Scouts will enjoy walking the same path that thousands of people have walked from Georgia to Maine (even if just for a brief distance). Who knows, your troop may bump into a true “through-hiker!” This trail goes up the cable cut to the great view at the top of the mountain, then across the ridge, with one or two other lookouts, then descends back into camp on some mildly challenging terrain.

The trail begins at Sand Pond Lodge (0.0 miles), where the blue trail follows the road through a small clearing and then into the woods. After 0.2 miles, the trail forks and the blue trail goes right, ascending. Shortly after the ascent begins, you may notice trees with orange rings of paint. This is the camp boundary. You are now entering the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The trail levels out, and then reaches a trail junction with the blue-and-white trail at 0.4 miles. Follow the blue trail (right) where you enter an area of large boulders. The trail follows an old cable up the path of least resistance as the trail clambers up the big rocks and up the face of the mountain. About halfway up the mountain, a large boulderfield to the left offers good views to the southwest.

As the trail continues climbing, the trail exits the woods and enters the cleared area for the powerlines. Shortly afterwards is a short scramble to the top of the mountain at 0.6 miles. The top of the mountain is marked by the high tension tower, and is a great place for a break or picnic. The best views are back toward the camp, where more than half of Sand Pond is visible. In the opposite direction, the pond at the Watergate Recreation Area is visible.

Follow the Appalachian Trail north into the woods on white blazes on exposed rock and trees. At 1.1 miles, you will descend a small rock ledge with a double white blaze painted on it. Behind you to the right is a small clearing with a small fire ring. Immediately below is a great lookout over the camp. At 1.5 miles, you will reach an intersection with the red trail. Turn right onto the red trail, which soon begins its descent down the mountain. The loose gravel and rock outcrops will slow the hike, but is easily navigated by Boy Scouts who take their time.

The trail reaches the foot of the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, you may see trees ringed with orange paint. This is the camp boundary. Welcome home. The trail’s descent becomes slighter, and you reach the intersection with the yellow trail at 1.8 miles. Turn right onto the yellow trail to enter the camp near the Blackfoot campsite. Stay on the marked trail to avoid the Blackfoot campsite. For troops interested in a slightly longer hike, you may turn left onto the yellow trail and proceed to the old outpost leanto (see guide for the Outpost leanto trail).