Where to winter hang in Northern New Jersey

**friedlink** · 12-17-2009, 12:59

This is my first posting, so I'd like to start off by saying hello.

I've hammocked in the summer and tented in the winter, so I'm not completely new at this, but I've never hammocked in the winter. I live in northern NJ and want to go somewhere close in case my two-night plan turns into a one-night stay(or a couple hours shivering in the fetal position before scampering through the woods back to civilization.)

I'm looking to go in the beginning of January. Also, I'm looking for somewhere that still feels "remote" though so I can backpack in from a trailhead.

Thanks.

**TOB9595** · 12-17-2009, 13:33

There's a thread on NJ winterhang in the Pine Barrens.
Look around or someone will link you to it.

Welcome.

Tom

**TOB9595** · 12-17-2009, 13:35

Here's the link

**joggerjohn** · 12-17-2009, 23:50

Yeah, hammock in the sandy Pine Barrens. They are rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of murdered mafia dons and hit men. These guys bodies are suppose to be buried in the sand. That is the folklore of New Jersey for you.

**Knotty** · 12-18-2009, 09:50

The AT between Delaware Water Gap and Rt 206 would be a good choice.

**JayS** · 12-18-2009, 10:39

Welcome friedlink! I second Knotty about the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. I went there for an overnight the day after Thanksgiving and had a good time. The AT runs through it so you can hike as much as you want. I headed for a trailhead where I only had to hike a half mile to hang (no camping allowed within a half mile of a road). I actually hiked in about a mile. The wind was howling so I dropped down behind the ridge and found a sheltered spot to hang. Didn't see anyone until I drove out the next day.

Be aware that it hunting season now - I don't know if it will be when you go but wear bright colors if it is. Hunting is allowed close to the AT, maybe even on it.

I am considering a night or two up there between Christmas and New Year's. Nothing firm yet. Are you (or Knotty or anyone else) interested?

**kayaknut01** · 12-18-2009, 11:33

i'm driving to nj from wi during the silly season, i also am looking for a hang in nj arreawhile i am there, need to getaway from the outlaws for a overnighter, maybe would like to find this AT trail in delaware. i'll be in deptford nj but willing to travel some for a lil' winter hang keep us posted on this?

**friedlink** · 12-18-2009, 12:10

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the info and welcomes.

I think I will definitely check out the Del Water Gap area.

JayS - Unfortunately, I'm unavailable until the beginning of January.

I have to look into my schedule for the end of Jan. This group hanging(that may be worded poorly) in The PB sounds like a good time.

Btw, speaking of hunting season, do any of you do anything special to ensure your hammock isn't mistaken, at a quick glance, for some sort of animal? I was concerned about "cold butt" but "shot butt" sounds worse.

**JayS** · 12-18-2009, 12:47

kayaknut01 -
The Delaware Water Gap NRA is, unfortunately, a couple of hours from Deptford. There's probably something closer in PA and there is always the Pine Barrens, which are a lot closer to you. For PA, talk to Dutch, 2Q, DGrav or look on the HF map for someone close by. For the Pine Barrens, try Iafte.

friedlink -
Too bad you're not available this month but let me know when you do go.

As for avoiding "shot butt", maybe get a blaze orange tarp. That would be great to wake up to on a sunny morning! Maybe I will start a thread about this. Could come in handy.....