Mount Tammany, Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey · 1,441 ft
The open rock ledge at the top of the Red Dot Trail looks southwest through the gap at Mount Minsi and the Delaware River bending below. Early sun clears the ridge behind you and front-lights the Pennsylvania wall across the water.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 9 – Oct 17
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces WSW (240°)
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
Park at the Dunnfield Creek lot at I-80 exit 1 in New Jersey and climb 1.2 miles up the steep Red Dot Trail.
What turns here
- chestnut oak
- red maple
- black birch
- sassafras
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 13Typical color progression for Mount Tammany, Delaware Water Gap. No change from Sep 5 to Sep 22. First color from Sep 22 to Oct 1. Approaching peak from Oct 1 to Oct 9. Peak from Oct 9 to Oct 17. Past peak from Oct 17 to Oct 27. Bare from Oct 27 to Nov 10.
Mount Tammany, Delaware Water Gap is typically at no change on this date.
Light at peak
Mount Tammany, Delaware Water Gap on October 13, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:41 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 99° | 7:09 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light | 7:46 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:46 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset | 5:46 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 260° | 6:23 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:51 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 14m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Based on the classic composition here facing WSW (240°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.