The Appalachian Trail slice through Hardwick Township, New Jersey, offers hikers a demanding but deeply rewarding journey along rugged ridges and dense woodlands. Covering roughly 6.5 miles, this section delivers steady climbs interspersed with rocky scrambles, pushing your legs but rewarding your effort with views that dare you to keep moving forward. At the heart of this hike, the Delaware River appears like a silver ribbon threading through the valley below, its currents echoing the pulse of the wilderness around you.

Starting near the Village of Riegelsville, PA—just across the river—this trail section invites you onto its undulating spine. Forests tower above, their branches like watchful guardians, shifting light and shadow along the path. Early spring brings the scent of damp earth and blooming woodland flowers, while summer's canopy offers dappled shade from the sun’s persistent gaze.

Elevation gain in this stretch hovers around 1,400 feet. The terrain challenges you with rock-strewn paths and narrow ridges, demanding secure footing and attentive steps. Yet every breath becomes sharper with anticipation as the trail unfolds a panorama: the Delaware’s deep blue waters carving through forests, cliffs, and rolling hills on either side.

For practicalities, start early to avoid midday heat and to catch the river’s sparkle in morning light, enhancing your photographs. Footwear with solid ankle support is a must—rocky segments can shift without warning. Hydrate well; while small springs appear along the way, relying on them requires filtration. Pack layers to handle temperature swings, especially if you’re hiking when the wind carries the chill off the river below.

This trek is not a contest to conquer but an engagement with a landscape fiercely itself. Respect the trail’s demands and reward your effort with moments of quiet—the river’s steady murmur, birds calling unseen above, the rustling leaves reminding you of the wilderness’s living heart.

End your hike near the junction with the Paulinskill Valley Trail, or push further for a full day of exploration. Nearby Blairstown offers inviting lodgings and a chance to replenish before your next adventure. Whether you seek a single-day outing or a multi-day expedition, the Delaware River section of the Appalachian Trail in Hardwick Township challenges body and spirit, coaxing adventure out of each step.