Mount Mohican, NJ

Also known as Racoon Ridge Highpoint, Mount Mohican is the 1580' summit along the ridge of the Kittatinny Mountains in Warren County. A pleasant and decently challenging hike to the summit using the Garvey Springs Trail and the Appalachian Trail is one option for access.


The Garvey Springs Trail is marked with orange blazes and leaves from the south side of the Old Mine Rd just east of the creek crossing next to the Douglas Parking area. I saw no signs marked for the trailhead, but an informational marquee of sorts near the road can help in locating the parking lot. There is a picnic area behind the parking lot.Near the beginning of the trail, there is a waterfall which seems to be popular with visitors. After this fall, the trail ascends the northwest slope of the Kittatiny Mountains through closed canopy mesic hardwoods. It may be moist or humid, and warm or hot, but it won't ever be very sunny on these slopes. Fall color is abundant.

Continue to follow the orange blazes to the ridge. It will briefly follow the same path as a trail marked with green blazes. On the ridge, white blazes for the Appalachian Trail are encountered. At the trail junction, there is a sign for the Garvey Springs Trail attached to a tree. This may be useful for descent. However, the sign faces the opposite direction you will be traveling when returning, so you need to pay attention. There are views of a lake in this area, as well.

Follow the Appalachian Trail the remainder of the way to the summit of Mount Mohican. Most of the time you will hike through fairly dense and scrubby hardwoods. However, views open up as you near the summit. There will be a creek crossing, as well as a power line right-of-way. The summit is marked with a large cairn or rock pile, similar to Rincon Peak, in Arizona. Views here are very good and are kept open by pruning of vegetation by locals.

2024-09-15 Jim