Fri, Aug 14
|Appalachian Trail Parking
Shabbat in the Mountains: Delaware Water Gap Backpacking
Join us for a 3-day backpacking Shabbaton in the Delaware Water Gap, hiking one of the region’s most iconic routes—the Mount Tammany–Sunfish Pond Loop. With sweeping ridge views, forest trails, and a peaceful lakeside setting for Shabbat. This is a great, beginner backpacking trip.
Time & Location
Aug 14, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT – Aug 16, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Appalachian Trail Parking, Columbia, NJ 07832, USA
About the Journey
Overview
This is a 3-day / 2-night backpacking trip built around a full Shabbat in the outdoors, centered on one of the most beautiful hikes in the region—the Mount Tammany–Sunfish Pond Loop. You can see our route on AllTrails.
We’ll begin on Friday by climbing Mount Tammany, known for its sweeping views over the Delaware Water Gap, before continuing along the Appalachian Trail into quieter backcountry. From there, we’ll reach the area around Sunfish Pond—a glacial lake often considered one of the most scenic spots along the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey—and set up a peaceful forest basecamp nearby.
Total Mileage: 9.8 miles
Total Elevation Gain: ~2,178 ft
This trip offers:
A beginner-friendly backpacking experience—perfect for your first overnight trip
A chance to learn the fundamentals of backpacking in a supportive setting
A small, intentional Jewish group
A meaningful Shabbat in the backcountry—unplugged, grounded, and shared
Kosher meals provided
Peaceful creekside camping near Sunfish Pond
Scenic hiking along one of the region’s most beautiful routes
Trek Leaders
This trek will be led by Scott Klein. Scott is a U.S. Army Chaplain within the 82nd Airborne Division and an incredible trek leader. You can read his bio further here.
Difficulty Level
Daily hiking distance: 5–7 miles
Elevation gain: ~1,200 ft on Day 1 (short but steep section)
Suitable for beginners with good fitness and preparation
We'll be taking things slow. If you're comfortable carrying a pack for several hours and open to challenge, you’ll be good.
Location
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (NJ/PA border)
Just ~1.5–2 hours from NYC, this area offers some of the best backpacking terrain in the region—ridge views, dense forest, and quiet backcountry campsites.
Transportation
The trailhead is accessible by car and you can park there. If you need a ride or have room in your car, you can connect with other participants to coordinate.
Itinerary
(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)
Day 1 — Friday, Aug 14 – 10am
Distance: ~4 miles
Elevation gain: ~1,000 ft gain
Meet at trailhead at 10am and hike up to Mount Tammany and continue along the Appalachian Trail. We will set up camp near Sunfish Pond before Shabbat, build an eruv, prepare our food, and settle in for a gorgeous Shabbat together.
Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 15
We spend Shabbat in the backcountry, camped beside Sunfish Pond.
The day is open for rest, reflection, conversation, and time in nature, with optional short walks along the lake.
Day 3 — Sunday, July 5
Distance: ~6 miles
Elevation gain: ~2200 ft elevation loss, 1000 feet gain
We break camp in the morning and hike 3.5 miles while losing 1000 feet in elevation. From there, we make our ascent of Mt. Tammany (approx. 1000 feet elevation gain over 1 mile). Then we descend 1200 feet back to the parking lot over a final 1.5 miles.
Despite the longer mileage and elevation gain, we will give ourselves plenty of time to finish this hike and everyone to the trailhead by 4pm.
Spiritual Theme for this Event
The Strength of the Slow Ascent
In our daily lives, we are often conditioned to move with speed and intensity to reach the objective. This trek is an opportunity to shift that focus. Shabbat isn't just about stopping; it’s about the deliberate, disciplined transition from doing to being. We’ll focus on the intentionality of the climb and what it means to carry our responsibilities without letting them weigh us down.
Shabbat and Kosher Friendly
We welcome people of all levels of Jewish observance. Our trips are structured to ensure that participants who observe Shabbat and kashrut can do so comfortably.
We will arrive at our campsite before Shabbat on Friday (where we will built a kosher eruv) and spend Shabbat resting.
What do I need to bring?
Lech-Lecha provides:
All kosher food
Tents
Cooking equipment and stoves
All communal gear
Participants must bring:
Backpack
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Hiking boots or trail shoes
Weather-appropriate hiking clothing
Gear rentals are available for this trip, for an additional fee.
Contact
To learn more about this trek, please contact:
Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org
Director of Programming
Tickets
Delaware Water Gap Early Bird
Sale ends
Jun 15, 8:00 PM EDT
Paying the full amount guarantees your spot at this experience. Paying only the deposit will reserve your spot up to 2 weeks prior to the event. We will send you an invoice by email for the remaining balance (plus any rental gear!). The full payment is due within two (2) weeks prior to the Trek Date. Please see the FAQ section below for our cancellation policy. Coupon codes only work for full purchases, not with deposits.
$375.00
Delaware Water Gap Trek
Sale ends
Aug 01, 6:30 PM EDT
June 15, 2026, ticket prices go up to $450/person.
$450.00
+$11.25 ticket service fee
Pay Deposit Only
Sale ends
May 14, 8:37 AM EDT
Paying the full amount guarantees your spot at this experience. Paying only the deposit will reserve your spot up to 2 weeks prior to the event. We will send you an invoice by email for the remaining balance (plus any rental gear!). The full payment is due within two (2) weeks prior to the Trek Date. Please see the FAQ section below for our cancellation policy.
$100.00
+$2.50 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00
Frequently asked questions
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Let's Connect
Got questions? Reach out and we'll get back to you real soon!
