Dunnfield Creek - Sunfish Pond - AT - 5/9/11

[njHiking.com]

We opted for one of our all-time faves, Dunnfield Creek trail to Sunfish Pond, around the pond, then return via the Appalachian Trail. It had been a few years since we'd done this route, as we've been sticking to the longer and more challenging Mt Tammany Fire Road - Sunfish - Dunnfield route.

Since it wasn't a weekend, it was also a better day to be going to such a popular area. We were still surprised to see many cars in the lot and quite a few people enjoying Sunfish.

9.5 miles.

There was a forest fire in the area last year, and damage was visible on the west side of the pond and along the Appalachian Trail on the return. The Appalachian Trail acted like a fire break - the forest was burnt right up to it, but the fine on the other side.

Wildlife spotted: FOUR snakes, and a salamander(?) of some sort.

Read the entire Dunnfield Creek - Sunfish Pond - AT post, plus some photos and video of the snakes.

[Linda Frank]

We've been planning on going back to do this route again this spring to see things in bloom - especially the waves & waves of rhododendrons! Never done it at this time of year, only in the fall and late winter.  

 

Did you notice if the rhodies were beginning to bloom?  My hybrid rhodies are in bloom, but not sure about the natives growing along Dunnfield especially.  They might have a later bloom time. Any "floral" sightings you'd care to pass on? :)  Thanks.   Linda

[Daniela Wagstaff]

You got some great snake shots! I hear a lot of things skittering away as I approach but all I have ever seen are rat snakes. I think one of those snakes should have slithered on over by that annoying woman on her cell phone.

[njHiking.com]

Linda - Didn't notice any blooms yet when we went, but that was 2 weeks ago. Everything was nice and green though (well, except for all the fire damage)

 

Daniela - thanks! We couldn't believe the snakes didn't take off, and instead posed for photos. And I think the woman on the cell phone was so oblivious, that snake could have crawled over her foot and she wouldn't have noticed!