Some of the most fantastic waterfalls in the state of New Jersey are located between the Delaware Water Gap and High Point. This trail is the Scout’s opportunity to experience one or more. The trail ascends the mountain via the cable cut, then descends following used and abandoned roads to the glen. The glen is a fantastic ravine where Van Campen’s Brook has carved an incredible scar into the landscape. There is opportunity for exploring, and possibly swimming depending on posted signs. On the return, the trail ascends the mountain again, but descends on a gradual path into camp.

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. At 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 (but don’t stay too long- the glen awaits). 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.

The trail continues down the other side of the mountain, following white blazes on the exposed rock. The trail curves left into the woods, and follows an old road between two knolls. Continuing to the left, the trail approaches the beaver dam pond at Copperhead Spring. Following the edge of the pond, you reach a trail junction with the blue-and-white trail to the left (1.0 miles). Continue on the Appalachian Trail to the right, crossing a wooden bridge.

The trail continues until reaching Millbrook-Blairstown Road at 1.4 miles. Turn right onto this paved road. Continue downhill until you see a gate on an abandoned road that descends on your left (1.7 miles). If you reach the cable cut, you have gone too far. Follow this abandoned road as it continues to descend.

Prior to reaching Van Campen’s Brook, a yellow trail will leave the road to your left, at 2.8 miles. Turn left onto the yellow trail. This trail passes to the edge of an old farm field, under a hemlock forest, then leads to the waterfall known as Upper Van Campen’s Glen (3.0 miles). This is a perfect place for a picnic. The waterfall itself flushes a tremendous amount of water through a narrow opening in the rock, falling into a small, deep pool, and flowing over a smooth rock into a large pool of water before continuing on. At all times, care must be taken as rocks in this area are almost continuously wet and slippery from the spray of the waterfall. Use common sense.

For troops looking for a slightly longer hike, follow the yellow trail downstream about 200 feet or so (sometimes over boardwalks) to Lower Van Campen’s Glen, another picturesque waterfall. Return to camp is made using the same route. However, the blue-and-white trail (starting at Copperhead Spring) is recommended for a more gradual descent of the mountain