the trail to yourself. The steep rock scramble ascent will get your heart pumping quickly and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3 mile loop, but all the action is in the first mile.

Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen is a waterfall wonderland. This is a great loop hike with a huge reward/effort ratio which passes 21 named waterfalls over 4.5 miles of the Falls Trail network.

What to pack in a First Aid Kit/Emergency Kit

My First Aid Kit is more than just supplies to fix wounds or other injuries. I carry what I think of broadly as an “Emergency” or “Fix It” kit – it’s a First Aid Kit, but also includes items to prevent or fix other problems I might have on the trail, such as broken gear or a lost piece of gear that’s critical to staying safe.