Totts Gap to Wolf Rocks on the Appalachian Trail

OverviewThis scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania offers spectacular views to the north at Lunch Rocks, to the east at Nelson Overlook and to the west at Wolf Rocks.DetailsTime:5 hoursDifficulty:ModerateLength:8.5 milesRoute Type:Out and backDogs:Allowed on leashFeatures:Views, CliffsLocationPark:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail (http://www.nynjtc.org/park/appalachian-national-scenic-trail)

Region:

Pocono Mountains (PA) (http://www.nynjtc.org/region/pocono-mountains-pa)

County:MonroeState:PAMaps/BooksPublicationFirst Published:03/09/2012Submitter:Daniela Wagstaff

Photo (http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/totts-gap-wolf-rocks-appalachian-trail#photo)

Parking (http://www.nynjtc.org/hike/totts-gap-wolf-rocks-appalachian-trail#map)

http://www.nynjtc.org/files/imagecache/region_image/hotw/tc%20wolf%20rocks.jpg

Trailhead GPS

http://www.nynjtc.org/files/u3158/tc%20kittatinny%20ridge.jpg ” alt=”Lunch Rocks Vista of Mount Minsi and Mount Tammanny” title=”Lunch Rocks Vista of Mount Minsi and Mount Tammanny” width=”300″ height=”158″ >Around the 1 mile point, when the trail becomes noticeably rockier and makes a very short rocky ascent, watch for a side trail to the left at the top of this rise which leads a short distance to Lunch Rocks. From this rock outcrop you can look north and see the communications tower at Totts Gap where you just came from, Mount Minsi behind the tower and Mount Tammany, NJ just the other side of Mount Minsi. If it’s early in the morning and hazy, you’ll have a second chance at a better view on your way back in a few hours.

Continue on another .85 mile to a wide grassy clearing, Nelson Overlook, with panoramic views to the east. A short distance ahead a blue-blazed side trail on the right leads to the Kirkridge Shelter. This trail continues beyond the shelter and meets back up with the Appalachian Trail in .15 mile.
Arrive at a large kiosk in Fox Gap at the 2.6-mile point. A little farther ahead go to the left of the guardrail and cross over Route 191. Proceed through an Appalachian Trail parking lot. The next mile and a half will consist mostly of woods roads, again fairly rock-free. The rocks may have been used to build the crumbling stone walls sometimes visible along the woods roads. The smooth woods roads will come to an abrupt end when you look up to see a wall of jumbled rocks and boulders looming ahead.

Pick your way over the rocks and boulders while keeping the white blazes in view so you don’t wander off course. At the top the trail levels out and continues across rock slabs and ledges through pine trees, rhododendron and mountain laurel. You can climb up on the boulders to your right for some previews of what is to come, but do continue on – you won’t need to climb up on a boulder for the best views. Continue on stepping from one slanted ledge to another. Arrive at a clearing with open views to the west and northwest of Cherry Valley and the Poconos. This vista, the turn around point for this hike, makes a nice break spot before heading back.

Click here for more pictures of this hike. (http://gonehikin.blogspot.com/2012/03/appalachian-trail-totts-gap-pa-to-wolf.html)

Turn by turn description

[ 0.00] Walk beyond gate and follow the gravel road uphill[ 0.25] At intersection continue straight on gravel road to top of incline; turn right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail before the gravel road starts to descend[ 0.35] Cross power cut[ 0.40] Cross power cut[ 0.95] View to the west at small clearing on right as AT turns left[ 1.00] Short side trail on left to Lunch Rocks overlook of Mt. Minsi and Mt. Tammany[ 1.85] Nelson Overlook at grassy open area[ 2.00] Blue-blazed side trail on right to Kirkbridge Shelter[ 2.15] Blue-blazed side trail on right leads back to AT from Kirkbridge Shelter[ 2.25] Cross power cut[ 2.60] Kiosk at Fox Gap[ 2.65] Cross Route 191 and proceed on AT through parking area[ 4.00] Cross power cut[ 4.20] Rock scramble up to Wolf Rocks[ 4.25] Open view at Wolf Rocks; retrace back to Totts Gap[ 8.50] Arrive back at Totts Gap parking lot