Winter is not here yet! However, Charlie Fineran’s Photo of the Week is a Crisp, Cold and Snow Covered view of the  destination to Ricks Rocks, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. 

Hoping to accomplish two goals with this one photo!!  First, give you an overall view of Ricks Rocks within the panorama of the mountain!  Second, “COOL YOU OFF” after all this steamy hot weather!!

SITE DESCRIPTION:  The following information is from the rock climbing link below. I included this to inform you that this is a well-known rock climbing site within the Park, HOWEVER, for the rest of us, ‘This is a pretty neat SHORT hike!!’  Rick’s is an eastern facing cliff on Catfish Mountain about 10 miles north of the Delaware Water Gap . A single pitch area with similar rock quality as the Delaware Water Gap which means bring a helmet. Lots of loose rocks and vegetation but the established routes themselves are clean . Long slings necessary to set up top ropes . Mostly easy to moderate climbs with pretty good protection .There is a fire tower about 1/2 mile south with 360 degree view of NY , NJ , PA .

Usually quiet and not too crowded.

This is a pretty neat short hike!  You are going up a fairly steep and rocky trail until you reach the base of the cliffs.  I just walked along the base taking photos looking up!  My opinion, take this hike when there are no leaves, you are treated to beautiful vistas through the branches AND most importantly, your view looking up will also be unobstructed!  The last several photos with the heavy snow were taken approaching this site along Millbrook Rd.

Directions:  From Blairstown, take Millbrook Road, as you approach the top of the mountain look for a small dirt turn off area on the left.  NOTE: if you come to a turn off parking area with a gate, you went too far!!  That is for the Appalachian Trail and Catfish Fire Tower.  From Millbrook Village, Millbrook Road up and over the mountain and it is the pull-off after the AT and Catfish Fire Tower gate on your right.

Please visit my Flickr site for photos – https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72157625835814581

Interesting rock climbing link for Ricks Rocks – https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106384163/ricks-rocks

Enjoy Your Open Space, Charlie Fineran