AT Day 94: Tallest Point in New Jersey

Daily Miles: 20.8, Total Miles: 1,342.0

It started sprinkling as I drinking my coffee this morning. I knew it may not get any better so I quickly packed up and hit the trail.

I soon left Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area but stayed on the high ridge for the most part. The rocks on the trail were slicker than snot after rain most of the morning. As it partially cleared and warmed up, tiny gnats came out in full force. Not biting but very annoying – flying into my mouth, up my nose, into my ears and even walking across my eyeballs. Wishing for a stiff breeze.

Had lunch and chatted with a southbound hiker at the Mashipacong Shelter. No spring but there was a water cache in the bear box. I had earlier seen another rat snake on the trail plus this shelter had two resident rat snakes crawling along the backwall. Keeping those rodents under control. Later, two large piles of bear scat on the trail put me on high alert for a few miles.

Dipped down to High Point State Park HQ with nice picnic tables, potable water and goose families with lots of newborns running around.

Climbed back up and camped near High Point Shelter and the tallest point in New Jersey. New bird today: American Redstart.