Mount Minsi, PA

New Jersey has Mount Tammany and Pennsylvania has Mount Minsi, with the Delaware River passing through the gap between the two mountains. Mount Minsi is the high point above the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania aside, and even though it is basically a continuation of the Kittatiny mountain range found in New Jersey, in Pennsylvania they are called Blue Mountain. The geology appears to be the same, as well.


As with Tammany, the trails do not actually go to the mountain's summit. There are vistas along the way that provide enjoyable views of the river and Mount Tammany. However, the vistas on this side of the river are far fewer and much more restricted. Mostly, you will be hiking up the Appalachian Trail for its final miles in Pennsylvania, and in this area, it is like a tunnel through rhododendrons. This may be nice in spring when they flower, but most of the year it is very tight hiking. I would not want to hike this in summer with hot, humid stagnant air.The hike is easy to locate. In the parking lot look for the signs at the SE side of the lot and follow the white AT blazes painted on the trees. You will follow the AT to the "summit". The true summit is around the radio tower, and there are also some pillars from a long-gone fire tower, I have read. Just past these features is the viewpoint where you may find others sitting. If you have done Tammany, you won't likely be impressed. Descend the way you came.

2024-10-07 Jim