Pochuck Boardwalk
The Pochuck Boardwalk on the Appalachian Trail is a short, scenic, walk excellent for fall foliage. Trail surface is easy, on level wooden boardwalks.
Easy hike through a scenic marshy area on a long boardwalk and over the Pochuck Suspension Bridge.
The Pochuck Boardwalk is the longest elevation boardwalk constructed to date on the Appalachian Trail, winding over one of the largest wetland areas along the entire length of the Trail. This section was opened for public use in 2002.
While the boardwalk itself is wheelchair accessible, there is no ADA parking nearby and there is a non-standard transition from the pavement to the boardwalk that includes a narrow entrance through the guard rail at the signed crosswalk and a short descent down a gravel path. There is also a short section approximately 0.4 mile from the road with a gap in the boardwalk, and the A.T. traverses a wide but rocky dirt path.
Follow the A.T. north, briefly going down a gravel path to the beginning of the boardwalk. As the boardwalk meanders over the wetland, listen for the many birds that call the wetland home, including the bald eagle. Keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, frogs, and other critters!
At around 0.4 mile, the boardwalk will enter a wooded section, ending for a short distance. Pick the boardwalk back up and continue back out into the open wetland.
At 0.7 mile, come to Pochuck Creek, where 18 stairs lead onto the 144-foot Pochuck Creek suspension bridge. The boardwalk continues for another 0.2 mile past the footbridge. Retrace your path to complete the hike.
- 2.0 miles total.
- No bathrooms.
- Park along NJ 517.
