Recommendation: Hammock friendly sites in Eastern PA or North Western NJ

[alexpotato]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for recommendations for a hammock friendly site that would fulfill the following constraints:

-4-6 mile hike to campsite
-Good for group of 4-10
-<2 hours from NYC
-<2 hours from Reading, PA

Round Valley Recreation Area in NJ is a strong possibility but was looking for other options South West or West of there.

Thanks in advance,
Alex

[mjs3350]

There are some good areas along the AT near Hamburg, PA. The Pinnacle is a popular hike. The trail head is at 40º 34.990′N, 75º 56.51′W. Take the AT north/east to the Pinnacle lookout (about 4.5 miles), then continue along the AT west then south back to the parking lot. The whole loop is about 9 miles. Sorry, I can't help with finding a site or if it's ok for that many people, as I don't backpack yet. You will see day hiker traffic, especially on weekends. Don't forget to add a rock to the pile at Pinnacle if you do go.

8348283483

Edit - Pulpit Rock has a nice view as well and is nearby. It would extend your hike in but is worth it in my opinion. Also, wear good shoes, the AT in PA is where shoes go to die!

[SilvrSurfr]

Delaware Water Gap is nice.

[pilsburythrowboy12]

Stokes State Forest is an absolute must and there are a multitude sites that are ideally spaced for hammock guys. I can't recommend it enough and if you want a couple trip reports check out my two trip reports with a ton of photos.

First trip last fall:
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/106159-Weekend-of-Ravines-Peaks-amp-Waterfalls-at-Stokes-State-Forest-Branchville-NJ

Second trip last week:
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/119071-Stokes-State-Forest-Branchburg-NJ-2nd-Time-Around!

Tillman's Ravine is one of the most scenic trails in the state that's in the park which runs right along the creek. Buttermilk Falls is also another mighty fun feature and you can follow up the feeding creek into the deeper parts of the park if you're so inclined. The park is relatively close by the Delaware Water Gap too if you had the time to check out either. Either way, can't go wrong with either for sure. Heck I might be back up that way the first weekend of May myself if not with my 2 best bush crafting buddies if you want some company to help you find your way around the park.

[Pretbek]

There are some good areas along the AT near Hamburg, PA. The Pinnacle is a popular hike. The trail head is at 40º 34.990′N, 75º 56.51′W. Take the AT north/east to the Pinnacle lookout (about 4.5 miles), then continue along the AT west then south back to the parking lot. The whole loop is about 9 miles. Sorry, I can't help with finding a site or if it's ok for that many people, as I don't backpack yet. You will see day hiker traffic, especially on weekends. Don't forget to add a rock to the pile at Pinnacle if you do go.

8348283483

Edit - Pulpit Rock has a nice view as well and is nearby. It would extend your hike in but is worth it in my opinion. Also, wear good shoes, the AT in PA is where shoes go to die!

How much further is Pulpit Rock? This looks like an interesting loop.

[mjs3350]

Actually I just realized Pulpit Rock isn't any further, you just have to deviate from the AT for a short stretch near the end of Reservoir Rd. Here's a map with a slightly different route option, hitting Pulpit http://www.backpacker.com/destinations/hikes/5718.

[alexpotato]

Thanks everyone.

Decided to try Round Valley this weekend (Fri night through Sunday morning). Feel free to stop by if anyone is going to be around.

[mjs3350]

Let us know how it turns out!

[Jshep420]

Stokes is my favorite. But jenny jump is fun. I have never stayed at high point, but they have sites that are right on a lake. I also hear rangers are tuff there. I also think Waywayanda has group site , but no trees. ( could be wrong thi).

[Jshep420]

Nice I forgot round valley. I like it there. I think it's a seven mile hike in. Or u can boat in. Have fun.

[Jshep420]

Stokes State Forest is an absolute must and there are a multitude sites that are ideally spaced for hammock guys. I can't recommend it enough and if you want a couple trip reports check out my two trip reports with a ton of photos.

First trip last fall:
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/106159-Weekend-of-Ravines-Peaks-amp-Waterfalls-at-Stokes-State-Forest-Branchville-NJ

Second trip last week:
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php/119071-Stokes-State-Forest-Branchburg-NJ-2nd-Time-Around!

Tillman's Ravine is one of the most scenic trails in the state that's in the park which runs right along the creek. Buttermilk Falls is also another mighty fun feature and you can follow up the feeding creek into the deeper parts of the park if you're so inclined. The park is relatively close by the Delaware Water Gap too if you had the time to check out either. Either way, can't go wrong with either for sure. Heck I might be back up that way the first weekend of May myself if not with my 2 best bush crafting buddies if you want some company to help you find your way around the park.

Love stokes. My fav. I go here in the winter every month. I camp rite on flatbrook. Great fishing too. I was just there two weekends in a row. Get busy in the spring and summer. Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRlls11VDMK2HAUuKvTzHug

[shad0w77]

Hey guys,

Been car camping for quite some time now and am finally looking into some hiking and overnight hammock camping. Been trying to scour the forums about what's legal and where. So much info, it's hard to know what's right and what's not. I'm a Long Island buy, so I am generally looking in the same area as the OP.

Can I just hike the Stokes State Forest along one of it's trails, veer off a couple hundred feet and set up a random hammock camp for the night? Well, "can" is a broad word... I am looking to be legal and not have any park rangers bother me. I'm also looking at Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest on Long Island. Anyone have any solid info?

[2uros-of-teeth]

Hey, northern nj native here. Absolutely love stokes. If I may make a suggestion, get a group site. Its 10 dollars more and Its insanely massive. No trees in the field of course, but all on the border. I'm heading home this weekend and will try and get some pictures of stokes. Also, group hang??

[2uros-of-teeth]

Also, there is wallpack nj, right near stokes on the Delaware. Mostly state land.

[shad0w77]

Hey, northern nj native here. Absolutely love stokes. If I may make a suggestion, get a group site. Its 10 dollars more and Its insanely massive. No trees in the field of course, but all on the border. I'm heading home this weekend and will try and get some pictures of stokes. Also, group hang??

i actually just booked stokes... mrs and myslef staying on site 13. pretty stoked! haha no pun intended. group hang sounds like a possibility. never been on one but doesnt mean i wont.

[GreatBigDave]

... get a group site. Its 10 dollars more and Its insanely massive. No trees in the field of course, but all on the border. ...The Haskins group sites at stokes are large open fields with thick brush all around. I hung there last weekend - on my stand.

[2uros-of-teeth]

Yea, that sounds about right now that you mention it... I think the f site In the back was pricier clear for the most part.

Or e, or d..