Dunker Mountain is located just north of Route 23 in the Pequannock Watershed. At 1340' and at 260' of primary factor prominence, Dunker Mountain is a substantial mountain, yet, due to its broad slopes, Dunker does not offer much in the way of a view except for a few limited views towards the east.
Instead of a grand view, Dunker's rewards are pleasant New Jersey forest, interesting rock formations, and secluded trail. The summit area is broad and grassy and has an unmarked, but easily followable, herd path.
Most people will climb Dunker from Route 23, but if you can climb the mountain from the north you will get to experience the undisturbed forest and swamp of the Newark watershed lands, the closest thing to wilderness in northern New Jersey.
Elevation | 1340 |
Decimal degrees | 41.082, -74.4826 |
County | Passaic |
Ownership | public |
Owner | Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation |
Topo map | Acme Mapper |
Nearest higher neighbor | Hamburg Mountain High Point |
I hiked to the summit via a short detour while on hike of Highlands Trail between Holland Mountain Road and Paradise Road.
Parked at the lot just before the one-lane underpass on Canistear Rd. Walked under the bridge and took the Highlands Trail up to just before the trail descends to Dunker Pond. Bushwhacked the final ~.1 mile to the summit.
Did as part of the Highlands Trail. A short, not-too-difficult bushwhack off the HT.
The Highlands Trail begings its ascent of Dunker Mountain near this railroad bridge. —Jeff Bennett
Hiking along an unmarked, yet well trodden, summit trail. —Jeff Bennett
Thomas and Patrick Bubniak on the summit of Dunker Mountain 12-24-2009 —Thomas Bubniak
Dunker Mtn. Summit Area —Brom Vermeulen
Dunker Pond —John P
The Dunker Pond outlet —John P
The Dunker Mountain summit area —John P