Raccoon Ridge via Appalachian, Kaiser, and Coppermine Trails Loop is a 5.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Blairstown, New Jersey that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Awesome views at the top. Would give this 4.5 if I could. Definitely go clockwise, the descent is pretty uneventful but better to be on the way down. Great hike for our 1 year old pup!
Arrived at the trailhead at 9:30am. Was the 2nd person there. There doesn't seem to be much space at all to park. The space I was in had room for maybe 3 cars. After my hike there were about 8 cars there and all of them were parked on the sides of the road. I went clockwise as I like getting to the views first and also like dealing with the steeper inclines early. This trail was rated moderate but it's actually pretty easy. None of the inclines were too steep, they were gradual and most of the hike is pretty flat. The views on this hike were fantastic. There's a couple spots along the AT that lead to some small overlooks including one that had a fire pit. There's a bigger overlook midway through the AT and Raccoon Ridge has almost a 360 unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. Amazing place to sit down and have a snack while enjoying the view. Big cairn at the top too. The kaiser and coppermine trails were rocky along the way but with the gradual elevation changes they weren't a big deal. You'll be walking through the woods for the most of the kaiser and coppermine trails with a few creeks and a small waterfall to cross. Few big boulders along the path as well. Ran into only 3 groups of people (none wearing masks) along this entire hike. The cold weather probably kept most people at home so I was able to have raccoon ridge all to myself. Blazes are not well marked (a lot of them have faded) but it's pretty obvious where you need to go because of the clear paths. Loved this hike, will definitely be back. I think next time I will add on the longer portion of the kaiser and coppermine trail to enjoy this hike a little longer.
Need to invest in a physical map of Delaware Water Gap as it is hard to look at both where you are and where you need to go on AllTrails. Advice—Take other hikers’ directions with a grain of salt. Had a great time out there and looking forward to becoming more familiar with hiking in this area.
Backpacked in from Kittatinny Point Visitor Center yesterday evening. Found a campsite with fire ring on top of ridge. Excellent views of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and Delaware river. Super windy making wind chill feel like 20 degrees. No natural protection from wind, since on highest point. Zero degree sleeping bag held up well and tent blocked out wind. Nice sunrise at 7:20, rising over mountain a few miles away.
Beautiful trail, quite rocky so wear good boots. Quick walk to gorgeous ridge line.
Nice trail. I kept going along the route to Sunfish Pond which was very serene.
This was fantastic! I went counterclockwise, but would recommend going clockwise for a steep hill in the beginning and an easy descent at the end. The side on the Appalachian Trail was very rocky, so make sure to bring your hiking boots and poles. The view at Raccoon Ridge was so incredible, absolutely worth my huffing and puffing my way up the trail. Parking does get crowded, so I recommend getting there early.