Hiking the Milford Knob Trail

Milford Knob

If you've ever been to Milford Pennsylvania during the Christmas holiday season, you've probably spotted the giant star that seemingly hangs in mid air over the mountain behind the center of town. What most people don't know is that there is a trail, or rather multiple trails, that lead right up to the star. The Milford Knob Trail is easily one of my favorite in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Not because of the sights you see along the way - admittedly, this trail is pretty mundane for the most part - but for the view from the top. Not only do you get to stand right next to that giant star on the Milford Knob, but you're also treated to a spectacular view of Milford and the surrounding area. If that view isn't enough, the Milford Knob Trail leads you right to the Cliff Trail which offers stunning views of the New Jersey and the Delaware River.

Start of the Milford Knob Trail

The Milford Knob Hiking Trail is roughly 1.3 miles in each direction. Of course, that depends on where you get on the trail. You can access the Milford Knob Trail from multiple other trails but there are two trailheads that most people use. The official Milford Knob trailhead is located off of Route 209 near the weigh station at N41° 18.579' W74° 48.447' in Milford, PA. Unlike many trails in this area, this trail has a pretty large and well kept parking lot. If you'd like to cut almost a mile out of the trip you can also use the Cemetery Trail which is located in the Milford Cemetery at N41° 18.923' W74° 48.323'.

Old Foundation

Milford Knob Trail

Stream

Wooden Bridge

The trail starts fairly level for the first 1/4 of a mile. Along this part of the trail you'll come across what appears to be an old concrete foundation that has been torn down ages ago. It is unclear what this structure once was. Not long after the foundation you'll pass by a small stream and a foot bridge that covers it. While this stream was little more than a trickle on this trip, after a big storm it can get flowing pretty well.

Up Hill

Tons of downed trees

Milford Knob Trail

Hillside along the Milford Knob Hiking Trail

As you keep walking on the Milford Knob Trail you will come across multiple other trails. First, you'll see the Quarry Trail on your left, then the Cemetery Trail on your right, and finally, the Cliff Park Trail on your left. Just remember to stick to the green marked trail and you'll be fine. If you start the trail from the Milford Cemetery, just keep to the right at the intersections and you'll soon find yourself at the Knob.

Quarry Trail

Follow those green markers

Beautiful trail

Cemetery Hiking Trail

If you took the long way up, like I did, the first mile of the Milford Knob Trail gains about 200 feet in elevation. Then, in the last 1/8 mile, the trail gains another 150 feet. You'll definitely know when you've come across section of the trail. That steep hill is hard to miss. After you've huffed and puffed your way up it you'll have just a few hundred yards before you come across the best part of this trail, the Milford Knob Star!

Steep Hill

Top of the hill

View of NJ from the top of the hiking trail

Finally the sight you've been waiting for!

The Milford Knob Star

Milford Knob

View of Milford PA

For those of you who are into geocaching, there is a cache right up near the star at N41° 19.078' W74° 48.488'. If you come across it, feel free to sign the log.

Geocache

Nothing like catching a bite to eat sitting by the Milford Knob Star!

If you'd like to follow my steps through the Milford Knob Trail, check out the map of my trip and download the GPX file below. It contains the route I took as well as some important waypoints.

Milford Knob Trail Elevation Graph

Download the GPX file for my trip along the Milford Knob Trail here. (right click save as)