Off to the Poconos; Mount Tammany (1,527')

Hello, Adventurers!

Isn't there just something magical about being outdoors? It fills my soul with pure joy! The fresh air, the exercise, the sounds, the scents, the feeling of freedom—I adore it all! And with that spirit of adventure, I never pass up an opportunity to try something new. And that's precisely where our journey leads us this time!

We find ourselves in the Poconos (Pennsylvania, US) for my daughter's very first Dance Nationals! This year marked her debut in competitive dance, and witnessing her growth as a dancer and young woman over these twelve months has been nothing short of incredible. She danced her heart out, and I couldn't be prouder. One of her performances even won the National Title and took fourth place overall across all age groups! My heart swells with pride!



Now, let's dive into the outdoor adventure! The week flew by, and the plans changed a few times, but it was finally settled that I would hike Mount Tammany on Friday (7/14). It would be an afternoon hike, as I was waiting for my partner to finish work, and it came after my training session (Chest Day, Day 1 of the training week), because I don't miss my gym days. These circumstances made it a bit different than my usual hikes, but that didn't diminish my excitement one bit.

You might be wondering, "Why Tammany?" Well, I don't have an extraordinary answer, but the trail offered a greater challenge compared to most hikes I found in the area. It promised a rewarding view of the Delaware River. It was manageable for our tight schedule. Plus, it was the highest peak I could find in the area—something I always appreciate!


With the "why" clarified, let's talk about what lay ahead! I aimed to hit the trail by 4:30 pm, opting for the Red Dot Up and the Blue Dot Down. This loop would take us through about 4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,234 feet. The trail was known for its very steep mile-and-a-half climb up, followed by a relatively flat 2.5-mile trail down (bringing back memories of Wachusett, if you recall the reference).

The ascent proved as challenging as anticipated. My partner, who hadn't hiked in over a month, pushed through to conquer the peak, reminding me of how far I've come on my hiking journey. I felt terrific getting up that mountain and even thought I could have done it twice over! My lungs and legs have come a long way, indeed!

And oh, the views on the way up were absolutely breathtaking!


However, when we reached the summit, the sky turned gray, prompting us to forego any rest and head right back down. We were making good time until the sky turned black, and we found ourselves caught in a downpour. The trail quickly transformed into a river, filling our boots with water. This continued until we finally reached the car.

Overall, the hike was beyond amazing! I would recommend this trail ten out of ten times! It was also a humorous experience getting caught in the rain for the first time, and I couldn't have asked for a better hiking partner to share that adventure with. The trail took us a total of two hours and fifteen minutes, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Onwards and Upwards,
The Adventuring TeddyBear 🧸 

The Ranks:

Favorite Hikes:
1. Bear Peak
2. Lil Haystack
3. Pulpit Rock
4. Mount Tammany 
5. Joshua Tree National Park (Hidden Valley Trail)



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