Trails

Besides the thirty-five 3500 foot peaks in the Catskills, there are many other smaller mountains to climb. In addition, there are hundreds of miles of trails to hike. There are also MANY other places to hike also. I have divided the Trails section into list of All Trail, the Catskills, the Shawangunks, Bear Mt/Harriman, East Hudson, West Hudson, New Jersey and Other Trails. The All Trails list is almost 250 different trails and may load slowly on your computer. The "divided" list should load more quickly.

You can view all the Trails here.

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Acra Point Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.1 mi	1100 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at trail head parking area on Black Dome or Big Hollow Road. Be aware that past a certain point this road is considered seasonal and may not be plowed or maintained. During the winter the trailhead parking is almost never plowed and parking is limited along the shoulders of the road. The trail head is just BEFORE the parking area on the right. Find the red-blazed Black Dome Trail and immediately cross the Batavia Kill on a bridge. After a short walk, re-cross the Batavia Kill and continue on the trail for about 1.1 miles. This second crossing has no bridge and can be tricky at times! Look over your shoulder occasionally to see the imposing presence of Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole Mountains. This walk winds its way upward through mixed hardwood and spruce forest until it meets the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

Turn right on The Escarpment Trail and head toward Acra Point. The terrain now is more rugged and steeper. There is a hint of views to both the north and south on both sides of the trail but they are not clear. Walk off the trail on the left to get a view to the north toward Albany or wait until just after the top of Acra Point. After about .7 miles you will be at the summit of Acra Point. The best views to the south and west are from a lookout BEFORE the summit. The path is well-traveled and is easy to find. When you walk out onto the rock shelf, you are treated to a spectacular view of the three mountains and the Camel's Hump. The views down the Black Dome Valley to the west are also excellent. From here you can also see Burnt Knob and behind and to the right Windham Mountain.

Continue on the Escarpment Trail for another 1.75 miles. The trail skirts a hill nearly as high as Acra. Views to the north from the trail continue to be elusive.The trail descends but has several short ascents before it heads down to meet the Batavia Kill Trail. The Escarpment Trail continues up over Blackhead Mountain. As you descend the trail toward the Batavia Kill Trail junction it looks very much as if you MUST ascend this mountain! Turn right on the yellow-blazed Batavia Kill Trail to return to the parking area. This trail goes on for about 1 mile and ends. Be sure to turn right and follow the red-blazed Black Dome Trail and the signs to the parking area about .6 miles away. If you turn left, you will be climbing to the col between Blackhead and Black Dome! Bridges span the widest and deepest water crossings near the end of the trail. There is also evidence of a dam and the foundations of a mill on the Batavia Kill.

Acra Point and Burnt Knob

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.2 mi	1320 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at trail head parking area on Black Dome or Big Hollow Road. Be aware that past a certain point this road is considered seasonal and may not be plowed or maintained. During the winter the trailhead parking is almost never plowed and parking is limited along the shoulders of the road. The trail head is just BEFORE the parking area on the right. Find the red-blazed Black Dome Trail and immediately cross the Batavia Kill on a bridge. After a short walk, re-cross the Batavia Kill and continue on the trail for about 1.1 miles. This second crossing has no bridge and can be tricky at times! Look over your shoulder occasionally to see the imposing presence of Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole Mountains. This walk winds its way upward through mixed hardwood and spruce forest until it meets the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

Turn right on The Escarpment Trail and head toward Acra Point. The terrain now is more rugged and steeper. There is a hint of views to both the north and south on both sides of the trail but they are not clear. Walk off the trail on the left to get a view to the north toward Albany or wait until just after the top of Acra Point. After about .7 miles you will be at the summit of Acra Point. The best views to the south and west are from a lookout BEFORE the summit. The path is well-traveled and is easy to find. When you walk out onto the rock shelf, you are treated to a spectacular view of the three mountains and the Camel's Hump. The views down the Black Dome Valley to the west are also excellent. From here you can also see Burnt Knob and behind and to the right Windham Mountain.

Retrace your steps back down to the junction of the Black Dome Trail and the Escarpment Trail. Continue straight ahead toward Burnt Knob. The summit is only about .5 miles from the trail junction but it is eroded and steep in some places. During the winter the snow conditions may make it almost impossible to negotiate. The best views are on the left of the trail just BEFORE the summit. Several short spur trails lead out to viewpoints. If you continue passed the summit you will descend slightly. Just before a steeper descent on the way to Windham High Peak look ahead for a nice view of this peak. The view is better in fall and winter when there are few leaves on the trees. Turn around and retrace your path back to the trail junction. Turn right to go back to the car.

Alder Lake: Little Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.3 mi.	2143 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the Alder Creek Road. Alder Creek Road is a left turn off the Beaverkill Road about two miles after it makes a sharp right turn near the Barkaboom Road that goes to the Little Pond State Campgrounds. Go to the end of Alder Creek Road and turn right into the access road to Alder Lake. Bearing left will take you over to the Millbrook-Arena Road on Cross Mountain Raod. Park in the parking lot and walk back down the driveway/access road and cross Alder Creek Road. Finding the red-blazed Touch-Me-Not Trail can be tricky and once found it can be hard to follow in places as it is NOT clearly marked. The trail rises and falls over the shoulders of several mountains. After 3.5 miles you arrive at the Big Pond trail head parking area on the Barkaboom Rd. Walk down the access road to the main road. Turn right on the road and follow it for a short distance then make a left up into the woods. After another .75 miles, you will be near the top of Touch-Me-Not Mountain. At this point turn left and hike 1.15 miles to Little Pond Campgrounds on the blue Campgrounds Trail. This descent is a steep, at times, but short. Walk .85 miles down the access road/driveway to the Barkaboom Road and make a right. Walk a short distance to the Beaverkill Road and turn left. Walk on the Beaverkill Road for about 1.4 miles and make a left on Alder Creek Road. Alder Lake parking is about 2.5 miles away at the end of the road.

Alder Lake: Millbrook Ridge

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.6 mi.	1940 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

I had lived in Livingston Manor for 25 years before I managed to vist Alder Lake. Several people had told me how beautiful it is but I just hadn't made it there. The lake IS very pretty and is frequented by many people. Campsites dot the entire perimeter of the lake. The Alder Lake Loop Trail is about 1.6 miles and suitable for beginners with only a slight rise on one side. The hikes to the Beecher Lake overlook or to Balsam Lake Mountain on the other hand have several steep areas and can be quite a challenge. The distances, 8 and 13 miles respectively, may also be daunting for some. The map above shows the out and back route from Alder Lake along Millbrook Ridge to the Beecher Lake overlook. I have labeled some of the the points of interest along the way. The Beecher Lake overlook is beautiful with a nice view of the lake and the Zen Buddhist monastery that is on its shores.

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the Alder Creek Road. Alder Creek Road is a left turn off the Beaverkill Road about two miles after it makes a sharp right turn near the Barkaboom Road that goes to the Little Pond State Campgrounds. Go to the end of Alder Creek Road and turn right into the access road to Alder Lake. Park in the parking lot and walk to the lake. The Coykendall mansion house that stood on the grounds has been removed by New York State as they did not have the money to maintain or restore it. NOw only the stone work remains. As you walk toward the lake you may turn left or right to get on the red Alder Lake loop trail. After about .8 miles on this trail the yellow Millbrook Ridge trail breaks off heading east. The trail ascends very gently and after about 1.5 miles on the trail you arrive at the Beaver Meadow lean-to and spring. There once was a large beaver pond here but it is now being reclaimed and forming a meadow.

Back on the trail you will pass another pond on your right after which the trail climbs more steeply. After about 1.35 miles you are at the highest point on the ridge (3480 ft). The trail then descends slightly before another ascent to the overlook; a distance of another 1.1 miles. The return trip simplely reverses your trip out. When you get to the Alder Lake loop trail, you can go the other way around to add a little variety.

Angel Falls

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	0.6 mi.	137 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Turn onto Route 55A from Route 55 just east of the TriValley School in Grahamsville, Take the first right hand turn as Route 55A continues around the Rondout Reservoir. DRive for a little over 4 miles and turn left on Yahweh Road just before Route 55A crosses a creek on a bridge. After 1.2 miles turn right on Shalom Road which is now a DEAD END. Park at the end of the paved road near the power right-of-way but avoid parking on private property or blocking the private driveway. The DEP signs are confusing with some saying TRESPASSING and others inviting hikers to hike. Walk down the old road which is now crumbling. This road stays above the streambed for Tout Creek until it reaches the upper falls. You may walk to the stream above the falls before following the informal path that parallels the stream. Some paths lead down to the streambed to points that give excellent views of the upper falls. These paths are DANGEROUS under the best conditions! Continue on the informal paths which parallel the stream until you get to the area of the lower falls. The lower falls do not have a drop as high as the upper falls but they are beautiful in their own way. Walk to the rock shelf that allows access to the top of the lower falls to take some pictures. Continue along the creek and observe the stone foundations built next to the falls. Walk out to the stream bed using great caution to get a glimpse of the lower falls. When you are finished, head up the steep bank back to the old road and your car.

Anthony's Nose and Bear Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.5 miles	2400 feet	MSR Maps	GPsies

Park in any of the parking lots at the Bear Mountain Inn off Route 202/9W. The two trails that allow access to Bear Mountain are the Appalachian Trail and the Major Welch Trail. Begin by walking passed the skating rink and down to the footpath around Hessian Lake. Stay to the left of the lake and look for the red on white blazes that mark the Major Welch Trail. Watch carefully for TWO of the blazes which signify the place where the trail turns left and into the woods. At first this trail slowly climbs passed the Overlook Lodge and the ascent seems easy. Look are definitely deceiving! Shortly the trail begins its real ascent which becomes steep and difficult at times with several short but interesting scrambles over exposed rock face. About 2/3 of the way up the mountain, the trail crosses Perkins Drive and then heads back into the woods. Near the top of the climb are several lookouts with spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge. The trail continues on to the top of the mountain and the Perkins Tower.

From here find the white blazes of the AT as it heads down the mountain. This trail is not as steep as the Major Welch as it winds its way down the mountain. The trail briefly intersects a road where you should turn right and follow it to a small parking area that overlooks the river. The trail turns right onto a road but immediately turns left and down into the woods. Continue following the AT. It will intersect the yellow blazed Suffern Bear Mountain Trail near the bottom. Turn left at this point and make your way back to the parking area.

At this point you can end the hike and feel very satisfied with the sights you have seen or you can set out to Anthony's Nose. Walk toward Hessian Lake but this time head to the right. Watch for the white blazes of the AT and the 1777 markers. You may take the tunnel under 9W and follow the AT through the zoo. This costs $1, is sometimes closed AND DOES NOT ALLOW PETS. You can also follow the shoulder of 9W to the Bear Mountain traffic circle. Cross here and head for the pedestrian Walkway on the north OR south side of the bridge. Take a moment to enjoy the views up and own the river. Straight ahead at the other end of the bridge rises Anthony's Nose. At the end of the bridge turn left and walk the shoulder of 9D for about .2 miles. Look for the white AT blazes and a trail head kiosk on the right side of the road. Here the AT turns up into the woods. The trail initially winds its way toward the rocky crag which is Anthony's Nose. Shortly it turns upward with several steep portions. A few level parts and switchbacks help you catch your breath. At the top the AT heads northeast to the left. Turn to the right on the woods road through Camp Smith. This trail is marked by blue blazes and heads directly toward your destination. Near the end of the trail there is an obvious blazed turn to the left. This DOES NOT lead to the Nose but does give some interesting views if the river and the surrounding mountains. Turn right at this T and you are at Anthony's Nose. Walk out to any of the prominent rock outcrops to get incredible views up and down the river. Be careful as there is no protection from a short but fast fall 900 feet to the river below. The views down on the bridge and to the water itself ARE breath taking. The way back is simply to retrace your steps perhaps taking the walkway on the other side of the bridge.

Anthony's Nose: AT from Route 9D

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	1.8 miles	790 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Travel north on Route 9D from the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge. There are several places to park cars along the shoulder or in pulloffs. Be careful walking along Route 9D as the cars travel too fast and the road is too narrow. The trailhead is marked by a sign on the right side of 9D headed north just after the bridge. There is no trail register here but the markings are the white blazes of the AT. The trail initially winds its way toward the rocky crag which is Anthony's Nose. Shortly it turns upward with several steep portions. A few level parts and switchbacks help you catch your breath. At the top, after only .5 miles, the AT heads northeast to the left. Turn RIGHT onto this wide woods road to head toward Anthony's Nose. As you approach the edge of the cliffs, turn up to your right to get to the lookout. Return to your car by reversing the route.

Anthony's Nose: Camp Smith Trail from Route 202

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.1 miles	850 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Travel south on Route 9D from the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge for about 1.1 miles and turn left on Route 202 (Jack Woods Road). Watch for the small parking area on the left. Park and start hiking north on the Camp Smith Trail. The trail immediately starts to gain some elevation, drops a little and then ascends to Anthony's Nose. At the top of the climb bear slightly to the left to get to the lookout. eEturn to your car by reversing the route.

Anthony's Nose: From South Mountain Pass

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.2 miles	950 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Travel north on Route 9D from the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge for about 1.4 miles and turn on Manitou Road on the right. At the T turn right on South Mountain Pass Road. Drive .5 miles and watch for the small trail head parking on the right. Get on the wide woods road which is the Appalachian Trail.Follow the trail to the right as it starts level and then gains some elevation. At around 1 mile the AT heads right and down to the river. Continue straight ahead to Anthony's Nose. As you approach the edge of the cliffs, turn up to your right to get to the lookout. Return to your car by reversing the route.

Anthony's Nose: Phelps Mine and Camp Smith Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.7 miles	2550 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Travel north on Route 9D from the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge. There are several places to park cars along the shoulder or in pulloffs. Be careful walking along Route 9D as the cars travel too fast and the road is too narrow. The trailhead is marked by a sign on the right side of 9D headed north just after the bridge. There is no trail register here but the markings are the white blazes of the AT. The trail initially winds its way toward the rocky crag which is Anthony's Nose. Shortly it turns upward with several steep portions. A few level parts and switchbacks help you catch your breath. At the top, after only .5 miles, the AT heads northeast to the left. Turn onto this wide woods road to head toward South Mountain Pass trailhead. The road is wide but rocky. Follow the blazes as they turn left into the woods. Obey the posted signs which mark Camp Smith, an active Army National Guard training site! The trail rolls up and down and switches back and forth several times. After about 1 mile it meets another woods road. Turn left and walk out to the trailhead if you wish. On to the way back you will have to bushwhack up the mountain to find the mine. Look for an informal campsite and head up and east. The Phelps mine is clearly marked on the NYNJTC maps. At some point you may hit another woods road that leads directly to the mine.

As you approach the mine you will notice a slope of "rusty" tailings. Look up the right and walk in that direction and you will see an old, rusty fence surrounding the adit to the mine. At least one section of the fence is down allowing access to the mine adit. Be VERY careful around the mine entrance. The stones are loose and the mine is DEEP!. Outside the fence and a little to the right is an airshaft with a grate. Looking through the tailings and mine waste may reveal some mineral samples. The mine was originally opened as an iron mine but copper, zinc and sulfur were all extracted. When you have had enough, retrace your route back to the woods road and follow the At back to where you ascended from 9D. Continue straight ahead for .5 miles to Anthony's Nose. Depending on the season and the weather the views here can be quite different. They are always interesting but may be clearer or more beautiful on a particular day. The Bear Mountain Bridge is directly below and the Popolopen Gorge Bridge and footbridge below are visible. Bear Mountain with the Perkins Tower are directly across the Hudson. Looking south reveals Iona Island and Indian Point. Depending on the day you may see trains on the tracks on the west side of the river, pleasure boats and barges on the river and birds riding the air currents.

Return to the blue trail from Anthony's Nose and walk straight ahead to another viewpoint. This one has a USGS seal at the top. Continue on down the blue Camp Smith Trail. The trail descends for 1 mile until it reaches a trailhead on Route 202 north of the bridge. (Continuing along this trail for just under 2 miles will bring you to the start of the trail at the Hudson Highlands Gateway.) Along the way there are a few other viewpoints but none as nice as Anthony's Nose. At the trailhead turn around and retrace your path to Anthony's Nose and then to the trail that leads down and back to the car.

Ashokan High Point: Kanape Brook Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.1 mi.	2240 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Kanape Brook PA trailhead on the Peekamoose Road. Walk across the road and toward the Ashokan to pick up the trail. The first 2.7 miles is a rather gentle uphill walk. Much of the first part of the trail parallels Kanape Brook which can be heard as you walk along the trail. Several small bridges and culverts cross tributaries which increase the volume of the brook. The trail hear is a wide road typical of logging or quarrying roads that run throughout the Catskills. At the 2.7 mile mark make a pronounced left. The trail now narrows to a footpath but is marked and well-worn. You are immediately faced with a choice! The trail straight ahead continues upward fro about 1 mile to the Ashokan High Point. This trail gains about 1000 feet over the mile and there are several steep areas. Most of these areas have stone steps which make the climb easier. The trail to the left is longer but generally easier to climb. This 2.5 mile trail meanders up to the High Point. Once at the High Point itself you have a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys directly to the east. Depending on the foliage cover, you may be able to see a hint of the reservoir a little farther north or to the left as you gaze from the lookout. A little farther to the north and west the trail opens into several fields and can become hard to follow. Some visitors have built a fire circle surrounded by stone chairs. Walking to the north and east side of the field gives you a spectacular view of the Ashokan Reservoir. The view is NOT clear and is blocked by trees making the best viewing times when the leaves are not on the trees. Turning your gaze a little more to the north and west reveals the Burrough's Range with the unmistakable outline of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountains. After taking in the view, head to the left of the fireplace and follow a path into the woods to pick up the trail again. This 2.5 mile trail meanders down from the High Point back to the trail junction where you met it the first time. There are several steep and rocky areas to negotiate. Along the way there is at least one prominent path leading northwest but seemingly into nowhere. When the trail bends sharply to the left you can head southwest on a bushwhack which is steep in many places but will cut some distance off your return trip. Back at the trail junction it is only a matter of following the main trail back to the car.

Ashokan High Point: Kanape Brook Out and Back

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.3 mi.	2140 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Kanape Brook PA trailhead on the Peekamoose Road. Walk across the road and toward the Ashokan to pick up the trail. The first 2.7 miles is a rather gentle uphill walk. Much of the first part of the trail parallels Kanape Brook which can be heard as you walk along the trail. Several small bridges and culverts cross tributaries which increase the volume of the brook. The trail hear is a wide road typical of logging or quarrying roads that run throughout the Catskills. At the 2.7 mile mark make a pronounced left. The trail now narrows to a footpath but is marked and well-worn. You are immediately faced with a choice! The trail straight ahead continues upward fro about 1 mile to the Ashokan High Point. This trail gains about 1000 feet over the mile and there are several steep areas. Most of these areas have stone steps which make the climb easier. The trail to the left is longer but generally easier to climb. This 2.5 mile trail meanders up to the High Point. Once at the High Point itself you have a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys directly to the east. Depending on the foliage cover, you may be able to see a hint of the reservoir a little farther north or to the left as you gaze from the lookout. A little farther to the north and west the trail opens into several fields and can become hard to follow. Some visitors have built a fire circle surrounded by stone chairs. Walking to the north and east side of the field gives you a spectacular view of the Ashokan Reservoir. The view is NOT clear and is blocked by trees making the best viewing times when the leaves are not on the trees. Turning your gaze a little more to the north and west reveals the Burrough's Range with the unmistakable outline of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountains. To get back to your car turn around and retrace your path back to the parking area. The out and back allows a quick descent of the steeper sections for those who don't mind this sort of thing.

Ashokan High Point and Little Ashokan: Kanape Brook Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.8 mi.	2820 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Kanape Brook PA trailhead on the Peekamoose Road. Walk across the road and toward the Ashokan to pick up the trail. The first 2.7 miles is a rather gentle uphill walk. Much of the first part of the trail parallels Kanape Brook which can be heard as you walk along the trail. Several small bridges and culverts cross tributaries which increase the volume of the brook. The trail here is a wide road typical of logging or quarrying roads that run throughout the Catskills. At the 2.7 mile mark make a pronounced left. The trail now narrows to a footpath but is marked and well-worn. You are immediately faced with a choice! The trail straight ahead continues upward fro about 1 mile to the Ashokan High Point. This trail gains about 1000 feet over the mile and there are several steep areas. Most of these areas have stone steps which make the climb easier. The trail to the left is longer but generally easier to climb. Once at the High Point itself you have a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys directly to the east. Depending on the foliage cover, you may be able to see a hint of the reservoir a little farther north or to the left as you gaze from the lookout.

From the High Point you may be able to see a path directly down between some of the rocks or a path further on leading down. This is the way to Little Ashokan High Point. The walk is about .5 miles and there is drop of about 350 feet to the lowest point before climbing back up to Little Ashokan. Whether or not you can find the path is not too important. just walk in the general direction and watch for the numerous steep areas and actual cliffs. Little Ashokan is filled with blueberry and huckleberry bushes which can make walking interesting unless you are on show shoes. Near the highest point are several flat rocks that make a good viewpoint back to the High Point and over to the Mombaccus-Little Rocky ridge. Dropping down a little to some lower paths and walking around to the left offers some more views but the reservoir is hard to see unless the leaves are off the trees. Views may be possible but unobstructed views for photography are few. After wandering around some, head back to the High Point more or less the way you came. From the High Point continue on the main trail. In a short distance on the left you may get some views in a small clearing. A little farther to the north and west the trail opens into several fields and can become hard to follow. Some visitors have built a fire circle surrounded by stone chairs. Walking to the north and east side of the field gives you a view of the Ashokan Reservoir. The view is NOT clear and is blocked by trees making the best viewing times when the leaves are not on the trees. Turning your gaze a little more to the north and west reveals the Burrough's Range with the unmistakable outline of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountains. After taking in the view, head to the left of the fireplace and follow a path into the woods to pick up the trail again. This 2.5 mile trail meanders down from the High Point back to the trail junction where you met it the first time. There are several steep and rocky areas to negotiate. Along the way there is at least one prominent path leading northwest but seemingly into nowhere. When the trail bends sharply to the left you can head southwest on a bushwhack which is steep in many places but will cut some distance off your return trip. Back at the trail junction it is only a matter of following the main trail back to the car.

Ashokan High Point and Little Ashokan: Kanape Brook Out and Back

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.5 mi.	2717 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Kanape Brook PA trailhead on the Peekamoose Road. Walk across the road and toward the Ashokan to pick up the trail. The first 2.7 miles is a rather gentle uphill walk. Much of the first part of the trail parallels Kanape Brook which can be heard as you walk along the trail. Several small bridges and culverts cross tributaries which increase the volume of the brook. The trail here is a wide road typical of logging or quarrying roads that run throughout the Catskills. At the 2.7 mile mark make a pronounced left. The trail now narrows to a footpath but is marked and well-worn. You are immediately faced with a choice! The trail straight ahead continues upward fro about 1 mile to the Ashokan High Point. This trail gains about 1000 feet over the mile and there are several steep areas. Most of these areas have stone steps which make the climb easier. The trail to the left is longer but generally easier to climb. Once at the High Point itself you have a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys directly to the east. Depending on the foliage cover, you may be able to see a hint of the reservoir a little farther north or to the left as you gaze from the lookout.

From the High Point you may be able to see a path directly down between some of the rocks or a path further on leading down. This is the way to Little Ashokan High Point. The walk is about .5 miles and there is drop of about 350 feet to the lowest point before climbing back up to Little Ashokan. Whether or not you can find the path is not too important. just walk in the general direction and watch for the numerous steep areas and actual cliffs. Little Ashokan is filled with blueberry and huckleberry bushes which can make walking interesting unless you are on show shoes. Near the highest point are several flat rocks that make a good viewpoint back to the High Point and over to the Mombaccus-Little Rocky ridge. Dropping down a little to some lower paths and walking around to the left offers some more views but the reservoir is hard to see unless the leaves are off the trees. Views may be possible but unobstructed views for photography are few. After wandering around some, head back to the High Point more or less the way you came. From the High Point continue on the main trail. In a short distance on the left you may get some views in a small clearing. A little farther to the north and west the trail opens into several fields and can become hard to follow. Some visitors have built a fire circle surrounded by stone chairs. Walking to the north and east side of the field gives you a view of the Ashokan Reservoir. The view is NOT clear and is blocked by trees making the best viewing times when the leaves are not on the trees. Turning your gaze a little more to the north and west reveals the Burrough's Range with the unmistakable outline of Wittenberg, Cornell, and Slide Mountains. After taking in the view, turn around and retrace your steps following the route you took on the ascent back to your car at the parking area.

Balsam Lake Mt to Alder Lake

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.8 mi.	2630 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the trailhead at the end of the Beaverkill Road. The public road dead ends at this spot and a private road continues to the Balsam Lake Lodge. There are several choices to make when climbing this mountain. Find the blue-blazed Dry Brook Ridge Trail and hike about .9 miles. At this point turn left on the red-blazed Balsam Lake Trail. The climb is rather steep but after about .85 miles you will be at the summit. As you climb, you will see the trail to the Balsam Lake Mt lean-to on the left after about .5 miles. Walk another .1 miles and there will be an obvious piped spring on the right. Just above the spring the trail levels. Continue for another .2 miles and you will see the yellow-blazed Millbrook Ridge Trail to Alder Lake on the left. Continue for another .15 miles to the fire tower. The fire tower at the top offers a spectacular view in all directions. Balsam Lake Mountain is the westernmost in the Catskill Park and the tower offers an unhindered 360 degree view. Thirty-three of the other 34 peaks are visible with only Thomas Cole, hiding behind Hunter Mt., out of view.

Turn back on the Balsam Lake Mt. trail to the Millbrook Ridge Trail and turn right. This trail descends for a while and then ascends again. After 1.95 miles there is a lookout over Beecher Lake. There is a Zen Monastery on the shore. In another 1.1 miles including a short climb you will be at the highest point on the ridge. The elevation here is 3480 feet which means that it is one large boulder away from being another Catskill 35! In 1.35 miles you will be at the Beaver Meadow lean-to and spring. Several of these "beaver meadows" can be found along the trail and they all offer a home to a variety of wildlife. A walk of about 1.5 miles will bring you to the red-blazed Alder Lake Trail. Turn left or right and walk .8 miles to the Alder Lake parking area.

At Alder Lake you can reverse your steps and hike back to Balsam Lake. This makes for a LONG 15 mile hike. It may be more enjoyable to hike with a friend and leave a car at both trailheads. You could, of course, reverse this hike which would give a slightly different perspective. At Alder Lake be sure to look at the remains of the mansion built by shipping tycoon Samuel Coykendall. New York State recently removed all but the stonework after determining it would be impossible to restore the once stately edifice.

Balsam Lake Mt and Vly Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.5 mi.	2900 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the trailhead at the end of the Beaverkill Road. The public road dead ends at this spot and a private road continues to the Balsam Lake Lodge. There are several choices to make when climbing this mountain. Find the blue-blazed Dry Brook Ridge Trail and hike about .9 miles. At this point turn left on the red-blazed Balsam Lake Trail. The climb is rather steep but after about .85 miles you will be at the summit. As you climb, you will see the trail to the Balsam Lake Mt lean-to on the left after about .5 miles. Walk another .1 miles and there will be an obvious piped spring on the right. Just above the spring the trail levels. Continue for another .2 miles and you will see the yellow-blazed Millbrook Ridge Trail to Alder Lake on the left. Continue for another .15 miles to the fire tower. The fire tower at the top offers a spectacular view in all directions. Balsam Lake Mountain is the westernmost in the Catskill Park and the tower offers an unhindered 360 degree view. Thirty-three of the other 34 peaks are visible with only Thomas Cole, hiding behind Hunter Mt., out of view.

Continue your hike down the back side of Balsam Lake. At the trail junction turn right to return to your car. DO NOT get in your car. Walk to the other side of the parking area and pick up the Hardenburgh Trail to Vly Pond.

Basha Kill: Southern Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.4 mi.	520 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The Basha Kill is a 2400 acre wetland and wildlife preserve in the southern part of Sullivan County. Among other things it is home to at least 50 species of birds and especially bald eagles. IThe remains of the Port Jervis to Kingston branch of the O&W forms a rail trail on the southeastern shore. On the northwestern shore is the D&H Canal and the towpath. The two can be combined for a loop using Haven Road to cross the marsh on the northern end and Otisville Road to swing around the southern end.

Take Route 17/I 86 to exit 113 and head south on Route 209. After about 1.7 miles Haven Road appears on the left. Turn left here and drive to the parking area on the left to park. Start your hike by walking east on Haven Road through the marsh toward the rail trail on the eastern shore. Turned left or north on the rail trail. The trail here is relatively firm even when it has been raining. After about a mile watch for a trail to an observation tower and turn left on this unmarked trail. Within .1 miles you will be at the tower which is more of an observation platform. There are nice views over the marsh to the north and west. At Haven Road cross to the other side and to follow the rail trail south. The trail can be VERY wet in places especially after it rains so you may have to cross from one side to the other or use the banks to make it through this area. The banks are covered in barberry and some other thorny brush so making progress can be slow and painful. The rail trail dries out after this but still may have a few muddy spots along the way. There are views of the marsh all along the way. The trail is extremely straight which is not surprising given that it is the old railroad bed. At 3.7 miles there is one of the larger parking areas just off South Road and near the Basha Kill Winery. The water is more open in this area and people like to canoe or kayak from here. When you leave the parking area, continue on the trail which is often wet and muddy. In about .4 miles the Long Path markings appear to head to the right off the rail trail but this may be a dead end. Continue to head south on the rail trail and watch for a sign that says "Long Path". At about 4.3 miles the trail again may became wet and muddy. Turn left off the trail and walk out to the road. AVOID private property postings as there are a few in the area. Once on the road, continue south and at 4.5 miles the road will cross a small stream. Look to the left and see a beautiful waterfall. The posting in the area is unclear so read carefully before proceeding! Walk to the base of the falls and get a view of the water flowing down over a wall of rock. Walk back out to the road to continue. Walking on the road goes quickly and in about another mile at 5.5 miles into the hike there is a small parking area on the right with an observation deck. The deck gives a nice view of a stream flowing out of the Basha Kill. Turn right out of the parking area and walk to the intersection. Turn right on Otisville Road which runs out to Route 209. The D&H Canal towpath should intersect the road just before Route 209. If you cannot find the towpath, walk out to Route 209 and turn right on the road. Walk .2 miles on the road, to a sign for the Basha Kill and turn right down this dirt road. As you approached a flat area a path turns left across a field and into the trees. As you enter the trees and walk up a small incline turn right. This is the towpath. The canal and the towpath have an interesting history and I am sorry to say I don't know enough about it. The canal ran to the left or west of the towpath and in many places the canal is still very obvious. There are still stone walls on either side of the canal and even the trees that now grow in it cannot hide it. Head north and then east to get around a hill before heading north for most of the rest of the trip. The canal is now dry in most places but in some areas there is water which hints at the original purpose. In a few places you will see bridges of rock built across the canal. After the canal was no longer in use, these bridges were built across it to reach the towpath and the Basha Kill. At 7.5 miles a dirt road runs down to the Stonfield parking area and this continus for about .35 miles. Continue on the towpath when the road turns into a parking area and at 8.25 miles there will be a bridge that was built over the original canal. The span of the bridge no longer exists but the stonework that made up the abutments is still there. Also present are the stone walls that lined the lane that leads up to the bridge. A little further on the trail crosses a chasm on a wood bridge. Just to the left is another stone bridge that crossed the canal. At 10.1 miles there is a gate which leads out onto Towpath Road. This short road soon intersects Haven Road. Turn right and walk .3 miles back to the car.

Bear Mt. And Lion's Head (CT)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	13.2 mi.	3205 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Bear Mt. is the highest peak in the state but the highest point is further north and west on the shoulder of Mount Frisell which is mostly in Massachusetts.

Park at the AT parking lot .8 miles north of the Route 44/Route 41 junction in Salisbury, CT. on Route 41. The entrance to the parking area is VERY narrow and not well marked. The parking area will accommodate 8 to 10 cars and is a popular place for many day hikers. The trailhead has a large signboard and a privy maintained by the AMC. The first part of the trail to the Lion's Head is wide and pretty smooth and the elevation gain is minimal. Several turns and switchbacks make the climb even easier. At about 1.4 miles you will cross a running stream with cool, clear water. At just over 2.0 miles the Lion's Head Trail joined from the left coming in from Bunker Hill Road. From this junction the trail becomes rockier and harder to walk. It also becomes much steeper as it ascends the Lion's Head with the very last part being an open rock outcrop. After another .25 miles, at about 2.3 miles into the hike, you will arrive at the viewpoint known as the Lion's Head. The views from here are expansive but be prepared to share the view with others! Leave the Lion's head and continue on the AT north toward Bear Mt. At 2.64 miles the Bald Peak Trail joins the AT from the left. The AT in this area is not exposed but instead runs under a leafy canopy most of the way meaning that it is protected but has no views. Along the way to Bear Mt. there are several places to camp and a few water sources. The Riga Lean-to omes up at 3.0 miles into the hike, followed by the Ball Brook campsite at 3.5 miles and the Brassie Brook Lean-to at 4.25 miles. In another .6 miles you will arrive at Riga Junction where the Undermountain Trail comes in from Route 41. Continue on the AT to the junction with Bear Mt. Road at 5.0 miles. From here the trail becomes much rockier and steeper. The AT winds up and over many rocky outcrops offering some limited viewpoints. You arrive at the summit of Bear Mountain at about 5.55 miles and the elevation is 2330 feet. At the top of the mountain is a stone pyramid more than large enough to accommodate 20 people. You can walk to the top of the pyramid to get views to the north and east but the views west and south are limited. To hike a loop head down the north side of Bear Mt. on the AT. The AT down Bear Mt. To the north is very steep. Most northern sides of mountains in this area are steeper than their southern counterparts due to the way glaciation eroded the rock. At a little more than 6.0 miles you will cross the border into Massachusetts and then arrive at a trail junction. Straight ahead the AT leads to Sage's Ravine. Turn right on the Paradise Lane Trail which immediately begins to gain some elevation. At 6.5 miles you will pass the Paradise Lane Group Campsite. From here the trail is flat or slightly downhill for the next 1.15 miles until you reached the junction with the Undermountain Trail at 7.6 miles. Turn right on the Undermountain Trail and start toward the AT at the Riga Junction. At 7.9 miles there is a bog. At 8.6 miles you will be back on the AT where you should turn left to head back to the Lion's Head and eventually the car. A long 2.4 mile stretch of the AT put you back at the Lion's Head. The hike back to the car is downhill.

Bear Mountain: Bear and West Mountains

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.9 mi.	2540 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

width="649" height="815" The easiest place to park to start this hike is at the Bear Mountain Inn parking area next to Hessian Lake. Parking costs $6 per car but there is lots of it and bathroom facilities are available. There area several ways to get to the parking area but Route 9W north or south is the easiest way. You can also take Seven Lakes Drive from Long Mountain Parkway (Route 6). Stay on Seven Lakes Drive through another traffic circle. Park in the back parking area. Walk the outdoor ice rink but turn left up the hill before it. At the top of a short, steep hill there is a road which is also marked with the yellow blazes of the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail and the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail. Follow these blazes as the trail curves first to the right and then to the left as it descends and crosses a small stream. The trails then begin a continuous although not steep ascent. After only about .3 miles the AT turns to the right. Stay on the SBM Trail.

This trail continues to climb slightly before descending to cross Seven Lakes Drive after about .45 miles. It then continues to descend after meeting an old woods road until it meets the Doodletown Bridal Path after about .6 miles. Turn right here and follow the yellow blazes as the trail descends to Doodletown Brook after .5 miles. The brook is easily crossed in this area. On the left you may notice some paths down to another branch of the brook. These paths are created by other hikers looking for the Herbert Mine. Walk down to and across the brook and toward the rock to the south and slightly west. Watch for the LARGE piles of mine tailings and climb the hillside toward this mine debris. The main working of the Herbert Mine is a an open cut into the hillside which is impossible to miss. The cut appears to be 30 to 40 feet long and twenty feet high at the end. The cut in this area is filled with water but may go underground. When you have finished, walk up the hillside above the cut for a fresh perspective. There are several other pits and cuts in the area. Walk back west and northwest toward the brook. The SBM Trail is on the other side of the stream.

The trail now begins to ascend through laurel and begins to offer glimpses of some spectacular views. Wait since the best views are yet to come. There are several short buy steep climbs over rock piles before the trail breaks out into the open and continues to ascend to the summit of West Mountain and the West Mountain Ridge. After a little more than a mile it intersects with the blue blazed Timp-Torne Trail. You will want to turn right here to get back to bear Mountain but first turn left. In less than .1 miles is the West Mountain Shelter. The views from here are spectacular. Bald Mountain and The Timp are clearly visible. There is a nice view down to the Hudson River and on a clear day the Skyline of New York City can be seen. Retrace your steps and follow the blue and yellow blazes as they run concurrently.

In less than .25 miles the SBM trail turns left and heads south and west. Stay on the Timp-Torne Trail and in about the same distance the Appalachian Trail comes in from the left. The trails now wander along the ridge with interesting views on both sides. After 1.15 miles the trail spilt with the Timp-Torne Trail continuing on north and slightly west toward The Torne. Stay on the AT as it turns right and starts a long descent. Just before the descent are several views points over the Hudson River. Look carefully for the Bear Mountain Bridge. The Perkins Tower on the top of Bear Mountain can easily be scene straight ahead. It looks very close but there is a significant descent and ascent before reaching it. As you descend you will see the red Fawn Trail go off to the right. In .6 miles the AT crosses Seven Lakes Drive. Just before this the 1777W Trail crosses the AT. Turning right on this trail leads back to the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail which may be an easier way to return to the parking area.

After crossing the road the AT ascends to the top of Bear Mountain at the Perkins Tower. The trail does undulate at times but the net results is always up. After .5 miles the AT meets the road and runs along Perkins Drive for .4 miles before cutting back into the forest and starting the final ascent to the tower. There are several viewpoints along Perkins Drive which are quite nice. After about .5 miles of ascent, the Perkins Tower comes into view. The views from Bear Mountain are nice but the views from West Mountain are better. Bear Mountain is more talked about since Perkins Drive allows easier access than the trails to West Mountain

After taking in the walk back to the AT and follow it down the mountain to the parking area. The trail crosses the road twice and goes through the picnic area. After ,4 miles it joins a road for about .25 miles before again entering the woods and descending. in .4 miles the AT again meets the SBM Trail that you were on earlier in the day. Retrace your path for .3 miles back to the car.

Bear Mountain: Bear Mt and The Torne

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.4 mi.	3420 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The easiest place to park to start this hike is at the Bear Mountain Inn parking area next to Hessian Lake. Parking costs $6 per car but there is lots of it and bathroom facilities are available. There area several ways to get to the parking area but Route 9W north or south is the easiest way. You can also take Seven Lakes Drive from Long Mountain Parkway (Route 6). Stay on Seven Lakes Drive through another traffic circle. Park in the back parking area. Walk along the front of the outdoor ice rink and continue on the pathway on the left side of the lake. Just before the end of the lake, watch for the spot where the red on white blazes turn left off the pathway and start up the hill at about .5 miles. The Major Welch Trail can be steep at times and runs across several exposed rock faces. The rocks can be slippery even when dry but are treacherous when wet.

At 1.5 miles the trail ascends sharply and crosses Perkins Drive for the first time. Go across the road and pick up the trail slightly to the left. As you ascend now occasionally look over your shoulder. As you near the top of the climb wonderful views of the Bear Mountain Bridge will appear below. You can also Se up and down the river for some distance depending on the weather. At 1.71 miles cross Perkins Drive again and walk passed the tower to the lookout area. Here you can see the river below and get good views of the surrounding area. On a clear day it is possible to see the Manhattan skyline to the south. When you are done. walk on Perkins Drive through the parking area to the left of the tower. Look for the white blazes of the at coming up the hill. Turn left and descend until you meet Perkins Drive at 2,25 miles. As you walk down this section of the trail you will cross several rocky areas and walk through laurel "tunnels".

Walk down the road following the AT until it enters the woods on the right at 2.7 miles. Be careful of the vehicle traffic when the road is open. Continue to follow the AT and cross Seven Lakes Drive at 3.1 miles. Immediately after crossing the road look for the metal disks that are labeled 1777W. They should appear on your right just after crossing the road. Get on this trail and follow it until 3.88 miles where it again meets Seven Lakes Drive. Walk along the road following the blazes as the trail crosses over Rout 9W. Turn right at 3.95 miles and watch for Queensboro Lake and its dam at 4.05 miles. You will be on a paved pathway briefly until it becomes more rustic after it passes a building on your left. At 4.3 miles the trail intersects a woods road and the signage is unclear. Turn RIGHT onto the road and watch for the blazes as the trail shortly turns right at 4.4 miles.

At 4.7 miles the trail crosses a creek on an interesting "bridge". The exact nature of this bridge and some of the "structures" next to it are unclear. At 5.35 miles the trail splits. Straight ahead the trail leads to Route 9W. For now turn left and cross a substantial footbridge across Popolopen Creek. Follow the trail as it turns right unto a road and then immediately left up into the woods. At 5.5 miles the trail crosses Mine Road and then begins to wind around to the "back" of The Torne. From here the trail ascends STEEPLY up The Torne. There are several rocks scrambles and the ascent can be VERY tricky when the rock is wet or covered in ice or snow. As you ascend views of Bear Mountain and the Hudson River come into view. The Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony's Nose are spread out below. The top of The Torne is completely open and has little vegetation making it ideal for viewing in all directions. You can look up and down the river and east and west. Don't miss the monument at the top constructed of rocks carried from the base of The Torne to the top to remember members of the armed services killed in the war in Iraq. When you are done retrace your steps carefully back to the bridge and up the hill to the trail you cam in one from the southeast.

> Turn to your left at 6.1 miles and to the east. Walk the trail along Popolopen Gorge and the creek. At 7.1 miles watch for a dam on your left. The view varies depending on the foliage on the trees. Continue on the trail until it meets the road at 7.27 miles. BE CAREFUL at this point as you walk the road up to the Bear Mountain traffic circle and cross over to the far side to get to Hessian Lake and the path around it at 7.55 miles. Follow the paved path around the lake by turning left and heading toward the Bear Mountain and back to the parking lot to complete the 8.4 mile trip.

Bear Mountain: Cornell Mine Trail to Bald Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.0 miles	1290 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park on Route 9W where it meets Route 202 from the Bear Mountain traffic circle. The parking is just after a small bridge over Doodletown Creek. Cross the road and get on the trail just to the left of the bridge. The blazes for the Cornell Mine Trail are blue and quite visible. Like all the trails in the park there is no sign that announces the beginning of the trail. After a short climb the trail levels and then rolls for a while. When the water levels are high the creek has several nice rapids and small falls. As you are walking you cannot help but notice that up ahead the land rises quickly. When the trail does start to climb it starts gently but rapidly increases in difficulty. Most of the climbing would be almost impossible without the switchbacks, Switchbacks add to the hiking distance but make the climbing easier. Just when you think the hardest part is over near the top, the last few hundred feet get steeper! Near the top the trail ends where it meets the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Turn right on this red blazed trail. A short hike puts you on Bald Mountain facing directly toward Bear Mountain. The Perkins Tower is clearly visible almost two miles to the north. Just down from the summit of the mountain are several depressions and one tunnel that make up the Cornell Mines. At this point you can retrace your way back down the Cornell Mine Trail or use one of the trails on the other side of Bald Mountain to make a loop.

Bear Mountain: Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.4 miles	1200 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park in any of the parking lots at the Bear Mountain Inn off Route 9W. The two trails that allow access to Bear Mountain are the Appalachian Trail and the Major Welch Trail. Anyone not familiar with the area will probably miss the point at which the Major Welch Trail leaves the paved loop around Hessian Lake. I recommend taking the Appalachian Trail up the mountain the first time and using the Major Welch to return. Head for the outdoor ice skating rink. As you walk from the rink to Hessian Lake, a paved trail leads up a hill. This was the access road to the old ski jump which has not been used for MANY years. Follow the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail as it winds its way up the mountain. In some spots there are some bare rock faces to climb up at angles over 40 degrees. Some people go around while others go right up the rock. The trail meets a dead end road with a circle that many people use to view the river valley below. Walk up the road for a short while watching for a SMALL sign for the tower on your left. As you head up to the tower there are several opportunities to walk off the trail to a lookout to take in the view. The trail crosses Perkins Memorial drive several times. You can lose the trail at times but just keep heading for the tower. The view from the top is very nice on a clear day. Be sure to look south. About two miles away is Bald Mountain which is also a popular destination for hikers. Walk around the tower clockwise and down the access road. Walk off to your right and try to find the red blazed Major Welch Trail. Just after this trail begins there are several spectacular lookouts. The trail then begins a rather steep descent toward Hessian Lake. This trail also has some open and bare rock faces to negotiate. There are several additional opportunities for views but none are as good as at the top. Eventually the trail meets the paved loop trail around Hessian Lake. Turn right for the short way back or turn left to enjoy a walk around the lake. Make a mental note of where the Major Welch trail meets the path so that you can reverse the loop next time.

Bear Mountain: Steps Trail Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.3 miles	2182 feet	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park in any of the parking lots at the Bear Mountain Inn off Route 9W. The three trails that allow access to Bear Mountain are the Appalachian Trail, the Major Welch Trail and the new Steps Trail. Anyone not familiar with the area will probably miss the point at which the Major Welch Trail leaves the paved loop around Hessian Lake. I recommend taking the Appalachian Trail or the Steps Trailup the mountain the first time. This route uses the Steps Trail and then forms a big loop around the bear Mountain Park.

Head for the outdoor ice skating rink. As you walk from the rink to Hessian Lake, a paved trail leads up a hill. This was the access road to the old ski jump which has not been used for MANY years. At the top of the first climb DO NOT turn left on the road but continue straight ahead to climb the Steps Trail. The "steps" are hundreds of stone steps cut on the mountain and placed by volunteers to alleviate the damage to the ecology from the large volume of visitors to this area. The trail meets a dead end road with a circle that many people use to view the river valley below. Walk up the road for a short while watching for a SMALL sign for the tower on your left. As you head up to the tower there are several opportunities to walk off the trail to a lookout to take in the view. The trail crosses Perkins Memorial drive several times. You can lose the trail at times but just keep heading for the tower. The view from the top is very nice on a clear day. Be sure to look south. About two miles away is Bald Mountain which is also a popular destination for hikers. You may also see West Mountain with its stone shelter. The skyline of New York City can be seen to the south.

Bear Mountain: The Torne from Popolopen Gorge

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.7 mi.	1415 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The easiest place to park to start this hike is at the Bear Mountain Inn parking area next to Hessian Lake. parking costs $6 but there is lots of it and bathroom facilities are available. There area several ways to get to the parking area but Route 9W north or south is the easiest way. You can also take Seven Lakes Drive from Long Mountain Parkway (Route 6). Stay on Seven Lakes Drive through another traffic circle. Park in the back parking area. Walk toward the outdoor skating rink and down the hill toward Hessian Lake. Walk around Hessian Lake on the right or east side. You will be walking north toward the Bear Mountain Traffic Circle. Leave the path and walk up toward Route 9W and the traffic circle. CAREFULLY cross the traffic circle and walk along Route 9W north as it leaves the traffic circle. Watch for three red on white rectangular blazes on the left side of the road. This is the beginning of the Popolopen Gorge Trail.

The P-G Trail more or less parallels Popolopen Creek and the sights and sounds are very pleasing. The trail rises and falls but continuously gains some elevation. At times you are closer to the creek than others. In a short distance is a dam on the creek and the remains of a mill with the millpond behind the dam. As you continue along the trail you will see a rather impressive hill on your right. This is The Torne, the object of the hike. You will also find "manhole" covers at regular intervals. These are access points for the West Point Aqueduct. The noise of traffic competes with the babble of the brook as the trail comes very close to Route 6 in places. On the far bank of the creek a stone "wall" is noticeable. This supports the Timp-Torne, 177 and 1179 trails that you will use on your return. After a little more than a mile, you will be at the junction with the Blue marked Timp-Torne Trail.

Make a left turn at this point and head down toward the creek. Don't worry about finding a way across. There is a brand new metal footbridge. Take some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the creek before continuing on to the other side. After a slight ascent the trail turns left. The turn is marked but a woods road also goes left. This is typical of the area where trails and woods roads cross each other frequently. Generally the trails are well-marked but a map, compass and GPS can all be VERY helpful. In a short distance the Timp-Torne Trail turns left while the 1777 and 1779 Trails continue straight ahead. Turn left and ascend slightly to Mine Road. Go across the road and find the trail marking on the other side. Now get ready to climb.

The trail up the Torne is steep at times and, in several areas, passes over rock outcroppings with some tricky food and hand holds. CAUTION: Wet, icy and snowy conditions will make this ascent dangerous! The trail follows the pattern of short steep ascents followed by flatter areas for recovery. There are very few workarounds available. As you climb be sure to look around at the views back to Bear Mountain and down to the Hudson River. You can see the Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony's Nose clearly. Of course, These views are not as good as the ones from the top. Continue on up until there is no more up. At the top of the Torne is a stone cairn. As the sign explains, the stones were all carried form the bottom of the hill to the top to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers fighting overseas. The cairn is also decorated with many Boy Scout emblems as this is a popular destination for scout troop hikes.

From the top you can retrace your path back to the junction with the 1777 and 1779 Trails. You can also follow the Timp-Torne trail as it makes a sort of loop and continues on another route down the Torne. No matter which path you take you will cross over Mine Road again and meet up with the other trails. You can, of course, retrace your steps to the car but staying on the north side of the creek is a nice alternative. turn left on the Timp-Torne, 1777 and 1779. Notice the stone support beneath the trail that was visible from the other bank. The trail rises and falls on the way toward Brooks Lake. At one point you will come to a road. Turn right and continue on down the road watching for trail markers on the left side. When you turn into the woods you will see Brooks Lake appear almost immediately. This areas was opened in 2005 and is used by residents fro camping and day use.

Continue passed Brook Lake up to a road. Turn left on the road and immediately pick up the trail on the other side. The trail continues to the woods and then leads to another road. Walk down the road and turn back onto the trail on the right. This short trail leads to the West Redoubt of the Revolutionary War era Fort Montgomery. From the Redoubt, return to the main trail and walk UNDER the Popolopen Creek Bridge and Route 9W. After a short ascent, the Fort Montgomery visitor's center will be straight ahead. Take some time to walk around the fort. Only the stone foundations of the buildings remain but placards explain the fort's construction and significance. There are foundations for the barracks, guard house, powder magazine and necessaries. The sight of the North Redoubt and Main Battery are marked. A replicate 32 pound cannon is at the site of the main battery. The views from this area are beautiful and help to explain why a fort was erected at this site. When you are done, walk back to and behind the visitor's center. Walk down a little hill to the creek and an impressive suspension footbridge. From the footbridge there are incredible views of the Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony's Nose on the left and Popolopen Creek and the Popolopen Creek Bridge on the other.

The trail continues across another much smaller footbridge and up and under the Bear Mountain Bridge. The view from under the bridge is interesting. The trail leads up through the trailside museum and zoo. If these are closed or if you hike with your dog, take the trail to the right which leads up to the toll booths and bypasses the zoo. From here walk west toward the traffic circle and cross over Route 9W to Hessian Lake. Walk back the way you originally came at the beginning of the hike or continue on around Hessian Lake. On the other side look for the red trail markings of the Major Welch Trail that is one of the trails to the top of Bear Mountain. The Appalachian Trail and the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail also pass through this area. Return to your car on one of the many pathways.

Bear Mountain: The Timp to The Torne with Bear Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	14.3 mi.	4607 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The easiest place to park to start this hike is at the Bear Mountain Inn parking area next to Hessian Lake. Parking costs $7 but there is lots of it and bathroom facilities are available. There area several ways to get to the parking area but Route 9W north or south is the easiest way. You can also take Seven Lakes Drive from Long Mountain Parkway (Route 6). Stay on Seven Lakes Drive through another traffic circle. Park in the back parking area. Walk south toward the tunnel that goes under the road and watch for the red 1777E trail. Stay on this trail until the blue Cornell Mine Trail branches to the left and turn here to walk down to Route 9W. Walk along route 9W for a hundred feet and turn right into the woods along a small stream. You may want to walk down to the stream to tale pictures as there are several small waterfalls. The trail remains relatively flat for about a mile until it starts to climb Bald Mountain. The climb isn't too long and a few switchbacks make the trip easier if a little longer. In about .33 miles you will be at the end of the Cornell Mine Trail. Turn right on the red Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail and walk to the summit of Bald Mountain. At the summit there is a large open self of rock that has great views to the north of the Bear Mountain Bridge and West Mountain with its stone shelter. When you are done, walk back to the trail and head south.

The descent down Bald Mountain is steep in places and runs across some open rock but in manageable. At times you are surrounded by huge blocks of rock. Stay on the trail as it turns southwest and ignore the junctions with the red 1777 trail after about .7 miles. In another .2 miles turn right on the blue Timp-Torne Trail and ascend to the top of The Timp. From the top of The Timp there are nice views of Bald Mountain and Tompkins Lake below. On clear days you may also be able to see the New York City skyline. Leave The Timp and continue on the blue trail as it descends The Timp into the area between it and the West Mountain ridge. The climb up to West Mountain is steep at times but isn't very long. In about .8 miles you will be near the highest point and will arrive at the West Mountain shelter. The shelter is very busy during peak hiking times and is well-constructed out of stone. From here you can look back at The Timp and also have a chance to get another view of the city skyline. Take some pictures and then continue on the blue trail passing two trail junction with the yellow Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail. In about .35 miles the Appalachian Trail comes in from the left and runs along with the Timp-Torne Trail for some distance.

Continue on the ridge along the blue trail. There are nice views to the left including some down to the Anthony Wayne State park parking lots. Soon the AT breaks to the right and the trail travels along a rocky ridge before descending over some open rock. You will pass the junction with the red Fawn Trail and the white Anthony Wayne Trail. The Timp-Torne Trail then intersects Seven Lakes Drive which you must cross with EXTREME caution. This is about 2 miles from the West Mountain shelter. Cross Seven Lakes Drive and walk along the opposite shoulder and over the overpass. Cross to the other side of the road and head down the paved path toward Queensboro Lake. This paved road soon turns to dirt and then in about .4 miles a sign warns "Shooting Range"! At this point the trail turns right and you should follow it.

The trail roams through some woods and crosses a stream on a narrow "bridge" before paralleling the stream on the high bank. In about a mile it turn to the left and crosses a stream on a well-constructed bridge. From here the trail ascends some stone steps, turns to the right, follows a woods road and then turns left up a hill. It crosses Mine Road and then begins a series of switchbacks up to The Torne. From the bridge it is about .25 miles to the beginning of the ascent up The Torne. This ascent is STEEP and passes over several areas of open rock with little to hold onto and not much good footing. One area requires you to make a choice of making it up a 60 degrees sloping rock or up and over a 4 foot drop. Trying to ascend and descend The Torne when it is wet or icy is a recipe for disaster. The ascent is only about .2 miles. Just before the summit is a viewpoint that looks down over the Hudson and the Bear mountain Bridge. To the right Bear Mountain is visible. At the summit is a 5 foot rock cairn. The rocks were carried from the bottom of the hill to the top to commemorate soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. When you are done, retrace your oath back to the bridge and walk back up to the main trail.

Turn left on the red Popolopen Gorge Trail which parallels the creek high on the bank but eventually drops almost to water level. Near the end of this trail is an old mill dam which holds back the creek and forms a pleasing waterfall. After 1.3 miles, the trail ends at Route 9W. Cross the road carefully and turn right and walk up to the traffic circle. Find the best way to continue across the circle and to the walkway around the lake. You may turn left and return to the car or continue on around the lake to ascend Bear Mountain. If you do want to go up the mountain, turning right may be a better idea. The walk to the head of the lake is about .5 miles. Turn right here to continue around the lake. Around .3 miles watch for the red blazes of the Major Welch Trail as they turn left into the woods.

The Major Welch trail starts out mildly but quickly becomes steep and ascend over some open rock. One place is so steep a chain is provided to help pull yourself up. After .8 miles of some serious climbing, the trail crosses Perkins Drive and continues to climb to the summit of Bear Mountain. Along the way are several fantastic viewpoints that look down on the river and the bridge. In about .5 miles the trail passes the Perkins Tower to another excellent lookout. After taking in the views, walk to the left and look for the white blazes of the AT that you will follow back to the lake. The trail weaves back and forth, reaches a dead end road to a circular parking area and then continues its descent down the mountain. Continue to follow the trail and in about 1.35 miles you will be a the top of a downhill that lead back to the lake. Walk down the hill and take a right at the bottom of the hill. Walk passed the ice rink to the parking lot and your car.

Bear Spring: Central Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.3 mi.	1600 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn onto East Trout Brook Road and drive south. Pass Launt Pond on your right and then drive 1.3 miles further. Park on the left side of the road in the parking area. Cross the road to get on Trial 4 to the Fork Mountain ridge. The trail rises 750 feet from the road to the ridge over 1.2 miles. At the top of the ridge turn right or northwest to hike along the Fork Mountain Ridge. A little more than 2 miles into the hike and you will be at the first of three clear cut areas on the hike. No one has been able to tell me the reason for theses clear cuts but they are all done with state approval. The trail continues northwest over a few bumpsand at 3.3 miles into the hike you cross West Trout Brook Road to continue on the trail. Continue almost directly north now toward Route 206 and cross the road again to walk through the main parking area. Follow the trail through the woods and out across a field. Look for the opening directly across the field. The trail parallels Route 206, crosses East Trout Brook Road and then ascends slightly before dropping to Wilson Hollow Road. This woods road is a grassy track and has never been paved but shows up on many maps with the same prominence as Route 206! At this point you will be at were at the second and largest clear cut area. Follow Wilson Hollow Road along the large clear cut area before the road entered the woods. Watch for Trail 11 on the right at about 6.8 miles into the hike. This trail leads back down to East Trout Brook Road and to another trail that will take you back to your car. It is an alternative route. Continue on the main trail/road passing another trail down within .6 miles of Trail 11. Continue to the McCoy Hill Shortcut at 7.7 miles. This trail turns right and runs along the edge of a field before descending through the forest to the last clear cut. Watch for a short path to the right that leads to a small field with a view over the clear cut and across to Fork Mountain. A little further down another trail comes in from the left. Stay on the main trail passing a pond and two final trail junctions before arriving at Middle Pond on East Trout Brook. Walk over the bridge and up to your car,

Bear Spring: East Trout Brook Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi.	1262 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn right on East trout Brook Road and drive south. Pass Launt pond on your right and then drive 1.3 miles further. Park on the left side of the road in the parking area. Walk down the wide path/road and across the dam that creates a small pond. Continue straight ahead up the hill on the wide grassy snowmobile/horse trail. The trail climbs steadily now toward the ridge. At .35 miles a trail marked "New Trail" comes in on the left. Continue straight ahead to .68 miles. You will be in an area that has been clear cut, one of several in the park. Turn right and continue climbing until the trail junction at 1.23 miles. Turn left up the hill to the ridge. The climb ends at 1.61 miles into the hike. The trail now "rolls" along the ridge and starts a turn from east to northwest at about 1.85 miles. At 3.0 miles pass by a turn to the left through a field. This trail leads back to the trail junction at the base of the clear cut and is a good "early out". Continue to 3.33 miles and turn left down another wide trail. This trail initially heads south but them goes through a switchback that again turns northwest. The trail loses 715 feet to a parking area on East Trout Brook Road at 4.6 miles. You can walk the road south from here to your car. Make a sharp left turn onto a trail marked "New Trail" to avoid the road walk. THis trail heads southeast for 1.3 miles until it reaches the trail junction at 5.9 miles you passed earlier. The trail is longer than the road walk and does ascend briefly in a few spots. Turn right and walk back to the dam and across the top to your car.

Bear Spring: Eastern Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.6 mi.	1253 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Park in the large pull off on the left hand side of the road just before the turn onto East Trout Brook Road. To start the hike, walk up the road to a wide woods road with a gate on your left. This is Wilson Hollow Road which is also Trail 2 on the horse trails map of the area. As you walk in on this wide trail, you will immediacies notice a clear cut area extending more than half a mile on your left. The trail will continue to rise a little as you walk with no steep uphill or downhill section. in the first 3 miles. At 1.3 miles Trail 11 will enter from the right as it climbs the ridge from just south of Launt Pond on East Trout Brook Road. At 2.3 miles Trail 3 joins from the right. This is where you will return after the loop. At this point the trail descends a little and then climbs slightly. Along the way the trail heads more to the southeast and a snowmobile trail comes in on the left from Downsville. Soon the trail begins to head down until at around 4 miles Trail 12 comes in from the left. Continue to bear to the right and follow Trail 2 as it continues to the lowest point on the hike, the junction with Trail 3 at 4.5 miles. Turn right here on Trail 3 to walk back up to the ridge to the area you passed earlier. At this point in the hike you may think you are in the wrong place but what your are looking at is ANOTHER clear cut area. After the turn Trail 3 climbs to a field that looks down over the clear cut area but also looks down the hollow for some good photographic opportunities. Continue on Trail 3 until it meets Trail 2 back on the ridge about 5.3 miles into the hike. Turn left and follow Wilson Hollow Road for the next 2.3 miles back to the car.

Bear Spring: Eastern Trails from trailhead

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.6 mi.	1253 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn onto West Trout Brook Road and park at the main trailhead parking on the left hand side of the road. To start the hike, get on the trail just to the left of the information kiosk. These trails are for horseback riding and are not marked like hiking trails.Continue on this trail through a field and down a hill to where the trail crosses East Trout Brook Road. Continue across and bear left where the trail splits. Ascend a hill to another trail junction on the other side. Turn left and walk down the hill to a woods road. This is Wilson Hollow Road which is also Trail 2 on the horse trails map of the area. As you walk in on this wide trail, you will immediacies notice a clear cut area extending more than half a mile on your left. The trail will continue to rise a little as you walk with no steep uphill or downhill section. in the first 3 miles. At 2.25 miles Trail 11 will enter from the right as it climbs the ridge from just south of Launt Pond on East Trout Brook Road. At 3.1 miles Trail 3 joins from the right. Turn here and skirt the edge of a field before entering the woods and heading downhill. For .8 miles the trail loses 460 feet to the lowest point on the hike. Another clearcut area will appear on the right as you near the end of this section. There are some nice vies down the valley. At the bottom of the hill turn left and start to climb back up to the ridge. In a little more than half a mile the trail splits and you should continue by bearing left up to the ridge. The trail makes an abrupt change in direction from east to northwest and at 6.3 miles you will be back to where you started the loop. Follow Wilson Hollow Road back almost to Route 206. Turn left up the hill and follow your route back to the main trailhead.

Bear Spring: Launt Pond Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.9 mi.	1027 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn onto West Trout Brook Road and park at the main trailhead parking on the left hand side of the road. To start the hike, get on the trail just to the left of the information kiosk. These trails are for horseback riding and are not marked like hiking trails.Continue on this trail through a field and down a hill to where the trail crosses East Trout Brook Road. Continue across and bear left where the trail splits. Ascend a hill to another trail junction on the other side. Turn left and walk down the hill to a woods road. This is Wilson Hollow Road which is also Trail 2 on the horse trails map of the area. As you walk in on this wide trail, you will immediacies notice a clear cut area extending more than half a mile on your left. The trail will continue to rise a little as you walk with no steep uphill or downhill section. in the first 3 miles. At 2.25 miles Trail 11 will enter from the right as it climbs the ridge from just south of Launt Pond on East Trout Brook Road. At 2.85 miles another woods road joins from the right. Turn right here walk down the trail to a nearly 180 degree turn at 3.0 miles. As you continue on this trail, a break in the trees on the left reveals another clearcut area. The trail ends, after 1.4 miles and a drop of 550 feet, at a parking area on East Trout Brook Road just south of Launt Pond. Turn right and walk .3 miles up to the pond. THis is a favorite picnic and boating area during the season. Head back out to the road and turn left. Walk about a mile north on the road and gain around 300 feet. As you near Route 206, you will see the trail that you used to cross the road earlier in the hike. Turn left and follow your path from earlier back to the car.

Bear Spring: Northeastern Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	1100 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot. This hike is the result of some wandering.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn into the park on West Bear trout Brook Road which is the main entrance. Only a few hundred feet in there will be a large trail head parking area on the left. There is a large hand-painted wooden sign that shows the numbers horse trails. Memorize it since the copies, if there are any, at he trail junctions are useless. Note also that there are many additional trails and roads that form loops and are not shown on any maps.

Exit the parking area on the trail to the left of the sign which should be Trail 2. Almost immediately you will be at an open field with no clues where to go. Walk straight across the field to the trail on the other side. At .5 miles you will cross East Trout Brook Road and immediately be confronted with three possible trails. Bear to the left and up the hill. At 1.0 mile there will be a trail junction which is almost a T with no signs. Turn right to continue with this description or left which is the "correct" way to go. Bearing left the trail ascends to the top of a little plateau with open forest. The trail heads southwest but then turns northwest and descends right back to East Trout Brook Road. Walk .8 miles down the road to Launt Pond. Although this is a road walk the pond is beautiful and well worth the trip. Launt Pond is not on any of the main trails but can be reached by spur trails. After spending some time at the pond, walk down the road about .3 miles to the next big parking area on the left. Just before the parking area enter the woods on Trail 11. Trail 11 winds back and forth but travels mostly east and up to meet Wilson Hollow Road which is part of Trail 2. Turn left or north and follow the wide road for about 1.2 miles at which point you will be within sight of Route 206. As you approach this area you will see a large clear cut area on the left. Turn left up the hill and make the first right. If this looks familiar, it should. This is the area where you made a short loop earlier. Head back to the parking area on Trail 2 which is only 1`.1 miles away. Other loops are possible using Trail 2 which extends much farther south.

Bear Spring: Southeastern Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2 mi.	1475 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot. This hike is the result of some wandering.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn onto East Trout Brook Road which is a paved road that connects to Trout Brook Road and Route 30 at Shinhopple. Drive south on the road for about 2.2 miles passing Launt Pond on your right. Park at the roadside pulloff near Middle Pond. There will be a dam and bridge at the outlet of the pond which will allow you to cross East Trout Brook. You may also drive north on Trout Brook Road from Route 30 in Shinhopple. Bear right where West and East Trout Brook Roads separate. The parking area will be about 2.2 miles from where the roads diverge. It may be possible to park at the large parking area where the two roads separate but crossing East Trout Brook in this area on Trail 8 can be difficult in all but the driest times. There is no bridge!

After crossing the bridge at Middle Pond turn right and follow Trail 8 as it roughly parallels the creek.

Bear Spring: Trail 4

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	1.9 mi.	690 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY and watch for East Trout Brook Road on your left. Turn left on East Trout Brook Road heading south and passing Launt Pond on your right. After 2.2 miles park on the left side of the road in the parking area near Middle Pond. Cross the road and head up Trail 4 to the junction with Trail 5 on the ridge. UP is the operative word since Trail 4 is pro ably the steepest trail in the park. It only gains 690 feet but it does so in about 1 mile. Ignore the trail head signs that say .6 miles since a careful inspection will show this is "as the crow flies". The trail is steep with some very steep sections and near the top there is a switchback on the horse trail. Just before the junction with Trail 5 on the ridge is a sharp right turn. Once you are on top you can simply walk back to the car or make this part of a longer or MUCH longer loop.

Bear Spring: Trout Brook

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.7 mi.	527 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY and watch for East Trout Brook Road on your left. Turn left on East Trout Brook Road heading south and passing Launt Pond on your right. After 2.2 miles park on the left side of the road in the parking area near Middle Pond. Walk down to the dam and then turn right on the trail. The trail parallels Trout Creek for most of its length but moves away through fields and forest in places. The trail can be very wet at times. Walk as far as you like and then turn around to return. There are a number of ways to extend the distance and difficulty of the hike.

Bear Spring: Western Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	12.2 mi.	2100 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Caution: The trails at Bear Spring State Park are primarily constructed for horses and snowmobiles. The wide well-kept trails are easy to walk but poorly marked. You cannot really get lost but you can wander around a lot.

Take County Route 206 to the top of Bear Spring Mountain near Walton, NY. Turn into the park on West Bear trout Brook Road which is the main entrance. Only a few hundred feet in there will be a large trail head parking area on the left. There is a large hand-painted wooden sign that shows the numbers horse trails. Memorize it since the copies, if there are any, at he trail junctions are useless. Note also that there are many additional trails and roads that form loops and are not shown on any maps.

Exit the parking area on the trail across the road which should be Trail 7. Within .5 miles you will cross Beers Brook Road and the trail continues on the other side as it parallels West Trout Brook Road. The trail is wide open and grassy and wanders back and forth across the ridge and generally gains a little elevation. At 1.1 miles the trail bears to the right and continues until it meets the trail to the Houck Mountain towers at about 2.2 miles. Turn left and walk a short distance to the next junction and turn right staying on the horse trail marked with the blue horse trail markers. There are few markers that designate the trail numbers and at some point Trail 7 changes to Trail 6 at least according to the sign back at trail head. As you walk along the ridge for the next 3.25 miles to the south and then southeast, you may begin to wonder if you are going the right way. At the and of the ridge the trail starts to descend for about .45 miles to a switchback almost 6 miles into the hike! After the switchback, walk about .8 miles to the next switchback and then another ,5 miles to West Trout Brook Road. You will be about 7.3 miles into the hike and will have dropped almost 1000 feet from the ridge. Cross the road and walk a little to the right to continue on Trail 6. Now its time to regain that 1000 feet you dropped!

From the road the trail ascends briefly and then drops through a stand of spruce trees before climbing again to a trail junction within .35 miles of the road. Finally a trail that is clearly marked! Turn left on Trail 5 and start to climb over 900 feet for the next 1.3 miles. After this there are still some ups and downs but the trail remains relatively flat as it passes Fork Mountain at 9.5 miles into the hike. At 10 miles the trail starts to descend. Along the trail at about 10.4 miles you will pass a clear cut area to the left of the trail. Somewhere around 11 miles Trail 5 ends at West Trout Brook Road. You can walk the road back to the car or cross over to get back on Trail 7 and retrace your earlier route back to the car which is only a mile away.

Bearfort Ridge: Surprise Lake and West Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.94 mi	1140 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park in the parking area on Route 210 just south of the New York border. Route 210 runs parallel to the western shore of Greenwood Lake and there are many marinas and boat ramps in the area. This parking area is hard to find as it looks like you are turning into the parking lot for one of the marinas on the side of the road away from the lake. From the parking area get on the blue State LIne Trail and follow it up to the ridge. This area is popular and there may be no definite path defined. Keep watching for the trail markers as the trail ascends about 650 feet in the first .6 miles. This is almost a 20% grade and is a little steep. Near the top of the climb leave the State Line Trail and turn left on the yellow Ernest Walter Trail that travels along the ridge and to the shore of Surprise Lake where there is a nice viewpoint over the lake. Stay on the yellow trail as it descend some from the ridge and then climbs back to a lookout over West Pond about 1,5 miles into the hike. The trail can be wet at the lowest point of this descent at the end of Surprise Lake. Just after the viewpoint you will cross Green Brook and then turn almost due west off the trail to bushwhack to the highest point on the ridge which is Bearfort Mountain. There is no view from the summit so you can avoid this part if you are not completing a "list" of peaks. BAck on the main trail there is an almost 180 degree turn as the trail begins to wrap around West Pond heading northeast. The trail continues almost flat as it follows the ridge line to a junction with the white Appalachian Trail at about 2.75 miles. Turn right on the AT and start to watch for the blue blazes of the State Line Trail on the right. Turn right at about 3 miles and descend almost 700 feet in the next .85 miles to return to your car.

Bearfort Ridge: Surprise Lake from Warwick Turnpike

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.3 mi.	1000 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This trail follows Bearfort Ridge and leads to a secluded lake. The lookout from the ridge over Greenwood Lake is limited but nice. The route is challenging as it keeps the hiker on a spine of rock with many ups and downs.

Get on the Warwick-Greenwood Lake Turnpike. Near Greenwood Lake look for White Road that runs south. Just west of the intersection with White Road is a small parking area. If this lot is full there is another parking about a quarter mile west. Just out of the parking area there is a trail junction. Bear left on the white blazed Bearfort Ridge Trail and follow it as it ascends 630 feet in the next mile. Continue to follow the trail as it dips and rises along the ridge. Watch you footing on the rock spine that makes up most of this part of the trail At about 2.55 miles the trail meets the yellow Ernest Walter Trail. Turn right and walk to the shores of Surprise Lake for a nice view. Turn around and look for the orange blazes of the Quail Trail. This trail heads southwest and back to the car. It has its ups and downs for about a mile until at 4 miles it starts a serious downward trend. From here the trail drops over 500 feet in the last 1.3 miles until you are back at the parking area.

Bearfort Ridge: Terrace Pond from Warwick Turnpike

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.6 mi.	1000 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

WARNING: This trail is closed as of July 2011 due to an expansion of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company's construction project. The new construction bisects the trail. Further construction may threaten even the AT in New Jersey!

This trail leads to a secluded glacial pond and the lookout from the ridge over Greenwood Lake is excellent. The New York City skyline is visible from the highest point. The route is challenging as it keeps the hiker on a spine of rock with many ups and downs and has several STEEP climbs.

Get on the Warwick-Greenwood Lake Turnpike. Near Greenwood Lake look for White Road that runs south. About a quarter mile west of the intersection and up the hill is a small parking area that is more of a pulloff on the north side of the road. Park here and walk across the road to get on the blue Terrace Pond North Trail. The first part of this trail runs through private property and the owners have been kind enough to allow access. For about a mile the trail ascends and the descends. Watch for an almost 90 degree right turn around 1 mile after which the trail drops slightly. In this area you will eventually start to walk UP a power line right-of-way. There are great views to the south and east along the way and the view ahead of what you are going to climb is impressive. In a short .2 miles the trail climbs about 250 feet which is close to a 30% grade! After this, the trail levels off and at 1.6 miles turns sharply off the power line and into the woods. The trail continues up slightly as it follows spines of rock until it meets the white Terrace Pond Circular Trail at about 2.1 miles. Walk to the cliffs on the south shore of the pond for a beautiful view. Above and behind you is an even higher area. This is Bearfort Mountain which is the highest point in Passaic County. You can take the short bushwhack to the summit. There are several informal paths to follow. To get back you may continue around the pond on the Circular Trail or simply retrace the path you took to the pond.If you choose to go around the pond, be aware that the east end can be very wet.

Belleayre Mt: Ski Area from Lost Clove

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.7 mi.	2245 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on Route 47, the road that runs from Big Indian on Route 28 to Claryville. Turn onto Lost Clove Road just outside the village of Big Indian. Continue for 1.5 miles on Lost Clove Road until the designated parking area on the right. The road dead ends just after this. Walk straight ahead from the parking area onto the red blazed trail. This trail is an easement on private land so stay on the trail at all times. The trail climbs 1300 feet in the next 1.3 miles! It is very steep at times and just steep at others. The trail does follow an old woods road for most of its length which makes the going easier. Some areas have loose stone which makes the footing tricky.

After 1.3 miles the trail enters the forest preserve and shortly after that ends at the blue blazed Pine Hill West Branch Trail. Turn left on this trail. The walking gets easier and a lean-to will be on the right after only .3 miles. Continue passed the lean-to for about .5 miles to the summit of Belleayre Mountain. At this point the Pine Hill West Branch trail turns south toward Balsam Mountain. Walk over the summit, through the field and slightly to your right, and pick up the red blazed Belleayre Ridge Trail. After about .3 miles, there is another lean-to on the right. Just before the lean-to the Cathedral Glen Trail turns to the right. This trail leads down through the ski slopes to the railroad tracks in Pine Hill.

Continue straight ahead on the Belleayre Ridge Trail. The signs for the various ski slopes will start to appear and then ahead will be the lifts and Sunset Lodge. You can continue straight ahead and walk all the way out to Deer Run, the last lift and ski slope on the ridge. Along the way enjoy the view down the slopes into the valley and across to the opposite hills. Be sure to walk around to the "front" of the lodge which offers a nice view of Balsam Mountain. return be retracing the path you used to ascend the mountain.

Bellvale Mt: Mt Peter to Bellvale Mt

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.5 mi.	987 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

To park for this hike travel on Route 17A from Warwick to Greenwood Lake or vice versa. A little less than two miles north of the intersection of Routes 17A and 210 in Greenwood Lake there is a pulloff at the top of the hill on the south side near some rundown buildings. Park here but watch for broken glass! You may also see the white signs or blazes fro the AT as it crosses the road here. Find the trail and start to walk southwest on the AT. This route starts at Mt. Peter near Warwick, NY and travels southwest paralleling Greenwood Lake. The ridge is rugged but the elevation profile accentuates the small ups and downs and makes it look far worse than it is. It part of the AT that runs along Bellvale Ridge until it gets to Bellvale Mountain. Through hikers on the AT are often found here during the summer. There are at lead four good viewpoints along the ridge that look east and south across Greenwood Lake. Bellvale Mountain is a good point for the hiker without a car spot to turn around and hike back to the car. You may continue on the trail down a steep descent and go as far as you like. One objective would be a hike around Surprise Lake but this will add over 5 miles to the hike!

Big Pond: Around the Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.8 mi.	750 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the junction of Beaverkill Road and Barkaboom Road. Turn left toward the Little Pond Campgrounds. Continue passed the turn to the campgrounds on the left. Watch for a sign for the parking area for Big Pond on the right. If you get to Big Pond, you should turn around and take the first turn on the left!. Park in the parking area and look for the trail register. The trail is poorly marked in places so keep an eye out for the trail markers at all times. When thee trail ahead starts the first climb turn off to the left and begin to bushwhack around the pond. On the north end and west side you will find some woods roads that lead out to Barkaboom Road. You may walk the road back to the car or walk back into the woods.

Big Pond to Alder Lake

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi.	1530 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the junction of Beaverkill Road and Barkaboom Road. Turn left toward the Little Pond Campgrounds. Continue passed the turn to the campgrounds on the left. Watch for a sign for the parking area for Big Pond on the right. If you get to Big Pond, you should turn around and take the first turn on the left!. Park in the parking area and look for the trail register. The trail is poorly marked in places so keep an eye out for the trail markers at all times. There are some short climbs but the trail skirts most of the tops of the hills. Once you get to Alder Creek Road you may turn around or extend the hike by walking over to Alder Lake. You may even decide to walk around the lake and beyond!

Big Pond to Cabot Mt (road loop)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	1605 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the intersection with Barkaboom Rd. Drive up the Barkaboom Rd for less than a mile and park at the forest preserve parking area. Walk down the access road and up Barkaboom Road for a short distance. The trail begins on the left and this is where the register is located. In the summer of 2006, there was a sign warning that the trail was closed at the other end. After bushwhacking the Catskill 35's, I didn't think this would be much of a problem and I never found the "closed" trail. After another .75 miles, you reach the top of Touch-Me-Not Mountain. At this point turn right and stay on the red blazed trail. After .5 miles this intersects with the yellow blazed Little Pond Trail. Stay on the red trail and get ready to climb! Cabot Mt is only 2970' high but the ascent is somewhat steep. The Beaverkill Vista gives a beautiful if somewhat restricted view of the Beaverkill valley. Turn around and descend Cabot. This time turn left on the Little Pond Trail which leads to the campground access road. Follow this road out to the bathrooms and main buildings. At this point you may take the blue Campground Trail 1.15 miles until it meets the red Touch-Me-Not Trail. Retrace your steps back to your car at Big Pond. You may also walk .85 miles out the Little Pond Campgrounds access road and turn left on Barkaboom Road. After .5 miles you will be back at the car.

Big Pond to Cabot Mt (trail loop)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.6 mi.	2260 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the intersection with Barkaboom Rd. Drive up the Barkaboom Rd for less than a mile and park at the forest preserve parking area. Walk down the access road and up Barkaboom Road for a short distance. The trail begins on the left and this is where the register is located. In the summer of 2006, there was a sign warning that the trail was closed at the other end. After bushwhacking the Catskill 35's, I didn't think this would be much of a problem and I never found the "closed" trail. After another .75 miles, you reach the top of Touch-Me-Not Mountain. At this point turn right and stay on the red blazed trail. After .5 miles this intersects with the yellow blazed Little Pond Trail. Stay on the red trail and get ready to climb! Cabot Mt is only 2970' high but the ascent is somewhat steep. The Beaverkill Vista gives a beautiful if somewhat restricted view of the Beaverkill valley. Turn around and descend Cabot. This time turn left on the Little Pond Trail which leads to the campground access road. Follow this road out to the bathrooms and main buildings. At this point you may take the blue Campground Trail 1.15 miles until it meets the red Touch-Me-Not Trail. Retrace your steps back to your car at Bog Pond. You may also walk .85 miles out the Little Pond Campgrounds access road and turn left on Barkaboom Road. After .5 miles you will be back at the car.

Big Pond to Touchmenot Mt

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.4 mi.	916 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the intersection with Barkaboom Rd. Drive up the Barkaboom Rd for less than a mile and park at the forest preserve parking area. Walk down the access road and up Barkaboom Road for a short distance. The trail begins on the left and this is where the register is located. In the summer of 2006, there was a sign warning that the trail was closed at the other end. After bushwhacking the Catskill 35's, I didn't think this would be much of a problem and I never found the "closed" trail. After another .75 miles, you reach the top of Touch-Me-Not Mountain. At this point turn right and stay on the red blazed trail. After .5 miles this intersects with the yellow blazed Little Pond Trail. Stay on the red trail and get ready to climb! Cabot Mt is only 2970' high but the ascent is somewhat steep. The Beaverkill Vista gives a beautiful if somewhat restricted view of the Beaverkill valley. Turn around and descend Cabot. This time turn left on the Little Pond Trail which leads to the campground access road. Follow this road out to the bathrooms and main buildings. At this point you may take the blue Campground Trail 1.15 miles until it meets the red Touch-Me-Not Trail. Retrace your steps back to your car at Bog Pond. You may also walk .85 miles out the Little Pond Campgrounds access road and turn left on Barkaboom Road. After .5 miles you will be back at the car.

Black Rock Forest: Complete Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.4 mi.	2267 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

From the south, get on Route 9W on the west side of the Hudson River heading north from West Point toward Newburg. From the junction with Route 293 near the Unites States Military Academy at West Point, drive 3.5 miles north on 9W. Look for Mountain Road and the Storm King School on your right. Turn onto Mountain Road and immediately make an almost 180 degree turn into the tunnel that passes back underneath Route 9W. Use CAUTION since the tunnel is VERY NARROW! Only one car can pass through at a time. Continue straight ahead on Reservoir Road until you get to the parking area on your right.

From the north, get on Route 9W south from Newburgh to West Point. From the junction with Interstate 84 in Newburgh , drive 8.5 miles south on 9W. Look for Old West Point Road on your right. Turn right onto Old West Point Road and follow it to the junction with Reservoir Road. Turn right and continue straight ahead on Reservoir Road until you get to the parking area on your right.

The trail and route description below are representative of the MANY variations you can use in this area. A combination of trails, woods roads and roads give the hiker an opportunity to custom tailor an outing.

Find the trailhead with maps and an overview of the area. Get on the red Duggan Trail and walk about .5 miles until it meets the blue Reservoir Trail. Turn left here and cross Ben's Bridge over the stream that is the outlet for the Upper Reservoir. Follow this trail for about .5 miles as it parallels the brook and climbs to the area near the Education Center. Passed the center the yellow trail begins to climb Mount Misery. Bear right onto White Oak Road and follow it .5 miles to the Aleck Meadow Reservoir. At the reservoir turn right and walk along the shore and across a small bridge just below the spillway. At this point you will be on the yellow Stillman Trail.

Follow the Stillman Trail for .5 miles as it ascends Black Rock. Follow the Stillman Trail for about .4 miles at which you will come to a confusing intersection of roads and trails with two separate gates. Stay on the Stillman Trail by passing through the first and second gates. Just after the second gate turn right. Continue on the Stillman Trail for 1.35 miles and watch for a white trail on the left. This is the Split Rock Trail. Turn left an follow this trail for .3 miles until it meets the Sutherland Road which travels in and east-west direction. Continue walking straight ahead on the Chatfield Road between the two ponds. After only about .15 miles turn right on the yellow Secor Trail. This trail joins with the blue Chatfield Trail in only about .25 miles.

Turn right on the Chatfield Trail and walk .3 miles to the white Scenic Trail. Stay on the Scenic Trail for .25 miles and watch for the blue Eagle Cliff Spur trail on the right. Walk a few hundred feet out to Eagle Cliff. Get on the red Rut Trail and walk .15 miles to the yellow Stropel Trail. Turn left and walk a few hundred feet back to the white Scenic Trail. Continue on this trail for .35 miles to the blue Spy Rock Spur Trail on the left. Walk a few hundred feet up to Spy Rock, look around and return. Walk for about .25 miles and turn left on Continental Road. About .5 miles up the Continental Road is the Chatfield Stone House. From here continue .1 miles on the road and turn right on the while White Oak Trail to the shores of Arthur's Pond.

Continue .15 miles across the outlet of Arthur's Pond and up a short hill to the yellow Tower Vue trail. Turn right here and walk .55 miles along the shore of the pond and back to the white Scenic Trail. Turn left and continue .2 miles on the trail which is also Bog Meadow road a this point. Turn right into the woods following the white Scenic trail as it heads south and the loops north and northeast again. After .5 miles and some climbing you will be at the top of Rattlesnake Hill. In another .7 miles you will crest Hill of Pines. After about .25 miles more you will cross the blue Swamp Trail and in only a few hundred feet the white Scenic trail ends at a junction with the yellow Stillman Trail. Turn right here to ascend .15 miles to the top of Mount Misery.

Descend .15 miles down Mount Misery and turn right on White Oak Road. In .17 miles you will be at the upper Reservoir. Turn left on Reservoir Road and walk .25 miles down to the Education Center. Another easy .55 miles on the road delivers you back to your car in the parking area.

Brock Mountain to Berry Brook Rd

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.4 mi.	1824 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This is a one way hike that requires a car shuttle or you will have to double the distance. Another option is to have someone pick up up at the other end. Head out of Roscoe on Route 206. Turn right on Berry Brook Road just after the county line and drive for around 8 miles to the trail head parking on the right. Drop one car here and continue on Berry Brook Road to Route 30 on the Pepacton Reservoir. Turn left and continue around the reservoir to the junction with Route 206/Route 7. Turn left and drive 2.2 miles to a small parking area on the right side of the road. Park here and cross the road to pick up the blue-blazed Campbell Mountain Trail.

The trail is a wide woods road at the beginning and stays this way for most of its length. THere is an immediate ascent through hardwood forest. Hiking this trail can be a real pain or a great pleasure depending on the trail maintenance. This trail is part of the Finger Lakes Trail system and is maintained by their volunteers. Blowdowns can be a problem but the bigger problem is the dense stands of prickers that can obscure the trail. For the first .5 miles the trail gains 450 feet with a few short but steep climbs. After that, it goes through the first of several switchbacks to give hikers a rest before gaining another 230 feet over the next .4 miles. At about 1 mile you reach the false summit of Brock Mountain which, on many maps and GPS units, is marked as Brock Mountain. In this area you may begin to notice piles of rock that do not look natural> THere is a rather large quarry off the trail to the left. You may be able to find a woods road that leads to it but the bushwhack is easy. You will see piles of rock and a large and deep pit. When you have explored, work your way back up out of the pit and back to the trail. Back on the trail it is time to tackle the rest of the ascent up the "real" Brock Mountain. After a slight descent from the false summit, the trail ascends about 300 feet to the top of Brock Mountain at about 1.9 miles into the hike. The trail does not actually pass over the highest point on the mountain where there is purported to be a USGS benchmark but it tops out at about 2440 feet. As you start down the other side of Brock Mountain there will be a rather steep descent. Many of the trees are dead and this allows for some interesting views of the valley with another ridge beyond. Continue the hike over trail but be careful to pay close attention to where you are hiking! There are numerous paths and woods roads that cut across the main trail and the trail markers can be few and far between. At about 2.4 miles the trail heads north and then southeast after a short distance. This prominent switchback is not shown on the NYNJTC maps and can be a little confusing. At 3 miles the trail turns almost 90 degrees to the right and heads northeast. Shortly after this, at 3.3 miles, there is another 90 degrees turn to the right and the trail heads southeast. In both cases there are snowmobile trails or woods roads in the area of the turns. There are really no views along the way but the woods can be pretty in any season. In some places there are stone walls and the hint of a foundation. At 3.85 there is another 90 degree turn to the right onto an old road which is eroded but very recognizable with stone walls on both sides. The is a slight uphill but the trail is mostly level for the next .3 miles. At this point the Campbell Mountain Trail ends. To the right is the Little Spring Brook Trail that leads out to Route 206. Turn left onto the Pelnor Hollow Trail. In the next 1 mile the trail climbs over 400 feet through mixed hardwood and evergreen forest. There are some steeper climbs in places along this stretch. Near the top of this climb the trail levels and your reward is the Split Rock Lookout. At the lookout there is a large boulder and an area where part of the bedrock has separated. The views to the west are very good but there isn't much to see other than trees and mountains except for one house on the far ridge. The lookout is about 5.2 miles into the hike. From the lookout the trail ascends for about .1 miles at a 26% grade. This isn't very far but it looks like a WALL from the bottom. At 5.3 miles, turn left on the red Mary Smith Trail as the Pelnor Hollow Trail continues straight ahead. The Mary Smith Trail is an almost continuous downhill to Berry Brook Road. There are a few tricky descent through rocks and around trees. After 1.1 miles and a drop of over 500 feet you should be back at the car. When you come out of the woods and cross the power line right-of-way, watch for the point where the trail reenters the woods on the other side.

Burnt Knob

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.8 mi	1330 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at trail head parking area on Black Dome or Big Hollow Road. Be aware that past a certain point this road is considered seasonal and may not be plowed or maintained. During the winter the trailhead parking is almost never plowed and parking is limited along the shoulders of the road. The trail head is just BEFORE the parking area on the right. Find the red-blazed Black Dome Trail and immediately cross the Batavia Kill on a bridge. After a short walk, re-cross the Batavia Kill and continue on the Trail for about 1.1 miles. Look over your shoulder occasionally to see the imposing presence of Blackhead, Black Dome and Thomas Cole Mountains. This walk winds its way upward through mixed hardwood and spruce forest until it meets the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail.

When the streams are running high, you may be unable to make the second crossing after the bridge without running the risk of getting very wet at the beginning of the hike! The map shown was created at such a time. It shows a bushwhack route up the west side of the stream. The bushwhack meets the Escarpment Trail just west of the "official" point which is marked by a sign.

Turn left on The Escarpment Trail and head toward Burnt Knob. The terrain now is more rugged and steeper. There is a hint of views to both the north and south on both sides of the trail but they are not clear. The final ascent onto Burnt Knob is a little steep requiring some help from your poles or surrounding roots and trees. At the top of this short but steep ascent there is a nice view to the north of the valley and a view to the east toward Acra Point. Continue on this trail for a short distance until a short spur leads of to the right. This viewpoint offers an unobstructed view of the Black Dome Valley, Acra Point and the Blackhead Range. This is a good place to stop and enjoy a snack and the view. This area is only about .35 miles from the junction with the Black Dome trail and less if you did the bushwhack.

Continue on for another .35 miles until the trail starts to descend. From here you can see Windham mountain and get some views to the south. Return by retracing your path on the trail or the bushwhack. You can return on the Black Dome Trail even if you bushwhacked up. Before the first water crossing, turn right or west for a short distance until you come to the Batavia Kill. Cross here and walk up to the top of the ridge. You should find the track of your bushwhack up. Follow this track to bushwhack back to the trail register and the parking area.

Buttermilk Falls State Park (NY)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.0 mi.	760 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head south on Route 13 from Ithaca, New York. Watch for signs for East Buttermilk Falls Road and Buttermilk Falls State Park on your left. The main Buttermilk Falls area is a popular swimMing area and it may be hard to get good pictures of the falls from below. Walk through the swimming area to pick up the trail on the west rim of the gorge on the Gorge Trail. As you walk up the first set up steps you may be able to get better pictures. The main "falls" simply has water that passes over a wide expanse of harder bedrock and does not really fall. Over the years the stream has cut an interesting path through the rock forming the gorge. You will soon be at another falls without a sheer drop but one that is narrower and, therefore, seems to be faster flowing. As you continued along the path, you will see how the stream has meandered along the gorge and causing many different and interesting formations. Another falls will appear soon as the water passes through a narrow slot in the rocks. In several places the swirling water has cut circular "pools" in the rock which are deep with rather large diameters. More falls and more interesting formations appear along the way as the path continues climbing up the gorge. At the top of one set of steps you will see a nice three-tiered cascade. There is a lean-to on the right of the trail. Pass by the bridge that crosses the stream to make sure you see the whole gorge. There are several more falls and interesting rock formationsand then you will be at Pinnacle Rock. Here a spire of rock has either pulled away from the gorge wall or, more likely, is of greater hardness than the surrounding stone. In any case, it is quite impressive standing tall right next to the path. The pattern of falls, plunge pools, and slots continues as you walk to the head of the gorge but they become less frequent as the stream volume deceases. Cross the next bridge to get to the Rim Trail on the east side of the gorge. This trail descends for most of its length buthas at least one area that drops to the gorge before climbing again to the rim. In several places the trail meets a service road and the path was not well marked. The Rim Trail will take you back to the parking area.

Cabot Mountain from Beech Hill Road

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.2 mi.	917 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head toward Lew Beach on the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor. Pass through Lew Beach toward Turnwood. Watch for a right hand turn with a road sign for Beech Hill Road. Drive up the road for about 2.6 miles and park at the parking area on the right. The hike to the Beaverkill Vista viewpoint and back is only be about 3 miles but part of it is steep. The first part of the trail is flat and actually descends a little and it almost always wet. At about .25 miles into the hike the trail starts to ascend and gains 575 feet over the next .5 miles. The grade is around 25% in most places! After this point the trail flattens out and rolls a little along the way to the viewpoint. At .85 miles you may notice what looks like a road off the trail on the left. I don't know much about it but it does look very much like a road. Continue without much change in elevation to 1.25 miles where the trail ascends again and then drops a little to the vista at 1.6 miles. Turn around to retrace your steps back to the car. The challenge on the way back is to descend safely on the steeper slopes but the return is almost always faster. We were back at the car by 2:40 PM having covered 3.2 miles in just under 2 hours. The trip up took 1 hour and 10 minutes. The return journey was completed in 45 minutes.

Campbell Brook: Campbell Brook Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.5 mi.	1622 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head out of Roscoe on Route 206. As you crest Cat Hollow and start down the other side, there is a small parking area on the left side of the road after Jug Tavern Road. Park here and sign in at the trail registry. Walk down the woods road and cross a small brook which may be high when there has been significant rain or snow melt. In this area are several old foundations to explore. Walk along the trail by the brook and cross on the footbridge. The trail now begins to ascend Campbell Mountain and can be wet with running water. At about 1.2 miles there is a sharp turn or switchback to the left but it is well marked. The trail continues to ascend rather steeply and at 1.3 miles is a lean-to with privy. The highest point on the trail (2430 feet) is reached at around 1.9 miles. Continue on down the other side of the hill to Campbell Brook Road at 2.4 miles. Cross the road here and pick up the Trout Pond Trail on the other side. The trail continues to descend until you cross the bridge over Campbell Brook at 2.75 miles.FRom there it is a 1 mile climb to the highest point on the hike at 2510 feet. Head down the other side to Campbell Brook Road at 4.3 miles. From here it is a 3.2 mile road walk back to the car. Turn left on Campbell Brook Road. Make the next left onto Campbell Mountain Road. Turn right at the next intersection on Jug Tavern Road. Stay on Jug Tavern until it meets Route 206. Turn left and walk .7 miles downhill back to the car.

Campbell Brook: Campbell Mountain Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.2 mi.	1130 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head out of Roscoe on Route 206. As you crest Cat Hollow and start down the other side, there is a small parking area on the left side of the road after Jug Tavern Road. Park here and sign in at the trail registry. Walk down the woods road and cross a small brook which may be high when there has been significant rain or snow melt. In this area are several old foundations to explore. Walk along the trail by the brook and cross on the footbridge. The trail now begins to ascend Campbell Mountain and can be wet with running water. At about 1.2 miles there is a sharp turn or switchback to the left but it is well marked. The trail continues to ascend rather steeply and at 1.3 miles is a lean-to with privy. The highest point on the trail (2430 feet) is reached at around 1.9 miles. You can turn around now or walk down to "tag" Campbell Brook Road. This is another .6 miles downhill which you must climb on the return trip. You can also continue and fashion a loop out of the trails and back roads in the area.

Campbell Brook: Campbell Mountain Out and Back

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.0 mi.	1270 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head out of Roscoe on Route 206. As you crest Cat Hollow and start down the other side, there is a small parking area on the left side of the road after Jug Tavern Road. Park here and sign in at the trail registry. Walk down the woods road and cross a small brook which may be high when there has been significant rain or snow melt. In this area are several old foundations to explore. Walk along the trail by the brook and cross on the footbridge. The trail now begins to ascend Campbell Mountain and can be wet with running water. At about 1.2 miles there is a sharp turn or switchback to the left but it is well marked. The trail continues to ascend rather steeply and at 1.3 miles is a lean-to with privy. The highest point on the trail (2430 feet) is reached at around 1.9 miles. You can turn around now or walk down to "tag" Campbell Brook Road. This is another .6 miles downhill which you must climb on the return trip. You can also continue and fashion a loop out of the trails and back roads in the area.

Campbell Brook: Trout Pond to Route 206

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	12.4 mi.	2700 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

About half of this hike is on trails and the other half on back roads. Even the roads are scenic so you don't lose much walking along them. The initial part is the same as the Trout Pond hike.

Turn left on Morton Hill Road on Route 206 just after the Rockland flats. Bear right up Morton Hill Road until you see a parking area on the left near the sign indicates Russell Brook Road is closed. Park here and hike down Russell Brook Road half a mile to the actual trail head. Go over the bridge and look to your right to see a beautiful waterfall. Explore this area if you like. Back on the trail you may go to the left or right. Go to the right and walk another 1.5 miles to the head of Trout Pond. The trail is a gentle uphill all the way with the last quarter mile along the edge of the lake. At the head of the lake the trail branches right to Campbell Brook. Bear right on stay on the blue-blazed Trout Pond Trail. This trail continues for another 3.1 miles. On the way you pass over the shoulders of two unnamed mountains. Campbell Brook and Campbell Mountain Roads are the low points in between. The trail goes on for another 1.9 miles and up and down another mountain until it meets Route 206. Turn right on Route 206 and walk .7 miles up the hill until you turn right on Jug Tavern Road. After walking 1.8 miles along Jug Tavern make a left onto Campbell Brook Road. Continue walking on this road for 3.15 miles back to the car. Campbell Brook changes to Morton Hill Road after a short distance but there are no turns.

Colgate Lake to Stoppel Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	11.9 mi.	1947 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Route 23C north from Route 23A in Tannersville. Stay on this road until it crests the hill at Onteora Park and passes the stone church at the top. Stop here for some very nice views of the Devil's Path. Continue down the other side of the hill to East Jewett. Turn onto CR 78 which should have a sign for Colgate Lake. Pass Colgate Lake on the right and park at the DEC parking area on the left. The gate marks the beginning of the yellow-blazed Colgate Lake Trail. The trail starts through a meadow with some nice views of the surrounding mountains. After about a quarter of a mile it enters the woods. The trail is mostly flat and winds its way in back of Lake Capra which is a privately owned inholding in the Catskill Park. There are several bridges of different types over various bodies of running water.

Along the trail watch for a beaver meadow on the the left at about 2.5 miles. Walk out to the beaver meadow which was once a beaver pond. There is a nice view of Blackhead Mountain from here and the meadow itself is pretty. Just passed the meadow is a beaver pond and the trail skirts this area. A little further at about 3.1 miles is another meadow with another great view of Blackhead Mountain. A few hundred feet up the trail you can cut into the woods on several informal trails or you can make your own. There is a nice small, secluded waterfall here. Back on the main trail it is another 2.3 miles to the junction of the trail with the Escarpment Trail. This last part of the walk is more uphill as you ascend to Dutcher's Notch. You will be walking between the Escarpment on your right and another ridge on your left. On your immediate left is a deep ravine. The terrain is rugged and beautiful but offers no views.

At the junction with the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail, turn right and be prepared to climb. The trail takes you up to the Escarpment which was on your right as you were coming up the Colgate Lake trail. The trail climbs some but is not too steep. Once on the Escarpment the trail is mostly flat until Stoppel Point. All along the trail you can see that you are on a ridge and that there might be interesting views especially on your left. Keep walking and wait for some real viewpoints! At 1.2 miles is a great lookout right on the trail with views to the north and northeast. Back on the trail the climbing gets steeper now as you begin to ascend to Stoppel Point. In a little less than a mile you will find the wreckage of a two-seater Piper Cub right on the trail on the left. Passed the wreck only a few hundred feet is a lookout to the south and west.

Keep walking on the trail and pass the point where your GPS might indicate the location of Stoppel Point. Walk until you find a DEC signpost and a GREAT lookout to the north and northeast. To get back just retrace your steps. Another option is to park a car at the Schutt Road parking area near North South Lake State Campgrounds. You can then walk through over North Mountain and North Point and experience the rest of the lower end of the Escarpment Trail.

Colonel's Chair

Quick Look (Spruceton Trail)
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.0 mi.	2907 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

I have included the summit of Hunter Mountain on the map and profile. You can cut some time, distance and elevation by avoiding the climb to the peak. However, once you are as far as the Colonel's Chair Spur Trail the peak of Hunter is only a mile and a quarter further. The peak is the second highest in the Catskill's. It also has a fire tower which offers a spectacular view of most of the other peaks on a clear day.

Park at the large trailhead parking lot near the end of the Spruceton Road. This is the first of three parking lots and each is smaller than the previous. Find the blue-blazed Spruceton Trail which starts as a wide, gated road which follows Hunter Brook. After crossing a small bridge across the brook, you will come to a hairpin turn to the right. Look to your right as you ascend this trail for imposing views of West Kill. After 1.7 miles, the trail turns right off the road but remains fairly wide and well kept. In the winter water from the spring can overflow the trail forming ice flows that can be dangerous. In the other seasons this spring may cause the trail to be muddy. At the spring is a nice lookout which offers views of Rusk Mountain, West Kill, and, farther off, North dome and Sherrill.

Only .3 miles beyond the spring is the Colonel's Chair spur trail blazed in yellow. This trail descends almost 500 feet over 1.1 miles and ends up at the top of the Hunter Mountain ski area. Several areas are steep and, of course, must be ascended on the way back. As you walk you will notice colored and numbered trails. These are used for snowshoeing and mountain biking. Stay on the main trail which turns into a dirt road. You will pass on open area on your left which is a stone quarry. A little further on the right is a lookout and a sculpture of Rip VanWinkle. If you miss this, you can follow the signs from the ski lifts. Stay on the trail until you start to see ski lifts. At this point you can walk around to the top of the various lifts and slopes. The views of the surrounding mountains and those in the distance are beautiful. There are also great views of the village of Hunter in the valley below. Reverse your steps to climb back up to the main trail. At this point you can turn left to the summit of Hunter Mountain or right to get back to the parking area.

Crystal Lake

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.9 mi.	410 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This area is a small New York State Wild Forest area between Roscoe and Fremont Center. Get on County Route 93. About halfway between the Roscoe and Fremont center watch for Tennah Lake Road which heads north from CR 93. After the turn the parking area will be a short distance on the left. Depending on the season you may be able to drive up the access road and park in the small parking area. In the winter you will have to park on the side of the road as there is no maintenance.

Delaware Water Gap: Buttermilk Falls (NJ)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.2 mi	1340 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

One of the hardest parts of this hike is finding the location of the highest falls in New Jersey. From Route 209 in Dingman's Ferry, Pennsylvania cross the bridge on Route 739 over the Delaware River. Turn right almost immediately on Old Mine Road. Old Mine Road quickly becomes Walpack Flatbrook Road. Stay on this road for a little over 8 miles from the bridge. Mountain Road will be on your left but is poorly marked. The road surface is as poor as the marking and may be impassable for some vehicles at certain times. Drive carefully for about 1.5 miles and park in the parking area on the left. The falls is directly across the road from the parking area. At this point you could return to your car. The hike described here takes in a few more points of interest but is not easy.

From the base of the falls hike up the trail using the wooden steps to access an observation platform about halfway up the falls. Near the top there is another platform which gives limited views to the north. Continue on the trail across a bridge and up the west side of the stream. Hike for about .9 miles and before taking a right on a woods road. This first part of the trail is steep in parts. The next 1 mile of the trail is almost flat and remains woods road for most of the way to the shores of Hemlock Lake. Along the way the trail passes by a pretty beaver pond. At the shores of Hemlock lake turn left on a dirt road and walk by the northern and eastern shore of the lake. The lake is a popular place to swim even though all the "beaches" are rocks. The trail will gain some elevation over the next .75 miles until it intersects the Appalachian Trail. Walk straight ahead across the AT and follow the paths and roads down to the shores of Crater Lake. LOcal legend says the lake was formed by a meteor impact but it seems entirely too shallow for this to be true. This is another popular bathing area since there is a road on the other side that runs directly to the lake. Return to the At and turn right. As you hike along the AT for the next .8 miles the trail rises only slightly. On your right is Paradise Mountain. Turn left to start to descend back to the junction with the woods road you used earlier. Stay straight ahead at the junction and walk back down the hills and the wooden steps to the parking area.

Delaware Water Gap: Buttermilk and Hidden Falls (NJ)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.5 mi	1490 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

One of the hardest parts of this hike is finding the location of the highest falls in New Jersey. From Route 209 in Dingman's Ferry, Pennsylvania cross the bridge on Route 739 over the Delaware River. Turn right almost immediately on Old Mine Road. Old Mine Road quickly becomes Walpack Flatbrook Road. Stay on this road for a little over 8 miles from the bridge. Mountain Road will be on your left but is poorly marked. The road surface is as poor as the marking and may be impassable for some vehicles at certain times. Drive carefully for about 1.5 miles and park in the parking area on the left. The falls is directly across the road from the parking area. At this point you could return to your car. The hike described here takes in a few more points of interest but is not easy.

From the base of the falls hike up the trail using the wooden steps to access an observation platform about halfway up the falls. Near the top there is another platform which gives limited views to the north. Continue on the trail across a bridge and up the west side of the stream. Hike for about .9 miles and before taking a right on a woods road. This first part of the trail is steep in parts. The next 1 mile of the trail is almost flat and remains woods road for most of the way to the shores of Hemlock Lake. Along the way the trail passes by a pretty beaver pond. At the shores of Hemlock lake turn left on a dirt road and walk by the northern and eastern shore of the lake. The lake is a popular place to swim even though all the "beaches" are rocks. The trail will gain some elevation over the next .75 miles until it intersects the Appalachian Trail. Walk straight ahead across the AT and follow the paths and roads down to the shores of Crater Lake. LOcal legend says the lake was formed by a meteor impact but it seems entirely too shallow for this to be true. This is another popular bathing area since there is a road on the other side that runs directly to the lake. Return to the At and turn right. As you hike along the AT for the next .8 miles the trail rises only slightly. On your right is Paradise Mountain. Turn left to start to descend back to the junction with the woods road you used earlier. Stay straight ahead at the junction and walk back down the hills and the wooden steps to the parking area.

Turn right and walk about .5 miles down the road. Turn right into the woods on an informal path. Cross over the stream and walk along bank of the small creek for several hundred feet. You should see Hidden Falls at this point. Some nice views of the falls can be had from above but the banks are steep and slippery. Scrambling up the banks is DANGEROUS! It is better to take your pictures from the base of the falls. When you are done, retrace your route back to the car.

Delaware Water Gap: Mount Minsi

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.51 mi.	1139 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

From Main Street (Route 611) in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania turn south on Mountain Road. Drive up the hill and watch for Lake Road on your left. Drive in and park in the lot to been the hike. Watch for the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail which will take you to the summit. You will pass by Lenape Lake on your right as the trail slowly ascends through the forest. The trail is rocky at times but not very steep. After about 1.2 miles the trail turns and starts a steeper ascent. There is a nice viewpoint here down to the river and over to Mount Tammany on the New Jersey side. As you continue to climb another viewpoint is evident at 1.8 miles. Since you are higher here, the views are generally better. The next .25 miles gets you to the relatively flat top of the mountain. Continue your walk passing a small building in the area where you can see the steps to a fire tower. The trail goes near the edge of the cliffs and side trails lead nearer the edge. Walk to the viewpoints to get good views south on the Delaware River. Turn back to start down the mountain and walkabout .45 miles from the summit. Bear left on the Mt. Minsi Fire Road. The road is not an official hiking trail but is very obvious and gives a different route down the mountain. Around 2 miles from the top Table Rock will be on your right. This large, flat rock gives another viewpoint but is no better than the ones you have already experienced. The fire road will intersect the AT just short of Lenape Lake and you can follow the trail back to the parking area.

Delaware Water Gap: Mount Tammany

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.2 mi.	1190 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Exit Interstate 80 at the exit for the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center. Pass by the center and under Interstate 80. Park in the Dunnfield Creek parking area to begin your hike. Several routes are available. This one takes you up the Blue Dot Trail and down the Red Dot Trail although the reverse route is also interesting. In the parking area look for the kiosk and then spot the white blazes for the Appalachian Trail. After about .6 miles bear right on the green Dunnfield Creek trail but watch for another quick right onto the Blue Dot Trail. The trail gains about 850 feet over the next mile where it hits the Mount Tammany Fire Road on the ridge. The trail is rocky in many places and is a challenge but never very steep. Hike another .25 miles along the trail/fire raod. The Blue Dot Trail ends and the Red Dot Trail begins at an incredible viewpoint on an open rock face. Walking down the rocks can be tricky but the views are even more rewarding.In wet or icy weather remain on the trail at the top where you will still have good views. The lookout allows you to look up and down the river. The descent on the Red Dot Trail is steeper than the ascent and there are some areas where you will have to scramble over rocks. Watch for additional viewpoints on the way down which give you another angle. The Red Dot Trail will return to the parking area but you will have to watch carefully as several informal paths confuse the issue.

Delaware Water Gap: Sunfish Pond by Tammany Fire Road

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.8 mi	1944 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the Dunnfield Creek parking area off I80 just over the New Jersey border in the Delaware Water Gap. Take the Red Dot Trail from the parking lot and get ready for a steep climb! In 1.4 miles from the parking area the trail gains 1130 feet. There are several viewpoints along the trail that look upstream through the water gap. The best reward is the open rock face near the top that acts as a lookout.Walk out carefully onto the rock face to get a good view up and down the river. The Blue Dot Trail begins where the Red Dot Trail ends at the lookout. Walk about .25 miles on the Blue Dot Trail at which point it will turn left and start down off the ridge and back to the parking area. Continue straight ahead on the Tammany Fire Road. This unmarked path stays largely on top of the ridge as it meanders for about 3 miles until it meets the Turquoise Trail to Sunfish Pond. The fire road is relatively easy to follow but there are no markings of any kind. Turn left on the blue Turquoise Trail marked by a cairn but little else. The blazes are few and far between. After about .8 miles or so on the trail it meets and starts to follow a woods road around the pond. Be sure to watch for blazes as the trail bears left to a high point overlooking Sunfish Pond. From this viewpoint head out on the Turquoise Trail which soon ends at the Appalachian Trail. Turn left to go around the pond. This part of the trail is EXTREMELY rocky and hard to walk. Continu on around the lake on the AT. At the southwest end of the lake pick up the green Dunnfield Creek Trail and start to climb a little up to a small ridge. The trail does not climb all the way to the ridge but stays close to the creek as it heads southwest toward the Delaware River. The trail is very rocky and uneven for the first mile but begins to get smoother the further along. The trail follows most of the twists and turns in the shallow creek and you will cross back and forth to avoid the steep banks on one side or the other a number of times. In about 3 miles form the pond, there is a trail junction with the Blue Dot Trail up Tammany. A bridge here crosses the creek near what is sometimes called Dunnfield Falls. The Blue Dot Trail, Dunnfield Creek Trail and the AT all come together in this area. Continue on the AT back to the parking area.

Dry Brook: German Hollow

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.3 mi.	1425 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

There are several different ways to access this area from the Margaretville and Arkville areas. The German Hollow Trail comes up to the Dry Brook Ridge trail from a side road off the Dry Brook Road. In Arkville turn south on Dry Brook Road. Watch for Chris Long Road on the right. Go to the end of the road and turn around. Park on the right side of the road opposite a house. There is room for two cars at most. The yellow German Hollow trail is a wide woods road to the Dry Brook Ridge trail and is about 1.6 miles long. The German Hollow lento is, at present, buried underneath several large trees that have crushed it! Once on the ridge you can turn around or hike the Ridge Trail to the Penguin Rocks.

Dry Brook: German Hollow to Lookouts

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.1 mi.	2240 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

There are several different ways to access this area from the Margaretville and Arkville areas. The German Hollow Trail comes up to the Dry Brook Ridge trail from a side road off the Dry Brook Road. In Arkville turn south on Dry Brook Road. Watch for Chris Long Road on the right. Go to the end of the road and turn around. Park on the right side of the road opposite a house. There is room for two cars at most. The yellow German Hollow trail is a wide woods road to the Dry Brook Ridge trail and is about 1.6 miles long. The German Hollow leanto is, at present, buried underneath several large trees that have crushed it! Once on the ridge you can turn left on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Walk about a mile to the junction with the Huckleberry Loop Trail gaining about 300 feet along the way. Stay on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail for another mile and gain 225 feet until a short side trail leads to thee lookouts over the Pepapcton Reservoir. .

Dry Brook: Hill Rd to Viewpoints

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.75 mi.	1663 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

There are several different ways to access this area from the Margaretville and Arkville areas. The Dry Brook Trail starts near the Agway store in Margaretville and proceeds over Pakatakan Mountain and to the viewpoints. The German Hollow Trail comes up to the Dry Brook Ridge trail from a side road off the Dry Brook Road. This route follows the upper Huckleberry Loop Trail from the Hill Road parking area. There are also two parking areas on Huckleberry Brook Road that can be used.

From Routes 28 and 30 in Margaretville get on Southside Road. You may also use BWS Route 10 if you are coming from the Pepacton Reservoir to the west. Watch for the turn onto Huckleberry Brook Road. It is about 2 miles from Margaretville and less than a mile from the junction of BWS Route 10 with Routes 28 and 30. After turning onto Huckleberry Road, watch for the turn onto Hill Road about a quarter mile up on the right. Continue on Hill Road for a little over 1 mile until you see signs for "wild forest". The parking area will be on the right and is small with only enough room for a few cars. This should not be a problem since this route is not as popular as it should be.

After parking, cross the road and sign into the register. The trail ascends not too steeply through a pine plantation where the trees are evenly spaced. The trail is wide as it overlaps an old woods road. The floor is covered with pine needles which makes it cushioned and easy to walk on. The pine plantation slowly gives way to hardwoods and then leads into more pines. At times the trail narrows as it leaves the meandering woods road. In places it is narrow enough to have briars and nettles in the trail! After a little more than 1.5 miles the trail ends at the blue Dry Brook Trail. Turning left will take to Margaretville so turn right to continue toward the viewpoints.

The trail on the ridge is relatively flat with several small ascents and descents. There are a few parts that pass by some large rocks but without any real "scrambles". After about 1.3 miles of walking, hints of a view appear on the right. Don't stop here since the lookouts are just ahead. The first lookout is a rock shelf with several levels. There are views from all levels but the ones from the lower levels are the least obstructed. The views ate to the west over Cold Spring Hollow and the Pepacton Reservoir. The trick is to hike this route on a clear day with little humidity so that the haze does not cloud the view. You may now walk another .7 miles the another set of viewpoints and the highest point on the ridge. The views aren't much different than the ones you have just taken in so you may want to immediately turn back and make your way back to the car. The trail back can be descended quickly especially after the turn onto the Huckleberry Loop Trail.

Dry Brook: Huckleberry Loop (complete)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	11.2 mi.	2940 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

There are several different ways to access this loop hike area from the Margaretville and Arkville areas. The Huckleberry Loop Trail crosses Hill Road and runs along Huckleberry Brook Road. There is a parking area on Hill Road and two on Huckleberry Brook Road. There is also a parking areas on Ploutz Road of the Millbrook Road but Ploutz Road is poorly maintained. This route starts at the Hill Road parking area and heads south to co the lower Huckleberry Loop Trail first and then proceeds up Dry Brook Ridge in a counterclockwise direction. The lower Huckleberry Loop Trail is NOT a trail for a good part of its length! Make sure you are willing to slog through heavy briars and undergrowth for about 3 miles!

From Routes 28 and 30 in Margaretville get on Southside Road. You may also use BWS Route 10 if you are coming from the Pepacton Reservoir to the west. Watch for the turn onto Huckleberry Brook Road. It is about 2 miles from Margaretville and less than a mile from the junction of BWS Route 10 with Routes 28 and 30. After turning onto Huckleberry Road, watch for the turn onto Hill Road about a quarter mile up on the right. Continue on Hill Road for a little over 1 mile until you see signs for "wild forest". The parking area will be on the right and is small with only enough room for a few cars. From the parking area walk up the road a few feet and turn right into the woods on the red Huckleberry Loop Trail.

Walk .3 miles south on the trail to the upper parking area on Huckleberry Brook Road. Bear right near the road, walk through a small open area and cross the bridge to the road. Walk west on the road for .8 miles to the lower parking area. Just passed the parking area on the left is a bridge over Huckleberry Brook. Sign the register here and get ready to start climbing right away. The trail soon merges with an old woods road and follows it until about .4 miles after the bridge. At this point it turns again and starts to climb the ridge. Be careful to make the turn to the right as the road continues straight ahead. For the next .85 miles the trail switches back several times as it climbs to the ridge line. Watch for some very large and very old hardwood and softwood trees. In addition, there are some impressive rock formation that show exceptionally clear sedimentary layers. At this point the trail begins to deteriorate. If you are lucky, someone will have cut down some of the briars, brush and undergrowth but the going will still be tough! For the next 3.5 miles you will have to hack your way through raspberry canes, briars, nettles, ferns and various bushes. You will do this without being able to see the rocks and fallen trees under foot that will trip you up. You will also be treated to several ascents and descents of small hills on your way to the parking area on Plover Road.

When you get to the trailhead on Plowboy Road you will have hiked about .4 miles but it will feel like half again as much distance. To get to Ploutz Road you will have dropped down from the ridge and then ascended to about 2400 feet. What awaits you is another 5 miles of hiking which starts with an ascent to the top of Dry Brook Ridge at almost 3500 feet. Walk across the road to the parking area and continue on the red trail. The trail now ascends for a little over a mile to the ridge. The ascent starts and ends easily but the parts in between can be steep at times! At the ridge the trail flattens and in about .35 miles you will reach the junction with the blue Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Turn left toward Margaretville and walk for about .8 miles to a viewpoint over Cold Spring Hollow and the Pepacton Reservoir. Another .7 miles of walking brings another set of lookouts with much the same view. Continue on the trail for another 1 mile until the junction with the red Huckleberry loop trail. Turn left on the trail and hike 1.55 miles back to the parking area on Hill Road. This descent is rather and you can make good time walking downhill. The trail descends not too steeply first through hardwoods and then narrows in several places as it leaves the meandering woods road. In these places some briars and nettles may encroach on the trail. After some more hard woods the trail merges with and stays on an old woods road that runs through a pine plantation where the trees are evenly spaced. The trail is wide as it overlaps an old woods road. The floor is covered with pine needles which makes it cushioned and easy to walk on. In at least one spot are some old foundations and in others stone walls.

Dry Brook: From Margaretville Trailhead

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.0 mi.	2065 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This route starts at the Millbrook Trailhead and ends at the junction with the trail from Hill Road. Of, course, the hike could easily be extend by continuing out to the lookouts and beyond! In Margaretville get on Southside Road which runs parallel to Route 28 and head northeast. Park in the parking area alongside the road just after Fair St on the left. The trail starts across the road. The first 1.7 miles of the trail climbs Pakatakan Mountain and is wide woods road most of the way. A direct route up the mountain would be very steep so there are several switchbacks which also help to avoid some rather nice ledges and cliffs. The overall route shows a grade of about 12% but there are some short stretches that are around 20%! After the summit, your climb is still not over as Dry Brook Ridge is at a higher elevation. At about 2.6 miles the German Hollow Trail comes in from Arkville on the left. From German Hollow the trail climbs for another .5 miles when in inexplicably drops about 100 feet! From this point the trail turns almost due south and climbs nearly 200 feet in a little over .1 miles to Dry Brook Ridge. This is almost a 30% grade and you will feel it! To return to your car simply retrace your path. The Penguin Rocks viewpoint is only another mile along the ridge. The trail wanders back and forth and does gain an additional 225 feet of elevation but this can be a welcome respite from the steep ascent and subsequent descent of the ridge.

Dry Brook: From Millbrook Trailhead

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2mi.	1630 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This route starts at the Millbrook Trailhead and ends at the junction with the Huckleberry Loop Trail. The hike could be extended since another 1.3 miles will bring you to the Penguin Rocks lookout. You could also hike through to another trail head if you spot a car. The trail is deceptive since the elevation is gained over about three miles. However, the trail rises to 3460 feet and is #37 on the CHH list.

Get on the New York City road that leaves Margaretville and passes long the south side of the Pepacton Reservoir. After about 3.5 miles, watch for the Millbrook Arena Road on the left. Turn here and drive about 9.5 miles to the Millbrook trail head on the left. Park to begin your hike. Once you are on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail the hike is very straight forward as long as you stay on the marked trail. The trail starts up almost immediately over a small hill gaining 440 feet in the first .7 miles. It then drops almost 300 feet in the next .5 miles before starting up to the ridge. In the next mile the trail ascends to the ridge gaining 680 feet before leveling off at the top. For the next .9 miles the trail drops about 100 feet only to regain that elevation to the junction with the Huckleberry Loop trail coming up to the ridge from the west.

Dry Brook: From Ploutz Road Trailhead

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.5 mi.	1380 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This route starts at the Ploutz Road Trailhead on the Huckleberry Loop Trail and ends at the Penguin Rocks lookout. The trail rises to 3460 feet on Dry Brook Ridge which is #37 on the CHH list.

Get on the New York City road that leaves Margaretville and passes long the south side of the Pepacton Reservoir. After about 3.5 miles, watch for the Millbrook Arena Road on the left. Turn here and drive about 6.5 miles to Ploutz Road on the left. This road is ROUGH but there is a small trail head parking area on the right as you drive up the road. Park here to begin your hike. The trail is a no nonsense affair that goes directly up to the ridge. In 1.25 miles it gains over 1000 feet and then virtually levels off on the ridge. Just out of the parking area you will cross over two parallel stone walls. These walls delineate a lane that probably lead from a barn to a pasture. Turn left along this lane and you will see that it opens into a large area bounded by stone walls. Trees have grown up in the pasture but it purpose is clear. At the top of the ridge the Huckleberry Loop Trail intersect the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. Turn left and walk about 1.4 miles to the lookouts. There are several different lookouts. The best is the last from this direction. There is a large stone ledge with several levels. The views into the hollow and over to the Pepacton are unobstructed. The only problem is a persistent haze in the valleys. Retrace your path back to the parking area.

Enfield Glen: Robert Treman State Park (NY)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.0 mi.	1470 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head south on Route 13 from Ithaca, New York. Watch for signs for Buttermilk Falls State Park. Drive another 2 miles south and watch for signs for Robert Treman State Park and Park Lane. Park in the main parking area to begin the hike. The trails here parallel the glen and can be done in either direction. From the parking area head north to get on the trail that runs along the north rim of the glen. The first part of the hike has a steep ascent to the gorge rim and does not have many points of interest for over a half mile! Enfield Glen is not as developed as some other parks which means there are fewer people but also that the trails are more rugged with fewer defined viewpoints. Along the way you may be able to walk down to the stream bed and photograph some of the numerous small falls and rapids on the stream. Some places you should use your better judgment and stay on the trail as trying to get to the stream bed is dangerous! After a variety of falls and rock formations you will pass a bridge that crosses to the rim trail on the south side of the glen. BYpass this bridge to continue on to the main attraction, Lucifer Falls. Continue to limb up the path and various stairs toward the head of the glen. You will soon be walking next to a railing and a high rock wall. As you rounde a corner, Lucifer Falls comes into view. It is truly impressive even with low water levels and has an impressive drop. After taking in the view, walk passed this viewing area and another falls will come into view. Around another corner is a stone bridge which leads to the path on the other side of the stream. Beneath the bridge is a narrow slot which channels water into another falls. You will eventually arrive at the upper parking area where you can turn around and head back along the south rim. Before turning around you can visit an old mill and the falls that powered it. Head back to the beginning of the rim trail and climb UP to the south rim of the gorge. The trail flattens at the top but still has its downs and ups. In one place the trail drops down an impressive set of stone steps to the level of the stream. It follows the stream briefly before climbing back up to the rim. There are several viewpoints along the way with one offering a nice view down to Lucifer Falls. Near the end of the trail you can see down to the gorge and the Lower Falls. There is a swimming area for the park which sort of ruins the appearance of the falls. Below the Lower Falls a small dam holds back some water to form a pool for swimming. The gorge below this is not as high as further up but has some nice features. On the other side is some artificial stonework and a stone building. Return to the main path and follow it through an area where there are some cabins. To cross the stream there is a walkway for hikers but cars have to drive through several inches of water and ford the stream to cross!

Fahnestock Mines

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.0 mi.	766 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Fahnestock Park on the east side of the Hudson River in Putnam County is beautiful in its own right. It is also the site of several historic iron mines.

From Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson turn east on Route 301 and drive 5 miles to the intersection of Dennytown Road. Turn south and rive for less than a mile to the parking area on the left near the now closed Sunken Mine Road. Walk for about .3 miles on the road and then turn right into the woods to start the bushwhack to the Denny Mine. Head southeast for about .2 miles over a small hill. The Denny Mine is a large pit in the eastern side of the hill. From here head northeast and in another ,2 miles you should pick up the road/trail again. You will pass by a pond on the left. Continue on the road for only about .1 miles to where the road crosses a stream. Turn left on an unmaintained trail. Just after you start up the trail, the long open pits of the Hamilton Mine will be on your right. You can walk up to these pits to "explore" and photograph them. BE CAREFUL as many are filled with water and a fall into one would be a problem. Continue on the path for about .3 miles and then start heading to the left and over the top of the small ridge. The Sunk Mine is on the southeastern side of the ridge and is hidden. There is a steep and "slippery" descent to get down to the mine which consists of several open trenches and one large opening cut into the hillside. Inspect these features with caution as they can be precarious places. You can follow the unmaintained path back to the road and then walk the road back to the parking area. You can also follow the path to its end, only a short distance, where it intersects the blue 3 Lakes Trail. Turn left and follow this trail back to the road and then to the parking area.

Falls Creek

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.3 mi.	765 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This hike is all bushwhack with no defined trails and few paths. It follows a creek through a gorge that is beautiful but can be dangerous. Although the hike is just over 2 miles it can take between 2 and 4 hours to complete! It requires scrambling over large rocks and tree stumps, crossing the stream several times and climbing up and down steep banks. Choosing the right water level can be tricky. Too much water makes hiking up the creek bed dangerous and tricky but too little water means the falls are not interesting. Take State Route 17 west from Binghamton to Waverley. At Waverley head south on State Route 220 through Towanda to Monroeton. Turned west on Route 414 to a small town called Powell. Turn left or south on Brocktown Road. Crossed two bridges and turn right onto Weston Road along Scharder Creek on your right. When the road forks, stay to the right. Cross the first narrow cement bridge and KEEP going to the second narrow cement bridge. It is a total of about 6.1 miles from the turn onto Weston/Schrader Creek Road. You will be in State Game Lands 36. Park on the right just before the bridge.

The water in Falls Creek drains from a plateau with an elevation of just under 2000 feet. The elevation of the parking area is about 1200 feet. In 1812 coal was discovered on top of the plateau. By 1856 the coal was being commercially mined and the town of Barclay was well-established on the plateau. After the coal ran out, the area became a center for logging and tanning. Most of the large hemlock forests were removed to feed this industry centered at the town of Laquin on Schrader Creek. Due to all this industry the waters of Falls Creek like many in the area are highly acidic. To counteract the acidity the state has built a water treatment facility on the creek just before the water flows into Schrader Creek. A dam diverts water through a cistern filled with limestone. The water turns a device that grinds the limestone which then dissolves in the water to neutralize the acid. The rocks in theupper part of the creek have a distinctive orange tint from the acid but those in the lower part show almost no discoloration. To hike simply head up the creek. Walk in the creek bed or on the left or right banks as you see fit. There are a few small rapids and then some falls with drops of six to twelve feet. At about .55 miles there are three small but pretty water falls in a row. Just passed the third falls you will begin to hear and then catch a glimpse of Bradford Falls. Bradford Falls is ENORMOUS compared to the ones below it! It is at least 70 feet tall. The water drops over the edge into a pool and the falls is bordered by the high stone walls of an impressive gorge. Work your way up the creek bed and you may be able to stand at the base of the falls. The next challenge is how to get out of the gorge to continue hiking upstream. Walk back down the stream until you see a spot where you can work your way up the right bank (looking upstream). Any route will be a STEEP climb up a slippery bank.You can use some of the trees to pull yourself up. Walk along the high ground briefly before descending back to the creek. Just above Bradford Falls is Barclay Falls. This waterfall is not as high as the one below but has a higher volume of water or at least a tighter chute. Climb back up to the higher ground and get ready for another descent to an area above a series of cascades and chutes on the creek below. This area has a steep bank and there may be no safe way to get down to the creek bed. Climb back up the bank and walk the high ground before starting to work your way down a steep bank toward another cascade. Once you make it down the steep bank there is a more level area. There is a ten foot cascade in this area. Walk along a little path along the creek and you will catch a glimpse of another falls. At Laquin Falls the stream passes over a receding ledge and splits to form at least two streams of water. The flow is not great as it is high on the creek but the falls is interesting. The stream is almost flat at this point with a greatly reduced volume of water. You will be at 1850 feet and near the top of the plateau. This is the end of the hike up the stream. Cross the creek here and walk along the high bank on the other side until you find a woods road. Follow the road downstream as it parallels the creek. The road becomes more defined as it descends. When it meets Schrader Creek Road turn left and walk across the bridge to the parking area.

Frick Pond: Big Rock and Flynn Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.0 mi.	775 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail. You will cross over the bridge at the outlet to Frick Pond. This is a beautiful spot to take pictures in all four seasons and under most lighting conditions. Continue around the pond and at about .7 miles there will be a trail junction. Bear to the right and walk around the "back" of the pond on an unnamed trail. You will cross over several wooden "bridges" or "causeways" over running water and marshy areas. BE CAREFUL as these wooden bridges are usually in the shade, grow moss readily and can be VERY SLIPPERY. After another .5 miles of walking you will be at Times Square, a four way trail junction. Continue straight ahead on the Big Rock Trail. This is the most challenging part of the hike at the trail gains about 650 feet of elevation over the next 1.1 miles. At the highest point on the Big Rock Trail there is a trail junction with the Flynn Trail. Turning left will take you to Hodge Pond. Turn right to go down the Flynn Trail and back to your car. The walk is about 1.7 miles but it is all down hill. When you approach the gate at the bottom of the trail, continue to follow the trail to the left into the woods. The cabin straight ahead is private property and may be occupied.

Frick Pond: Flynn and Big Rock Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.0 mi.	747 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the roadsplits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Walk across the road to pick up the Flynn Trail. The cabin straight ahead on the roadis private property and may be occupied. The hike up the Flynn Trail is 1.7 miles that is all uphill. The elevation gain to the junction with the Big Rock Trail is around 600 feet so the grade is not too great. Turn left at the top of the Flynn Trail and head down the Big Rock Trail to the four-way trail junction called Times Square. The distance is right around 1.1 miles with a drop of around 580 feet. There are two options here to return to the parking area. Continue straight ahead around the "back" of Frick Pond on a well-defined but unnamed path. This trail has several wooden bridges and walkways that can be slick when wet. FRom Times Square to the bridge at the outlet of Frick Pond is about .6 miles and almost flat. From the bridge walk up the hill to the right and along a trail that opens to a woods road. St the trail register turn right to stay on the trail and arrive back at the parking area.

Frick Pond: Logger's Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.7 mi.	408 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. If you turn left here, Frick pond is just .1 miles. Turn right on Logger's Loop and follow it for .55 miles to Times Square. The name indicates that many trails cross at this point. Continue straight for another 1.2 miles to Iron Wheel Junction which is marked by a set of...iron wheels. Turn left on the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and stay on it for 1.1 miles to Frick Pond. In another .5 miles you will be back at the parking area.

Frick Pond: Logger's Loop, Big Rock and Flynn Trails

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.6 mi.	908 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail. You will cross over the bridge at the outlet to Frick Pond. This is a beautiful spot to take pictures in all four seasons and under most lighting conditions. Continue around the pond and at about .7 miles there will be a trail junction. Bear to the right and walk around the "back" of the pond on an unnamed trail. You will cross over several wooden "bridges" or "causeways" over running water and marshy areas. BE CAREFUL as these wooden bridges are usually in the shade, grow moss readily and can be VERY SLIPPERY. After another .5 miles of walking you will be at Times Square, a four way trail junction. Continue straight ahead on the Big Rock Trail. This is the most challenging part of the hike at the trail gains about 650 feet of elevation over the next 1.1 miles. At the highest point on the Big Rock Trail there is a trail junction with the Flynn Trail. Turning left will take you to Hodge Pond. Turn right to go down the Flynn Trail and back to your car. The walk is about 1.7 miles but it is all down hill. When you approach the gate at the bottom of the trail, continue to follow the trail to the left into the woods. The cabin straight ahead is private property and may be occupied.

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Big Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.5 mi.	1260 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail.

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Flynn Trail and Loggers Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.0 mi.	915 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Loggers Loop and Flynn Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.9 mi.	860 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. From the larger parking lot find the Quick Lake Trail to walk out toward Hodge Pond. At the first junction bear left to Frick Pond and cross over the bridge at the outlet to the pond. At the next junction the Quick Lake Trail bears left. Bear right around the back of the pond. You will encounter some wooden walkways that can be very slippery even when there is no ice. The next junction is Times Square at about 1.0 mile into the hike. Turn left on the yellow Logger's Loop Trail to begin an a gentle ascent over the next 1.2 miles. At 2.25 miles you will be at Iron Wheel Junction where you will continue straight ahead on the red Quick Lake Trail. Over the next 1.5 miles you will gain about 435 feet in elevation to Junkyard Junction at the 3.7 mile mark. None of the climbing is very steep but it is continuous. At Junkyard Junction turn right on the blue Flynn Trail which is mostly flat with a descent ear the end. At the yellow gate bear to the right in the Flynn Trail and walk down to near the shore of Hodge Pond. Turn right and follow the Flynn Trail to the outlet end of Hodge Pond at about 4.5 miles. You may turn left and go around the back of the pond which has some nice views and adds only a little mileage to the hike. From the outlet continue on the Flynn Trail as it climbs to the highest point on the hike at the Big Rock Junction at the 5.2 mile mark. Continue straight ahead on the Flynn Trail which goes back DOWN to the parking area. Near the end of the trail just before the iron gate turn left into the woods and stay on the Flynn Trail. This avoids a small cabin which is usually occupied.

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Walk across the road to find the blue Flynn Trail. This trail begins to gain elevation immediately until you reach the Big Rock Trail junction at 1.7 miles. Continue straight ahead and then bear left at the next intersection to head down to Hodge Pond at 2.3 miles. Walk to the right of the pond and up a hill on an unmarked jeep trail. Continue around the back of the lake and watch for the blue markings of the Flynn Train appear on your right at about 2.85 miles.Turn right on the Flynn Trail and walk to Junkyard Junction at 3.4 miles. Turn left on the red Quick Lake Trail which begins a long descent to Iron Wheel Junction at 4.8 miles. Continue your hike by walking straight ahead on the yellow Logger's Loop which descends to Times Square at 6.0 miles. Turn right to walk around the back of Frick Pond over a series of wooden walkways. The walkways pass over some very wet areas and are a great help but they can be VERY slippery. At the end of this short trail you will be back on the red Quick Lake trail and should turn left to the out let of Frick Pond at 6.6 Miles. From the bridge over the outlet turn right up the hill to follow the Quick Lake Trail back to your car. Just after the trail register be sure to turn right as the way straight ahead may take you to a private cabin.

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Quick Lake and Flynn Trails (back)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2 mi.	1000 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail. After .25 mils the Big Rock Trail will branch to the right. Stay on the Quick Lake trail for another .85 miles to Iron Wheel Junction. Logger's Loop is straight ahead. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail for another 1.6 miles to Junkyard Junction. Now turn right onto the blue-blazed Flynn Trail. As you approach Hodge Pond, you may turn left and walk around the back of the pond or turn right to walk to the outlet. If you turn right, you will be at the outlet after 1.05 miles. Take some time to look at all the little "wonders of nature" the pond has to offer. Bear to the right to continue on the Flynn Trail. Walk .45 miles and the Big Rock Trail will come in on your right. Continue on the Flynn Trail for 1.7 miles until you are back at the Frick Pond Parking Area.

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Quick Lake and Flynn Trails (front)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.1 mi.	879 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail. After .25 mils the Big Rock Trail will branch to the right. Stay on the Quick Lake trail for another .85 miles to Iron Wheel Junction. Logger's Loop is straight ahead. Turn left to stay on the Quick Lake Trail for another 1.6 miles to Junkyard Junction. Now turn right onto the blue-blazed Flynn Trail. As you approach Hodge Pond, turn right and you will be at the outlet after 1.05 miles. Take some time to look at all the little "wonders of nature" the pond has to offer. Bear to the right to continue on the Flynn Trail. Walk .45 miles and the Big Rock Trail will come in on your right. Continue on the Flynn Trail for 1.7 miles until you are back at the Frick Pond Parking Area.

Frick and Hodge Ponds: Mongaup Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.6 mi.	1150 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. If you turn left here, Frick pond is just .1 miles. Turn right on Logger's Loop and follow it for .55 miles to Times Square. The name indicates that many trails cross at this point. Turn right here onto the yellow-blazed Big Rock Trail. Continue on this trail for 1.1 miles until it crosses the blue-blazed Flynn Trail. Several areas on Big Rock have significant but not severe climbs. Turn left on the Flynn Trail and hike .45 miles to Hodge Pond. From here retrace the last .45 miles on the Flynn Trail until the intersection with Big Rock Trail. Turn left onto the snowmobile trail and get ready for a short climb. This trail meanders for about 2.3 miles until it intersects the paved Loop Road at the Mongaup Pond State Campsite. Turn right on the loop road and walk about .75 miles to the gatehouse. Walk out the access road for about 1.1 miles and make a right on Beech Mountain Road. After .3 miles, you will be back at the Frick Pond Parking area.

Giant Ledge

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.2 mi.	1190 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the trailhead on the Frost Valley Road just after Winisook Lake on the hairpin turn. Find the yellow-blazed Phoenicia-East Branch trail and hike .65 miles to the blue-blazed Giant Ledge - Panther Mountain Trail. This ascent is rather gradual with a few short, steep areas thrown in. After about .75 miles, you reach Giant Ledge. Here there are a series of ledges that look to the east and offer a view of Wittenberg and Slide. The return hike simply reverses the trip out. The total distance is just over 3 miles making it perfect to get into shape.

Giant Ledge with bushwhack

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.5 mi.	1437 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the trailhead on the Frost Valley Road just after Winisook Lake on the hairpin turn. Find the yellow-blazed Phoenicia-East Branch trail and hike .65 miles to the blue-blazed Giant Ledge - Panther Mountain Trail. This ascent is rather gradual with a few short, steep areas thrown in. After about .75 miles, you reach Giant Ledge. Here there are a series of ledges that look to the east and offer a view of Wittenberg and Slide. Continue on the trail until you are in the col, the lowest point between Giant Ledge and Panther. Turn right to begin your bushwhack and walk down the slope to an area of flat ground at the base of the ridges. This is an interesting place to explore. There are several wetlands areas that are interesting. You can work your way up to the base of the cliffs and even climb up on the debris below. Keep heading on a course parallel to the cliffs and you will soon be back on the main trail back to the car. . The total distance is just over 4.5 miles making it perfect to get into shape.

Harriman: Almost Perpendicular and Claudius Smith Den

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.3 mi.	1926 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain traffic circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive until the Reeves Education Center appears on your left. Take the next right and immediately turn right again onto Johnsontown Road. Park on the edge of the traffic circle at the end of the road.

Walk back toward the road from the traffic circle and look for the blue disc trail. The blue disc trail turns up the hill to the northwest just before entering the traffic circle. The first part runs along the access road for maintenance of a gas pipeline. The trail then cuts into the woods and parallels the pipeline briefly before heading more northwest. After about .85 miles of hiking a high rock formation appeara on the left. You may go off the trail and up to the lookout where there are limited views. Back on the main trail continue to hike and almost immediately you will hit a very steep little climb which is hardly perpendicular! The top is about 960 feet in elevation and only a mile from the start of the hike. It offers excellent views particularly to the south and east. Continue your hike down from the viewpoint into a little "valley" surrounded by several high rock formations. The trail then ascends Pound Mountain and descends again as it approaches Elbow Brush at about 1.9 miles. Elbow Brush is a narrow passage between the bedrock and a piece that has pulled away over the years. This area can be avoided in one of several ways but it is interesting and not all that narrow. In this area there are other jumbles of rocks with some places to walk through. Continue to hike to the junction with the Tuxedo Mount Ivy Trail. This trail runs roughly east-west fut you want to continue on the blue disc trail. The blue discs may be hard to find as they proceed straight ahead and directly up the rock face to another viewpoint at 2.3 miles. Just across on the next hill you can see Smith's Rock but it is hard to determine where Claudius Smith's "den" is located. To get to the "hideout", go back to the trail junction and take the red Tuxedo Mt Ivy trail west to the base of the cliff that forms the lookout. You will would find the "den" there within a few hundred feet. It first appears as an opening on the right of the trail. You can walk into this "cave" and make your way to the other side. Back on the trail walk to the base of the cliff to find the rest of the den in the form of a rock overhang. There is a fire pit here. Smith was raised in Brookhaven on Long Island but his family moved to Smith' Clove (Monroe) in the early 1740's. His family was well-respected and when war broke out many became Loyalists. Claudius led a band of men who defended the Loyalists in Orange County and attacked the rebels. Eventually he became so notorious that Governor George Clinton offered a $1200 reward for his capture. Claudius Smith was hanged in Goshen, NY in 1179 as were two of his sons. After inspecting the den and rock formations, go back up to the blue disc trail. You will pass by a large rock that appears to have primitive petroglyphs painted on it. The scene depicts hunters with weapons attacking some animal with a series of trees in the background. On closer inspection the work looks more modern than ancient. Finding the blue disc trail after the lookout can be difficult. Walke down the open rock face watching for the markings which head off slightly to the right. There are only a few faded blazes on the rock. The trail starts to descend after crossing over another viewpoint and at about 3.4 miles start to look for the junction with the Victory Trail marked with blue V's. Turn left or west and hike a short distance to the trail junction with the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail heading southwest. This is relatively flat between some hills on the east and a drop off to the west. Begin looking for some evidence of the Black Ash mines like the tailings piles. At about 4.0 miles you will notice a tailings pile to the left of the trail. Walk up to it and find one of the openings for the Black Ash mine just behind it. The adit is flooded but still interesting. Walk down to the trail and continue south and find a second adit to the Black Ash mine very near the trail on the right. The trail continues to be open and easy to follow and at 4.7 miles there is a nice viewpoint down to Tuxedo and the Thruway. This lookout also has views to the hills beyond. The trail begins to descend as it approachs Tuxedo Park and the Thruway. Just after descending to a small parking area, turn left or south-southeast on the white Kakiat Trail which will help you complete the loop back to the blue disc trail and the car. The Dater Mine is near the trail junction with the blue disc trail. The Kakiat Trail follows a woods road and immediately begins to ascend to an old telephone line right-of-way. The ascent is only about .3 miles and about 200 feet. As you near the junction with the blue disc trail various paths and roads lead up the mountain toward the direction of the Dater Mine. From here it is only .2 miles to the blue disc trail and .7 miles back to the car.

Harriman: Boston, Garfield, Greenwood, Surebridge Mines

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.6 mi.	1825 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Just passed Lake Tiorati there are two lakes, one on each side of the road. These are Lakes Askoti and Skanatati. Pull into the parking area on the right next to Lake Skanatati. This lake is larger than it looks as you will see when you hike along the shore and see it from above. The trails start to the right of the lake. Bear to the left on the Long Path marked with aqua paint. As you walk along this path there are several opportunities to walk down to the lake to get a better view. After following the shoreline of the lake the Long Path continues west and then turns north. At 1.1 miles the Long Path meets the yellow marked Dunning Trail.

Bear left on the Dunning Trail past the workings of the Hogencamp Mine on the right. There is a swamp on the left and some tailings from the mine. The trail ascends a hill to an area that overlooks Little Long Pond. Continue up the hill to a long flat area of bedrock. There are several large boulders lying on the flat area. these are called the Bowling rocks. The trail winds down and up until it meets the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail after about 1.2 miles. Just to the left up the RD Trail is the area known as the Bald Rocks. The exposed bedrock in this area has interesting striations. Continue on the Dunning Trail through this area.

In .25 miles the Dunning Trail meets and runs concurrently with the White Bar Trail for another .25 miles. At this point turn right to stay on the Dunning Trail. Stay on the Dunning Trail and in about .3 miles begin to look for mine tailings. This is the Boston Mine. There are two surface pits with their associated tailings. To find the Island Pond Road walk north or slightly northeast until you see the red triangles that mark the Arden-Surebridge Trail. Turn left on this trail and follow it until it meets the road. After several hundred feet the ASB Trail turns left. Continue on the road until it forks and take the left fork. The road appears to end but work your way through the laurel until you are almost at the lake shore. Here you will find an exploratory pit and a water filled trench. There are also some tailings from the Garfield Mine. Walk back out to where the road forks and take the right fork. This part of the road ends on the shore of Island Pond. The pond is beautiful and the ruins of an old stone ranger station can be found here.

Turn around and take the road back to where the ASB Trail meets the road. Turn left onto the trail. this trail heads southeast and then turns northeast as it heads toward the Lemon Squeezer about 1.6 miles away. The trail initially is relatively flat but then climbs to the top of a ridge. From here it goes up and down until the Lemon Squeezer. Stop here an spend some time investigating the lemon Squeezer. The AT ascends through this area but you will be returning to the ASB Trail after finishing at the Lemon Squeezer. Continue on the SB Trail and the Long Path for about .25 miles until the Bottle Cap Trail leaves to the left. The Bottle Cap Trail is marked by bottle caps nailed to the trees. The trail immediately ascends to the top of Surebridge Mountain. Continue on the trail over the top of the ridge and down the other side to a wet area to find the Surebridge Mine Trail. The total distance on the trail is about .6 miles and a stone cairn marks the road.

Turn left on the road and walk .6 miles to the Greenwood Mine. Watch for the white blazes of the AT on the right and almost immediately after that the tailings of the mine on the left and a mine opening on the right. The opening is filled with water. Continue on the trail to find another trench on the right. Turn right and walk up the hillside. Wander around looking for mine tailings. Above the mine tailings there will always be a mine working of some kind. The Greenwood mine has several trenches some with underground openings. Return to the road and walk .6 miles back to the Bottle Cap Trail junction. Stay on the mine road and watch for the first workings of the Surebridge Mine on the left. Walk off the trail to the left. There are several piles of tailings. Look for three different trenches at least one of which appears to extend underground. There are several exploratory pits and one deep shaft. The shaft is vertical but seems to turn horizontally at the bottom. Most of these workings are filled with water. Return to the mine road.

After .35 miles you will join the ASB Trail and the Long Path and the trail junction called Times Square. Find the Long Path and walk .4 miles over the hill to the Hogencamp Mine. Another .4 miles takes you to the Dunning Trail Long Path junction where you began the loop earlier in the day. Walk 1.1 miles back to the parking area.

Harriman: Bradley Mine

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.8 mi.	800 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Drive 3.7 miles and park at the Lake Tiorati parking area. Walk up to Arden Road which is closed during the winter. Walk on the road for .5 miles where the Long Path crosses the road. The road turns ninety degrees to the left at this point. Walk another .3 miles along the road and watch for a woods road that cuts up and to the right. Walk up the road and the entrance to the Bradley Mine cut will appear directly ahead. Walk into the cut to the end where the actual entrance to the underground is located. The mine is usually filled with water. It is possible to enter this cavern during the dry season. Notice the air shaft up and to the right. Walk back out through the cut and around the opening to the left. Walk up the hillside to find the opening to the air shaft. You can now wander over the hillside and up to the top of the hill. There are not too many additional evidences of mining activity. A large, flat work area is evident at the top and there is a nice view to the west. After looking around, retrace your steps to the road. Walk to road back to the car.

Harriman: Cranberry, Spanish, Silver, Lewis Mines

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.8 mi.	1477 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Drive 1.5 miles and park at the Silvermine Lake parking area. Walk about .5 miles northeast back up Seven lakes Drive. Just after an abandoned comfort station on the right is a brook that runs under the road. Turn left and walk up the left side of the brook. You may see an informal path where other hikers have walked but no specific trail exists. In .3 miles a woods road runs east-west. Turn left or west and walk a short distance to find the opening of the Cranberry Mine. The mine extends into the hillside for almost 100 feet. The adit has been walled up and an iron door once blocked the entrance. You may walk into the mine but it is VERY dark and a good light is a must! On the floor of the mine is the a single gauge railroad track used for ore carts.

Walk back out the entrance and head slightly northeast to find an iron door in front of a corrugated tin roof. This may have been a powder magazine or storage facility. Walk up the hillside and look for other piles of mine waste. There are at least two other shallow trenches and one air shaft. After investigating the mine workings, walk back down the mine road to the brook and back out to the road. Cross the road and follow the woods road to the bridge over the stream. This is the Silvermine Ski Road. Continue on the road for 1.1 miles to the junction with the AT and Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Along the way you can visit the dam at the outlet of Silvermine Lake and there are several nice viewpoints for the lake.

Turn left on the trail and get ready for a short but steep ascent of Black Mountain. After the first part of the ascent there is a nice lookout over Silvermine Lake. Continue on the trail to the top of the mountain about .4 miles away from the trail junction. The summit of Black Mountain has a nice view of the Hudson River and of the Perkins Tower on Bear Mountain. Look for piles of tailings and a small, deep pit which is the Spanish Mine. Walk back up the hillside parallel to the trail to find another pile of mine waste and another pit or trench. Get back on the trail and descend the steep rock outcropping. At the base of this outcropping look for a path around to the other side of the rock face. The footing here is difficult. Walk along and look at the rock face. After a short distance, you will see a hole blasted into the side of the mountain with a small amount of mine waste below it. This is the Silver Mine although silver was probably never the object. Return to the main trail and hike back down black Mountain to the junction of the ski road and the AT and RD Trails.

Continue on the trails up and down over some varied terrain. After .8 miles, descend a rock area to the William Brien Memorial Shelter. This is a rock shelter with four wooden bunk beds. Turn right onto the yellow blazed Menomine Trail which winds its way back to the parking area along the western shore of Silvermine Lake. After 1.6 miles, you will be back to the Silvermine Lake parking area. Continue to follow the Menomine Trail through the parking and picnic areas to Seven Lakes Drive. Cross Seven lakes Drive and continue on the trail for .2 miles until it starts around Lake Nawahunta. Bear right on the Nawahunta Fire Road and watch for the opening to the Lewis Mine on the right opposite a swamp on the left. The trench that forms the Lewis Mine extends a short distance into the hillside. Back at the trail-road junction there is a stone foundation on the lake side of the trail. It is not clear what this may have been but its structure suggests it was a storage building. Walk back out to the road and return .4 miles to the parking area.

Harriman: Doodletown and The Mines

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi.	1850 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The easiest place to park to start this hike is at the Bear Mountain Inn parking area next to Hessian Lake. Parking costs $6 per car but there is lots of it and bathroom facilities are available. There area several ways to get to the parking area but Route 9W north or south is the easiest way. You can also take Seven Lakes Drive from Long Mountain Parkway (Route 6). Stay on Seven Lakes Drive through another traffic circle. Park in the back parking area. Walk toward the "tunnel" that goes under Perkins Drive. Bear to your right and head towards the other tunnel. Before entering, look at the sign which shows the settlement of Doodletown. These signs occur several times along the 1777 Trail that goes through this late 19th and early 20th century site. The building sites are all numbered, a plaque has been placed near all the major sites and some include an explanation and sketch of the building All the remaining buildings were razed in 1957 so that all that remains are the stone foundations, stone steps and the cemeteries. Enter the tunnel and get on the 1777E Trail.

After .5 miles on the 1777E Trail, you will reach the junction of the red blazed 1777 Trail to the right and the blue blazed Cornell Mine Trail to the left. Bear right onto the 1777 Trail. In another, .5 miles a sign pointing to the left indicates a path to a swimming hole and waterfall. Only a few hundred feet down this path is a bridge over a small stream. There is a nice cascade here with rapids and a deep pool at the base of the falls. The path continues but turn around after enjoying the babbling brook and return to the main path. All of the "trails" here are wide woods roads and some show signs of pavement. Back on the main path you will begin your walk through the Doodletown settlement. The first site is the foundation of the Steinman home. Further down the path is the area were the old schoolhouse stood on the right side of the trail. On the left side is a man made pond.

Continue up the road following the red dot on a white rectangle markings of the 1777 Trail. Where the trail bears to the left is the site of the Siegel home. Further up the road are the steps of the Dunkel house on the right. A little further up the road on the left is the lane that leads to the Herbert/Weyant cemetery. This is about .6 miles from the trail junction and the waterfall path. Many of the grave markers have the names of the members of these two prominent families. Walk back out to the main trail and continue on up the hill. There are numerous home sites marked by stone pillars, foundations or simple signs. As you continue on the road, you will see the outline of Bald Mountain on the left. The mountain looks steep and uninviting at first, however, the trail that you are on wraps around to the more gentle ascent on the opposite side. After walking up another small hill the signage indicates the end of Doodletown settlement. The wide and open road reverts to more of a trail but is still relatively easy walking.

After 1.4 miles from the cemetery lane the red blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail crosses the 1777 Trail. Turn left here and be prepared for a path that is more of a trail; narrow and with more elevation changes. Soon you will be climbing Bald Mountain. The trail initially climbs a small rock outcropping and then descends into a hardwood forest and crosses a small stream. It then ascends to another higher point before dropping a little. The trail then begins the climb up Bald Mountain. Near the summit the trail undulates some before arriving at the summit. The summit is about .7 miles from the junction with the 1777 Trail. The views from the summit are magnificent. The Perkins Tower on Bear Mountain is clearly visible. The Hudson River lies below with the Bear Mountain Bridge, Anthony's Nose, Mount Taurus, Storm King and Breakneck Ridge to the north. From this point you can get back on the R-D Trail and follow it to the junction with the Cornell Mine Trail or you can walk north over the "edge" of Bald Mountain to look for the Cornell Mine.

To find the Cornell Mine walk north down the slope of the mountain and head slightly right or east. Look for many small to medium sized rocks in a pile. These are tailings from the iron mines. Many of these rocks will show "rust". You may find several open pits and gashes cut into the hillside. These are part of the mining complex but a more interesting mine is to be found. Further down the slope is the main entrance to the Cornell Mine which is cut directly into the bedrock of the mountain. The tailing from the mine lie below it on the slope. The mine adit is usually filled with water except in the driest times. The tunnel appears to be block just a short distance into the mine. After exploring, continue east along the slope looking for the red markings of the R-D Trail or the blue ones from the Cornell Mine Trail. If you hit the R-D first, turn left and continue down until the Cornell Mine Trail branches to the left.

Be careful as you descend the Cornell Mine Trail. The initial descent is steep and strewn with rocks some of which are covered by leaves. This can be a slippery, unstable situation leading to falls and injuries. The rocks grow into boulders lower down the trail until it flattens and the trail widens and passes through hardwood trees. After about .85 miles, there is a junction with a woods road . On top of a hill on your left is ANOTHER mine. Walk over toward this hill. If you skirt the top of the hill to the right, you will see the mine tailings. Walk to the top of the hill and look for a depression in the earth. This is not just a pit but a shaft sunk into the rock. The Edison is Thomas Edison who experimented with magnetically separating the iron from the ore. This "loop" is about .3 miles. Walk back to the trail and continue toward Route 202.

In about .5 miles the trail passes very close to Doodletown Brook and an area where there is a nice waterfall and swimming hole. In fact, this is the SAME place you were and the beginning of the hike but you are on the other side of the brook. Walk down to the brook to get a better look at the water. There are several areas of rapids and a man made dam. After exploring some, return to the trail. Route 202 is just .1 miles further down the trail. Just before the road is another nice section of rapids. At the highway turn left and walk a short distance on the left shoulder before turning left and continuing on the Cornell Mine Trail. Climb Grays Hill which was once part of the King's Road and then the Albany Road. Follow the blue trail markers as the trail turns off the paved path to the right and heads up through some brush. This part of the trail is often wet! In .25 miles you will be back at the junction with the 1777E trail where you were earlier tin the day. Continue straight ahead to retrace your steps through the tunnels and to the parking area only .5 miles away.

Harriman: Dunderberg Mountain Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.7 mi	2200 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

The parking for the trail head is on Route 9W about a mile south of the junction with Route 202. It is just north of the Anchor Monument on 9W. Once parked walk south on 9W for a short distance. Watch for a small stake with blaze markings. The blazes should be blue for the Timp-Torne Trail and a red circle on a white background for the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Be prepared to ascend a steep grade up to the first level of the Dunderberg Ridge. Watch for a small laid stone tunnel on your left just as the steep climb begins. As you climb you will begin to get some nice views of the Hudson River, the towns that line it and the power plants that use the water for cooling. These views are nice but nothing compared to the ones you WILL get as you ascend to the top of the ridge.

The trail splits at the top of the short ascent. The blue blazed Timp-Torne trail goes left while the red blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail heads off to the right. Both the trails parallel or cross railway beds that are the remains of an aborted spiral railway from the late 1890's. Although it was never completed much of the work that was done is still visible. Turn left an follow the blue blazes. This trail alternates flat sections along the railbed with steep but short climbs up to the next level of the ridge. Several areas have switchbacks to make the climbing easier. There are also several rock scrambles which keep things interesting. As you hike, keep a lookout for the tunnel entrance blasted into the mountain's rock. It will be on your right and is unmistakable. It was never completed and is a dead end. Just passed the tunnel is a great example of how the railway bed was built up and leveled off. After ascending to the highest point on the one side of the ridge the trail drops a little before the climb up to The Timp. The views from here are excellent to the south, west and north. Almost directly west is West Mountain. Look carefully to spot the West Mountain Shelter. From this point there are several options that vary slightly in distance and difficulty.

The first option is to turn around and return the way you came to the low area where the 1777 trail crosses the Timp-Torne Trail The 1777 trail crosses at the lowest point in the area. Turn left onto this trail and walk for a VERY short distance. Keep a lookout for the red blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail on the right.

Another option is to continue down the Timp-Torne Trail off The Timp for a short distance to the junction with the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Turn right onto the trail marked by the red circles on a white rectangle.

The longest, most difficult and therefore most rewarding option is to continue on the Timp-Torne Trail as it descends into a low area on the other side of the Timp. This is quite a drop from the top of the Timp and is steep at times. The blue trail intersects on old road and turns left following the road for a short distance. The trail then heads right into the woods, up a hill and toward the Torne. Continue on up the road looking for the red and white markers on the right that announce the beginning of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Follow this trail passed any other trails or roads that turn off of it. The trail skirts the lower edge of the Timp and passes many impressive talus slopes as it winds its way around the Timp. Eventually it turns left and heads STRAIGHT UP THE TIMP! This is a rather long and difficult climb which has few level areas until it nears the top of the Timp. Eventually you will be back at the junction with the blue Timp-Torne Trail near the top of the Timp. DO NOT turn but continue on the read and white marked trail.

The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail rises and falls several times on the approach to Bald Mountain. The climb up Bald is steep at times but not impossible. Bald has views directly north to Bear Mountain which can be recognized by the Perkins Tower at the top. Looking down and in a northeasterly direction you can easily see the Bear Mountain Bridge. Below the summit of Bald are several depressions and one tunnel that make up the Cornell Mines. Continue on the red blazed trail and pass the point where the blue blazed Cornell Mine trail meets it from the north. You will soon pass over Dunderberg Mountain. This can easily be missed since it is not much higher than the other points on the ridge. As you continue to hike, you will begin to get a hint of the scenic views that the eastern end of this ridge has to offer. Several climbs pass through swampy areas and lead to the eastern end of the ridge. Apparently a forest fire swept through this area since most of the trees are dead and show scorch marks. The dead trees combined with the remaining rock outcroppings gives this area an eerie, desolate appearance. As you reach the top of the easternmost part of the ridge the Hudson comes into view along with the communities and industry that line its shore. The view from the ridge proper is virtually unimpeded but several side trails lead to lookouts with breathtaking views of the river.

The trail turns south and then west as it completes the loop back to where you started. A laid stone pylon is present in the area where the donkey engine was to be place for the spiral railway. From this area the trail is almost all graded railroad bed. Large angular stone do not make the best footing and do not cushion a fall. The trail flattens as it approaches the end. Here there are several more good examples of level railroad bed hinting at the work done on the railway.

Harriman: Dunderberg Mountain - The Timp Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.8 mi	2323 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

The parking for the trail head is on Route 9W about a mile south of the junction with Route 202. It is just north of the Anchor Monument on 9W. Once parked walk south on 9W for a short distance. Watch for a small stake with blaze markings. The blazes should be blue for the Timp-Torne Trail and a red circle on a white background for the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Be prepared to ascend a steep grade up to the first level of the Dunderberg Ridge. Watch for a small laid stone tunnel on your left just as the steep climb begins. As you climb you will begin to get some nice views of the Hudson River, the towns that line it and the power plants that use the water for cooling. These views are nice but nothing compared to the ones you WILL get as you ascend to the top of the ridge.

The trail splits at the top of the short ascent. The blue blazed Timp-Torne trail goes left while the red blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail heads off to the right. Both the trails parallel or cross railway beds that are the remains of an aborted spiral railway from the late 1890's. Although it was never completed much of the work that was done is still visible. Turn left an follow the blue blazes. This trail alternates flat sections along the railbed with steep but short climbs up to the next level of the ridge. Several areas have switchbacks to make the climbing easier. There are also several rock scrambles which keep things interesting. As you hike, keep a lookout for the tunnel entrance blasted into the mountain's rock. It will be on your right and is unmistakable. It was never completed and is a dead end. Just passed the tunnel is a great example of how the railway bed was built up and leveled off. After ascending to the highest point on the one side of the ridge the trail drops a little before the climb up to The Timp. The views from here are excellent to the south, west and north. Almost directly west is West Mountain. Look carefully to spot the West Mountain Shelter. From this point there are several options that vary slightly in distance and difficulty.

The first option is to turn around and return the way you came to the low area where the 1777 trail crosses the Timp-Torne Trail The 1777 trail crosses at the lowest point in the area. Turn left onto this trail and walk for a VERY short distance. Keep a lookout for the red blazed Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail on the right.

Another option is to continue down the Timp-Torne Trail off The Timp for a short distance to the junction with the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Turn right onto the trail marked by the red circles on a white rectangle.

The longest, most difficult and therefore most rewarding option is to continue on the Timp-Torne Trail as it descends into a low area on the other side of the Timp. This is quite a drop from the top of the Timp and is steep at times. The blue trail intersects on old road and turns left following the road for a short distance. The trail then heads right into the woods, up a hill and toward the Torne. Continue on up the road looking for the red and white markers on the right that announce the beginning of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. Follow this trail passed any other trails or roads that turn off of it. The trail skirts the lower edge of the Timp and passes many impressive talus slopes as it winds its way around the Timp. Eventually it turns left and heads STRAIGHT UP THE TIMP! This is a rather long and difficult climb which has few level areas until it nears the top of the Timp. Eventually you will be back at the junction with the blue Timp-Torne Trail near the top of the Timp. DO NOT turn but continue on the read and white marked trail.

The Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail rises and falls several times on the approach to Bald Mountain. The climb up Bald is steep at times but not impossible. Bald has views directly north to Bear Mountain which can be recognized by the Perkins Tower at the top. Looking down and in a northeasterly direction you can easily see the Bear Mountain Bridge. Below the summit of Bald are several depressions and one tunnel that make up the Cornell Mines. Continue on the red blazed trail and pass the point where the blue blazed Cornell Mine trail meets it from the north. You will soon pass over Dunderberg Mountain. This can easily be missed since it is not much higher than the other points on the ridge. As you continue to hike, you will begin to get a hint of the scenic views that the eastern end of this ridge has to offer. Several climbs pass through swampy areas and lead to the eastern end of the ridge. Apparently a forest fire swept through this area since most of the trees are dead and show scorch marks. The dead trees combined with the remaining rock outcroppings gives this area an eerie, desolate appearance. As you reach the top of the easternmost part of the ridge the Hudson comes into view along with the communities and industry that line its shore. The view from the ridge proper is virtually unimpeded but several side trails lead to lookouts with breathtaking views of the river.

The trail turns south and then west as it completes the loop back to where you started. A laid stone pylon is present in the area where the donkey engine was to be place for the spiral railway. From this area the trail is almost all graded railroad bed. Large angular stone do not make the best footing and do not cushion a fall. The trail flattens as it approaches the end. Here there are several more good examples of level railroad bed hinting at the work done on the railway.

Harriman: Lake Sebago to Cascade of Slid

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.1 mi.	1310 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Pass through the Kanawauke Circle and continue southwest on Seven Lakes Drive until the parking area for the Lake Sebago boat launch on the right. Walk out the driveway to Seven Lakes Drive and cross to the other side. The start of the Seven Hills Trail is marked by three blue on white blazes. The trail ascends Conklin Mountain for about .75 miles before turning right or southeast. Look to the left at this turn to see a high rock cliff with a boulder perched on top. This is Monitor Rock and is worth the short climb on the path to the left. After returning from Monitor Rock, continue up the woods road before making the turn on the trail. Watch for another path to the left and follow it to another set of boulders and a red brick "structure". Return to the woods road, turn right and go back to the area where the Seven Hills trail turns southwest. Make the turn and start to walk along the Diamond MountainRidge.

After about .5 miles there is a nice lookout over Lake Sebago. Continue on the trail passing a large boulder called the "cracked diamond". The trail flattens as it passes over some exposed rock and starts to descend. The views here are not spectacular and include mostly featureless forest. After passing the area where the HST Trail follows the Seven Hills trail, the trail begins to descend and the descent is STEEP in several different places. The trail descends to a stream. Turn left and follow the blue blazes to the bridge across the stream. The trail soon bears to the right. Follow the white blazes of the Kakiat Trail to the left. Within .25 miles the black blazes of the Raccoon Brook Hills trail turns off to the left. Follow this trail down to the brook and cross it. At the base of the rock ledges and cliffs are several rock shelters once used by Native Americans. Numerous artifacts were recovered from these shelters and placed in the Harriman Museum. Retrace your path to the area of the bridge over the stream.

Follow the red blazes of the Pine Meadow Trail for about .25 miles until it meets the orange blazed HST Trail. Turn right on this trail and cross the bridge. Below the bridge is a cascade of water over several different drops called the Cascade of Slid. Follow the white blazes of the Kakiat Trail until it meets the yellow blazed Stony Brook Trail just before another bridge. The Stony Brook Trail parallels Stony Brook and is a nice, relatively flat walk beside a stream. This trail continue for a little over a mile until it meets the HST and then the Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail. In about .3 miles you will be at the base of the Lake Sebago dam. Walk the .75 miles back to the parking area on the Seven Lakes Drive.

Harriman: Lake Skanatati to Pine Swamp Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.6 mi.	980 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Just passed Lake Tiorati there are two lakes, one on each side of the road. These are Lakes Askoti and Skanatati. Pull into the parking area on the right next to Lake Skanatati. This lake is larger than it looks as you will see when you hike along the shore and see it from above. The trails start to the right of the lake. Bear to the left on the Long Path marked with aqua paint. As you walk along this path there are several opportunities to walk down to the lake to get a better view. After following the shoreline of the lake the Long Path continues west and then turns north. At 1.1 miles the Long Path meets the yellow marked Dunning Trail.

Continue north on the Long Path for about .2 miles. The trail ascends gently passed some really impressive rock formations and a cold mountain stream. Continue up the trail until you see a pair of glacial erratics on a hill above you. There was extensive mining in this area and you may see the opening of mine adits, mine pits and equipment. Turn around and hike back to the junction with the Dunning Trail. Turn right and follow the Dunning Trail west .15 miles. In this area there are extensive tailings from the Hogencamp Iron Mines. There are also open pits and at least one adit. The trail continues south and then west for .45 miles before turning abruptly north. In this area, there is a nice lookout over Little Long Pond. This is a good place to stop for a rest before continuing north.

Take the Dunning Trail north as it ascends about .3 miles to the Bowling Rocks. Here there is a long narrow open rock face with several medium sized boulders. All that is needed are some "pins". Continue walking another .35 miles to the Bald Rocks and the junction with the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail. The Bald Rocks can be accessed from an unmarked trail just before the RD junction or turn left on the RD and walk up a slight incline to the Bald Rocks. At the trail junction turn right on the red marked RD Trail. This trail has many open rock faces some of which are flat but MANY of which are tilted. These areas can be slippery when wet, cold when windy and IMPOSSIBLE when icy. The trail descends into a swale with a small stream. There is a log bridge here. On the other side the trail ascends up a short rock scramble and then up an open rock face. The RD Trail goes up and over the top. At the top look down to you left to see a small pond often frequented by wildlife. Continue for several hundred feet on the RD Trail. Look straight ahead to see a large glacial erratic that looks a little like the prow of a ship. Return to the top of the rock outcrop and turn right. Watch for the blue L on a white background that marks the Lichen trail. The total distance from the Dunning-RD junction is about .35 miles.

The Lichen Trail runs to an elevated rock plateau and continues straight ahead off the plateau and down to the left. After wrapping around a rock outcrop to the right the trail ascends over...an open rock face. From this point is a nice lookout over Island Pond. The trail continues .35 miles along open rock and descends steeply down to the Arden-Surebridge Trail which is marked with red triangles. Turn right on the ASB Trail and continue over relatively flat but often wet ground for .45 miles to Times Square. This is a junction of four trails and a woods road. The trails are well marked but make sure you continue ahead and slightly to the right on the ASB Trail. This trail has its ups and downs as it continues .45 miles to the junction with the Dunning Trail. Pick your way across a stream that eventually empties into Pine Swamp and stay on the ASB Trail. South on the Dunning Trail are the remains of the Pine Swamp Iron Mine. This mine has an adit that can be entered in drier weather and a large stope.

The ASB Trail continues east for .5 miles and then turns directly south and starts to climb Pine Swamp Mountain. In .2 miles you will be at the top of the mountain. The climb is not difficult and proceeds along a wide woods road. From the top of Pine Swamp Mountain are several nice lookouts over the surrounding lakes. Directly south is lake Skanatati and just beyond the two part of Lake Kanawauke. Around to the left Lake Askoti is partly visible with Little Long Pond on the extreme right. After taking some time to enjoy the view and take pictures, get back on the trail and descend to the parking lot .35 miles away. This descent is steep in spots with one short rock scramble.

Harriman: Long Path to 1779 Trail Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.9 mi.	2170 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take I86, the Quickway, to the exit just before the Harriman toll plaza and get on Route 6 East. Drive a little more than 4 miles to the parking area on the left where the Long Path crosses the road. You may also take Route 6 West from the Bear Mountain traffic circle for less than a mile. In this case the parking area is on the right. FRom here the Long Path heads northeast toward Long Mountain and passes the Torrey Memorial on the way. Walk out the exit for the parking area and across the road since this hike heads in the opposite direction. The Long Path crosses almost directly across from the exit to the parking area. The trail follows wide woods roads in many places. Be careful as you hike since there are many fire roads and other paths that crisscross the trails and it is easy to get lost even with a map. The Long path heads almost directly southwest and climbs around 400 feet in the first 1.8 miles. Just before another climb there is a series of rock overhangs which are labeled "cave shelter" on the NYNJTC maps. Climb to the top of the rise and walk along a flat part of the trail to a rock shelter at 2.0 miles. The shelter faces west and the map marks it as a viewpoint. Like so many of the places that were once viewpoints the trees have grown to block most of the view. Descend to the junction with the yellow Menomine Trail but continue straight ahead to Hippo Rock at 2.3 miles into the hike. THis rock really does look like a hippo from the front. Head back to the trail junction and turn right on the yellow Menomine Trail heading generally southeast. The trail is a long descent along a woods road and soon you will pass Lake Nawahunta. At 3.6 miles ross Seven Lakes Drive and head toward Silvermine Lake. Walk the trail along the west shore of the lake. Over the next .6 miles the trail gains 320 feet to the site of the Brien Memorial Shelter. The shelter is about 5.3 miles into the hike. Turn left onto the Appalachian Trail and starting up a short, steep rock climb. This trail is marked in white for the AT but also has red blazes as it is part of the Ramapo Dunderberg Trail. After reaching the top of the rock scramble, the trail flattens some with a few ups and downs. For about .9 miles from the shelter the trail rolls up and down slightly until at 7.2 miles it turns to the right. Now you are hiking southeast rather than northeast and starting up Black Mountain. After a short but steep climb there is a viewpoint over Silvermine Lake. Continue on to the summit at 7.7 miles into the hike. The views here include the New York City skyline. From the summit start down a very steep descent of almost 400 feet in .35 miles. A little further on turn left and head almost due north on the blue 1779 Trail. The trail parallels the Palisades Parkway which is just over a ridge to the right. There are no views but the 1.6 miles to Seven Lakes drive near the Long Mountain traffic circle is pleasant enough. At the traffic circle cross the road and head directly into the woods. DO NOT walk further up the road as the trail there is not marked and it will take you out of the way. Find a marker on a tree and then look ahead across the construction yard for another on a pole! Walk to the back left corner of the yard a find the trail and the markers. Enter the woods to continue the hike. The trail heads north toward the Popolopen Gorge Trail and Turkey Hill Lake just skirting a climb up Summer Hill. After about .6 miles, you may walk straight ahead on Summer Hill Road rather than take the circuitous route on the trail. If you want to stay on the trail, turn to the right. Be sure to turn left at the next trail junction! Just before you cross a small stream look for the trail on the left. It may be hard to spot since it is marked for an approach from the opposite direction. Stay on the trail and you will soon be at the dam for the lake. Continue around the west shore of the lake which has several spots to stop and take pictures. From the dam it is all uphill for the next .9 miles until you hit the Long Path again at 12.2 miles. Turn left on the Long Path and hike the .3 miles back to the car.

Harriman: ORAK Ruins from St. John's Church

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.7 mi.	1295 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Pass through the Kanawauke Circle and continue southwest on Seven Lakes Drive until the sign for Lake Sebago Beach. Stay to the left and turn left to go toward Lake Welch Drive. Turn onto Lake Welch Drive and watch for St. John's Road, the first road on the right. Turn here and drive until you see St. John in the Wilderness Church on the left. Park in the parking lot. Walk back down the road for .3 miles toward Lake Welch Drive. At the end of the road just before Lake Welch Drive turn right off the road and begin to follow the aqua blazes of the Long Path. The trail alternates between trail and wider woods road in many places. It also makes several twists and turns and rolls over hills and at least one mountain. At .45 miles the trail bends sharply to the left and at .65 it turns onto a woods road to the right. The road also continues to the left and is a shortcut back to the church. After climbing a bit, you now descend to cross Beaver Pond Brook brook in a swampy area. Along but narrow causeway gets you across this area. Just after the causeway, notice the large grove of red pine which was probably planted in the area. At 1.2 miles the trail again turns to the left and parallels Pine Meadow Road. Stay on the trail as it rises to 1.7 miles and then turns right to cross the wide road. At 1.8 miles the trail tops out at Big Hill and the Big Hill Shelter. The shelter is the typical stone structure with dual fireplaces at the entrance and a pit in front. There is a limited view east to the Hudson. Here the Suffern Bear Mountain Trail comes in from the right and joins the Long Path for a short distance.

The trails now descend a rather steep slop. Watch straight ahead and you will see two large communications towers in the distance on Jackie Jones Mountain. To the left of these towers is a shorter fire tower where you are headed. At about 2.0 miles the Long Path bears right on a woods road. Follow the yellow SBM Trail to the left as it descends slightly and crosses a brook. At 2.15 miles the trail crosses Pine Meadow Road and begins the ascent up Jackie Jones Mountain. This mountain and Rockhouse Mountain are the highest points in Rockland County. At 2.7 miles , at the top of the mountain stands a now closed fire tower. ALthough the cab is closed, you can climb the tower for the view. Be careful as some of the boards look better than others. Also, if there is any wind at ground level it may be at a somewhat higher velocity near the top of the tower. The tower does offer good views for 360 degrees on the landing just below the cab. Back on the ground continue on the SBM Trail as it begins a descent passed the communications towers on the left. The trail bears to the right and passes over an open rock face. Maps mark this as a viewpoint but the view is limited by trees which have grown. The trail continues to descend and at about 3.0 mikes you will begin to see some stonework and foundations.

This marks the ruins of the ORAK mansion constructed in 1923 by an executive of the company that produced KARO syrup. The mansion was torn down years later but much of the stonework still remains. At first it doesn't look like much but keep walking toward the paved driveway. Bear right to what look like an open clearing. You are standing in what was once the dining room. To the left is a curved stone wall with excellent craftsmanship. The wall has and arched doorway and small, round windows. The owner liked ships and the sea and the dining room was built to resemble a ship. Walk back to and down the driveway. On the right are the foundations of other building. If you continue to walk on the driveway, the gatehouse, which is mostly intact, will be on the left. The trail at this point continues out to Gate hill Road or Route 106. Along the way is another mansion constructed by Rose Renard of Red Rose Tea fame. Turn around and walk back on the driveway. You may want to walk off to the right to see the remains of other outbuildings. When you are finished exploring, follow your route all the way back to the parking area and your car.

Harriman: Pine Swamp and Hogencamp Mines

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.1 mi.	850 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Just passed Lake Tiorati there are two lakes, one on each side of the road. These are Lakes Askoti and Skanatati. Pull into the parking area on the right next to Lake Skanatati. This lake is larger than it looks as you will see when you hike along the shore and see it from above. The trails start to the right of the lake. Bear to the left on the Long Path marked with aqua paint. As you walk along this path there are several opportunities to walk down to the lake to get a better view. After following the shoreline of the lake the Long Path continues west and then turns north. At 1.1 miles the Long Path meets the yellow marked Dunning Trail.

Bear right on the Dunning Trail and walk .5 miles watching for the Pine Swamp on the right and tailings piles on the left. As son as you see the tailing cut up the hill to the left watching for the paths other hikers have used. You should end up in a small area with pine trees. Straight ahead is the cut of the Pine Swamp Mine with walls 20 to 30 feet high. The entrance to the mine is straight ahead. It may be a little wet getting to the adit but the ore vein ran upward in this mine. Walk into the mine and carefully climb upward. Stop to look at the drill marks on the walls. Near the top of the mine is an air shaft. Work your way back down to the entrance and turn right and climb up the hill. Watch for the opening of the air shaft an the hill. At this point you can return to the Dunning Trail and follow it to Times Square. At Times Square take the Long Path over the hill to the Hogencamp Mine. You may also walk cross country and bushwhack from the hill above the Pine Swamp Mine to Hogencamp Mountain.

From the Long Path find a path to the top of Hogencamp Mountain. This is easier than finding the trail to the top. There is a nice view in all directions from the top of Hogencamp Mountain even though its elevation is not particularly great. Work your way back down to the Long Path. As you walk along the Long Path toward the mine keep an eye out for foundations that indicate buildings that were once part of the extensive Hogencamp Mining Complex. Eventually you will be walking along a small stream and between some large boulders on the left and a rock out cropping on the right. Walk past this are and watch for a path that goes down and to the right. This path leads to the most interesting cut of the mine. This cut passes into the rock under the trail you were just hiking. It is filled with water so it is hard to determine the depth. When you are in the cut, turn around and let your eye follow the trenches that parallel the base of the hill.

Walk along the base of the hill and in and out of the trenches. Be sure to walk down to the Dunning Trail to see the tailings piles on the left. You will also see a pit with a large pipe emerging vertically from the pit which is filled with water. Walk back up toward the base of the hill and watch for a deep hole. You may also see some laid stone which may have been part of some foundation. You may return to the Dunning Trail and walk back to the junction with the Long Path where you started the loop. If you have some additional time, climb the hill and walk the ridge above the mine. There are some views of the surrounding countryside and of the mine below. Keep walking and you will intersect the Long Path above the mine where you were before. Walk down the Long Path and to the junction with the Dunning Trail. Stay on the Long Path and retrace your path to the parking area.

Harriman: Ramapo Torne and Russian Bear

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.8 mi.	1893 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. Pass through the Kanawauke Circle and continue southwest on Seven Lakes Drive until the parking area for the Reeves Brook Visitor's Center appears on the left. Walk to the back right of the parking area and walk briefly through a field on the red marked Pine Meadow Trail. Watch for the blue blazes of the Seven Hills Trail on the left. Continue along this trail as it rises over a hill and then descends to a junction with the orange blazed HST Trail. Turn right here and walk another .2 miles to the base of the Ramapo Torne. Turn left here and start a steep ascent to the first level of the Torne. Watch carefully as you ascend to the first level for the orange blazes that go to the left and start the ascent of the second level of the Torne. This is another steep ascent over some large, scattered boulders. At the top of the second level is one more short ascent to the very top of the Torne. Stop here to take in the views in all directions.

You can return to the trail junction and get on the blue Seven Hills Trail that leads to the HST Trail. The easier route is to continue over the Torne on the orange HST Trail. Stay on this trail as it rolls up and down. Before an obvious descent look straight ahead at the rock outcropping which is the Russian Bear. The trail descends to crosses a small stream and then begins to ascend up the Russian Bear. the trail winds around this tall rock outcropping to a set of stairs on the other side. The ascent is steep but short and the stairs help. Be sure to look back toward the Ramapo Torne for a great view. After taking in the views in all directions, follow the orange trail over the Russian Bear and watch for the black blazes of the Raccoon Brook Hills Trail.

Turn left on the black trail and walk along a steep cliff called the Pulpit. Look DOWN to the area below where you will soon be after a steep descent off the Pulpit. After the descent, look back at the Pulpit. This view makes the reason for the name more obvious. Continue on the black trail passed the white Reeves Brook Trail until it again meets the blue Seven Hills Trail. Turn left on this trail and walk a short distance until the trail starts to descend. Look ahead to the Ramapo Torne. This is Torne View. Retrace your steps to the trail junction but continue straight ahead on the blue trail. As this trail begins to descend it crosses the white Reeves Brook Trail. Turn left here and continue on this trail as it descends back toward the parking area. This trail is hard to follow at times so watch for the blazes on the trees and rocks. The trail follows a stream which has several small cascades along the way. As the trail descends an old woods road it meets the red Pine Meadow Trail. Turn left here and walk back to the parking area.

Harriman: Route 106 to Elk Pen

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.3 mi.	1936 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take Seven Lakes Drive southwest from the Long Mountain Circle near Bear Mountain. Pass through the Tiorati Circle staying on Seven Lakes Drive. At the Kanawauke Circle take Route 106 west passing between the two parts of Lake Kanawauke. The next body of water on the left is Little Long Pond. Just passed Little Long Pond on a slight upgrade will be a parking area on the right for up to ten cars. There are no trailhead markers but this is the place to park. After parking walk into the woods straight ahead and watch for the red markers of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail.

Hike through some tress to an area with enormous and impressive rock formation. Hike up and through these formations for about .25 miles until you are on an exposed rock face with a good view of the surrounding terrain and the hills in the distance. Get back on the RD and hike across the rocky spine surrounded by a few trees. After another .25 miles you will be at Black Rock which also gives nice views. As you hike keep looking for the best views since they aren't always at specific named places along the way. In about .8 miles you will be at the Bald Rocks in an open area where many glacial erratics lie on top of strangely marked bedrock. Just after this area the yellow Dunning Trail turns left to Hogencamp Mountain and the Hogencamp Mine. To the left the trail leads to the White Bar Trail and on to the Nubian Trail near Valley of the Boulders.

Continue on the RD passing Hogencamp Mountain on the right. After ascending some open slabs of rock, take in the nice views of the immediate area, the hills and valleys afar and the little pond just below. bear right on the Rd and descend off the ridge for just a short distance. Ahead and slightly to the left will be a large glacial erratic sitting among some trees. Use you imagination to see the prow of a ship sailing into the forest. This is Ship Rock. You can continue on the RD to Times Square and return on the Arden-Surebridge Trail. It may be easier to retrace your steps back to the open rock faces and turn right on the Lichen Trail marked with a blue L on a white background. This trail has some nice viewpoints and is worth the walk. Keep a careful watch for the markers as they may be hard to spot. The Lichen Trail is only about .4 miles long. It passes over a rocky outcrop and then drops around it before rising over more open rock faces. At this point Island Pond can be seen at a distance on the left. At the bottom of a short, steep descent turn left on the red marked Arden-Surebridge Trail which runs concurrently with the aqua blazes of the Long Path.

In .8 miles you will hook up with a section of the white blazed Appalachian Trail just passed the Lemon Squeezer. Before this trail junction are several others that can mislead and confuse. An unmarked trail named the Bottle Cap is the first to appear on the right. Just a few hundred feet later the aqua blazes turn right as the Long Path leaves to the north. In this same area the white blazes of the White Bar Trail appear on the left. Stay on the red trail to an area where you will see some tight passages between the rocks. This is the Lemon Squeezer, The trail does not actually pass through the Lemon Squeezer but feel free to examine this area and walk through the tight "canyons". Just after this the red blazes turn abruptly left as the A-SB Trail turns south. Continue straight ahead on the Appalachian Trail as it works its way passed Island Pond. You will want to get a better view of this little pond but each potential viewpoint is blocked by trees. Stay on the AT as it descends to a flat area just above the pond. Walk to your right to a rock ledge and a beautiful view of this body of water. Return to the AT and cross the outlet of the pond on a small wooden footbridge. Observe the stonework that seems to form a sluice out of the pond.

The AT then ascends form the pond outlet and snakes its way over Green Pond Mountain. The ascent and descent have a few steeper areas but the switchbacks take car of most of these. As you start to descend, you may notice the sounds of traffic. At this point you are headed toward the ELk Pen which is adjacent to the New York State Thruway. After 1.4 miles on the AT and at the bottom of the hill near the Elk Pen turn left on the Arden-Surebridge Trail which runs along the surface of the old Arden Road once called the Harriman Flat Road. In .3 miles the A-SB turns left but you should continue straight ahead on the Stahahe Brook Trail and the Arden Road. After another .3 miles, this trail turns left into the woods just after crossing Stahahe Brook. Stop at the bridge to enjoy the sights and sounds of the brook running under the bridge. Bear right to stay on the Arden Road which now parallels the Thruway for .85 miles. At this point a marker commemorates the road and the builder by stating "showing the advantages of building flat roads in hilly country". Just after this memorial are the white marks of the Nurian Trail which will lead all the way back to the parking area. This trail crosses the Thruway on a a raised overpass!

The Nurian Trail now climbs back over the Green pond Mountain Ridge and has a few challenging areas. In .8 miles it crosses Stahahe Brook on a double bridge where the Stahahe Brook Trail enters from the left. Be sure to bear right in this area turning east and southeast on the Nurian Trail. Within .25 miles the trail ascends slightly and then descends into a boulder strewn stream bed. This is the Valley of Boulders and is impressive for the number and variety of large rocks. the trail ascends steeply out of the valley but several switchbacks eliminate all but a few sharp climbs. In one area the trail ascends passed and through some large rock formations. The trail ascends some and joins several woods roads and other trails including the White Bar and Dunning Trails. The Nurian Trail will lead back to the RD just south of Black Rock. You can take the RD back to the parking area by retracing your steps. You may also turn right on the wide Island Pond Road as it come up on your right. After about 1 mile on this road you will be at Route 106. Turn left on the road and walk 1.2 miles back to car. Along the way you will notice a large parking area on the right for the White Bar trail as it turns south. This is the ONLY parking area with any signs or trailhead markers. Several more parking areas or pulloffs will be on the left.

Harriman: Torrey Memorial

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	1.2 mi.	360 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take I86, the Quickway, to the exit just before the Harriman toll plaza and get on Route 6 East. Drive a little more than 4 miles to the parking area on the left where the Long Path crosses the road. You may also take Route 6 West from the Bear Mountain traffic circle for less than a mile. In this case the parking area is on the right. From here the Long Path heads northeast toward Long Mountain and passes the Torrey Memorial on the way. Raymond Torrey was a founding member of the new York New Jersey Trail Conference and instrumental in the creation of the Long Path. The first part of the trail descends and crosses the Popoloppen Torne Trail. Staye on the Long Path and start a short ascent up a hill. The trail flattens out at the top and the memorial is a message carved into the exposed bedrock at the top of the ridge. The views are good and you see the Perkins Tower on Bear Mountain. Turkey Hill Lake lies below with its rocky but secluded shores. This hike definitely has a lot to offer for very little effort.

Heberly Run: Waterfall Bushwhack

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.6 mi	688 ft	MSR Maps	GPsies

From Route 118 turn north onto Central Road. In Center take a right onto Jamison City Road. in Jameson City continue straight ahead on T720 to Sate Game Lands #13. Park in the parking area at the end of the road where you can go no further. This hike is a bushwhack up Herberly Run to three different waterfalls. The waterfalls are more interesting after a heavy rain but this makes them harder to access.

To begin the hike walk over to the stream and start walk along the far bank or in the stream bed itself. Keep working upstream for about a mile when you will be in the area of Big Falls. Since you are probably below the falls at this point, you will have to work your way up a steep embankment to continue the hike. A path exists on the left bank looking upstream but it is slippery even when not very wet. Continue to walk up the left bank until around 1.9 miles when Twin Falls will appear. This falls is smaller than Big Falls but is pretty in its own right. Once you are done inspecting these falls try climbing out of the gorge on the right bank. This will take you to the upper drop of Twin Falls where you may be able to walk or wade across to the right bank and access the path along the left bank above the falls. At around 2.65 miles Lewis Falls should come into view. The gorge at Lewis Falls is deeper than at the other two falls and the banks are impossible to scale. Walk back downstream until you can work your way out of the gorge preferably on the right side. From here you can walk to the top of Lewis Falls. There is a path that follows Herberly Run and then Shanty Run until it cuts across the plateau and comes back down. The path is indistinct and not well marked! Croos the stream above Lewis Falls and walk out to Grassy Hollow Road. This is a grass and dirt road that the Game Commission opens during hunting season. It makes the walk back to the car fairly easy. Along the way you can hear Heberly Run and catch glimpses of the water.

High Falls at Frost Valley

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.7 mi	915 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

From the north or south use Ulster County Route 47, the Frost Valley Road, to drive to the Frost Valley YMCA Camp. The entire camp is private property that guests may hike without a fee. If you are not a guest, you may be asked to pay a day use fee. Obtain a trail map at the office. Walk the camp roads toward Lake Cole and pick up the blue Lake Cole Trail that passes between the lake and the main road. Walk to the end of Lake Cole and over the bridge across the dam. Pick up the yellow High Falls Trail and bear to the right where it splits. do NOT turn onto the red Line Shack Trail. The yellow High falls Trail ends at the blue Spring Ridge Trail but a path leads down to the falls which has an observation platform. If you are only interested in the falls, return the way you came. Walk back up the hill to the trail junction and turn left on the blue Spring Ridge Trail. Where the blue trail turns to the right bear to the left on the yellow Panhandle Trail. This is the first trail that gains any elevation as the rest are almost flat. The Panhandle Trail loops around to meet the red Line Shack Trail. When the blue Rocky Road Trail branches off to the left follow it downhill until it intersects the red Perimeter trail near the camp. Find some camp roads that will give you the most direct route back to your car.

High Point: Lake Rutherford

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.8 mi	920 ft	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park in the parking area off Route 23 just south of the park office and maintenance buildings. Find the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail and begin to hike southwest. The trail has its ups and downs and within about 1 mile the Blue Dot Trail turns off to the right. This trail descends steeply to Sawmill Lake which has a campground area. Walk down the trail until it starts the steep descent. At this point there is a great view to the west over the lake. Back on the main trail you will ascend top a small ridge at about .75 miles which has some nice viewpoints to the west and east. The trail now descends to around 2.75 miles to the area near Dutch Shoe Rock. A side trail leads left to a shelter and there are several viewpoints in this area. The trails starts a steep descent for about .25 miles and then regains some of that elevation to about 3.5 miles where the At and the red Iris Trail run together briefly. The trail junction is poorly marked but you should make an almost 180 degree turn to get on the Iris Trail to head northeast. This trail runs along the base of the ridge and has few views. At 4.4 miles watch for a sharp left where the trail turns north to avoid a restricted area. At around 5 miles the trail passes by Lake Rutherford and there are several spots to get views down to and across the lake. From the lake the trail starts to climb back up to the elevation of the parking area. The red Iris Trail ends at the AT and another yellow trail begins. Be sure to turn right on the AT to get back to your car.

Hodge Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.1 mi.	850 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the red-blazed Quick Lake trail and follow it for .5 miles to the junction with the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop. If you turn left here, Frick pond is just .1 miles. Turn right on Logger's Loop and follow it for .55 miles to Times Square. The name indicates that many trails cross at this point. Turn right here onto the yellow-blazed Big Rock Trail. Continue on this trail for 1.1 miles until it crosses the blue-blazed Flynn Trail. Several areas on Big Rock have significant but not severe climbs. Turn left on the Flynn Trail and hike .45 miles to Hodge Pond. From here you can continue on the Flynn Trail until it meets the Quick Lake Trail. At this point turn left and hike back to Frick Pond. This adds quite a bit to the distance! Retrace the last .45 miles on the Flynn Trail until the intersection with Big Rock Trail. Continue straight ahead for 1.7 miles to the parking area.

Hodge and Frick Ponds (Flynn and Quick Lake Trails)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.4 mi.	950 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the blue-blazed Flynn Trail across the road and follow it for 1.7 miles to the junction with the Big Rock Trail. Continue straight ahead toward Hodge Pond. In a short distance a woods road bears to the right. You may continue straight ahead on the trail to the pond. Bear right and then take the next left down toward Hodge Pond. Take the next right to walk around the back of the pond. The next right will put you back on the Flynn Trail. Continue on the Flynn Trail to Junkyard Junction where the Flynn Trail ends at the Quick LAke Trail turn left and stay on the Quick Lake trail for 2.1 miles to the bridge at the outlet of Frick Pond. Along the way you will pas through Iron Wheel Junction. Here the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop Trail goes straight ahead. Bear to the right to stay on the red-blazed Quick Lake Trail. After walking over the bridge at Frick Pond continue for about another .5 miles back to the parking area.

Hodge and Frick Ponds (Quick Lake and Flynn Trails)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.4 mi.	950 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the blue-blazed Flynn Trail across the road and follow it for 1.7 miles to the junction with the Big Rock Trail. Continue straight ahead toward Hodge Pond. In a short distance a woods road bears to the right. You may continue straight ahead on the trail to the pond. Bear right and then take the next left down toward Hodge Pond. Take the next right to walk around the back of the pond. The next right will put you back on the Flynn Trail. Continue on the Flynn Trail to Junkyard Junction where the Flynn Trail ends at the Quick LAke Trail turn left and stay on the Quick Lake trail for 2.1 miles to the bridge at the outlet of Frick Pond. Along the way you will pas through Iron Wheel Junction. Here the yellow-blazed Logger's Loop Trail goes straight ahead. Bear to the right to stay on the red-blazed Quick Lake Trail. After walking over the bridge at Frick Pond continue for about another .5 miles back to the parking area.

Hodge and Frick Ponds (Flynn and Big Rock Trails)

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.6 mi.	950 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Frick Pond, Hodge Pond and Quick Lake is covered with trails. There are numerous possibilities for short of long hikes. The area is "relatively" flat and there are no "views". There is, however, some beautiful scenery.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about six miles then turn left on Mongaup Rd. Where the road splits bear left on Beech Mountain Rd. and park in the parking lot on the left. Find the blue-blazed Flynn Trail across the road and follow it for 1.7 miles to the junction with the Big Rock Trail. Continue straight ahead toward Hodge Pond. In a short distance a woods road bears to the right. You may continue straight ahead on the trail to the pond. If you bear right, then take the next left and walk down toward Hodge Pond bearing to your left. Return the way you came to the Big Rock Trail junction. Turn right and head down the big Rock Trail to Times Square. Continue straight ahead around the back of Frick Pond. There are several wooden bridges and walkways here that can be very slippery when wet. Make a left on the Quick Lake Trail to continue around the pond. You will cross the bridge over the out let of the pond. Head up the small hill and bear right at the trail junction to get back to the parking area.

Huckleberry Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.4 miles	1165 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Turn onto Bloomer Rd. off Route 23A just west of Tannersville. At the Y in the road bear left onto Platte Clove Rd. Continue on this road passed the Platte Clove Community and the Platte Kill Preserve. Turn into the parking lot for Kaaterskill High Peak on your left. You may also access Platte Clove Road from the east in West Saugerties. Be aware that this road is "limited maintenance" and may be "closed" from late fall to early spring. At the parking area Look for the aqua-blazed Long Path or the darker blue markers. The "trail" here is really a very wide woods road that is traveled by local landowners. It is wide and easy to follow but may be rocky and muddy in places. Continue to follow the markers for about 1.05 miles where the yellow Huckleberry Point Trail goes off to the right. Turn here and continue on the trail.

The initial part of this trail passes through and area that has stone piles and some deteriorated foundations which are evidence of how the land was once settled. At about .35 miles into the trail cross a small stream which can be high after heavy rains. The trail now begins to roll significantly with several ascents and descents. None of these are long or steep but they may surprise you. The trail also passes through a variety of hardwoods, evergreens and bushes. Several time you may think you are at the Point. After about 1 mile, the trail ends and you will be at Huckleberry Point. A series of rock ledges give views south the Overlook and Plattekill Mountains. The fire tower and TV antennae on Overlook can be seen. To the west is a view deep into Platte Clove. Looking down from these dizzying heights also reveals more of the Clove. To the east are views of the Hudson River. You may climb down the rock ledges for different views. Be careful since a fall from this elevation could be hazardous to your health. Some of the ledges are narrow with loose rock and little to hold onto. There is an informal trail that works its way to the east but few viewpoints are open. After enjoying all the views turn around and reverse your route back to the car.

Hudson Highlands: Breakneck Ridge and Mount Taurus

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2 mi.	1940 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just north of the tunnel is a parking lot which is often full on the weekends. Park along the road if the lot is filled. Walk south on 9D on the west side of the road. Just before the tunnel is another area to park. Turn off here and follow the trail UP! Your adventure is about to begin!

The first thing you will notice is that the views start immediately! Storm King Mountain is just across the river. Upriver you can see Bannerman Island with its castle. Looking north the United States Military Academy at West point can be seen. As you turn around to walk further up the trail the hike initially seems manageable as you walk through some trees on a dirt trail. As soon as you clear the trees you can see the task ahead of you! The trail rises some 1200 feet in about half a mile. Many of the ascent are just short of technical rope climbs. Using both feet and hands is often necessary. Fortunately, most areas have somewhat easier ascents to the left or right of the main trail. As you climb there are places to stop and rest. These spots also afford excellent viewpoints over the Hudson and the surrounding areas. There are several places where you will be sure you are at the top until you look a little further on and there is another ascent. In most cases there is a slight descent before the next ascent making things more interesting. Finally the trail winds its way around the last part of the mountain fairly close the the edge and makes the last ascent. The top here is fairly flat with plenty of areas to stop and get a snack and marvel at the views!

The trail continues on in a northeast direction toward Sunset Point and South Beacon Mountain. The fire tower on South Beacon is closed but is being restored. The entire hike is long and would be difficult to complete for some ! As you hike the trail goes through a series of rolling ascents and descents. Shortly after the "top" of the initial, steep climb is a trail to the left. This is the Breakneck Ridge Bypass Trail and offers the first opportunity to shorten the hike. Continuing on the trail there are several places where the paint marking are faint and where woods roads invitingly cross the trail. Stay on the Breakneck Ridge Trail as many of these other side routes take you FAR away from where you want to be. The next cutoff is the Notch trail which leads off to the right and down the ridge back toward Route 9D and Cold Spring. Turn right on the Notch Trail and begin to descend through several switchbacks and passed some impressive cliffs on the right. The trail leads through an open forest to the pond just north of the Cornish dairy barn just .5 miles from the start of the trail. Continue on down the trail for another .2 miles where the Undercliff-Overcliff Trail crosses. Turn left to go up and over Mount Taurus. This trail is seldom steep but ascends until it reaches its highest point on Bull Hill. At times it follows woods roads. In several places the walls that shored up the sides of the road are visible and in very good shape. Several switchbacks make the climb easier until after about 1 mile several viewpoints open up near the highest point on the trail.

Continue on this trail as it heads east and then south down Bull Hill. There are lookouts along this trail down into Cold Spring and across the river to West Point. You will pass by the quarry on your right and then descend an old road to the Little Stony Point parking area on Route 9D with the scariest part of the hike yet to come. Walk along Route 9D for 1.25 miles. There is NO SHOULDER and cars travel MUCH TOO FAST! Near the end of the trip walk through the tunnel to arrive back at your car after about 6.25 miles of hiking.

Hudson Highlands: Breakneck Ridge and Little Stony Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	1690 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

WARNING: This hike requires two cars or a walk along busy Route 9D which as no shoulder. Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just north of the tunnel is a parking lot which is often full on the weekends. Continue on Route 9D to the parking area for Little Stony Point and Mount Taurus. Park one car here and then head north again to the tunnel. Park along the road if the lot is filled. Walk south on 9D on the west side of the road. Just before the tunnel is another area to park. Turn off here and follow the trail UP! Your adventure is about to begin!

The first thing you will notice is that the views start immediately! Storm King Mountain is just across the river. Upriver you can see Bannerman Island with its castle. Looking north the United States Military Academy at West point can be seen. As you turn around to walk further up the trail the hike initially seems manageable as you walk through some trees on a dirt trail. As soon as you clear the trees you can see the task ahead of you! The trail rises some 1200 feet in about half a mile. Many of the ascent are just short of technical rope climbs. Using both feet and hands is often necessary. Fortunately, most areas have somewhat easier ascents to the left or right of the main trail. As you climb there are places to stop and rest. These spots also afford excellent viewpoints over the Hudson and the surrounding areas. There are several places where you will be sure you are at the top until you look a little further on and there is another ascent. In most cases there is a slight descent before the next ascent making things more interesting. Finally the trail winds its way around the last part of the mountain fairly close the the edge and makes the last ascent. The top here is fairly flat with plenty of areas to stop and get a snack and marvel at the views!

The trail continues on in a northeast direction toward Sunset Point and South Beacon Mountain. The first side trail you pass is the yellow Undercliff Trail on the right followed by the red Bypass Trail on the right. Continue passed both of these to the blue Cornish Trail on the right. Descend this trail to the area of a pond and an old barn. This farm was associated with the Cornish Estate further down the trail. The barn is very interesting. Follow the Cornish Trail down to the river as it widens and becomes a paved driveway for the former Cornish Estate. A large cistern appears on the right and then the remains of a greenhouse. Walk down the driveway to the greenhouse. Not too much father along are the remains of the main house which was ravaged by fire. Vegetation and vines have recaptured most of the structure giving it a surreal appearance. The paved driveway continues down parallel to the river and the railroad tracks until it ends at a gate on Route 9D. Keep on the path as it winds its way back to the parking lots.

At the parking area, take the time to walk around Little Stony Point. This is an area of land that pushes out into the Hudson. Try turning right after crossing over the train tracks. This path will take you to a beautiful sandy beach right on the Hudson with incredible views north toward Storm King, Breakneck ridge and Pollepel Island. Continue on around the point in a counterclockwise direction. Take in the views as they change from north to west and then south. The fact that you are at river level gives an entirely different feel than viewing the same area from "above". As you walk notice the large rock outcropping on you left. This makes an excellent vantage point. Continue on around to the point where you started. Just as you see the footbridge over the tracks there is a trail to the left that leads to the top of the rock outcrop. It is an easy walk with only a few rough spots. Your reward are some beautiful views of the river below. When you are done looking up and down the river, retrace your steps to the car.

Hudson Highlands: Breakneck Ridge to Bypass Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.2 mi.	1433 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just north of the tunnel is a parking lot which is often full on the weekends. Park along the road if the lot is filled. Walk south on 9D on the west side of the road. Just before the tunnel is another area to park. Turn off here and follow the trail UP! Your adventure is about to begin!

The first thing you will notice is that the views start immediately! Storm King Mountain is just across the river. Upriver you can see Bannerman Island with its castle. Looking north the United States Military Academy at West point can be seen. As you turn around to walk further up the trail the hike initially seems manageable as you walk through some trees on a dirt trail. As soon as you clear the trees you can see the task ahead of you! The trail rises some 1200 feet in about half a mile. Many of the ascent are just short of technical rope climbs. Using both feet and hands is often necessary. Fortunately, most areas have somewhat easier ascents to the left or right of the main trail. As you climb there are places to stop and rest. These spots also afford excellent viewpoints over the Hudson and the surrounding areas. There are several places where you will be sure you are at the top until you look a little further on and there is another ascent. In most cases there is a slight descent before the next ascent making things more interesting. Finally the trail winds its way around the last part of the mountain fairly close the the edge and makes the last ascent. The top here is fairly flat with plenty of areas to stop and get a snack and marvel at the views!

Just after the summit the trail start to descend and the Breakneck Bypass Trail turns left. Turn here and be ready to keep turning sharply to the left as the Bypass Trail makes nearly a 180 degrees turn to parallel the Breakneck Ridge trail before heading a little more north and down the ridge. The trail descends almost 800 feet over the next .7 miles to a junction with the Wilkinson Trail. Turn left on a woods road and walk less than .5 miles to Route 9D. Turn left on Route 9D and walk the .15 miles back to the parking area.

Hudson Highlands: Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	8.2 mi.	2995 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just north of the tunnel is a parking lot which is often full on the weekends. Park along the road if the lot is filled. Walk south on 9D on the west side of the road. Just before the tunnel is another area to park. Turn off here and follow the trail UP! Your adventure is about to begin!

The first thing you will notice is that the views start immediately! Storm King Mountain is just across the river. Upriver you can see Bannerman Island with its castle. Looking north the United States Military Academy at West point can be seen. As you turn around to walk further up the trail the hike initially seems manageable as you walk through some trees on a dirt trail. As soon as you clear the trees you can see the task ahead of you! The trail rises some 1200 feet in about half a mile. Many of the ascent are just short of technical rope climbs. Using both feet and hands is often necessary. Fortunately, most areas have somewhat easier ascents to the left or right of the main trail. As you climb there are places to stop and rest. These spots also afford excellent viewpoints over the Hudson and the surrounding areas. There are several places where you will be sure you are at the top until you look a little further on and there is another ascent. In most cases there is a slight descent before the next ascent making things more interesting. Finally the trail winds its way around the last part of the mountain fairly close the the edge and makes the last ascent. The top here is fairly flat with plenty of areas to stop and get a snack and marvel at the views!

The trail continues on in a northeast direction toward Sunset Point and South Beacon Mountain. The fire tower on South Beacon is closed but is being restored. The entire hike is long and would be difficult to complete for some ! As you hike the trail goes through a series of rolling ascents and descents. Shortly after the "top" of the initial, steep climb is a trail to the left. This is the Breakneck Ridge Bypass Trail and offers the first opportunity to shorten the hike. Continuing on the trail there are several places where the paint marking are faint and where woods roads invitingly cross the trail. Stay on the Breakneck Ridge Trail as many of these other side routes take you FAR away from where you want to be. The next cutoff is the Notch trail which leads off to the right and down the ridge back toward Route 9D and Cold Spring. Bear left here to stay on the Breakneck Ridge Trail.

After a few miles the trail forks with a blue trail heading left. You may take this trail but continuing on for less than half a mile will bring you to Sunset Point. At Sunset Point a wooden observation platform looks out over the Hudson River. The view is somewhat the same as from other parts of the ridge. After taking in the view, return to the white Breakneck Ridge Trail north. In less than half a mile this trail intersects the yellow Wilkinson Memorial Trail. Turn right and follow both trails up an old woods road. After only a few hundred feet the white trail turns left and proceeds straight up the mountain. Turn left and get prepared for some more steep rock scrambles. After the first, most strenuous scramble, the trail levels some and continues to the fire tower. Along the way there are some nice lookouts but none compare to the summit vantage point.

The tower is in poor shape with no landings for the stairs. The stairs are "blocked" with a chain. The cab is barely intact. The summit is completely treeless and offers a 360 degree unimpeded view in all directions. Up river the Mid-Hudson Bridge can be seen. On a clear day New York City can be seen to the south. Walk around on the summit ridge to get the best views before turning back to retrace your steps. Use caution as you descend the rock scrambles you came up. At the Wilkinson Trail turn right and walk back down to where the Breakneck Ridge Trail parts from the Wilkinson Trail. This time turn right and stay on the yellow Wilkinson Trail to offer some variety. Alternatively follow the white Breakneck Ridge Trail back to Sunset Point and to the Wilkinson Trail from there.

The Wilkinson memorial Trail drops down to Squirrel Hollow Brook where it meets the blue Notch Trail. You could turn right and follow the Notch Trail out to Route 9D but this leaves more than a mile of walking along a busy highway. Turn left and follow the Wilkinson and Notch Trail for a little more than half a mile on a slightly uphill trek. At this point the Wilkinson Trail makes a sharp right and separates from the Notch Trail. Turn right to head back to where you parked the car. This trail heads mostly downward toward the river for about three miles. It has varied terrain through small clearings and darker forests. In the last mile there is a slight climb to the open summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From here the trail descends sharply for several hundred feet. After this the trail continues to descend but the pitch moderates some and this is aided by several switchbacks at the upper end. The further you descend the gentler the pitch becomes until the trail ends abruptly on Route 9D less than a half mile north of where you parked.

< Hudson Highlands: Breakneck Ridge to Sunset Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	2100 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just north of the tunnel is a parking lot which is often full on the weekends. Park along the road if the lot is filled. Walk south on 9D on the west side of the road. Just before the tunnel is another area to park. Turn off here and follow the trail UP! Your adventure is about to begin!

The first thing you will notice is that the views start immediately! Storm King Mountain is just across the river. Upriver you can see Bannerman Island with its castle. Looking north the United States Military Academy at West point can be seen. As you turn around to walk further up the trail the hike initially seems manageable as you walk through some trees on a dirt trail. As soon as you clear the trees you can see the task ahead of you! The trail rises some 1200 feet in about half a mile. Many of the ascent are just short of technical rope climbs. Using both feet and hands is often necessary. Fortunately, most areas have somewhat easier ascents to the left or right of the main trail. As you climb there are places to stop and rest. These spots also afford excellent viewpoints over the Hudson and the surrounding areas. There are several places where you will be sure you are at the top until you look a little further on and there is another ascent. In most cases there is a slight descent before the next ascent making things more interesting. Finally the trail winds its way around the last part of the mountain fairly close the the edge and makes the last ascent. The top here is fairly flat with plenty of areas to stop and get a snack and marvel at the views!

The trail continues on in a northeast direction toward Sunset Point and South Beacon Mountain. The fire tower on South Beacon is closed but is being restored. The entire hike is long and would be difficult to complete for some ! As you hike the trail goes through a series of rolling ascents and descents. Shortly after the "top" of the initial, steep climb is a trail to the left. This is the Breakneck Ridge Bypass Trail and offers the first opportunity to shorten the hike. Continuing on the trail there are several places where the paint marking are faint and where woods roads invitingly cross the trail. Stay on the Breakneck Ridge Trail as many of these other side routes take you FAR away from where you want to be. The next cutoff is the Notch trail which leads off to the right and down the ridge back toward Route 9D and Cold Spring. Bear left here to stay on the Breakneck Ridge Trail.

After a few miles the trail forks with a blue trail heading left. You may take this trail but continuing on for less than half a mile will bring you to Sunset Point. At Sunset Point a wooden observation platform looks out over the Hudson River. The view is somewhat the same as from other parts of the ridge. After taking in the view, turn around and head back to where the blue trail split off. After only a few hundred feet on the blue trail, the yellow blazes of the Wilkinson Memorial Trail show up on the left. Turn here to head back to where you parked the car. This trail heads mostly downward toward the river for about three miles. It has varied terrain through small clearing and darker forests. In the last mile there is a slight climb to the open summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. From here the trail descends sharply for several hundred feet. After this the trail continues to descend but the pitch moderates some and this is aided by several switchbacks at the upper end. The further you descend the gentler the pitch becomes until the trail ends abruptly on Route 9D less than a half mile north of where you parked.

Hudson Highlands: Canada Hill

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.0 mi.	2130 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. DRive to a point just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Turn east on South Mountain Pass Road. About .7 miles up this narrow, dirt road is a small parking area on the right. The Appalachian Trail crosses here. Walk up the road and turn left into the woods to start the hike on the Appalachian Trail.

The first .2 miles of the trail are a little steep going about 160 feet. After this, the AT turns right and continued to climb steeply for another .2 miles gaining around 300 feet from the start of the hike. In several places the trail blazes all but disappear so that staying on the trail is difficult. Once you are up on the ridge the trail becomes a wide woods road for some distance. There aren't too many views from the ridge but the open forest especially near the top of Canada Hill is very pretty. You will pass by Canada Hill at about .8 miles and the trail continues toward the northeast. Around .9 miles, the Osborn Loop Trail appears on the right but you should stay on the AT. At 1.3 miles, a yellow trail comes in from the left but you should continue on the AT. Along the way there may seem to be the possibility of some viewpoints but all are blocked by trees. At 2.4 miles, the blue trail appears straight ahead and the AT turns right. Turn on the AT and start down off the ridge. Watch for the yellow Carriage Connector Trail which is further down the hill than you might expect. The yellow trail lies on a wide woods "road" that heads north where an unmarked path turns right and to the south to get to the White Rock lookout. The problem is that you have to hike more than a half mile north to pick up the path and then back a half mile on the path to the viewpoint. Since the viewpoint is just above the junction of the AT and the yellow trail it is possible to bushwhack up to the path and save some useless backtracking. Turn right off the trail and begin a rather steep ascent through some brush that can be thick at times. The path lies between the first climb and the cliffs directly ahead! Turn right on the path and hike to the top of the hill and to the viewpoint. The viewpoint looks south across Camp Smith, Anthony's Nose and the Hudson. When you are done, hike around the hill on the path. When the path gibes out, bushwhack down the hill and pick up the path again. Follow the path which follows a road back to the yellow trail.

As you walk along the yellow trail, notice that the road is supported by a stone wall on the right side. The construction is old but has stood the test of time. Further along the stone wall support changes to the left side of the trail where a stream would have cut into the road. The wall is higher and much more impressive here. The yellow trail ends at about 4.3 miles and you should continue straight ahead on the blue trail. Almost immediately you will see stone pillars with pipe railing on the left side of the road near a 90 degree turn. The pillars have depressions on top that act as planters. On a small hill to the right of the trail is a wooden gazebo with a stone foundation. It seems that the east side of the Hudson always "had money". As you continue the hike you will come to a junction with a red trail to Sugarloaf Hill. The trail is a dead end and the climb is short but steep gaining 200 foot over .2 miles. After the climb, the trail flattens and it is another .25 miles to the end of the hill and the viewpoint. The lookout points south and there are a few annoying trees in the way. The Bear Mountain Bridge is visible but it seems pretty far away! When you are done, head back down the hill. At the trail junction, turn right and head out on the trail at 5.5 miles into the hike. The blue trail runs between the hills and along a brook but at about 6 miles it starts to climb the ridge again. At 7.0 miles continue on the yellow trail toward Curry Pond. Curry Pond is small but pretty. Walk around the pond and follow the yellow trail as it starts the final ascent back to the AT on the ridge. The trail passes through some dense laurel, crosses a small stream and then makes a short but steep ascent through a cleft in the rock ledge. It flattens at the top and at 7.8 miles you will be back on the AT. There is about 1.3 miles of hiking left to get back to the car.

Hudson Highlands: Mount Taurus and Little Stony Point

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.6 mi.	1525 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Get on State Route 9D on the east side of the Hudson River. Between Beacon and Cold Spring is a tunnel where the road passes under the railroad tracks. Just south of the tunnel there are parking lots on both sides of the road at Little Stony Point. They are often full on the weekends. Park along the road if the lots are filled. The white blazed Washburn Trail leaves from the north end of the parking lot on the east side of the road. The trail starts as a rather broad road and goes uphill at a pretty good incline. In less than half a mile the trail turns to the right at the top of the hill and continues as trail not road. This is the site of an old stone quarry which appears as a "scar" on the landscape from Storm King or Breakneck Ridge. Walk around in the quarry and then return to the trail which follows the western and southern rim of the "crater". As you rise above the quarry take some time to look down into it for another perspective.

As you climb the trail don't ignore the views to your left. As you walk up the trail the views down to the Hudson and to the south toward West Point and Stony Point become better and better. Just before the trail turns up into the woods and away from the river, a lookout sits just to the right of the trail on a rocky ledge. It is worth the time to walk to this lookout and take in the views to the south. From this point the trail turns into the woods and begins a steeper climb towards the summit of Mount Taurus. Along the way views across the river become prevalent. At the top of one of the steeper sections the yellow Undercliff Trail crosses the Washburn Trail. This trail is a relatively new trail constructed by the NY-NJ Trail Conference. It connects Breakneck Ridge in the north to Nelsonville farther south. As you make the final climb up to Mount Taurus several lookouts provide views to the north and west. The summit of Bull Hill has too many trees to provide a clear viewpoint. As you descend Mount Taurus, there is a very nice lookout on the right on a spur trail. It is worth the short stroll out to this open area which gives pretty views to the south. As the Washburn trail descends an old woods road other lookouts provide more views to the north and west.

With a quarter mile the trail leaves the road to the right and continues on straight Down the hill while the road switches back and forth. The trail and road intersect several times until the green Nelsonville Trail leaves to the right. Bear left and continue your hike on the blue Notch Trail. This trail continues the descent and shortly makes a hard left and heads for Breakneck Brook. All along this trail there are signs that this area was once extensively settled. The trail becomes wider as it joins a woods road .The road is flanked by rows of stone and many stonewalls can be seen. At Breakneck Brook The notch Trail turns right and eventually heads up to Breakneck Ridge. The red Brook Trail turns left. before taking the red trail, turn right on the Notch Trail to investigate the ruins of a 19th century dairy farm. The ruins include many recognizable farm buildings including a stone barn with a stucco covered silo and a milking parlor. Just beyond the barn is a small pond with a long, low cement dam. When you have exhausted your curiosity, return to the Brook Trail.

The red Brook Trail is pleasant as it parallels Breakneck Brook. After a very short distance, the yellow Undercliff Trail crosses the Brook Trail. After another short section the Brook Trail continues out to Route 9D. The blue Cornish Trail bears left and eventually leads back to the parking area at Little Stony Point. Follow the Cornish Trail down to the river as it widens and becomes a paved driveway for the former Cornish Estate. A large cistern appears on the right and then the remains of a greenhouse. Not too much father along are the remains of the main house which was ravaged by fire. Vegetation and vines have recaptured most of the structure giving it a surreal appearance. The paved driveway continues down parallel to the river and the railroad tracks until it ends at a gate on Route 9D. Keep on the path as it winds its way back to the parking lots.

At the parking area, take the time to walk around Little Stony Point. This is an area of land that pushes out into the Hudson. Try turning right after crossing over the train tracks. This path will take you to a beautiful sandy beach right on the Hudson with incredible views north toward Storm King, Breakneck ridge and Pollepel Island. Continue on around the point in a counterclockwise direction. Take in the views as they change from north to west and then south. The fact that you are at river level gives an entirely different feel than viewing the same area from "above". As you walk notice the large rock outcropping on you left. This makes an excellent vantage point. Continue on around to the point where you started. Just as you see the footbridge over the tracks there is a trail to the left that leads to the top of the rock outcrop. It is an easy walk with only a few rough spots. Your reward are some beautiful views of the river below. When you are done looking up and down the river, retrace your steps to the car.

Hudson Highlands: Scofield and Fishkill Ridges

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.7 mi.	3380 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Park at the parking lot for Mount Beacon Park just south of the main center of Beacon on Route 9D. The hike starts on some groomed walkways and heads east on the red Casino Trail and up a series of metal stairs to a woods road at about .5 miles. Along the way look to you right and you will see the remains of the track of the elevated Otis Railway that took patrons to the casino that was perched on the lookouts at the top of the trail. The woods road winds back and forth through several switchbacks to mitigate the steepness of the mountain. The trail is eroded in many places with loose rocks.There are some viewpoints on the way up but the best ones are at the top. At about 1.2 miles you will be near the top of the mountain. Watch for the ruins of a red brick building. This housed the donkey engines which polled the cars of the elevated railway to the top. Some of the machinery is still present. You may be able to find pieces of track and cables. Walk to the viewpoints and imagine what is was like when the casino was in operation. You can inspect the foundations and get some idea of the size of the casino before getting back on the trail and heading southeast to about 2 mile. Turn right here on the white Breakneck Ridge Trail and follow it on a steep ascent to the South Beacon fire tower. The tower is in the process of being restored and is safe to climb to just below the cab. The view from the tower is 360 degrees. REtrace your steps to the Casino trail and walk to the junction with the yellow Wilkinson Trail. Turn left to begin to walk along Scofield Ridge The ridge is just over the county line and is the highest point in Putnam County. The trail may not pass over the highest point on the ridge and there is a lot of debate over where that point is located. You may want to bushwhack a little off the trail to find the highest spot and take in some great views. At about 4.5 miles a short side trail leads to a fantastic lookout which is worth the brief walk. The trail takes some sharp turns and descends steeply in spots crossing some other trails, paths and woods roads. At about 5 miles the yellow Wilkinson Trail start to descend off the ridge. Bear left on the white Fishkill Ridge Trail. This trail starts by traveling parallel to the ridge as it slowly rises in to the 6.3 mile point. This walk of about 1.25 miles along the ridge has some possible viewpoints especially near the turn at the end but better things are to come. The trail now turns almost 180 degrees and continues to rises almost to the top of Bald Hill;. The views from here are unobstructed. After this point the trail continues to rise and fall with a few more viewpoints along the way. At 7.8 miles there is another viewpoint and just passed this you will be at Dozer Junction. This trail junction has a large, yellow bulldozer! Continue on the white Fishkill Ridge Trail as it ascends Lambs Hill for some more views. At 8.6 miles there will be another lookout and a junction with the red Overlook Trail. Stay to the left and continue to follow the white trail down the ridge. At around 9 miles you will cross over a road that goes to the Beacon Reservoir. The trail marking can be confusing here so look across the road to pick up the blazes and continue on the trail. For the next .5 miles the trail runs along a stream and there may be some waterfalls on the stream and the small tributaries depending on the volume of water. At 9.5 miles the white trail continues to the right. Bear left on the yellow trail which will return you on a woods road to the top of the stairs which lead back down to the parking lot.

Huggins Lake

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.6 mi.	900 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Head north from Livingston Manor on The beaverkill Road. Watch for the signs for the Beaverkill State Campsites and turn left on Campsite Road. At the bottom of the hill turn right to go down to the river. Cross the Beaverkill on the historic covered Bridge. The road will intersect Berry Brook Road. Turn right on Berry Brook Road and drive 2 miles north to the parking area on the right. The trail is not marked but travels its entirety along a woods road. The walk is easy and the lake is in a pretty setting. The road rises gently for 1.2 miles and then turns to drop down to the lake. Walk to the dam for a good look at the lake. Snakes like to sun themselves on the concrete dam. There are informal paths around the lake which you can explore before returning to the parking area.

Jensen Ledges

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.7 mi.	688 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

FRom Route 97 near Hancock, NY turn south on Lordville Road near Somerset Lake. The road heads south to the Delaware River and crosses to Equinunk, PA. Just before the bridge crossing turn left on Bouchouxville Road. This dirt road becomes narrow and very rough but ends in a small parking area. From the parking area get on the woods road that heads east and up the ridge. As you climb, keep looking to your right for some views down to the river. After walking only .9 miles, you will cross a small stream that cascades down the ledges and empties into the river. If there is enough water volume, it is worth working your way down the side of the falls to get some pictures. Back on the main trail, cross the brook and walk a few hundred feet before turning right and walking out to the first viewpoint. At this viewpoint, you will have beautiful views down to the river and beyond. This area has a HUGE rock cairn that sits atop a "pile" of laid up stone! There may also be some stone "furniture" just behind the viewpoint is the remains of a stone quarry. Walk a little further east and there is another viewpoint. Retrace yours steps back down to the car. Walk along the trail down to the river along a private property easement. At the railroad tracks cross carefully and walk down to the river. After taking pictures, return to the car.

John Boyd Thacher State Park

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi.	1008 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The main hiking attraction in the park is the Indian Ladder Trail along the Helderberg Escarpment. This trail extends around the rim of the escarpment and descends into the gorge below the rim. Other trails run throughout the park. The Long Path runs through one section. Most of these trails are wide and well-maintained and relatively flat. An overlook area allows motorists to park their cars and take in the beauty of the escarpment and the gorge. This area is a favorite of "birders" since eagles and hawks frequent the area to ride the updrafts. The park contains the Helderberg Escarpment which has two deposits of Devonian limestone. It is rich in fossils from a shallow see that covered this area during that period. This escarpment is the one pictured in the movie "Last of the Mohicans".

Start at the main parking lot at the park and find the Indian Ladder Trail. Descend the steps into the gorge. A fenced path runs along the limestone cliffs. Cracks are obvious in the limestone layers. Areas where the rock has been eroded away by water are clear. Small caves and underground streams riddle the rock face. Two different waterfalls cascade off the escarpment onto the trail below. Walk behind the falls but be careful since the limestone can be VERY slippery when wet. One area of the trail is almost obscured by overhanging rock. Climb out of the gorge to the escarpment rim. The trail continues along the rim in both directions. From the rim the views of the surrounding countryside and the other rim of the escarpment are magnificent! To extend the distance of the hike, cross over the main park road when you come out of the gorge and look for the forest trail. This trail start out by heading south but turns west until it intersects the Long Path. Turn right on the Long Path and continue north to the area of the gatehouse. Cross the main park road to walk back to the car.

Kelly Hollow

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	3.7 mi.	667 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

width="435" height="487" From NYC Route 9/10 on the south side of the Pepacton Reservoir take the Millbrook Arena Road southeast for about 5 miles. Watch for the trailhead sign for Kelly Hollow on the right. Pull into the small lot and park. The trail begins at the back of the parking area just beyond the kiosk. The entire trail network is marked as a cross country ski trail with yellow markers. As you enter the forest, follow the yellow markers to the left. This trail heads south and southeast for about 1.2 miles gaining some elevation as you go. The trail parallels a brook which may be almost dry or a rushing torrent depending on the season. This part of the trail is mostly a wide woods road. At 1.2 miles the trail turuns almost 180 degrees and heads north and then southwest until about 2 miles. The overall effect takes you west but avoids an ascent and descent over a shoulder of Millbrook Ridge. This part of the trail is more trail than road and leads to an area where there is lean-to. At the lean-to is a pit privy and a beaver pond. After the lean-to, the trail loops around the pond and then heads south back to the Millbrook Road. This part of the trail is again a woods road in most places and parallels a branch of the stream. In one area a nice waterfall depends largely on seasonal rainfall. Just before you get to the road there will be a historic cemetery on your left. Walk out to the road and turn right. Walk about .25 miles back to the parking area. The whole trip is under 4 miles. There is a route marked "Short Loop".

Lake Superior State Park

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.2 mi.	432 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

width="757" height="611" From Route 17B between Monticello and Fosterdale or County Route 55 between White Lake and Eldred turn on Dr. Duggan Road. From 17B the parking area will be passed the main entrance for Lake Superior State Park and on your right. From 55 the parking area will be before the main entrance for Lake Superior State Park and on your left. Park and walk to the left of the pavilion and into a field at the top of the hill. Walk across the field to Indian Field Road and turn right. There will be POSTED signs on your left but none on the right. Watch for POSTED signs to appear on your right and turn into the woods on a woods road just before the signs start. This is the Rocky Run Road which is part of the old Newburgh-Cochecton Turnpike. Walk along the wide woods road keeping the POSTED signs on your left for about 2 miles to the paved Pucky Huddle Road. Turn right on the road and walk several hundred feet to where Mallory Brook crosses under the road. The rest of the hike is a bushwhack down the brook and along the lake shore. You may return the way you came on the woods road or continue on the "whack".

Walk along the brook on the left side since the right has some rather steep cliffs in places. You may find a woods road or a path to use. Cross the brook before you get to the lakeshore as it begins to get wider there. Walk along the sore of the lake remembering to stop to take pictures when you like. You may find several places where people have pulled up a boat and camped. The stands of laurel near the lake may be thick and hard to push through at times so just walk further away from the shore. As you work your way closer to the outlet, you will see the beach on the opposite shore. You will also find more defined paths to walk on. At the outlet of the lake continue on the path that parallels the swampy brook that connects Lake Superior to the small pond where you parked. Keep an eye out for blue heron and beavers. You have the opportunity to take the "low road" around the shore of the pond or the "high road" on the ridge above the pond. Once at the dam at the lower end of the pond you will be a stone's throw from the parking area and your car.

Lenape Ridge Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.1 mi.	1502 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

width="589" height="550" The trailhead is on Route 6 north just outside Port Jervis. There is a pulloff going up the hill on the right hand side by the Town of Deerpark sign. If you go as far as the power lines you have gone too far. Walk across the road and look for three red rectangles on a tree for the beginning of the Trail. The trail enters the woods and quickly connects to a woods road. There Rae many roads and informal paths in the area so be careful to follow the red trail markers. At .4 miles the trail abruptly makes a 90 degree turn northeast. The trail makes another 90 degree turn to the northwest at 1.2 miles and then starts to ascend to the ridge. At 1.6 miles there is a lookout to the north and wet and down into the Conrail cut through rocks. For the next 1.9 miles the trail follows the ridge line and dips and rises and some impressive rock formations. The red Minisink Trail ends at this point at a junction with the white Lenape Ridge Trail. Turn left on the white trail to hike back along the southeastern side of the ridge. The trail begins to climb to the highest point on the ridge at 4.2 miles and some nice viewpoints to the south and east are found here. Another lookout is at 4.5 miles above Heinlein Pond. From here the tower at High Point is clearly visible. The trail now begins a long descent off the ridge until at 5.3 miles it ends at the red Minisink Trail. Turn right here and follow the trail back to where your car is parked.


Little Pond Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.8 mi.	330 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take the Beaverkill Road from Livingston Manor and drive for about twenty minutes to the intersection with Barkaboom Rd. Drive up the Barkaboom Rd and park near the start of the access road to Little Pond State Park. When the park is open, be careful not to block the entrance. During the winter, parking here is not a problem as long as it is plowed and you do not block the access for snow plowing. Walk up the access road and around the pond on the hiking trail in either direction. Walk back down the access road to the car.

Long Pond: Basily Road from Flugertown Rd

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	578 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Long Pond has several snowmobile trails that are ideal for hiking. They are wide and well maintained being free from blow downs. I am looking forward to snow shoeing this area during the winter. There are several options for longer or shorter hikes.

CAUTION: Until the beaver pond subsides, be prepared to get wet to make the loop or to turn around and do an out and back as shown on the map.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about nine miles then turn left on Flugertown Rd. just passed the hamlet of Willowemoc. The parking area for Long Pond is about 1 mile up on the right. The road is well paved. The first part of the trail is a short ascent. It looks a LOT steeper on the profile below than it really is! After about a mile, you can turn right and walked down to the pond. This is the nicest view of the pond that is right on the trail. Another .25 miles will bring you to a T. Left goes out to Flugertown Rd. and right leads to the lean-to and the other trails. If you like, turn right and walk about .65 miles to the lean-to. If you are so inclined, skip the lean-to and go straight ahead. After about a mile the trail intersect Basily Road. Turn left and follow the road. At the next intersection continue straight ahead and down a hill. Do NOT turn right as this leads toward Black Bear Road at Round Pond. After about half a mile you will be at the beaver pond. If the pond is low enough continue on and make a left onto Flugertown Road at the intersection. Follow this back to the parking area. If the pond is too high, turn around and retrace your steps to the car. Several variations are available.

Long Pond: Basily Road Loop

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.0 mi.	597 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Long Pond has several snowmobile trails that are ideal for hiking. They are wide and well maintained being free from blow downs. There are several options for longer or shorter hikes.

CAUTION: Until the beaver pond subsides, be prepared to get wet to make the loop or to turn around and do an out and back as shown on the map.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about nine miles then turn left on Flugertown Rd. just passed the hamlet of Willowemoc. The parking area for Long Pond is about 1 mile up on the right. The road is well paved. The first part of the trail is a short ascent. It looks a LOT steeper on the profile below than it really is! After about a mile, you can turn right and walked down to the pond. This is the nicest view of the pond that is right on the trail. Another .25 miles will bring you to a T. Left goes out to Flugertown Rd. and right leads to the lean-to and the other trails. If you like, turn right and walk about .65 miles to the lean-to. If you are so inclined, skip the lean-to and go straight ahead. After about a mile the trail intersect Basily Road. Turn left and follow the road. At the next intersection continue straight ahead and down a hill. So NOT turn right as this leads toward Black Bear Road at Round Pond. After about half a mile you will be at the beaver pond. Cross the shallow water here in any way you like. Walking across the dam may work. At this point you may well be on private land. Head for the bridge across the field. The bridge is actually private and you should cross at the "ford" just to the left of the bridge. The water here is a little wider and deeper than at the beaver pond! After crossing the creek. stay on Basily Road which at this point is unpaved. It is a little over two miles back to the parking area. Eventually Basily becomes Flugertown and the road is paved. Several pull-offs and small parking areas mark places where the snowmobile trails intersect the road.

Long Pond: Black Bear to Flugertown

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.9 mi.	532ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Long Pond has several snowmobile trails that are ideal for hiking. They are wide and well maintained being free from blow downs. There are several options for longer or shorter hikes.

This hike requires two cars OR you make park a car at either end and double the mileage! Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about fourteen miles then turn left on Black Bear Rd. near Round Pond. The parking area is up the hill on the right. The first part of the hike is on Basily Road which is seasonally maintained. After about 1.15 miles the road turns into a woods road which is also a snowmobile trail. From this point on the walking is almost flat or downhill! At about 2 miles into the hike you will come to a T. Turn left at the T and the woods road become more of a trail. At 2.15 miles there is a spur trail to thee left that goes to the leanto. At 3.55 miles there will be a trail junction. Bearing right will take you out to Flugertown Road and back to your car. Bear left and continue on the trail to the parking area on Flugertown Road.

Long Pond: Flugertown Rd to Mongaup Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	9.8 mi.	2210 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about nine miles then turn left on Flugertown Rd. just passed the hamlet of Willowemoc. After 1.3 miles, the road turns to gravel. Go another 1.1 miles and park somewhere along the edge of the road. There are no formal parking areas here but there are enough areas to park a few cars. The trail begins on the left side of the road. Depending on where you parked, you may have to walk one way or the other to find the trail. The trail begins as a gradual uphill through some pine forest and after .5 miles the red marked Long Pond Beaverkill trail goes to the right and the yellow marked Mongaup Willowemoc trail heads left. The latter is the shorter way to Mongaup and by far the easier walk.

Turn right on the red marked trail. This trail wanders back and forth and up and down through hardwood forest and pine trees. Several areas are almost completely overgrown with briars making it slow going and difficult at times. There are a few areas of nettles. During wetter times the trail sports several muddy areas. About halfway up the trail to the Mongaup Hardenburgh Trail, you will pass Sand Pond on your right. You will never know it though since the trail has no views at all. The trail begins an ascent near its end to gain elevation to the Mongaup Ridge. After about 3 miles, the trail ends on the Mongaup Ridge at the blue marked Mongaup Hardenburgh Trail. Turn left here toward Mongaup Pond Campsites.

This trail is a little more used but the markers are few and far between. Also, there are several steep descents and ascents along the way as the trail ascends the various Mongaup Mountains. There are even several switchbacks! After 3.3 miles, the trail turns right at Mongaup Pond. Turn left here on the wide snowmobile trail. Cross four wooden bridges. After the fourth look for the well-marked yellow-blazed Mongaup Willowemoc Trail on your right. Turn here. This is also a snowmobile trail so it is wide and fairly well groomed with some blowdowns across the path in some areas. At abut 1.7 miles a large wooden bridge crosses Butternut Creek. This creek flows well even in drier weather and has some beautiful areas along its banks. From this point it is about 1.1 miles back to the junction with the Long Pond Beaverkill Trail. On the way several woods roads and trail cross the one you are on. Ignore these and stay on the yellow marked trail. At the trail junction, turn right and hike the .5 miles back to the car.

Long Pond: Flugertown Rd to Round Pond

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	10.4 mi.	855 ft.	MSR Maps	GPsies

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about nine miles then turn left on Flugertown Rd. just passed the hamlet of Willowemoc. Drive up the road and watch for the trailhead Parking area on the right. Get on the snowmobile and cross a bridge. The trail rises for the first .6 miles and then drops slightly until, at 1 mile there is a short side trail to the right. Walk down to Long Pond to see a small but pretty pond. The north end of the pond has some of the oldest bogs in the Catskills dating back 14,000 years to the time the last glacier receded. Back on the main trail walk another .2 miles to the junction with the red Long Pond-Beaverkill Range Trail. The trail flattens out and at 2.5 miles the trail meets a woods road. Around 2.9 Niles the trail turns right as it meets Basily Road. The trail on Basils Road rises slightly and then, at .3 miles, begins a serious drop down to a trail head on Black Bear (Wild Meadow) Road. At the road make a right and continue down to Pole Road at 5.4 miles. Turn right on Pole Road and begin a long 4.1 mile walk back to Flugertown Road. Turn right on Flugertown Road and walk .85 miles back to the car.

Long Pond: Flugertown Rd

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.0 mi.	476 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

The area around Long Pond has several snowmobile trails that are ideal for hiking. They are wide and well maintained being free from blow downs. I am looking forward to snow shoeing this area during the winter. There are several options for longer or shorter hikes.

Take DeBruce Road from Livingston Manor for about nine miles then turn left on Flugertown Rd. just passed the hamlet of Willowemoc. The parking area for Long Pond is about 1 mile up on the right. The road is well paved. The first part of the trail is a short ascent. It looks a LOT steeper on the profile below than it really is! After about a mile, you can turn right and walked down to the pond. This is the nicest view of the pond that is right on the trail. Another .25 miles will bring you to a T. Left goes out to Flugertown Rd. and right leads to the lean-to and the other trails. Turn right and walk about .65 miles to the lean-to. Be sure to make the turn onto the spur trail to the lean-to. It is clearly marked but missing it leads to a VERY long walk. After the lean-to, retrace your steps to the T and continue straight ahead for about .6 miles to the road. The trail winds some but is well marked and is downhill all the way. Take a left on Flugertown Rd. and walk the 1.5 miles back to the car.

Long Pond Ironworks

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.4 mi.	745 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This trail in Hewitt, New Jersey traces the Hansclever Iron Trail near the Monksville Reservoir. It is rich in history.

Take the Greenwood Lake Turnpike east from the intersection with Lakeside Road at the south end of Greenwood Lake. Drive a little more than three miles east and park at the visitor's center for the Long Pond Iron works. There are some groomed paths to the left of the visitor's center that wander between some historic building. Watch for thee blue blazes of the Sterling Ridge Trail which runs in conjunction with the Highlands Trail. At about .45 miles the trail turns right and crosses the Wanaque Reservoir on a bridge. Before making the turn be sure to inspect the ruins of the iron furnaces that dates back to the American Revolution! When you cross the river bear to the right on the yellow Hasenclever Iron Trail. This trail follows one of the routes used to transport iron ore from the mines to the furnace. Along the trail you will find placards explaining some of the historic spots. At abbot miles you will walk1 up a hill and a woods road turns to the left. Make the turn and continue northwest on the road until about 2.5 miles. In this Rae you will find the PAtterson Mine. Watch for "rusty" rocks which are the tailing from the mines. There will be one or two shallow pits on the left of the road. On the right side of the road there are two or three deeper pits and a trench. Be careful around these since they are often filled with water and the sides are unstable. Back on the road continue to walk downhill until 2.8 miles when the woods road meets the Sterling Ridge Trail. Turn left on the trail to get back to the parking area. Along the way the trail parallels the Wanaque River which is a popular swimming area.

Loyalsock Trail: Smith's Knob

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.7 mi.	1482 ft.	MSR Maps	Google Maps

width="715" height="529" The Loyalsock Trail is a 59.3 mile trail in north central Pennsylvania in Lycoming and Sullivan counties . It stretching from the western trailhead just north of Montoursville to the eastern trailhead just north of LaPorte. It is well maintained by the Alpine Club Of Williamsport and is well marked with a distinctive yellow LT on a red can lid. The trail passes through main different geological and ecological areas and each is as interesting as the next. The hike described here starts near the western trailhead and takes and out and back and loop route to Smith's Knob.

Get on Route 87 going north from Williamsport. At between 9 and 10 miles the trailhead for the start of the Loyalsock Trail will appear as a pulloff on Route 87. Just passed this pull off is Little Bear Creek Road on the right. Turn onto this road and in less than 1 mile you will see a sign on the left for the Loyalsock trail to Smith's Knob. Just passed the bridge to the maintenance barns and across from the ranger's house is a pull off for several cars. Park here and then walk back down the road to the sign. Turn right up the hill, sign in at the register and begin your hike.

The first part of this hike is a long uphill with only a few places to catch your breath. At about .7 miles there is a viewpoint called Helen's Window that exposes a long, straight section of Loyalsock Creek. The trail continues until about 1.6 miles when it turns right onto an old woods road. This continues for about .1 miles where the trail turns left and begins a steep assault on Smith's Knob. At this point an alternate route continues straight ahead and is marked with a red X on a yellow background.

After climbing the short but steep slope the trial turns right toward the top of Smith's Knob. Near the pond on the right is a view to the right of the trail. There is no real view from the top but continue to walk east on the trail. When the trail begins to descend walk off the trail toward the obvious viewpoint to the left. This lookout offers beautiful views up and down Loyalsock Creek. At this point you may return the way you came or continue on the trail to complete the loop.

The descent on the other side of Smith's Knob is steep and eroded with several switchbacks. A little further along the trail is another Lookout called the DER View. This lookout offers more views up and down Loyalsock Creek and Loyalsock Valley. Continue on the trail being sure to stay on the marked LT trail. Be on the lookout for the trail marked by the red X's. This will be a sharp right turn and may have a NO HORSES sign marking it. This alternate route is not as well traveled as the main trail. There are several blowdowns and the markings are spread out further. This trail meets a woods road and travels along it for a short distance. Soon the road turns left and the trail bears right. In only a short distance the trail leads back to the junction with the main trail where the main trail turned up Smith' Knob. Follow the main trail back to your car.

Loyalsock Trail: Sock Rock

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.2 mi.	1460 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

width="705" height="709" The Loyalsock Trail is a 59.3 mile trail in north central Pennsylvania in Lycoming and Sullivan counties . It stretches from the western trailhead just north of Montoursville to the eastern trailhead just north of LaPorte. It is well maintained by the Alpine Club Of Williamsport and is well marked with a distinctive red LT on a yellow plastic. Each mile from the beginning of the trail is also denoted at the closest markers. The trail passes through main different geological and ecological areas and each is as interesting as the next. The hike described here starts at the western trailhead and is a loop that includes the Allegheny Front. This first part of the trail takes in Sock Rock and has some great views especially when there are fewer leaves on the trees

Get on Route 87 going north from Williamsport. At between 8 and 9 miles the trailhead for the start of the Loyalsock Trail will appear as a pulloff on Route 87. Pull off and park here. The hike is STEEP right from the start giving you no chance to "warm up". After .4 miles the trail turns right as it meets an old woods road and there is a brief respite. Almost immediately the trail turns left off the road and up the ridge. A little further up the trail is a limited lookout on the right side of the trail. The overall .6 mile section to Sock Rock is an average of a 29% grade! There are some impressive ledges along the way but Sock Rock itself doesn't look much like a sock and there are no views! The trail turns right after Sock Rock but continues to climb steeply for another .25 miles. After the climb, the level part of the trail is welcome! At 1.55 miles the Red X-1 trail crosses. The Red X trails connect different parts of the Loyalsock Trail in different areas acting as shortcuts. There are eleven of them in all and can be interesting adventures in their own right. All, true to their name, are marked with red X's. Continue on the main trail and at 2 miles the Loyalsock Trail turns left. A woods road is to the right and straight ahead is a bridle path to allow horses access to the plateau. After this point the trail begins to climb some but it is hardly noticeable when compared to the initial climb. You are now walking west to east along the Allegheny Front. Looking for viewpoints which are few during the seasons when there are leaves on the trees. At about 2.9 miles there is a limited viewpoint. The trail is interesting in this area as it ascends and you will be walking very close to the edge of the Front. As you continue on another viewpoint, the best yet, opens up on a rock ledge with nice views to the south. A short path leads down to a lower rock shelf with an even better view. Be careful to watch for rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the rocks! They will rapidly vacate the area on your approach as long as you do not surprise them. From "Rattlesnake Rock" the trail begins to descend gently for about .5 miles until it takes a sharp left and heads down a rocky drainage. The hike down this part of the trail can be tricky as the rocks may be mossy, damp and slippery in places. Watch for some very tall and very straight trees along this route. These trees may not have be first growth but they are old. Loggers in this area harvested white pine for ship masts and when the white pines were done they turned to hemlocks. The hemlock bark was used for tanning and, many times, the rest of the tree lay unused. Over the next 1.2 miles the trail drops over 950 feet and the total drop from the highest point is over 1100 feet. The trail crosses Little Bear Road at the bottom of the descent. Turn left and start to walk back out to Route 87. The Loyalsock Trail continues on your left and goes up Na Dover Smith's Knob. You can hike this loop using the Painter Run Trail on your return if you still have the time and energy. Walk .8 miles out to Route 87, turned left and walk .5 miles to the your car to complete the loop.

Mary Smith Hill

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	6.3 mi.	1949 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Turn onto Mary Smith Hill Road in the hamlet of Lew Beach. Travel for about 2.5 miles and park at the parking area on the right. Do NOT be fooled! The road narrows and changes to dirt but IS passable. Get on the red blazed Mary Smith Trail across the road. Be prepared to climb some rather steep terrain in the first half to three quarters of a mile. At the half mile point is a nice lookout to the south. Continue on to the maximum elevation on the trail at a little over 2900 feet. This hill has no name. Descend into a col and then climb to the top of Mary Smith Hill. Here there is another lookout to the south. Continue down the other side of Mary Smith Hill to the parking area on Berry Brook Road. There are some interesting rock formations along the way and at least one rather steep descent. In the summer, the trail is overgrown with briars. The briars coupled with nettles make the trip over the hill unpleasant if not impossible. At Berry Brook Road turn around at retrace your steps. The round trip is 6.6 miles by the signs and 6.3 miles by my GPS.

Mary Smith: Berry Brook to Split Rock

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	2.6 mi.	760 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

This short hike doesn't gain much elevation but leads to a nice lookout and and interesting rock formation.

Head out of Roscoe on Route 206. Turn right on Berry Brook Road just after the county line and drive for around 8 miles to the trail head parking on the right. Cross the road to get on the MAry Smith Trail heading west southwest. After about .1 miles on a woods road, you will cross a power line right-of-way. Watch for the trail as it continues through a grassy area and into the woods. The trail ascends some until about .45 miles when it levels off if only briefly. In only .2 miles the trail again ascends for the next .5 miles to 1.15 miles where it meets the Pelnor Hollow Trail. Turn right and after a short distance you will be faced with a VERY STEEP downhill section. At 1.3 miles you will arrive at the Split Rock Lookout with some great views to the west. Notice the house across the way on the ridge. When you have taken in the view, return the way you came. This time the steep downhill is a steep uphill!

Mendon Ponds Park - East Esker Ridge Trail

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	5.2 miles	660 ft.	MSR Maps	GPSies

Mendon Ponds Park's unique complex of glacial features helped to make it a National Natural Historic Landmark in 1969. There is a 550 acre nature preserve, and 30 miles of self guided trails full of wildlife. At the northwestern end of the line of other glacial ponds and lakes near the kettle hole called the "Devil's Bathtub" in the park, there is a sphagnum moss peat bog, and the buildup of moss has created a floating island in the middle of the lake. Due to the acidity buildup and lack of decay caused by the sphagnum moss, the bog is home to a number of carnivorous plants, including sundew and pitcher plants. Like much of New York State the topography here was shaped by several different ice sheets that covered the area in the past. The Finger Lakes are some of the most prominent features but everywhere you look there are glacial formations if you know what to look for. Mendon Ponds has several esker ridges formed when glacial streams deposited sediment. It has at least two kettle lakes formed when large blocks of ice dropped off receding glaciers, formed indentations in the soil, melted and left ponds and lakes behind. There are several kame hills formed when unsorted deposits lying on the glacier were deposited in a "heap" as the glacier melted.

A map of the park describes the marked trails and some of the features you will find. None of the trails are difficult but some can be muddy since part of the park is a wetland. In addition to the marked trails there are MANY "informal" trails which can be misleading but most reconnected to the marked trail system at some point. A good choice to see a variety of glacial features is the East Esker Ridge Trail marked at 4.7 miles in length on the map.

Once in the Rochester/Rush area find Rt 65 or Clover Street. The entrance to the park is just south of I-90 and is well marked. Turn into the park on Canfield Road and proceed to the first four corners. Turn right here onto Douglas Road. Look for the Canfield Woods or Stewart signs. Canfield Woods is the first BIG parking area on you right just across from the park office. This is the best place to park and, by the way, entrance and parking are FREE! Walk back up the entrance and across the road to a chain link fence which is the start of the green East Esker Ridge Trail. You may notice a blue marking on a tree since part of the trail is shared with the North Meadow Trail. Turn right and start your walk along the trail as it roughly parallels Douglas Road.

You will find that as you walk a familiar theme develops. At times you will walk up onto esker ridges and walk along the tops with a dropoff on either side. Other areas of the trail are sited between ridges or up and over kame hills. Along the way you will see several different ponds and walk through both hardwood and evergreen forests. The highest point in the park (820 ft.)) is on the trail in the last quarter of the hike. Walk along the trail for about .25 miles and you will come out of the forest into an opening. Straight ahead are some rolling kame hills. Reenter the forest trail and continue walking over the rolling topography. At about .7 miles you will walk down a hill and along Round Pond. To the left is a high hill you might want to climb. The trail doesn't offer much of a view of the pond but just as you start back into the trees there is and informal trail that ascends an esker ridge on the right. Walk along this trail if you like to get some limited views down onto the pond.

Back on the main trail, hike .35 miles east between several ridges until the trail abruptly turns west. After .6 miles you will descend to Douglas Road at the Calvary Shelter. If you actually get to the shelter you have gone too far, so turn around and take your first right to stay on the trail as it continues .45 miles south to Pond road and the other major trailhead for this trail. The trail at this point has just taken you through some open fields and it turns quickly left to head first north and west. The trail gains some elevation here as it first ascends, descends and then climbs several ridges. Be on the lookout for a small spur trail to the right which leads to a wooden bench along the way. This bench offers a spot to relax and look out over the surrounding hills and valleys. Also watch for a small blue marker labeled 23 on your left. This is the highest spot in the park at 820 ft!

After 1.2 miles of walking along the ridge, you will descend and then ascend once again. The trail continues north but then starts to turn left until you are walking due east. On your left will be a large water tank and the trail will lead around it after about.75 miles. The trail now turns into a wide road paved with crushed gravel and leads directly back to the trailhead where you started after .3 miles.

Another interesting place to visit is the kettle hole called the Devil's Bathtub. From the parking area turn right on Douglas Road and continue south until the intersection with Pond Road. Turn right on Pond Road and watch for the Devil's Bathtub Parking area on the right. Drive up and park. When you get out of the car, notice the view to Deep Pond on your right. Find the sign that says "Devil's Bathtub" and head down the wooden stairs to this kettle pond. There is a wooden walkway along the edge of the pond but no real view down onto the pond to take it all in. The trails here are NOT well marked but you can head around the pond on the aqua trail and informal trials until you meet the light blue Grasslands Trail. If you stay on the aqua trail, it turns to the right away from the Devil's Bathtub and takes you along the shore of Deep Pond. Either walk is worthwhile.

Middle Mountain Trail: Mary Smith to Beech Hill

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.2 mi.	1750 ft.	MSR Maps	GPsies

Turn onto Mary Smith Hill Road in the hamlet of Lew Beach. Travel for about 2.5 miles and park at the parking area on the right. Do NOT be fooled! The road narrows and changes to dirt but IS passable. Get on the red blazed Middle Mountain trail. Be prepared to climb! This isn't a 3500 and it is only 4.2 miles round trip but there is some climbing to do. About a miles walk brings you to the top of Middle Mountain at 2975 feet. There is nothing much to see here but .1 miles further on is a BEAUTIFUL view. Continue on the same trail for a little less than a mile to Beech Hill. There is a descent and ascent between the two hills. Another half mile will put you on Beech Hill Road. Return to your car by reversing the hike.

Middle Mountain Trail: Mary Smith Hill Road to Cabot Mt

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	7.8 mi.	2660 ft.	MSR Maps	GPsies

Turn onto Mary Smith Hill Road in the hamlet of Lew Beach. Travel for about 2.5 miles and park at the parking area on the right. Do NOT be fooled! The road narrows and changes to dirt but IS passable. From the parking area get on the red blazed Middle Mountain trail. Be prepared to climb! This isn't a 3500 but it is a true Catskills trail with rocks, roots, prickers, nettles, damp places, wet spots and blowdown! The climb up Middle Mountain gets steep in a few places and there are several large trees across the trail and many smaller branches. Between .5 miles and .6 miles the trail winds its way up over a rocky patch. At the top of the climb the trail levels and makes a big switchback before heading back toward the summit. From the summit of Middle Mountain the trail loses almost 300 feet to the col with Beech Hill. The climb to Beech Hill isn't long but can be tiring. In .6 miles the trail drops over 500 feet and ends on a small private road. Turn right on the road and walk out to Beech Hill Road. Turn right at the end of the road and walk to the trail head for the Touch Me Not Trail to Cabot Mountain. You now have to walk 2.5 miles over hilly, rough trail. The hike up Cabot starts along a woods road with POSTED signs on both sides. The first .25 miles aren't bad but then the trail gets serious. The trail gets steep in spots. In .5 miles the trail ascends about 600 feet and then levels off for a pleasant walk of .35 miles to the last climb. Ascend another 125 feet over the next .3 miles to get to the summit before turning around to walk back. The hike back is a matter of reversing course along the same trails. You get a break hiking down Cabot Mountain and then walking along a relatively flat area to the foot of Beech Hill. At the foot of Beech Hill you will be 6.2 miles into the hike. Start the climb up Beech Hill and then head down Beech Hill to the col with Middle Mountain. Continue up to the highest point the trail reaches on Middle Mountain and soon you will be going down Middle Mountain, through the switchback, over the rocks and toward the parking area.

Middleburgh Cliffs

Quick Look
Difficulty	Round trip	Total climb	Internet Maps
	4.8 mi.	1220 ft.