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Sunfish Pond


Highlights:

Great glacial pond, lots of wildlife, well maintained trail system
Near:Bushkill, PA
Scenery:
Distance:9.25 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1200 ft
Hike Time:4.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: This hike is a moderate climb to Sunfish Pond, following the Appalachian Trail heading north. The trail is well maintained and well used by dayhikers and overniters alike. The hike has a few strenuous climbs, but mostly evenly graded climbs with a few level areas in between. I followed the Dunnfield Hollow Trail down from Sunfish Pond to make it a loop. This trail does have some rather steep sections, and I probably wouldnt suggest it as an uphill route if I had a fully loaded pack.
Trailhead: The trail head starts at the Dunnfield parking area just off Rte. 80 in New Jersey. When driving on Rte. 80, on the New Jersey side of the Deleware River, you will see the Dunnfield Parking area. There are many signs for the Water Gap, on the highway as well. Park in this Are, or in the Overflow Lot ( a grassy area nearby) ANd follow signs to the trailhead of the AT. (Lat:40.97078 Lon:-75.12764)
Trail Guides for Sunfish Pond :
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: National Park Service New Jersey/Pennsylvania Worthington State Forest Ranger
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Matthew Chapin, who has posted  1 other hike on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by DB on 7/6/2006
I had never been hiking before until my boyfriend took me. We usually hike the blue trail, but this time we tooke the applachian trail. a much easier hike. the lake water is sooo cold, but refreshing. for the first time we encountered a rattlesnake. definitely would hike again.

Reviewed by JO on 3/5/2006
My husband and I and two of our freinds hiked this mountain and when my children were older we took all 3 of them there to hike it. I loved it. It did take us 4 and a 1/2 hrs to hike and 3 and a 1/2 hrs down. Along the way you will find some fresh water coming right out of the rocks. You might also see some deer. There was plenty of foliage along the way as well as little streams and a water fall. When you get to the top it looks like a volcano filled w/ water. The trees are all around the lake. The water is freezing of course and that is in the summer. When we were there with our children they went in the water and were yelling and playing and there was a golden retriever there who thought they needed rescuing and would bring them back in.

Reviewed by Mark on 11/27/2005
That was the best hike I have ever been on!

Reviewed by John on 11/14/2005
As others have said this was one of my favorite places to hike and camp in the 80s. The beauty of the area and opportunity to camp and catch a swim were unrivaled in the NJ area. I revisted "The Pond" the weekend of Nov 4-6, 2005. Please note that sometime before this date Dunnfield Creek washed out the bridge at the base/parking area and access to the AT is now from the overflow parking area only. Also, while it is nothing new CAMPING IS NOT ALLOWED AROUND THE POND, as others have incorrectly stated. Ground fires are also not allowed. I ascended via the AT, took the fire road around the far side as far as the reservoir and then backtracked to the pond. It was heavenly. 2 deer and numerous amphibians sited.

Reviewed by Darryl on 6/12/2005
I take my vacation every year on this stretch of the A.T., I love this place. The beautiful views and fresh mountain air invigorates my spirit like no place else in the world, and soon as my trip is over I can't wait for the next one. Sunfish Pond is amazing. Getting ready for my trip this year, in my mind I'm already there.

Reviewed by Logan on 9/2/2004
There is also a quicker route. If you follow OldMine Road from Rt. 80 to the end of Worthington Campground, there is a creek bed directly across the road. Follow it straight up to Sunfish pond. Its only about 1 mile up.

Reviewed by Glenn on 7/8/2004
We took the Dunnfield Hallow Trail. This was a nice moderate hike for myself and my wife. I hiked up to Sunfish several times in the early 70's and recalled the "Woodstock" atmosphere at the top. It was something of a legend then! Those in their late 40's, early 50's know what I mean. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a fun day on a mostly well groomed trail. It gets a bit steep and rocky just before you arrive at the lake. Makes the arrival that much more satisfying. Great views!! Enjoy!!!

Reviewed by Keith on 1/24/2004
"What an amazing hike!"


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Pike County Hiking, Pike County Trails, Pike County Hikes

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