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Switchback Trail - Yellow Trail - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 3 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Aug 31 2025
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 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Switchback Trail - Yellow TrailWestern, NJ
Switchback Trail - Yellow Trail
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Aug 31 2025
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking8.01 Miles 1,832 AEG
Hiking8.01 Miles   3 Hrs   54 Mns   2.32 mph
1,832 ft AEG      27 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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Baldpate Mountain Summit Trail
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Excellent last day of August weather was not to be wasted locally, but because it is a 3 day holiday weekend, I didn't bother to repeat a trip to the Water Gap. I would think it is extremely crowded.

Managed a little more than I expected with 3 laps. 3 is plenty, and even 2 would be okay if I'm being honest, and I do something else interesting.

I Explored a little more, visited the stairs of the Summit Trail, and made a small loop on the red trail, which really wasn't that great. Not sure I'd do it again.

Had a solid month, actually, despite the humid summer weather the first 2/3 of August. The unusually cool dry weather is not unwelcome, but I wonder what it might mean for fall and winter. I do hope the weather is good enough that if I don't make it to NH and ME, I can at least do some Water Gap hikes that are fun.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Big bluestem
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
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Aug 17 2025
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 Guides 73
 Routes 176
 Photos 10,174
 Triplogs 2,324

46 male
 Joined Sep 08 2006
 
Baldpate Mountain Summit TrailWestern, NJ
Baldpate Mountain Summit Trail
Western, NJ
Hiking avatar Aug 17 2025
Jim • Triplogs 2,324
Hiking9.55 Miles 2,044 AEG
Hiking9.55 Miles   5 Hrs   4 Mns   2.14 mph
2,044 ft AEG      36 Mns Break10 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
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Switchback Trail - Yellow Trail
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Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I learned about this place last week when researching Baldpate Mountain in Maine. It looked decent enough, and it could be something worth visiting for exercise and also doesn't require a 5 hour round trip drive.


At least until the green time is done, I would stick with the Yellow Trail, as there was too much poison ivy on the white to be fun. Possible chiggers, too. Not sure about ticks. Yellow was better maintained, in part because I think fewer rocks made it easier. This is aside from the poison ivy tree that fell on the trail during a lap and I ran in to. Great.

Very hot and humid. At least for NJ. Had a hard time with the heat with a bad headache the last trip out. Probably should have left at the end of the 6th mile. My times look pathetic. Almost identical stats to Wasson from Sweetwater and yet it took me incredibly long. No real summit, and it never got cooler, so that hurts. Plus, Wasson was a little hike in AZ, and this is a fairly big one.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Pale purple coneflower
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average hiking speed 2.23 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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