November 12, 2017 – Newburgh, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 1.5 miles

Max elevation: 318 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 39 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Algonquin Park Map

Trailhead parking: 34-58 Powder Mill Road – Newburgh, NY 12550

Algonquin Park is located at the site of a black powder manufacturing complex that operated throughout the 19th century. The powder produced was mainly for hunting and sporting purposes, although some powder of “good quality” was provided to the military during the Civil War. When the mill was closed in the early 1900s, the land was purchased by a developer and divided into building lots. Subsequently, the part of the property that comprised the main part of the powder manufacturing complex was purchased by Colonel Frederic Delano and given to the City of Newburgh for a park. Many of the old stone buildings were incorporated into the plans for the park and the rustic, natural beauty of the site was retained. It is the only remaining nineteenth century gun powder manufacturing site in New York State and, along with several surrounding properties, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of the Town of Newburgh’s Orange Mill Historic District. Algonquin Powder Mill Park is located at Powder Mill and South Plank Roads and is open to the public.

The park is 42 acres of history and natural beauty with 3 ponds, a stream, picnic areas and a children’s playground. There are footpaths and wide gravel roads that make for an easy walk throughout the park.

I decided to take a ride to Newburgh and check out the interesting ruined stone buildings in this park and was pleasantly surprised at all it has to offer. It is a small park that is located at a corner intersection, but it is worth a visit for its history and natural beauty. The only thing missing is informational signs that detail what the buildings were used for. Nevertheless, a walk around the park will lead you to many points of interest.

Unnamed Orange Lake outlet brook which flows through the park just above its outlet at Quassaick Creek.

Visiting on a Sunday morning, there wasn’t anyone else there, just some park maintenance workers blowing leaves. Algonquin Park is a nice place to take a walk and go back in time. There are several other parks in close proximity that can be visited on the same day to make it a longer walk. Don’t forget to bring a camera.

Take the virtual hike below, with additional images added.

Pros: Historic ruined buildings, ponds, cascades and waterfall, natural setting.

Cons: Not much info available on the structures.