Candlewood Hill Loop from Bell Hollow Road – Fahnestock State Park

Posted on June 16, 2026

June 11, 2026 – Putnam Valley, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 2.3 miles

Max elevation: 986 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 550 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Buy Maps (Paper & Avenza): East Hudson Trails Map #103

Free Web Map: Fahnestock State Park Trail Map 2025

Free Avenza App Map: Fahnestock State Park Trail Map

Trailhead parking: 217 Bell Hollow Road, Putnam Valley, NY 10579

Roadside parking for approximately 4 cars at the north end of Bell Hollow Road where the pavement ends and it enters the park.– No bathrooms on site

Details on a loop hike to Candlewood Hill via a different starting point: Candlewood Hill Loop

Overview:

Candlewood Hill is a prominent north-south ridge within the southeastern section of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, with its summit reaching an elevation of approximately 986 feet above sea level. As one of the park’s more notable high points, the ridge offers a rugged landscape of forested slopes, rocky terrain, and scenic overlooks.

Candlewood Hill Trail - Fahnestock State Park — Candlewood Hill Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Candlewood Hill summit - Fahnestock State Park — Candlewood Hill summit – Fahnestock State Park

The northern end of Candlewood Hill lies just west of the Durland Scout Reservation (formerly Clear Lake Scout Reservation), with Sunken Mine Road separating the two areas. To the south, the ridge extends toward Oscawana Lake, where the terrain rises above the lake’s western shoreline.

Sunken Mine Road - Fahnestock State Park — Sunken Mine Road – Fahnestock State Park

Access to the Candlewood Hill Trail is available from roadside parking along the northern end of Bell Hollow Road where the pavement ends. Recent land acquisitions have expanded Fahnestock State Park farther south, extending opportunities for exploration along the ridge. Several marked and unmarked trails branch from the Candlewood Hill Trail and continue southward, although there is currently no designated trailhead or formal parking area providing access from the roads to the south.

This scenic area offers sweeping views from the summit of Candlewood Hill across the hills and ridgelines of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park and much of the Eastern Hudson Highlands.

The panorama takes in surrounding hemlock stands, rolling forested hills, and deep, folded valleys that stretch into the distance. On clear days, the view extends even farther, revealing a narrow slice of the Hudson River to the southwest, along with the former Indian Point area beyond the wooded horizon.

History:

The history of Candlewood Hill in Putnam Valley is closely tied to the broader story of land use, settlement, and conservation in the eastern Hudson Highlands. Long before it became part of modern parkland, the ridge was shaped by glacial activity into a rugged landscape of steep slopes, rocky soils, and narrow valleys—conditions that limited large-scale farming but supported small homesteads, hunting areas, and seasonal use.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, nearby areas such as Canopus Creek and Oscawana Lake saw scattered mills, homesteads, and early road networks that followed the natural contours of the hills. Candlewood Hill itself remained largely undeveloped due to its steep, rocky terrain, serving more as woodland and boundary land than cultivated property.

In the early 2000’s, a significant portion of Candlewood Hill was acquired and added to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, helping to protect its forested ridgeline and prevent residential development.

Today, Candlewood Hill stands as part of this preserved landscape—an example of the eastern Hudson Highlands’ transition from scattered rural use to protected public land. Its trails, ridges, and viewpoints now reflect a landscape reclaimed by forest and managed for hiking, wildlife habitat, and quiet recreation rather than industry or settlement.

Trails Overview:

The Candlewood Hill Trail is marked with New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation “Taconic Region” red plastic disc blazes. The trail climbs steadily—sometimes steeply—to the 986-foot summit of Candlewood Hill, where it rewards hikers with expansive views in all directions. From the summit, it follows a short stretch of the ridge before descending to its terminus on Sunken Mine Road. Overall, the trail is well marked and easy to follow throughout its route.

This hike includes a short section of unmaintained, unpaved Sunken Mine Road, which is closed to vehicular traffic from December through April. The road serves as a boundary corridor within Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, separating the park from the Durland Scout Reservation. As it continues downhill, Sunken Mine Road leads toward the abandoned section of Bell Hollow Road, where the landscape becomes more rugged and historic, with the maintained roadbed giving way to a more eroded and overgrown corridor.

The abandoned section of Bell Hollow Road serves as a connecting route between Sunken Mine Road and the Candlewood Hill Trailhead where the hike begins. It descends along the western flank of Candlewood Hill, following a broad, old roadbed that remains clearly defined despite being unmarked and no longer maintained. Although increasingly rugged in places, the route is easy to follow, with its wide alignment cutting steadily through dense forest as it links the surrounding trail network.

Parking & Amenities:

Roadside parking is available along Bell Hollow Road for approximately 4–6 vehicles, just beyond the last mailbox/driveway (#217), where the paved section transitions into the unpaved, abandoned road. The trail begins at this point. Please be sure not to block any driveways or obstruct the roadway.

There are no restroom facilities available at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

Hike Overview:

The reason I chose this hike was because the forecast called for temperatures in the high 90’s along with poor air quality. I wanted a manageable route with the flexibility to extend the hike if conditions allowed. This loop was a great choice, offering mostly shaded trails throughout, with the only open exposure being at the summit viewpoints. The forest cover provided welcome relief from the heat while still allowing for rewarding scenic overlooks along the way.

I’ve hiked this area numerous times, and it’s always a pleasant experience. I’ve only encountered a handful of people in total across all my visits to Candlewood Hill, which adds to its quiet, secluded feel.

I’ve previously done this loop several times starting from Sunken Mine Road in a clockwise direction. On this hike, I decided to switch things up and begin at Bell Hollow Road, completing the loop counterclockwise instead. The ascent from Bell Hollow Road is noticeably steeper, but the overall elevation gain remains moderate, and the route is roughly a mile shorter compared to starting from the Sunken Mine Road trailhead.

What I like about this variation is that once you descend back to Sunken Mine Road from the Candlewood Hill Trail, the remainder of the hike is all downhill. The main drawback is the shorter overall distance. Still, due to limited parking and its relatively remote access points, this section of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park sees very little foot traffic—and that quiet, low-use character is exactly what makes it appealing.

This counterclockwise loop begins and ends at the parking area on Bell Hollow Road.

Candlewood Hill Loop from Bell Hollow Road

As shown in the elevation graph below, the climb to the summit is steep, with most of the elevation gain occurring on the ascent to the top of Candlewood Hill.

Elevation profile – Candlewood Hill Loop from Bell Hollow Road

The Hike:

From the Bell Hollow Road trailhead, look for three red blazes on a tree to the right of a set of wooden steps—this marks the start of the Candlewood Hill Trail. From here, you’ll follow the red blazes for approximately 1.1 miles. The trail begins with a gentle ascent before gradually becoming steeper as it climbs deeper into the forest.

Candlewood Hill Trailhead - Bell Hollow Road — Candlewood Hill Trailhead – Bell Hollow Road

After about 0.35 mile, the Candlewood Hill Trail makes a sharp left. The yellow-blazed Oscawana Ridge Trail begins just ahead, but you’ll want to TURN LEFT to stay on the red-blazed Candlewood Hill Trail. If you start seeing yellow blazes, you’ve gone too far and missed the turn.

The Candlewood Hill Trail now becomes significantly steeper, climbing over sections of large, jumbled rock and scattered boulders. The footing is rugged and uneven, requiring careful attention as you ascend. In some areas, the treadway is faint or indistinct, so it’s important to stay alert and keep an eye on the red blazes to stay on route.

At the top of the rise, the trail briefly levels off, marking the end of the majority of the elevation gain for this hike. The Candlewood Hill Trail transitions onto a wider, more defined footpath that follows just below the ridgeline. As the route continues through the forest, hikers pass by a variety of interesting rock formations scattered along both sides of the trail, adding to the rugged character and natural beauty of this section.

The trail steepens once again as it approaches the summit of Candlewood Hill, climbing over exposed rock before reaching a scenic rock outcrop. From this vantage point, hikers are rewarded with sweeping southwest views across the forested hills and ridgelines of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park and the surrounding Hudson Highlands beyond.

When you are ready to continue, follow the red blazes north for a short distance before briefly stepping off the trail to the left. Just a few feet away is another rock outcrop offering scenic views to the north and northwest across the surrounding forested hills and ridgelines, and over Bell Hollow.

After taking in the views, return to the marked trail and continue northeast as the Candlewood Hill Trail begins a steep descent. The route drops over exposed bedrock and rugged terrain, requiring careful footing as it winds down from the summit area.

Once off the summit, the grade moderates and the trail settles into a more gradual descent. The route alternates between wider woods road, narrow footpath, and sections of rugged, rocky terrain. Along the way, hikers pass through dense stands of Mountain Laurel, which line both sides of the trail and add a beautiful seasonal display when in bloom.

Mountain Laurel - Candlewood Hill Trail — Mountain Laurel – Candlewood Hill Trail

Soon, the Candlewood Hill Trail widens again. After about one mile from the start of the hike, it ends at Sunken Mine Road.

Turn left and follow this unpaved road west for approximately 0.2 mile (about 350 yards). Look for an unmarked woods road on the left, which climbs a short distance uphill to a small, informal viewpoint south over Candlewood Hill. A nearby rock offers a convenient spot to sit and take a break while enjoying the scenery.

Unmarked Woods Road - Fahnestock State Park — Unmarked Woods Road – Fahnestock State Park

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps back to Sunken Mine Road and turn LEFT. Follow the road downhill as it heads northwest for approximately 0.3 mile (about 530 yards). Then turn left onto the abandoned section of Bell Hollow Road, which continues south and descends steadily through the forest.

The abandoned section of Bell Hollow Road is used to connect Sunken Mine Road to the Candlewood Hill Trailhead. This road descends along the western flank of Candlewood Hill and although unmarked, is well defined and easy to follow. While the southern portion of Bell Hollow Road is residential, the northern section transitions into a completely unpaved, abandoned roadbed inside the state park boundaries.

Heavy runoff has carved deeply into the old roadbed in places, exposing rock ledges and uneven surfaces that make footing irregular and rugged. With the forest pressing in from both sides, stretches of exposed stone and loose gravel speak to years of washout, erosion, and neglect.

Bell Hollow Road gradually narrows into a footpath before widening again as it descends. After approximately 0.6 mile (about 1,000 yards), the abandoned roadbed returns to the Candlewood Hill Trailhead, where the hike began.

Review:

Candlewood Hill is a rewarding hike that offers a great combination of rugged terrain, peaceful forest, and scenic viewpoints. The majority of the route follows shaded woodland trails, providing a comfortable escape even on warmer days. The trail is well marked with clear blazes and easy to follow throughout, making navigation straightforward despite its remote character.

The climb to the summit is challenging in places, but the effort is rewarded with beautiful views across the hills and ridgelines of Fahnestock State Park and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. With limited parking and its secluded location, this area sees very little foot traffic, allowing hikers to enjoy a quieter, more solitary experience. For those looking to explore a less crowded section of Fahnestock, Candlewood Hill is a hidden gem that delivers both natural beauty and a true backcountry feel.

Pros:

Shaded forest trails, well marked route, scenic summit views, peaceful and secluded, little foot traffic, rugged terrain, quiet hiking experience, beautiful Mountain Laurel in season, historic old roads, good trail variety.

Cons:

Limited roadside parking, no restroom facilities, no formal trailhead amenities.

Take a hike!

Sources:

Pine Swamp Short Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on June 5, 2026

June 2, 2026 – Southfields, NY

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: approximately 3.7 miles

Max elevation: 1,180 ft.– total elevation gain 522 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Trailhead parking: Lake Skanatati Parking – Southfields, NY 10975

Click here to see Trail Alerts for Bear Mountain-Harriman State Parks

Please note: Hikers should use caution in the vicinity of the mines, as their deep, water filled pits and unstable overhanging rocks can be dangerous.

Overview:

Harriman State Park is one of New York’s largest and most rugged parks, covering more than 47,000 acres of rolling ridges, dense hardwood forest, and more than 200 miles of hiking trails. Just an hour from New York City, it feels a world away, offering quiet lakes, rocky summits, and a vast network of historic footpaths that weave through the Hudson Highlands. Established in the early 20th century through generous land donations, the park was designed to preserve open space and provide public access to some of the region’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Today, it remains a favorite destination for hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers seeking both challenging terrain and peaceful escape.

Pine Swamp Mountain is a lesser-known summit in the western section of New York’s Harriman State Park. Rising to approximately 1,180 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by dense hardwood forest, rocky ridges, wetlands, and remnants of the area’s mining history. While much of the summit is wooded, a nearby rock outcrop along an unmarked trail opens to far-reaching views across the surrounding hills and valleys, offering a quiet and unexpected vantage point in the heart of the park’s backcountry.

Viewpoint - Pine Swamp Mountain — Viewpoint – Pine Swamp Mountain

The Pine Swamp Mine is among the most dramatic old mining complexes in Harriman State Park, and gets its name from the adjacent wetland. It consists of a complex of features, including open cuts, pits, and shafts. The largest and most spectacular opening in this complex is located on the hillside above the Dunning Trail. There is a horizontal passage that extends some 125 feet into the hillside. This passage slopes upward, and above its far end is an air shaft opening to the surface. On a sunny day, light pours through this rock-bound skylight, illuminating the long passage.

Pine Swamp Mine - Harriman State Park — Pine Swamp Mine – Harriman State Park

Trails Overview:

The inverted-red triangle-on-white Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail ascends and descends the shoulder of Pine Swamp Mountain. It passes the historic Pine Swamp Mine Complex, which dates back to the region’s 18th and 19th-century iron mining boom. This trail is well blazed and easy to follow.

Arden-Surebridge Trail - Pine Swamp Mountain — Arden-Surebridge Trail – Pine Swamp Mountain

An unmarked footpath just off the A-SB Trail, leads to a fantastic view west over Lake Skannatati, Lake Kanawauke, and the western Harriman Hills. This trail, although not blazed is somewhat easy to follow. Those who are not confident of their route-finding ability might wish to skip this portion of the hike.

Unmarked Trail - Pine Swamp Mountain — Unmarked Trail – Pine Swamp Mountain

The yellow-blazed Dunning Trail runs southwest on fairly level ground. It runs along the west side of Pine Swamp and passes the Pine Swamp Mine to the right. Shortly after Pine Swamp Mine, the trail reaches an area that has been flooded by Beaver activity. There is a short detour (unmarked) that rises onto higher ground to avoid the wet section. This trail is well marked and easy to follow.

Dunning Trail - Harriman State Park — Dunning Trail – Harriman State Park

The Long Path descends gradually as it winds south through quiet forest, where a series of small stream crossings add variety to the route but were easily manageable on this day. It then curves left and begins trending east, following gentle terrain through mixed hardwoods. As the trail continues, it gradually approaches Lake Skannatati, offering intermittent filtered views through the trees and occasional open glimpses from near the shoreline.

Long Path - Harriman State Park — Long Path – Harriman State Park

Parking & Amenities:

The Lake Skannatati parking area is one of the primary trailheads in the western section of Harriman State Park, providing convenient access to numerous hiking trails, including the Arden-Surebridge Trail, Long Path, and several popular loop routes. The lot is relatively large by Harriman standards and can accommodate well over 100 vehicles, although it often fills early on weekends, holidays, and during peak fall foliage season. Experienced hikers generally arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Amenities at Lake Skannatati include a large paved parking area, informational kiosks, a boat launch, fishing access, benches, and seasonal restroom facilities during the summer months. The lake also serves as a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.

Lake Skannatati - Harriman State Park — Lake Skannatati – Harriman State Park

Hike Overview:

One of the advantages of this loop is that it remains largely shaded for most of its length, thanks to the dense forest canopy that covers much of the route. On hot, sunny days, the shade provides a welcome respite from the heat, making the hike noticeably more comfortable than many exposed ridge trails in the park.

I last hiked this route back in 2018, when the trails were still blanketed in snow, giving the landscape an entirely different character. Having explored this area extensively over the years, it had been quite some time since I last returned. Coming back felt like rediscovering familiar ground all over again—an opportunity to reconnect with these winding forest paths and the quiet sense of wonder hidden throughout the woods.

With that being said, not much has changed over the years, aside from the detour on the Dunning Trail. On earlier visits, the flooded section often turned into a careful balancing act across wet ground and slick footing—not always with dry results. Today, that stretch is no longer passable directly, and hikers have formed a short detour that bypasses the saturated area on higher, more stable ground.

This counterclockwise loop begins and ends at Lake Skannatati. I prefer hiking this loop in a counterclockwise direction because it tackles most of the elevation gain early in the hike. The route then transitions into a more relaxed journey, ending with an enjoyable walk on the Long Path as it follows the shores of Lake Skannatati back to the trailhead.

The hike begins with a somewhat steep ascent, but beyond that initial climb, the terrain generally settles into a more moderate rhythm, with only a few short steep sections breaking up an otherwise manageable route.

Elevation Profile – Pine Swamp Short Loop

The Hike:

Starting and ending this loop at Lake Skannatati, with the calm shoreline serving as both the launch point and the final reward. From the first steps into the forest to the return along its waters, the lake bookends the journey with a steady, scenic anchor in the heart of Harriman State Park.

From the kiosk at the northwest corner of the parking lot, bear right and pick up the inverted red triangle-on-white Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail as it begins its ascent along the eastern flank of Pine Swamp Mountain. The route immediately climbs on a rocky footpath, steadily gaining elevation as it leaves the lakeshore behind and enters the quieter, forested slopes of the mountain.

Arden-Surebridge Trailhead - Lake Skannatati — Arden-Surebridge Trailhead – Lake Skannatati

After about 0.3 mile, just beyond a short climb up stone steps, watch for a flat rock slab on the ground. The unmarked path begins between this slab and the next tree bearing an Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail marker. Turn left here, leaving the A-SB Trail, and follow the faint footpath as it heads west before gradually curving north into the woods as it climbs Pine Swamp Mountain.

Please Note: If you’re unsure of your navigation skills, you can easily skip this section and continue along the Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail. However, doing so means bypassing the hike’s only true mountaintop viewpoint, a quiet reward tucked just off the main route.

The unmarked trail leads to this southwest-facing viewpoint atop Pine Swamp Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with a long reaching view, that includes Lake Skannatati shimmering in the foreground and Lake Kanawauke nestled among the forested ridges in the distance. The layered landscape of lakes, hills, and woodlands creates one of Harriman’s most impressive vistas.

When you’re ready to leave this fabulous viewpoint, continue north on the unmarked trail. The footpath becomes fainter and can be difficult to follow in places, but the open forest makes navigation relatively straightforward. If you lose the trail, simply continue heading generally north, then gradually veer east, and you should have little trouble reconnecting with the Arden-Surebridge (A-SB) Trail.

Please Note: During this hike, I lost the faint unmarked trail and ended up bushwhacking approximately 520 feet east through open woods to reconnect with the Arden-Surebridge Trail. I used the Avenza Maps app to confirm my location and navigate back to the marked route. Hikers attempting this side trip should be comfortable with off-trail travel and carry a reliable map and navigation tool.

Once back on the A-SB Trail, the route descends around the northern flank of Pine Swamp Mountain, gradually losing elevation as it works its way toward lower ground.

After crossing a small stream, the trail passes along the northeastern edge of Pine Swamp, where the expanding wetland is visible through the trees.

Over the years, beaver activity at Pine Swamp has gradually expanded the boundaries of the wetland beyond its historic limits. The impounded water has slowly pushed northward toward the mine complex, flooding low-lying areas and transforming sections of the surrounding forest into marshy habitat.

Pine Swamp - Harriman State Park — Pine Swamp – Harriman State Park

Beyond the swamp, the A-SB Trail follows the course of an old mine road, a reminder of the area’s industrial past.

A little farther along the trail is a large open trench, fifty-five feet long and eleven feet wide, which contains several drilling holes. Two water-filled shafts — one thirty feet by sixteen feet, with a stone retaining wall at one end, and the other ten and one-half feet by ten and one-half feet — are on the north side of the road just east of the trenches, while a test pit and large piles of tailings may be seen on the south side of the road.

Pine Swamp Mine Complex - Harriman State Park — Pine Swamp Mine Complex – Harriman State Park

When this mine was active, there was a small village nearby, with homes, barns, stores and a saloon. The foundations of some of these structures can still be seen along the A-SB Trail

About 200 feet farther along the A-SB Trail is another larger open trench. It is a large rectangular cut on a low hilltop that is 118 feet long and twenty-nine feet wide, with vertical rock walls that are about twenty-two feet deep. This open cut is presently filled with water.

In about 100 feet, the Arden-Surebridge Trail crosses a stream on rocks just below an attractive cascade that is especially scenic after periods of rain. After crossing the stream, the A-SB Trail turns right, but you want to TURN LEFT.

Immediately beyond the crossing, look for three yellow blazes on a tree marking the start of the Dunning Trail, which branches left. These blazes can be easy to miss, as they are positioned to be most visible to hikers traveling downhill on the A-SB Trail from the opposite direction.

Now on the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail, the route follows an old woods road as it skirts the western edge of Pine Swamp. The broad, easy-to-follow path passes through quiet forest and wetlands, offering occasional glimpses of the swamp through the trees as it winds gently through this remote corner of the park.

Dunning Trail - Pine Swamp — Dunning Trail – Pine Swamp

After about 900 feet from the intersection with the A-SB Trail, there is an unmarked footpath to the right of the trail, by a broken tree. A large mine dump of rock or tailings rises steeply about fifty feet up the trail, and the mine is up the hillside nearby. The largest and most spectacular opening in this mine complex is located on the hillside above the Dunning Trail.

Pine Swamp Mine Trail - Harriman State Park — Pine Swamp Mine Trail – Harriman State Park

Pine Swamp Mine is a large open cut about 100 feet long and forty feet wide, with vertical walls seventy-five feet high. Drill holes are visible on the rock walls, along with square and horizontal notches. The notches were probably seats for timber bracing. A rectangular water-filled shaft containing the remains of timbers is located along the bottom of the west wall of the open cut.

At the southern end of the cut is an adit or opening to a horizontal passage that extends some 125 feet into the hillside. This passage slopes upward, and above its far end is an air shaft opening to the surface. On a sunny day, light pours through this rock-bound skylight, illuminating the long passage.

The Pine Swamp Mine, part of the Greenwood group of mines, was opened around 1830 and worked intermittently until 1880. The mine was owned by Robert and Peter Parrott, and the ore was brought to Clove Furnace in Arden, New York for smelting.

After exploring Pine Swamp Mine, retrace your steps along the unmarked footpath back to the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail and turn right.

Pine Swamp is a dynamic wetland in Harriman State Park, bordered by dense forest and rocky ridges. In recent years, beaver activity and seasonal flooding have expanded its boundaries, gradually reshaping nearby woods into marsh and influencing surrounding trail conditions.

In about 140 feet, the old woods road becomes impassable where the swamp has taken over the treadway, but a short detour—roughly 175 yards—routes hikers onto higher, rockier ground. This bypass briefly climbs above the wettest section before rejoining the original trail alignment beyond the saturated area.

The Dunning Trail climbs gradually along a wide, old woods road, winding through quiet forest and gently gaining elevation as it leaves the wetter lowlands behind. In just under half a mile, the route reaches a junction with the aqua-blazed Long Path. Here, turn left to continue the loop along the Long Path.

This junction with the Long Path can easily be missed if you are not paying attention. If you start seeing Aqua and Yellow blazes (the two trails are co-aligned briefly), you went too far.

The Long Path descends gradually on a rocky footpath, as it winds south through quiet forest, following a gentle, rolling grade beneath a dense canopy of trees. Along the way, it crosses several small streams, which are typically easy to navigate and add a pleasant rhythm to this otherwise tranquil section of trail.

To the left of the trail, a towering cliff face rises above the forest floor, its weathered rock riddled with crevices, cracks, and small openings that appear to provide shelter for a variety of woodland creatures.

The trail then crosses Pine Swamp Brook by stepping across a series of large rocks before continuing east through the forest. Not long after, it begins to ease toward Lake Skannatati, where glimpses of the surrounding landscape start to reappear through the trees.

The Long Path then emerges into a small open area along the shore of Lake Skannatati, offering a natural pause point to take in the view. It’s a peaceful spot where the forest briefly gives way to open water, making it an ideal place to stop and enjoy the scenery before continuing on.

A short distance later, the Long Path emerges from the forest into the Lake Skannatati parking area, bringing the hike full circle back to where it began along the lakeshore.

Lake Skannatati Trailhead - Harriman State Park — Lake Skannatati Trailhead – Harriman State Park

Review:

This is a fantastic loop hike in Harriman State Park that offers a great mix of everything—rocky climbs, quiet forest roads, wetlands, and rewarding views from Pine Swamp Mountain. The route is well-balanced, with a challenging start that eases into a peaceful walk along the Long Path by Lake Skannatati to finish.

Highlights include the rugged feel of the Arden-Surebridge Trail, the interesting history around Pine Swamp Mine, and the ever-changing landscape shaped by water and wildlife. Despite its variety, much of the hike is shaded and comfortable, making it especially enjoyable on warm days. The counterclockwise direction works perfectly, getting the climbing out of the way early and ending on a relaxing note by the lake.

Pros:

Pine Swamp Mine, well marked and maintained trails, wooded and shaded for most of the route, rewarding ridge and lake views, interesting historic mine features, quiet and less crowded sections, well-balanced elevation gain, pleasant shoreline finish at Lake Skannatati.

Cons:

Navigation challenges on faint unmarked path, occasional wet or flooded trail areas, some detours required due to swamp expansion.

Take a hike!

Sources:

Lenik, Edward J.. Iron Mine Trails . New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.
Myles, William J.; Chazin, Daniel. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History . New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.
Harriman State Park

Anthony’s Nose from South Mountain Pass

Posted on May 24, 2026

May‎ ‎22‎, ‎2019 – Garrison, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous

Length: Approximately 4 miles

Max elevation: 910 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 773 ft.

Route type: Out and back (partial loop)

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101 – Free Map

Trailhead parking: 94 South Mountain Pass Road – Garrison, NY 10524 (A 3-4 car lot and a wide shoulder is available for parking where the AT crosses South Mountain Pass Road).

Details on hikes to Anthony’s Nose via different routes:

Please Note ~ This hike is adjacent to the Camp Smith Military Reservation, and hikers must stay on the marked trail at all times.

Overview:

Anthony’s Nose is one of the most iconic and recognizable peaks in the Hudson Highlands, rising prominently above the eastern shore of the Hudson River by the Bear Mountain Bridge. Known for its dramatic rocky overlooks and sweeping river views, the mountain has become one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Lower Hudson Valley. From its exposed ledges, hikers are rewarded with expansive panoramas of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, Bear Mountain State Park, and the surrounding forested ridges of the Highlands.

Several trails lead to Anthony’s Nose, including routes via the Appalachian Trail, the Camp Smith Trail, and shorter approaches from Route 9D. While some routes are relatively short, the terrain is often rugged and rocky, featuring steep climbs, exposed bedrock, and uneven footing characteristic of the Hudson Highlands. The mountain’s open rock outcrops and dramatic elevation above the river create a sense of exposure rarely found so close to New York City.

The summit area consists of broad slabs of exposed stone dotted with low vegetation, adding to the mountain’s rugged character. Whether approached as a quick scenic hike or as part of a longer traverse through the Highlands, Anthony’s Nose offers some of the finest and most memorable views in the region.

History:

Anthony’s Nose has a long history tied to the early settlement and folklore of the Hudson Valley. The mountain’s unusual name is commonly believed to date back to the Dutch colonial era, when early settlers supposedly named the prominent rocky peak after a man named Anthony whose nose was said to resemble the mountain’s rounded profile. One popular legend attributes the name to “Anthony Hogan,” a Dutch sailor associated with the nearby Hudson River, though several variations of the story exist and the true origin remains uncertain.

Because of its commanding position high above the Hudson River, Anthony’s Nose has long served as a natural landmark for travelers moving through the narrow Hudson Highlands corridor. During the colonial period and the American Revolution, the surrounding Highlands were strategically important because control of the Hudson River was vital to transportation and military operations between New England and the rest of the colonies. Nearby locations such as West Point and Fort Montgomery played major roles in the defense of the river.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hudson Highlands became increasingly popular with hikers, tourists, and outdoor clubs drawn by the dramatic scenery overlooking the river. Trails were gradually established across the mountain, eventually becoming part of larger trail systems including the Appalachian Trail and the Camp Smith Trail network. The construction of the nearby Bear Mountain Bridge in 1924 further increased accessibility to the area and helped establish Anthony’s Nose as one of the Hudson Valley’s best-known scenic overlooks.

Today, Anthony’s Nose remains one of the most visited hiking destinations in the Lower Hudson Valley, valued both for its panoramic views and for its place within the long cultural and natural history of the Hudson Highlands.

Trails Overview:

Appalachian Trail (1.85-mile) ~ This white-blazed trail is well marked and easy to follow. The AT features several short but steep descents and climbs, though it is generally a slightly easier approach than the route from Route 9D. It is still a rugged hike, however, with rocky and uneven terrain throughout. Between the woods roads, the trail narrows to a traditional footpath that winds through the forested mountainside.

Camp Smith Trail (1.3 miles) ~ This blue-blazed trail is well marked and follows a wide woods road. The road is extremely eroded and quite rocky.

Camp Smith Trail - Anthony’s Nose — Camp Smith Trail – Anthony’s Nose

Military Road (1 mile) ~ is an unmarked rocky woods road that heads north toward South Mountain Pass, passing through a quiet, wooded corridor between Anthony’s Nose and Mine Mountain. Today, it serves as a rough, lightly maintained access route used by hikers and Camp Smith personnel. Its gentler grades and wider tread make it a more moderate return route following an otherwise rugged hike.

Military Road - Anthony’s Nose — Military Road – Anthony’s Nose

Parking:

There is a small gravel lot (fits 3-4 cars) and available shoulder parking along the south side of South Mountain Pass Road, right where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road.

There is a porta-potty located by the parking area.

Hike Overview:

I first did this hike in February 2019, with snow covering the trails and the Hudson Highlands locked in winter stillness. Seven years later, I finally returned to revisit the route, experiencing the same rugged terrain and sweeping views under entirely different conditions.

This is a lesser-used route than the more popular approach from Route 9D, though it is not significantly easier. While the grades are somewhat more moderate overall, the rugged terrain, rocky footing, and repeated elevation changes still make for a challenging hike.

With parking limited at the South Mountain Pass Road trailhead, the northern end of this hike tends to see fewer hikers, offering a quieter and more secluded experience compared to the more popular Route 9D approach.

This moderately strenuous hike is nearly 4 miles long, with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain.

As shown in the elevation profile below, this 4-mile hike features frequent ups and downs throughout, with repeated climbs and descents that add to its rugged character.

Elevation profile – Anthony’s Nose from South Mountain Pass

The Hike:

From the parking area, walk west a short distance and look for the white blazes marking the Appalachian Trail crossing on South Mountain Pass Road. Turn left and head south on the AT as it follows a woods road past a gate. After roughly 1,000 feet, the white-blazed trail turns right at the Hemlock Springs Campsite, leaving the woods road behind. Continue following the Appalachian Trail as it descends steeply into the wooded clove between Anthony’s Nose and Mine Mountain.

The Appalachian Trail soon begins climbing the north face of Anthony’s Nose on a moderate grade before gradually steepening as it ascends the rugged mountainside. After a brief leveling section, the trail resumes its climb over rocky and uneven terrain. Along this stretch, the narrow footpath winds through dense thickets of mountain laurel, whose glossy evergreen leaves frame the trail and create a sheltered woodland corridor beneath the forest canopy.

After nearly a mile, the trail turns sharply right onto an old woods road and begins a fairly steep descent. About 350 yards later, the white-blazed Appalachian Trail leaves the woods road on the right and drops steeply toward Route 9D through rugged, rocky terrain.

Appalachian Trail - Anthony’s Nose — Appalachian Trail – Anthony’s Nose

When the white-blazed Appalachian Trail turns right, continue straight ahead on the woods road, now following the blue blazes of the Camp Smith Trail as it continues along the same rocky, eroded roadway.

The blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail climbs at a moderately steep grade, though not quite as aggressively as the earlier section of the Appalachian Trail. After a short ascent, the trail briefly levels off as it passes a small pond on the left. Beyond the pond, the Camp Smith Trail resumes its steady climbs over rocky terrain as it continues south toward the main viewpoint atop Anthony’s Nose.

Continue following the blue blazes and, about 0.6 mile from the junction with the Appalachian Trail, the blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail turns left and climbs a short rocky cliff. Here, turn right and continue along the woods road toward a large exposed rock outcrop that offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, and the rugged hills of Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park.

From Anthony’s Nose, the view southwest stretches across the Hudson River toward Iona Island and the rolling, forested hills of Bear Mountain State Park, where layered ridgelines rise beyond the river in classic Hudson Highlands scenery.

Looking west, the massive slopes of Bear Mountain dominate the landscape beyond the Hudson River, while Hessian Lake rests quietly at the foot of the mountain far below.

Looking northwest, the Route 9W Popolopen Creek Bridge and the Popolopen Creek Footbridge span the dramatic chasm of Popolopen Gorge, also known as Hell Hole. Beyond the gorge rise the rugged northern hills of Bear Mountain State Park and the historic grounds of West Point along the western shore of the Hudson Highlands.

Southwest view from Anthony’s Nose, with several peaks and ridgelines of Bear Mountain State Park labeled across the Hudson River.

Anthony’s Nose is composed predominantly of Canada Hill Granite, a durable medium-to coarse-grained granite that forms the mountain’s rugged cliffs, exposed ledges, and rocky summit outcrops. Thriving in the mountain’s thin, acidic soils, dense patches of mountain laurel line many of the trails, and at the viewpoint. Their glossy evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms creating a striking contrast against the weathered granite of the Hudson Highlands.

The historic Hudson River Sloop Clearwater rested peacefully on the river with its tall wooden masts rising above the water. A short time later, it raised its sails and glided beneath the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge, creating a timeless scene against the backdrop of the Hudson Highlands.

When you are done enjoying the views, retrace your steps, crossing the woods road that you took up here and follow the blue blazes as they climb a rock ledge to the summit of Anthony’s Nose. From the summit there are both seasonal and year-round views from open rock slabs.

The true summit of Anthony’s Nose.

A Westchester County Control Survey Reference Marker sits near the 910-foot summit of Anthony’s Nose, quietly marking a precise geodetic point atop the rocky Hudson Highlands peak.

Partial and seasonal views south down the Hudson River from the true summit of Anthony’s Nose.

During leaf-off season, the south-facing view from the summit of Anthony’s Nose improves significantly, offering filtered but extended sightlines down the Hudson River valley. While not as expansive as the main lookout, it provides a glimpse past Dunderberg Mountain and farther along the winding river corridor.

When you are done checking out this view, retrace your steps back towards the first lookout, but turn right on the woods road (Camp Smith Trail), now heading northeast. In about 400 feet or so, look for an unmarked footpath on the left. This trail leads to the site of an old Airway Beacon that once stood guard on Anthony’s Nose. The concrete footings along with two survey markers are still there.

Unmarked trail - Anthony's Nose — Unmarked trail – Anthony’s Nose

An airway beacon once stood near the summit of Anthony’s Nose. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, before the advent of modern radar and advanced navigation systems, the U.S. government constructed thousands of these illuminated beacon towers across the country to guide early airmail pilots flying at night. Positioned on prominent mountaintops and ridgelines, the rotating lights served as visual navigational markers, helping pilots follow designated air routes through difficult terrain and poor weather. The concrete footings that once anchored the heavy steel legs of the tower are still firmly embedded in the ground.

Proceed past the concrete footings for a short distance to a broad, slanted rock slab, where open views unfold to the north over the Hudson River and surrounding Hudson Highlands.

Hikers can spot official geodetic survey markers embedded directly into the concrete and nearby rock slabs.

Air Beacon Trail - Anthony’s Nose — Air Beacon Trail – Anthony’s Nose

survey marker - Anthony’s Nose — survey marker – Anthony’s Nose

At this viewpoint, the Hudson River stretches north in a long, winding corridor flanked by rolling, forested hills on both sides. The layered ridgelines fade into the distance, creating a sense of depth and quiet expansiveness as the river threads its way through the Highlands.

North-facing view - Anthony's Nose — North-facing view – Anthony’s Nose

This marker is at the viewpoint. There are several other survey markers in the area of this viewpoint.

When you are finished enjoying the viewpoint, retrace your steps along the unmarked footpath back to the blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail and turn left. Follow the woods road as it descends, retracing your route back toward the Appalachian Trail.

Continue following the blue blazes for about another half-mile, where the Camp Smith Trail ends at its junction with the Appalachian Trail. From here, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ahead and follow the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail heading north as it soon climbs steeply uphill.

At the top of the rise, the Appalachian Trail turns left and leaves the woods road, but you should bear right instead, leaving the AT and continuing along the woods road.

The woods road soon curves to the right bordering Camp Smith, then the road turns left (north) passing an entrance road to the NYS Military Reservation, with a locked gate (DO NOT GO BEYOND THE GATE). Bear left and continue on the unmarked woods road as it begins to descend.

After about 0.8 mile with the junction with the Appalachian Trail, the AT rejoins Military Road from the left. Continue following the white blazes for another 350 yards back to South Mountain Pass Road, where the hike began.

Review:

A rewarding 4-mile hike on Anthony’s Nose that delivers far more scenery than its mileage suggests. The route is consistently engaging, with rocky woodland trails, steady climbs, and just enough elevation change to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. Expect a mix of shaded forest paths, rugged footing, and well-placed viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River. The highlight, of course, is the sweeping views—some of the finest in the Lower Hudson Valley. From the exposed rock outcrops, hikers are treated to expansive views of the Hudson River Valley.

Pros:

Scenic Hudson River views, rugged and varied terrain, rewarding overlook, manageable 4-mile distance, quiet northern approach, shaded forest sections, excellent payoff for effort, well marked trails.

Cons:

Limited parking at South Mountain Pass Road, can get extremely crowded at the main viewpoint.

Take a hike!

Sources:

Boston Mine Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on May 21, 2026

May 17, 2026 – Southfields, NY

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 1,131 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 338 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Buy Maps (Paper & Avenza): 2023 Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Free Web Map: Harriman State Park Trail Map 2023

Free Avenza App Map: Harriman State Park Trail Map 2017

Trailhead parking: 1369 Kanawauke Rd, Southfields, NY, 10975

Gravel parking lot – no bathrooms on site

Overview:

Harriman State Park is New York’s second-largest state park, encompassing more than 47,000 acres of rugged mountains, dense forests, scenic lakes, and miles of streams in the Hudson Highlands. Located just north of New York City, the park features over 200 miles of hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, along with numerous lakes, campgrounds, historic sites, fire roads, and panoramic overlooks. Known for its diverse recreational opportunities, Harriman attracts hikers, backpackers, anglers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts year-round, while its rich history includes remnants of old iron mines, abandoned settlements, and early conservation efforts that helped preserve this vast wilderness landscape.

With more than 20 known mines scattered throughout Harriman State Park, these historic sites make fascinating hiking destinations. The Boston Mine lies within a magnetite-rich zone known as the Greenwood group of mines. It is located along the Dunning Trail, roughly three-quarters of a mile north of County Route 106, just east of the old woods road called Island Pond Road. Historian James M. Ransom noted that the mine was active around 1880, and the iron ore extracted there was transported to the Clove Furnace in Arden for smelting.

Trails Overview:

Please Note: Trail distances denoted below are in relation to this hike only and not the total distance of the trails.

A trail map of the area north of the parking lot is posted just across the road at the start of the White Bar Trail.

White Bar Trail (horizontal white bar – 1.1 miles) ~ The White Trail descends from Car Pond Mountain and travels through the Hikers Parking Lot on CR 106, crosses the road and heads north through a wide valley. The trail runs primarily along an old woods road that narrows to a footpath in certain places. In areas where the trail becomes extremely narrow, it is slightly overgrown. The trail is well marked with the horizontal white bars and some of the older blazes have “W-B” written on them.

White Bar Trail - Harriman State Park — White Bar Trail – Harriman State Park

Dunning Trail (yellow – 0.62 mile) ~ The Dunning Trail runs southeast to northwest, connecting the White Bar Trail to Island Pond Road. The trail runs over undulating terrain, soon descending to the left of the Boston Mine just before reaching Island Pond Road. The trail is well marked in most places.

Island Pond Road (unmarked – 0.8 mile) ~ South of the Dunning Trail, descends gradually through a quiet section of Harriman State Park toward County Route 106. Once used as a woods road serving the area’s mining and logging activity, the route now provides hikers with an easy, gently graded walk through mixed hardwood forest.

Island Pond Road - Harriman State Park — Island Pond Road – Harriman State Park

Parking:

The White Bar Trailhead parking area, located along County Route 106 (Kanawauke Road), is a gravel hiker lot that serves as a starting point for several trails and old woods roads, including the White Bar Trail, Nurian Trail, and routes leading toward Island Pond, Black Rock Mountain, and the Boston Mine. The parking area is fairly spacious, accommodating approximately 20–30 vehicles, though capacity can vary depending on how cars are parked. As a popular access point for hikers, the lot often fills up on weekends and during peak hiking season, particularly in warmer months, so arriving early is usually the best option.

White Bar Trailhead - Harriman State Park — White Bar Trailhead – Harriman State Park

I’ve seen this parking lot completely packed, with vehicles lined along the right side, making it difficult for others to maneuver out of their spaces. If possible, it’s a good idea to back into a parking spot when you arrive, as backing out later can be challenging when the lot is full.

I’m not sure if they have issues with theft here, but I have parked here numerous times and haven’t had any problems. Nevertheless, use common sense when parking anywhere that you’ll leave your vehicle unattended.

Hike Overview:

With temperatures expected to climb close to 90°, I opted for a variation of a hike I did in 2022. The route is relatively easy, with minimal elevation gain and plenty of shade beneath the forest canopy, making it a good choice for a hot day. The network of connecting trails and old woods roads in the area also offers numerous options for adjusting the distance, difficulty, and route along the way. In the end, I played it by ear based on the heat and settled on a moderately easy 3-mile loop featuring a peaceful walk through the woods with a brief stop at the historic Boston Mine.

We began the hike around 9am on a Sunday morning. When we arrived at the trailhead, there were only a couple of cars in the lot. When we returned to the lot at about 11am, there were about 1/2 a dozen vehicles parked there. Normally this lot fills up, so I was surprised that it wasn’t when we returned to our vehicle.

This hike was completed as a counterclockwise loop beginning at the Hikers Trailhead parking area on County Route 106 (Kanawauke Road). The route followed the White Bar Trail to the Dunning Trail, with the return leg utilizing Island Pond Road.

This hike involves some minor ups and downs, but is relatively easy.

Elevation profile – Boston Mine Loop

The Hike:

From the parking area, cross the road to enter the woods on the White Bar Trail. The trail angles across the roadway and is marked with white horizontal blazes, some labeled “W-B.” It then runs roughly parallel to the road for about 500 feet before turning right, crossing a stream via a metal culvert, and continuing along an old woods road. A short distance farther on, it bears right at a fork—the left fork is Island Pond Road, which serves as the return route—but for now, stay to the right and continue to follow the white blazes.

The White Bar Trail was first marked in 1921-22 by the Boy Scouts.

The White Bar Trail soon crosses an intermittent stream on rocks, and about a quarter mile from the start, the white-blazed Nurian Trail joins from the right. Although both trails use white blazes, the Nurian Trail is marked with vertical blazes, while the White Bar Trail uses horizontal ones. Continue ahead on the woods road for roughly 500 feet to the point where the two trails diverge. The Nurian Trail veers left, but remain to the right to stay on the White Bar Trail as it continues along the woods road.

In 1922, this area was the site of the Boy Scouts’ Camp Deerslayer, a part of their White Bar Trail system. In 1926, Camp Deerslayer was moved to Parker Cabin Hollow.

The White Bar Trail heads north through a broad valley, alternating between an old woods road and narrower footpaths. In a few sections, the trail becomes quite narrow and slightly overgrown. After crossing another intermittent stream on rocks, the trail climbs gently for a short distance before leveling off.

Approximately 1.1 miles from the trailhead, as the White Bar Trail turns right, it reaches a T-intersection with the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail, which comes in from the left. Turn left here and follow the yellow blazes in a westerly direction.

Please note: This junction is easy to miss if you are not paying close attention.

If you see a yellow blaze over a white blaze, you went too far (see red arrow).

The Dunning Trail soon descends into a valley on a narrow footpath before climbing again. Along this stretch, the trail features several short ups and downs as it winds through scenic woodlands dotted with scattered boulders.

Farther along, the trail curves around the base of a large cliff, adding a rugged and picturesque feel to the hike.

The trail then climbs to a ridge before descending to the base of the Boston Mine. Near the mine entrance, an ore dump can be seen to the right of the trail, a remnant of the area’s historic mining activity.

An ore dump from the Boston Mine alongside the Dunning Trail.

One can enter the open cut by means of an entrance near its southwestern side, but the northern end and shaft are water-filled and dangerous. The mine entrance is usually quite wet, and extreme caution should be exercised. (Do not approach the water-filled pit.)

The mine opening consists of a large open cut, about 100 feet long, which extends north to south within a low ridge. At its northern end, the open cut becomes a shaft which extends into the rock ridge for about 30 feet.

According to historian James M. Ransom, the Boston Mine was worked around 1880. The ore extracted from this mine was sent to the Clove Furnace at Arden, New York to be smelted.

When you are ready to continue, resume following the yellow-blazed Dunning Trail, which continues directly across from the mine cut.

In a few feet, the Dunning Trail reaches a T-intersection with Island Pond Road and turns left. Follow the yellow blazes along the wide woods road for a short distance.

The Dunning Trail soon departs to the right, and shortly afterward the white-blazed Nurian Trail briefly joins before veering off to the left. Continue straight ahead to remain on the unmarked Island Pond Road as it continues south.

There are no blazes to guide you along this stretch of the road, but the route is clear and unmistakable.

As Island Pond Road continues south, an unmarked trail branches off to the right toward Stahahe High Peak. The woods road then descends gently beneath the forest canopy, following a wide, easy grade with only minor elevation changes. This quiet stretch makes for a relaxing and pleasant walk back toward Kanawauke Road (CR 106).

About 0.8 mile beyond the Boston Mine, the White Bar Trail joins from the left, marking the start of the retrace back toward the trailhead. A short distance later, Island Pond Road ends at a gate along Route 106. Here, the White Bar Trail turns left, parallels Route 106 for about 0.15 mile, then crosses the road and returns to the parking lot at the White Bar Trailhead, completing the hike.

Review:

This moderately easy loop hike is a great way to experience both the natural beauty and history of Harriman State Park. The route travels through a peaceful forest with plenty of shade, making it especially enjoyable on warmer days. The trails are well marked and easy to follow, with only gentle elevation changes along the way. One of the highlights is the historic Boston Mine, a fascinating reminder of the park’s iron-mining past tucked away in the woods along the Dunning Trail. Combined with quiet scenery, varied terrain, and a sense of local history, this loop offers a relaxing and rewarding hike suitable for most skill levels.

Pros:

Well-marked trails that are easy to follow, mostly shaded route ideal for warm-weather hiking, scenic forest setting with peaceful surroundings, historic Boston Mine adds unique historical interest, multiple connecting trails offer longer route options, enjoyable mix of footpaths, woods roads, and stream crossings, suitable for hikers of varying skill levels.

Cons:

No viewpoints, some narrow and slightly overgrown sections of trail, parking lot can become crowded on busy weekends, minor muddy areas possible in wetter conditions, historic mine area is easy to miss without paying attention to the trail route.

Take a hike!

Boston Mine Loop - Harriman State Park — Boston Mine Loop – Harriman State Park

Sources:

Lenik, Edward J.. Iron Mine Trails . New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.
Myles, William J.; Chazin, Daniel. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History . New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.
Harriman State Park

Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop

Posted on April 28, 2026

April 26, 2026 – Philipstown, NY

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (Rocky terrain)

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 139 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 251 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101

Trailhead parking: Glenclyffe Trailhead – 8 Glenclyffe, Garrison, NY 10524

Dirt parking lot for about 12 vehicles – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

The Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop combines two distinct but seamlessly connected landscapes along the Hudson River into a single rewarding hike. Spanning wooded ridges, rocky bluffs, and quiet riverfront stretches, the trail offers a steady mix of terrain with frequent views across the water toward the Hudson Highlands and West Point.

Arden Point Trail

At roughly 3 miles in length, this easy-to-moderate loop delivers a satisfying balance of natural beauty, historic character, and scenic overlooks without requiring a strenuous climb, making it an ideal exploration of one of the Hudson Valley’s most picturesque riverfront preserves.

Marcia’s Mile Trail

Glenclyffe is a scenic Hudson River property in Garrison, New York, known for its mix of wooded hillsides, rocky outcrops, and river overlooks. The landscape blends natural beauty with layers of history, from its Indigenous Wappinger heritage to its connections with Revolutionary War events. Today, it offers a network of interconnected trails that wind through forested terrain and along dramatic viewpoints above the Hudson, creating a peaceful yet rugged setting just across the water from West Point.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Arden Point is a rugged, scenic promontory that juts into the Hudson River, offering a mix of rocky shoreline, wooded slopes, and elevated viewpoints. The area is defined by its exposed ledges, scattered boulders, and moss-covered hillsides, giving it a distinctly wild and natural character. Trails loop around the point, leading to quiet coves and open rock outcrops where the forest gives way to sweeping views of the river and the surrounding Hudson Highlands, including West Point across the water.

Arden Point

History:

The Glenclyffe area lies within the ancestral homeland of the Wappinger people, a Munsee-speaking Indigenous nation who lived throughout the Hudson Valley long before European settlement. The site also carries Revolutionary War history, as it is associated with the route taken by Benedict Arnold during his escape after his plot to surrender West Point to the British was uncovered, adding a layer of historical significance to the landscape.

In 2001, OSI acquired the 93-acre property to protect the land from a controversial proposal that would have resulted in intensive residential and commercial development. Over time, OSI transferred portions of the property to the Town of Philipstown, the Lostand Foundation, and the Garrison Institute, while maintaining conservation easements on the land for permanent protection. In 2019, OSI transferred a northern parcel of the land to New York State Parks as an addition to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Trails Overview:

The Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop weaves together a varied network of riverside paths, forested footpaths, and rocky ridge sections into a cohesive 3-mile hike. The route is generally easy to moderate, with about 251 feet of elevation gain spread gradually across rolling terrain and short, gentle climbs. Along the way, hikers pass through shaded hardwood forest, traverse mossy stone outcrops, and follow stretches of trail that open onto dramatic overlooks of the Hudson River and the surrounding Highlands.

The trails are well marked and generally easy to follow, with clear signage and a layout that makes navigation straightforward throughout most of the loop.

Turn right on Castle Rock Trail

Overall maintenance is good, though a few sections pass through dense bamboo groves where the tread can feel slightly narrowed or overgrown. During our visit, we encountered a single significant blowdown that required climbing over, but otherwise the trail was free of obstructions.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Recent rainfall left some of the lower-lying areas muddy and soft underfoot, so conditions can vary depending on weather. A few minor reroutes are also in place, making an up-to-date trail map especially helpful for staying on course.

Marcia’s Mile Trail is a scenic, easy-to-moderate 1-mile segment, forming part of the larger Glenclyffe Loop Trail near the Hudson River. This co-aligned section of trail features distinctive red fox blazes, originally designed by Marcia Favrot, adding a unique and memorable character to the route as it winds through the landscape. At the start of the hike, Marcia’s Mile is co-aligned with the white-blazed Castle Rock Trail for 0.4 mile. The remaining 0.6 mile runs is co-aligned with the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Trail.

Marcia’s Mile Trail

The blue-blazed Arden Point Trail forms a 0.8-mile loop around the perimeter of the rocky, but scenic promontory that juts into the Hudson River. There are two types of round plastic discs that are used. The older Taconic Region and the newer NY State Parks plastic discs, adorned with a leaf.

Arden Point Trail

The red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Trail, combined with the co-aligned Castle Rock/Marcia’s Mile trails, forms a roughly 2-mile loop around the property, creating a well-connected route that links together its varied terrain and scenic viewpoints.

Parking:

The parking area for the trailhead can be easy to miss when driving along Route 9D. It sits just beyond the entrance to the Garrison Institute, tucked discreetly off the road. Keep an eye out for the posted signage (see below) alongside the road.

Philipstown Community Center

Garrison Institute

Right after the entrance, just past the stone columns, there is a green sign which signals the turnoff into the small dirt parking lot.

Glenclyffe Trailhead parking

The 12-vehicle trailhead parking area is a small, compact dirt lot that serves as the primary access point for the Glenclyffe Loop Trail. While modest in size, it provides direct entry to the trail system, helping concentrate visitor access in a designated area. The unpaved surface blends naturally with the surrounding landscape, maintaining a low-profile presence that fits the character of the preserve while accommodating a limited number of cars.

Glenclyffe Trailhead parking

Hike Overview:

I first hiked a similar route back in 2016, starting from the Garrison Metro-North Station, where weekend parking was available at no cost. At that time, there was no dedicated Glenclyffe trailhead parking, which wasn’t added until the 2021 improvements established a more formal and convenient access point. The new parking area and rerouted trail segments have since reshaped the experience, giving the hike a slightly different flow and feel compared to my earlier visit. While parts of the route run close to the railroad tracks, and passing trains are occasionally audible, the setting remains peaceful overall. It’s still a beautiful area to spend a few hours immersed in the varied landscapes and sweeping Hudson River views.

This hike is rated easy to moderate, though it leans more toward easy overall. The rocky terrain and occasional tree roots along the tread can make footing uneven in a few spots, so a bit of attention is helpful while hiking. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy Hudson River views and quieter, less-traveled trails. During our visit, we only encountered a small group of runners and dog walkers, along with a couple of other hikers. Aside from the occasional train passing nearby, the area remained peaceful throughout, making for a very enjoyable outing.

We began at the Glenclyffe Trailhead and headed west toward the river, following a counterclockwise loop around Arden Point before reconnecting with the Glenclyffe Loop Trail and continuing south. From there, the trail circles the southern portion of the property, then turns north and returns to the parking area.

Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop

The elevation profile below shows the gentle, rolling pattern of small ascents and descents you’ll encounter throughout the hike.

Elevation profile – Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop

The Hike:

Before setting out, take a moment to review the trail map at the kiosk—snapping a quick photo is a smart backup if you don’t already have one. There’s also a QR code available to download a GPS-enabled map if you prefer digital navigation. While you’re there, it’s worth spending a minute reading up on the history of the land you’ll be exploring.

Glenclyffe Trailhead

Marcia’s Mile Trail is a scenic, easy-to-moderate 1-mile segment that forms part of the larger Glenclyffe Loop Trail near the Hudson River. This co-aligned section features distinctive red fox blazes, originally designed by Marcia Favrot, giving the route a unique and memorable character as it winds through the landscape. At the start of the hike, Marcia’s Mile runs co-aligned with the white-blazed Castle Rock Trail for about 0.4 mile, before continuing for the remaining 0.6 mile in alignment with the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Trail.

Marcia’s Mile Trail

Begin the hike heading west along the co-aligned Castle Rock and Marcia’s Mile Trails, marked with white and red fox blazes, respectively. The route descends a grassy knoll and follows a woods road, passing a small pond on the right before crossing an open meadow and reentering the forest. From there, the trail moves across gently rolling terrain, turning right onto a narrower footpath that gradually descends. Just before reaching a stone wall, it turns left again, continuing downhill alongside the wall for a short stretch.

Marcia’s Mile Trail

After a short level stretch, the trail arrives at a T-intersection where Marcia’s Mile continues left and the Castle Rock Trail turns right. TURN RIGHT HERE onto the woods road, staying with the white blazes of the Castle Rock Trail. After a brief distance, it ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Arden Point Trail.

Marcia’s Mile Trail

Turn right on Castle Rock Trail

Castle Rock Trail

The white-blazed Castle Rock Trail ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Arden Point Trail near a one-lane steel truss bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks. From here, turn left and cross the bridge toward Arden Point. Immediately after crossing, the blue-blazed trail reaches a T-intersection; turn right onto a woods road that quickly narrows into a footpath. This 0.8-mile loop circles Arden Point before returning to the bridge, completing the loop.

Turn left on Arden Point Trail

Turn left here. Continuing straight on the Arden Point Trail for about a half mile will bring you to the Garrison Metro-North Station.

Turn left on Arden Point Trail

Arden Point Trail

Follow the blue-blazed trail as it winds through the scenic landscape. After roughly 0.4 mile, it passes through a break in an old stone wall and descends to the shoreline at the northern tip of Arden Point. From here, expansive views open up to the north along the Hudson River, with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point visible on the west bank to the left and Bull Hill rising in the East Hudson Highlands beyond.

Arden Point Trail

Arden Point

After taking in the view, continue south on the blue-blazed trail. Shortly ahead, a short spur on the right leads to a west-facing overlook of the Hudson River. Directly across the water stands the large red-brick Hotel Thayer at West Point, while the West Shore Railroad—constructed in 1883—follows the river’s edge below. Now operated by CSX for freight service, the line is often active, and it’s not uncommon to see long freight trains winding along the shoreline as they move through the valley.

Arden Point Trail

Continue south on the blue-blazed Arden Point Trail. Near the southern end of the point, the trail makes a sharp left turn—at this junction, bear right and follow a path out to a rocky outcrop at the tip of the peninsula. From here, a broad south-facing panorama opens across the Hudson River, with the Bear Mountain Bridge visible in the distance. On the west shore, the yellow brick buildings house the West Point Museum and Visitor Center, established in 1989 on the former site of Ladycliff College.

Arden Point Trail

Looking west across the Hudson River, the view opens toward the rolling, forested landscape of West Point, where steep hills and historic grounds rise above the shoreline in a sweeping Hudson Highlands backdrop.

Arden Point Trail

Looking northwest across the Hudson River, the view takes in the rugged shoreline and wooded heights leading up to West Point, where the river narrows and the surrounding hills rise in a series of green, rolling layers.

Arden Point Trail

The view south from Arden Point opens wide over the Hudson River, where the water winds toward the Bear Mountain Bridge. Rolling, forested hills rise on both sides of the river, creating a layered landscape of green ridgelines that fade into the distance and frame the sweeping river corridor.

Arden Point Trail

After taking some time to enjoy this view, retrace your steps to the blue-blazed trail and bear right, now heading north on the trail, which ends at the bridge over the tracks. Bear right, recross the bridge, and turn right (south) onto the white-blazed Castle Rock Trail, which follows a woods road.

Arden Point Trail

Just ahead, the Castle Rock Trail turns left off the woods road, but continue straight ahead on the same woods road, marked with solid red circular blazes.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

In about a quarter mile, you’ll arrive at a junction marked by a bench and a signpost. From here, turn right and climb the stone steps uphill to stay on the red-blazed Glenclyffe Loop Trail, which circles the Glenclyffe property. Just ahead, a large gazebo comes into view, offering a scenic overlook of the Hudson River.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

From the gazebo, views stretch across the Hudson River to Highland Falls.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

A view of Buttermilk Falls in Highland Falls, NY. It is a historic cascade that once helped give the village its early name before it became Highland Falls. It’s a small, steep drop on a local stream descending toward the Hudson River near present-day West Point.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

The trail passes to the left of the gazebo and continues south, running parallel to the Hudson River. Shortly ahead, it opens into a wide, scenic overlook with expansive river views, where two benches sit at the edge of the clearing. Below, a stone patio with a wooden bench adds a rustic gathering spot tucked into the slope beneath the viewpoint.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Soon the trail bears left and begins a gentle descent. Just ahead, it swings right and continues south, running parallel to the river with views of the river through the trees. It passes over a small grassy area and a water treatment facility before bending right again at a dense bamboo thicket. In this stretch the path can feel a bit overgrown, and you may need to duck to navigate through the thick bamboo grove.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Shortly, the red-blazed trail reaches the rim of a ravine. It bears right and descends before continuing forward, running parallel to the river.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

After a short climb followed by another descent, the trail turns sharply left and drops into the ravine, where it follows an old woods road that has narrowed into a footpath. This historic route, known as Beverly Dock Road, is traditionally associated with Benedict Arnold’s 1780 flight after his treason was uncovered.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

The trail crosses a stream on a large metal culvert and climbs gently, with the stream on the left. After bearing right at a small dam and bamboo thicket, the trail passes to the right of a small pond (largely obscured by the bamboo thicket).

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

This was the only obstacle we encountered that required us to climb over.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Just beyond, the trail turns left, recrossing the stream on another culvert and passing a cinder-block building. An interpretive panel on the right relates the story of the escape of Benedict Arnold along this road during the Revolutionary War. It immediately turns right, passing to the left of a second pond.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

The Glenclyffe Loop Trail soon passes through another bamboo thicket, and as it approaches Route 9D, it climbs steeply before emerging onto a wide open grassy field.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

The trail runs along a tree line parallel to the road, with Castle Rock rising into view on the hilltop to the east.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

Castle Rock aka Osborn Castle, is a historic stone mansion perched high above the Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands. Built in the early 20th century for railroad executive William Henry Osborn, it was designed to resemble a European-style castle, complete with turrets and sweeping river views. Though now in ruins, its dramatic perch still offers one of the most striking overlooks in the region.

Glenclyffe Loop Trail

At the sign for the Claudio Marzollo Community Center of Philipstown, turn left onto the paved entrance road. Just ahead on the right, beyond the Glenclyffe Trailhead parking sign, you’ll find the parking lot where the hike began.

The Claudio Marzollo Community Center of Philipstown

Glenclyffe Trailhead parking

Review:

The roughly three-mile loop at Glenclyffe is an easy-to-moderate hike that packs a lot into a short distance. The trail winds through quiet woods and open areas with countless Hudson River views, while gentle climbs add just enough challenge without feeling strenuous. With its peaceful setting and subtle historic character, it’s a rewarding, well-rounded hike that’s perfect for a quick escape. I would definitely recommend this hike.

Pros:

Scenic Hudson River views, quiet wooded trails, scenic landscape, peaceful atmosphere, well marked trails.

Cons:

N/A

Take a hike!

Glenclyffe and Arden Point Loop

Sources:

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

Posted on April 24, 2026

April 23, 2026 – Rhinebeck, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 1 mile

Max elevation: 558 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 182 ft.

Route type: Circuit (can be done as an Out-and-Back)

Map: Burger Hill Trail Map

Trailhead parking: 3158 NY-9G, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

Gravel parking lot for 12-15 vehicles – No restrooms on site

Overview:

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill is a 76-acre hilltop preserve in Rhinebeck, NY, known for its wide-open fields, easy walking paths, and sweeping views over the Hudson Valley.

Burger Hill summit

A gently rising mowed trail leads to a 558-foot summit where visitors are rewarded with expansive vistas stretching toward the Catskill Mountains and surrounding highlands.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

Once farmland threatened by development, the landscape was permanently protected through a community-led conservation effort, and today it remains a simple, welcoming park for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and seasonal recreation in an open pastoral setting.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill is owned and managed by the Winnakee Land Trust, a local conservation organization dedicated to preserving open space and natural lands in the Hudson Valley region.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

History:

In 1697, Henry Beekman received an English royal land grant that included the area now known as Burger Hill. Two decades later, in 1717, a Palatine family originally named Burckhardt—later anglicized to Burger—arrived in the region when Elisabetha Burckhardt, a widow with her children, settled in Rhinebeck as tenants on what was then called Beekmansland.

The Burger family would go on to farm the land for five generations, leasing it continuously until 1830, when Beekman’s heirs sold the property to Elisabetha’s great-great-grandson, Frederick. Since the time of the original grant, the hill has remained in continuous agricultural use, shaping the open landscape that is still visible today.

In the 1990’s, the hayfields and wetlands of what is now Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill were under threat from proposed suburban-style development. In response, local residents partnered with the Winnakee Land Trust and Scenic Hudson to acquire and permanently protect the property.

A driving force behind this effort was Rhinebeck environmental attorney Drayton Grant, whose leadership and dedication helped unite the community around preserving the landscape for public use. After her passing in 2012 following a battle with cancer, the park was renamed in her honor to recognize her lasting impact. Earlier, in 2005, Scenic Hudson formally transferred ownership of the property to the Winnakee Land Trust in acknowledgment of its ongoing stewardship of the site.

Trails Overview:

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill features a simple but rewarding network of mowed trails that make exploring the property easy and intuitive. The main route is a broad, steadily climbing path that leads directly to the open summit, while additional mowed tracks loop around the hillside and through the surrounding fields. Together, they form a short but scenic circuit with minimal navigation required, where the focus stays on the rolling terrain and expansive views rather than technical footing or dense forest hiking.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

Hike Overview:

I’ve visited this park many times, and it’s consistently an enjoyable stop. It’s not necessarily a standalone destination, but it pairs well with several nearby spots such as Wilderstein Historic Site, Poets’ Walk Park, or Ferncliff Forest.

The walk itself is short and straightforward, climbing gently through open fields and rolling terrain. With little tree cover near the base and much of the hillside fully exposed, the route is largely sun-drenched from start to finish—beautiful on clear days, but best enjoyed when temperatures are moderate or the sun isn’t at its peak.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

As shown in the elevation profile below, nearly all of the climb—about 182 feet of elevation gain—is reached within the first half mile.

Elevation Profile – Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

The Hike:

The hike at Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill is a short, straightforward hike, centered around a gentle climb to the open 558-foot summit. The wide mowed path ascends steadily uphill through former farmland, offering broad views that expand as you gain elevation.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

To the left of the stone wall, a few benches sit tucked into the edge of the trees, offering one of the only shaded resting spots within the park and a quiet place to pause out of the open sun.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

The views of the Catskill Mountains appear almost immediately as you follow the grassy mowed path toward the summit of Burger Hill.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

A sweeping view of the southern Catskill Mountains and the distant Marlboro Mountains unfolding across the horizon as you gain elevation.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

At the summit of Burger Hill, three stone slabs rest in the grass, doubling as both seating and a subtle etched profile of the mountain ranges that rise on the horizon. As you look out across the Hudson Valley, the carvings mirror the surrounding ridgelines, quietly linking the view in front of you to the landscape beneath your feet.

Burger Hill summit

At the summit of Burger Hill, three stone slabs are etched with a simple map that helps orient the surrounding peaks, turning the surrounding panorama into a labeled horizon line carved in stone.

Burger Hill summit

A broad view of the eastern landscape unfolds from the summit of Burger Hill, with rolling countryside stretching outward in layered fields and distant ridgelines.

Burger Hill summit

A northwest-facing view from the summit of Burger Hill opens toward the distant silhouette of the Catskill Mountains, rising above the surrounding Hudson Valley landscape.

Burger Hill summit

A southwest-facing view from the summit of Burger Hill opens across rolling Hudson Valley farmland, with distant ridgelines fading into the horizon.

Burger Hill summit

From here, you can see the full Catskill section of the 350-mile Long Path unfolding across the horizon of the Catskill Mountains.

Burger Hill summit

From the summit of Burger Hill, the loop descends along a second mowed path that gently follows the eastern flank of the hill, gradually easing toward the park’s edge where it meets the treeline before returning to the parking area where the hike began.

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill

Review:

Drayton Grant Park at Burger Hill is one of those short hikes that consistently delivers far more than its mileage suggests. The open 558-foot summit where sweeping views of the Hudson Valley unfold in every direction, makes the ascent feel almost effortless. With its mix of expansive scenery, easy footing, and peaceful open fields, it’s an ideal spot for a quick escape, a quiet sunset, or simply a reminder of how rewarding a short walk can be.

Pros:

Short, easy hike with a big scenic payoff, wide well-maintained mowed paths with no technical terrain, expansive unobstructed summit views, great for sunsets, photography, and picnicking, family-friendly, easy to pair with nearby spots like Wilderstein Historic Site, Poets’ Walk , and Ferncliff Forest.

Cons:

Limited shade with most of the hike exposed to sun, small parking area that fills quickly, short trail length may feel underwhelming for those seeking a longer hike, can be crowded at peak times—especially sunset, minimal trail variety, open terrain offers little protection from wind or harsh weather.

Sources:

Winnakee Land Trust

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Posted on April 9, 2026

April 7, 2026 – Montville, NJ

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 5.3 miles

Max elevation: 934 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 600 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Map: Jersey Highlands Trails Map #125 – Morris County Park Commission Trail Map 2024

Trailhead parking: 472 Boonton Ave, Montville, NJ 07045

Gravel parking lot – porta-potties available on site

Overview:

Set within the rugged highlands of Montville, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area offers a striking blend of wild terrain, geological wonders, and sweeping views. Its network of trails winds through dense hardwood forest, past glacial erratics, and over exposed ridgelines. With its mix of challenging climbs and rewarding vistas, this preserve delivers a distinctly rugged hiking experience just a short drive from the surrounding suburbs.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Viewpoint – Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Spanning more than 1,600 acres, the preserve features a diverse landscape of forests, fields, wetlands, and dramatic rock outcroppings. Scattered throughout are unusual glacial erratics left behind by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago, including Tripod Rock, Bear Rock, and Whale Head Rock. The park’s flat-topped ridges and narrow valleys are not only scenic, but also play an important ecological role—supporting local flora and fauna while helping regulate the water cycle by feeding reservoirs and replenishing aquifers.

Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain

Bear Rock – Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Whale Head Rock – Pyramid Mountain

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is managed by the Morris County Park Commission, overseeing its trails, facilities, and preservation efforts to protect both its natural and historical features.

History:

For thousands of years, this rugged landscape served as a seasonal home for the Lenape, who relied on its forests, streams, and rocky highlands for hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their presence here dates back well over 10,000 years, long before European arrival. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers were among the first Europeans to explore and establish homesteads in what was then part of old Pequannock. Traces of that early settlement still remain today, including weathered stone walls and survey markers that once defined farm fields and woodlots, quietly woven into the surrounding forest.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area was officially established in 1989 following a determined grassroots campaign to protect the land from development. The initial acquisition was made possible through funding support from the Mennen Company, helping to secure the foundation of what would become a preserved open space. Continued efforts throughout the late 20th century expanded the preserve, and in 1993 the Visitors Center was dedicated, marking a significant milestone in the area’s transition from threatened land to a permanently protected natural and historical resource.

Trails Overview:

A park-wide reblazing was completed in 2021, resulting in several trail color changes, so it’s strongly recommended to use an up-to-date map when hiking here. In 2023, the Blue Trail was rerouted near its junction with the Orange Trail to the first overlook, slightly increasing the overall mileage. (See blue circle)

Blue Trail reroute

For the most accurate navigation, refer to the Morris County Park Commission’s trail map published in September 2024, which reflects these updates. The NY-NJ Trail Conference map (published in 2023) predates the Blue Trail reroute and may not show the current alignment—be sure to check the publication date in the bottom right corner of your map.

Morris County Park Commission Trail Map 2024

Rocks, rocks, and more rocks—if you enjoy rugged, ankle-testing terrain, this hike delivers. Jokes aside, much of the route traverses uneven, rocky ground that can be challenging at times. The climb on the Blue Trail leading to the first viewpoint winds over rocks of all sizes, but remains manageable with careful footing.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The Orange Trail, however, is a different story. After passing Whale Head Rock, it drops steeply down a slope covered almost entirely in loose and uneven rocks. This section can be tricky to navigate, as there’s no clearly worn path—just a field of boulders guided by orange blazes on nearby trees.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The trails are generally well-marked, though some junctions still lack clear signage. The Lucy’s Overlook Trail, in particular, can be challenging to follow, as it winds over rocky terrain. At one point, we lost the trail and had to bushwhack a short distance back to the Blue Dot Trail.

The trails at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area are maintained by a combination of the Morris County Park Commission and volunteers from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, who help with blazes, clearing, and general upkeep to keep the trails safe and navigable.

Hike Overview:

I did a similar hike in 2020 before the park-wide reblazing and have been eager to return to update the route. When I initially mapped out the hike, I didn’t realize the Blue Trail had been rerouted, so my planned route ended up shorter than the actual distance. The Orange Trail, descending steeply from Whale Head Rock, is particularly challenging on an “ankle breaker” type trail. From Bear Rock up to the junction with the Blue Trail, remains strewn with rocks, requiring careful footing throughout.

Even with the rocky trails, this remains a fantastic hike. The landscape is dotted with an impressive number of glacial erratics, making each turn and ridge a discovery. These rock formations not only create a challenging and rewarding experience for hikers who enjoy rugged terrain, but they also offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history and the dramatic forces of glacial activity that shaped it.

This moderate loop covers approximately 5.3 miles with a total elevation gain of around 600 feet, though the rocky terrain can make it feel more strenuous.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

The elevation graph below illustrates the steady series of climbs and descents you’ll experience along this hike, highlighting the rolling, rugged nature of the terrain.

elevation profile – Pyramid Mountain

This loop hike covers most of the points of interest in the Pyramid Mountain section of the park. This is a good hike to do if it’s your first time visiting.

Parking:

The main parking area at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is a gravel lot that accommodates approximately 20–25 vehicles. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, providing access to the trails and viewpoints during daylight hours.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

The Hike:

From the southern end of the parking area, follow the Blue Trail, which starts just north of a kiosk and immediately passes a memorial plaque for Stephen Klein Jr. The first part of this trail follows a wide gravel path bordered by small stones. In a short distance, you’ll reach a junction where a branch of the Blue Trail goes off to the right. Continue ahead on the main route of the Blue Trail, which passes a junction on the right with the green-blazed Toddler Trail.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

After bearing right, the Blue Trail crosses Stony Brook on a wide fiberglass bridge. Just beyond, you’ll reach a fork marked by a large cairn, where the Blue Trail loop begins. Bear left here to follow the western leg, which gradually climbs through a landscape dotted with scattered boulders.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The climb soon becomes steeper as the trail passes a powerline clearing on the left. Shortly after, the trail descends to a junction with the Orange Trail on the left—this will serve as your return route, but for now, continue following the blue blazes.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

After passing the junction with the Orange Trail, the trail levels out briefly before the Blue Trail resumes a steady climb through a hardwood forest. The ascent takes hikers over a mix of packed earth, roots, and scattered rocks, with the terrain gradually becoming more rugged. Short, steeper sections lead to exposed bedrock, adding both challenge and variety to the hike.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The Blue Trail ascends Pyramid Mountain via a series of short switchbacks, with stone steps strategically placed in steeper sections to assist hikers on the climb.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

As the trail approaches the viewpoint, the forest begins to open and the terrain becomes less rocky, revealing a rocky outcrop that provides sweeping views of the surrounding highlands and distant ridgelines—a well-earned reward for the steady climb.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

By the time you reach this overlook, you will have covered approximately 1.2 miles and gained about 400 feet in elevation, making it a perfect spot to pause and take in the views.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The view southeast from the summit of Pyramid Mountain stretches across rolling highlands and distant ridgelines, offering a panoramic glimpse of the surrounding landscape.

Viewpoint – Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The distant Manhattan skyline emerges on the horizon, a faint but unmistakable silhouette rising beyond the rolling ridges of northern New Jersey. On especially clear days, the cluster of skyscrapers appears etched against the sky, offering a striking contrast between the wild, rocky foreground and the dense urban landscape far in the distance—a reminder of just how close this rugged preserve sits to the heart of New York City.

Viewpoint – Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

From the viewpoint, the trail levels out moderately, meandering over a mix of rocky terrain and forested sections. Just off the path, hidden among the foliage in warmer months, are interesting rock formations and scattered boulders that reward careful eyes.

Blue Trail – Pyramid Mountain

After another 0.4 mile, the Blue Trail reaches a junction with the Blue Dot Trail, marked by a large cairn. Here, the Blue Trail turns right, but you’ll want to bear left to leave the Blue Trail and continue on the Blue Dot Trail.

Blue Dot Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Shortly, the Blue Dot Trail reaches a junction with the Yellow Trail branching off to the left; continue straight ahead to stay on the Blue Dot Trail.

Blue Dot Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Shortly after, the Blue Dot Trail reaches a junction with the Purple Trail on the left. This rugged trail leads in a short distance to Lucy’s Overlook, named for Lucy Meyer, who led the crusade to save the area from development. Unfortunately, the panoramic west-facing views have grown in (although there still is a limited south-facing view). If you wish, you can follow the Purple Trail, which loops around for 0.2 mile until it ends at a second junction with the Blue Dot Trail (where you turn left to continue along the route of the hike). Otherwise, continue ahead on the Blue Dot Trail.

Purple Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The Purple Trail is less traveled, and it is moderately challenging, with uneven footing, roots, and scattered boulders, making it a quick side excursion for hikers who want to explore a quieter section of the preserve while enjoying both the history and geology of the area.

Purple Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Lucy’s Overlook.

Lucy’s Overlook – Purple Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Purple Trail – Pyramid Mountain

After leaving the Purple Trail, turn left to continue on the Blue-Dot Trail. As you near Tripod Rock, the terrain grows more rugged, with larger exposed stones hinting that one of the preserve’s most iconic glacial erratics is close. This section builds anticipation, culminating in the striking sight of the famous balanced boulder.

Blue Dot Trail – Pyramid Mountain

This massive boulder, estimated at 160 tons, was left behind by the Wisconsin Glacier more than 18,000 years ago. Uniquely balanced on three smaller stones, Tripod Rock is thought to have held spiritual significance for the Lenape people.

Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain

Framed by forested ridges and scattered boulders, Tripod Rock dominates its surroundings, a striking landmark in the rugged terrain of Pyramid Mountain.

Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain

The supporting stones cradle the massive boulder with an almost architectural precision, revealing the subtle angles and natural engineering of this geological wonder.

Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain

Tripod Rock perches delicately atop three smaller stones, a remarkable example of natural balance sculpted by glacial forces thousands of years ago.

Tripod Rock – Pyramid Mountain

After exploring the area around Tripod Rock, return to the Blue-Dot Trail and turn left. Heading east, the trail winds through a landscape dotted with mountain laurel, scattered boulders, and intriguing rock formations. About 0.4 miles from Tripod Rock, the Blue-Dot Trail reaches its end at a junction with the Orange Trail.

Blue Dot Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Terminus of Blue Dot Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Turn left onto the Orange Trail, heading northwest. From the junction with the Blue Dot Trail, the trail winds through shaded hardwood forest and stretches of exposed rock. After a series of gentle rises and dips, it begins a climb toward Eagle Cliff, crossing open bedrock and leading hikers onto more rugged, elevated terrain.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The Orange Trail around Eagle Cliff becomes increasingly rugged as it climbs, passing over exposed bedrock and scattered boulders that demand careful footing. Along this stretch, hikers are rewarded with elevated vantage points overlooking the surrounding landscape, making it one of the most striking sections of the preserve.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountai

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Along the trail, you’ll come across a boulder marked by multiple fractures, its cracked surface revealing the slow but relentless forces of weathering and pressure. The jagged lines and exposed interior offer a fascinating glimpse into the geological processes that have shaped Pyramid Mountain.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Whale Head Rock is named for its distinctive curved shape, standing out among the scattered boulders with a smooth surface shaped by glacial transport and natural weathering. It is framed by trees and smaller rocks, blending naturally into the rugged landscape. From the trail, Whale Head Rock serves as both a landmark and a point of interest, signaling a change in terrain as the path begins its steep descent. As a glacial erratic, it illustrates the power of the Wisconsin Glacier, carried and deposited far from its origin, offering a tangible glimpse into the region’s ancient geological history.

Whale Head Rock – Pyramid Mountain

After Whale Head Rock, the Orange Trail slopes downward gradually at first, then steepens, winding over an uneven mix of small, medium, and large rocks that require careful footing. Even at the base of the descent, the trail continues across rocky terrain, maintaining a rugged, hands-on hiking experience.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The trail turns right and heads north for about 0.2 mile. It then bears left, crosses a branch of Bear House Brook and reaches a junction with the White Trail. Turn left onto the Orange Trail and cross Bear House Brook on a wooden footbridge. The Orange Trail continues south, paralleling Bear House Brook, which runs through the valley below on the left and eventually widens to form Bear Swamp.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Puddingstone, also known as purple conglomerate, is found throughout Morris County, particularly in areas like Boonton and Mountain Lakes. The name is believed to have been given by English settlers, who thought the rock’s mix of rounded pebbles embedded in a darker matrix resembled a traditional pudding filled with fruit.

Puddingstone – Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

In another half mile, directly ahead stands Bear Rock, a massive glacial erratic and the largest of its kind in New Jersey. Said to resemble a giant bear, it has served as a local landmark for centuries and was likely used as shelter by Native Americans. Today, it marks the boundary between Kinnelon Borough and Montville Township. Take a moment to explore this impressive geological feature up close.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Bear Rock – Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

Bear Rock – Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

After exploring Bear Rock, continue on the Orange Trail along an old woods road, with a rock wall lining the right side. Shortly ahead, the Pink Dot Trail (black dot on pink) branches off to the right, but stay straight on the Orange Trail. Just beyond, the trail curves left and crosses Bear House Brook via a wooden bridge.

Orange Trail – Pyramid Mountain

The Orange Trail continues along a rocky footpath, running alongside power lines on the right. About a third of a mile past the brook crossing, it reaches a junction with the Blue Trail coming in from the left. Turn right to follow the Blue Trail, which climbs steeply before leveling out over rolling terrain. Soon, the trail begins a steady descent and turns right to pass under the power lines. You are now retracing your steps from the beginning of the hike.

Terminus of Orange Trail

Continue ahead on the Blue Trail, bearing right at the next junction (where the loop of the Blue Trail begins). After crossing the bridge over Stony Brook, follow the Blue Trail back to the parking area where the hike began.

Review:

This is a truly rewarding hike, with rocky terrain that feels more challenging than the mileage or elevation gain might suggest. The highlight isn’t necessarily the views, but the striking, rock-strewn landscape that unfolds along the trails, offering constant interest and variety. The geological features—glacial erratics, boulder fields, and unique formations—make this hike especially compelling for anyone curious about the natural history of the area.

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area is the most popular hiking destination in the Morris County park system, and it can get crowded on weekends when the weather is nice. For a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended.

Pros:

Rocky and varied terrain, striking geological features, glacial erratics like Tripod and Bear Rock, scenic forested trails, moderate challenge suitable for experienced hikers, well-marked trails, rewarding hiking experience throughout.

Cons:

Can be crowded on weekends, rocky terrain may be challenging for some hikers, steep sections and uneven footing, limited parking, some trails less clearly marked at junctions, views partially obscured by regrowth in certain areas.

Take a hike!

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Sources:

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

Turkey Hill Preserve Loop

Posted on April 5, 2026

April 4, 2026 – Orange, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 2 miles

Max elevation: 252 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 100 ft.

Map: Turkey Hill Preserve – Free Avenza Map

Parking: 506 Turkey Hill Rd, Orange, CT 06477

Paved parking lot for 10-12 vehicles – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Located in the quiet woodlands of Orange, Connecticut, Turkey Hill Preserve offers a peaceful retreat, spanning approximately 376 acres.

Turkey Hill Preserve

It features two well-marked loop trails that wind through hardwood forest, wetlands, and scattered rocky terrain, with gentle elevation changes that add subtle variety to an otherwise easy hike. Along the way, visitors may come across historic stone walls, small ponds, and a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, owls, deer, and wild turkey, all supported by the surrounding watershed.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

The preserve also showcases a range of ecological habitats, from seasonal vernal pools and rocky talus slopes to spring-fed headwater streams, mixed hardwood stands, pockets of Eastern Hemlock, and old field areas, along with a small spring-fed pond. Located within the Housatonic River Valley—a significant migratory corridor for wildlife—the preserve is the largest continuous open space in the Town of Orange and plays an important role in regional conservation.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

The preserve is maintained and managed by the Orange Land Trust, which oversees its stewardship, trail upkeep, and ongoing conservation efforts. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Turkey Hill Preserve

History:

The land that now makes up Turkey Hill Preserve in Orange, Connecticut, reflects a long transition from colonial-era farmland to protected open space. In the 18th and 19th centuries, much of the area was cleared for agriculture, and the remnants of that past—stone walls, boundary markers, and old cart paths—still weave quietly through the forest today. As farming declined in the region, the land gradually reverted to woodland, allowing native hardwoods to reclaim the hills and low-lying wetlands.

The property was acquired in 2012 from the Hubbell Corporation. While the area is now heavily forested, it has a long history of agricultural and rural use. Over time, it was managed by operations such as AZGROW (Associated Seed Growers, Inc.), a seed-growing company, as well as several family farms, including the pasture that still remains near the preserve entrance.

Despite its current natural appearance, the preserve still holds traces of its past. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, portions of the land were reportedly used informally for secluded cabin building. Remnants of this history remain today, including the foundation of a former one-room house along the eastern section of the Blue Trail. Its chimney once stood alone until it eventually collapsed around 2008. Scattered throughout the property are additional structural remnants, quietly reflecting the land’s varied and layered past.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Trails Overview:

The Blue Trail at Turkey Hill Preserve is the main loop trail, offering roughly 2 miles of moderate hiking through varied terrain. Winding through hardwood forests, rocky outcrops, and small wetlands, it provides a glimpse into the preserve’s history, with stone walls and old stone walls dotting the route. Gentle elevation changes make it accessible for most hikers while still providing a satisfying woodland experience, and the trail is well-marked, making it easy to navigate for first-time visitors.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

If hiking the loop counterclockwise, the mile marker posts along the trail indicate how far you’ve already walked. If traveling clockwise, they show the remaining distance needed to complete the Blue Trail loop.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

The Yellow Trail, completed in October 2021, is slightly more challenging than the Blue Trail and serves as a secondary connector route. Branching off the main loop, it leads hikers through quieter, less-traveled sections of the forest, offering a more secluded experience while still highlighting the preserve’s mix of hardwood woods, stone walls, and wetland pockets.

Yellow Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Please note: The addition of the Yellow Trail has not been updated on the current available map.

Hike Overview:

I drove about an hour from the Hudson Valley to hike Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge, a roughly 2-mile outing, and wanted to add another nearby preserve to make the trip more worthwhile. While Turkey Hill Preserve is certainly a pleasant spot for hikers and casual walkers, it’s not really a destination worth going out of your way for. That said, it offers a quiet, peaceful setting for a short and easy loop—just don’t expect anything particularly unique, as it’s more of a simple walk in the woods, something you can find in many places.

We arrived at the preserve around 11am on a Saturday, finding only a handful of cars in the lot and encountering just a few couples along the trail. We stuck to the Blue Trail, as I wasn’t aware the Yellow Trail even existed—it’s not shown on the current trail map. When we reached the first junction, I wasn’t sure where it led, so we continued on our planned route. A short distance later, we came upon the second junction, where the Yellow Trail reconnects with the Blue Trail.

This easy loop was completed in a counterclockwise direction, which offered a gradual and comfortable flow through the preserve, keeping the terrain gentle and easy to follow throughout the hike.

Turkey Hill Preserve Loop

As shown in the elevation profile below, the hike is essentially flat, with only minimal elevation change throughout the loop.

Elevation Profile – Turkey Hill Preserve

Parking:

A small, paved parking lot marks the trailhead for Turkey Hill Preserve that can accommodate around 10-12 vehicles, offering a simple and convenient place to begin your hike. There are no amenities or restrooms on site, but the lot provides easy access to the Blue Trail, with clear signage guiding visitors into the preserve’s quiet woodland setting.

Trailhead parking – Turkey Hill Preserve

The Hike:

This counterclockwise loop begins at the kiosk located on the right side, just beyond the back of the parking lot. At first, blazes may not be immediately visible, but continue straight ahead on the wide, cleared path. As you enter the woods, blue trail markers begin to appear on the trees. Shortly after, the Blue Trail reaches the start of the loop, veer right when the Blue Trail splits. The left leg of the Blue Trail will be your return route. Soon a junction with the Yellow Trail starts on the right; bear left here to stay on the Blue Trail and continue following the blue blazes.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

As you walk through the interior of the preserve, you’ll pass through a mix of hardwood forest, low-lying wetlands, and scattered rocky terrain, with stone walls and subtle elevation changes adding character to the landscape.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Soon, you’ll pass the second junction with the Yellow Trail, where it reconnects with the Blue Trail—continue straight to remain on the main loop.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

When you reach the 1-mile wooden post, you will have traveled….you guessed it, one mile. You are now halfway through the hike.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Now on the eastern leg of the Blue Trail, the route features gentle rises and dips as it crosses a small stream and passes the remains of an old cellar hole and a collapsed chimney.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Beside the foundation of a former one-room cabin along the eastern section of the Blue Trail, a stone chimney once stood on its own until it finally collapsed around 2008.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

As the Blue Trail continues north, it winds through wetland areas, passes stone walls that criss-cross the landscape, and skirts seasonal vernal pools.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

After about 2 miles, the Blue Trail completes the loop and returns you to the parking lot where the hike began.

Blue Trail – Turkey Hill Preserve

Trailhead – Turkey Hill Preserve

Review:

Turkey Hill Preserve offers a quiet, easy 2-mile loop that makes for a pleasant short hike, especially if you’re looking for something low-key and accessible. The Blue Trail is well-marked and gently rolling, winding through hardwood forest, patches of wetland, and sections of old stone walls. It’s an uncomplicated route with just enough variety—small ponds, rocky sections, and light elevation changes—to keep it interesting without ever feeling strenuous.

Overall, it’s a peaceful walk in the woods rather than a destination hike, ideal for a relaxed outing, birdwatching, or a quick stretch outdoors.

This hike can be combined with Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge, which is about a mile away (a 3-minute drive). Or consult the SCRCOG website for information about more trails in the area.

Pros:

Easy and well-marked 2-mile loop, peaceful and uncrowded, gentle terrain suitable for most casual hikers, scenic hardwood forest, interesting historical features like stone walls and old foundations, occasional wildlife sightings, and a quick, low-effort nature escape.

Cons:

Limited distance and variety for experienced hikers, minimal elevation change may feel monotonous, no viewpoints, the newer Yellow Trail does not yet appear on the current trail map, which can cause confusion at junctions and make navigation less straightforward for first-time visitors.

Sources:

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Posted on April 5, 2026

April 4, 2026 – Orange, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 2 miles

Max elevation: 215 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 100 ft.

Map: Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge – Free Avenza Map

Parking: 668 High Ridge Rd, Orange, CT 06477

Parking area/turn‑around at the end of High Ridge Road – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge refer to the same compact yet unexpectedly scenic open space along the western edge of Orange—two names that highlight different aspects of a single landscape. “Housatonic Overlook” points to the sweeping river views that draw visitors in, while “Tucker’s Ridge” reflects the wooded, rocky spine of the property that gives the area its character and structure.

The Housatonic Overlook area offers an inviting and easy-to-reach natural setting, highlighted by sweeping views over the Housatonic River valley. Its main attraction is a striking viewpoint near the northern trailhead at the end of High Ridge Road, where a bench and rocky ledge provide a wide panorama of the river, Two Mile Island, and the neighboring communities of Shelton and Derby.

Red Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

This property is part of the town’s protected open space system, set aside for passive recreation, and is cared for through the combined efforts of the Town of Orange, the Orange Conservation Commission, and local conservation groups such as the Orange Land Trust.

Housatonic Overlook

Tucker’s Ridge makes up the elevated backbone of the Housatonic Overlook property and, while often grouped under the same name, stands out for its distinct terrain and local history. Encompassing roughly 33 acres of town-owned open space, it stretches along a rugged ridge above the Housatonic River, where a mix of wooded paths, rocky ledges, and small wetland pockets create a varied hiking experience.

Red Trail – Tucker’s Ridge

Along the trails, you’ll encounter features such as mountain laurel, scattered outcrops, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. Long used informally by locals, the land was officially acquired by the Town of Orange in 2001. Additional surrounding parcels have since been protected through efforts by the Orange Land Trust, expanding the preserved landscape. Today, Tucker’s Ridge is managed for passive recreation, with stewardship shared between the town’s Conservation Commission and dedicated community volunteers.

Housatonic Overlook

History:

Tucker’s Ridge is named in honor of Dr. Edmund Tucker, a longtime Orange resident (1972–2015) and Yale University graduate who played a pivotal role in preserving the town’s open space. A founding figure of the Orange Land Trust and an active member of the Wetlands Commission, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce, he served as Land Trust president for over 30 years. Through his leadership, Orange secured numerous conservation parcels—via grants, acquisitions, and donated land—helping shape the community’s landscape and earning the naming of Tucker’s Ridge in 2001 in recognition of his lasting impact.

Trails Overview:

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge offer a compact but varied network of trails that highlight the area’s natural beauty and scenic views. The main loop is roughly 1.5 to 2 miles long, with gentle to moderate elevation changes, making it accessible to most hikers, walkers, and families. Trails wind along the ridge, passing through wooded sections, rocky outcrops, and small wetland areas, with a bench and a viewpoint overlooking the Housatonic River. The paths are relatively well-marked and retain a natural feel, offering a sense of exploration while remaining manageable for a short hike. Overall, the trails provide a rewarding combination of scenic vistas, quiet forested paths, and accessible outdoor recreation.

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Some trail junctions are poorly marked, and certain paths either lack enough blazes or have faded ones, which can make navigation tricky despite the area’s small size. I found myself relying on the Avenza Maps app several times to confirm my location after taking a few wrong turns or missing a trail intersection.

Hike Overview:

Over the years, I had seen photos of Housatonic Overlook and always wanted to visit this iconic viewpoint. Living about an hour away, it collected dust on my list until I finally made the trip. Unfortunately, the experience was underwhelming. The trees around the two main viewpoints have grown up considerably, and even without leaves, the views were largely obstructed. While the area is a pleasant place to explore for locals, it’s not worth a dedicated day trip. I’m not certain how regularly the town maintains the viewshed, if at all, but when I visited, it was clearly overdue for a trim. For those whose main goal is the overlook, there are currently better viewpoints elsewhere.

I began at the High Ridge Road trailhead and followed the Red Trail around the perimeter, then connected to the Yellow and Blue Trails. From there, I continued south on the Red Trail, picked up the Blue Trail heading north at the southern end, turned left onto the Green Trail, and followed the pipeline road back to the trailhead. I only missed a short section of the Red and Blue, and rewalking a short section of the Red Trail.

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge Track

As shown in the elevation profile below, the hike is nearly flat.

Elevation Profile – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

This hike can be combined with Turkey Hill Preserve Loop, which is about a mile away (a 3-minute drive). Or consult the SCRCOG website for information about more trails in the area.

Parking:

Parking is a small roadside pull-off along the end of High Ridge Road in Orange, CT, near the trail kiosk. Spaces are limited and informal, so careful parking is required to avoid blocking traffic. From here, the trailhead is immediately accessible.

High Ridge Road Trailhead

There are no restrooms at the High Ridge Road trailhead or parking area, so plan accordingly before your visit.

The Hike: Instead of outlining a step-by-step route, I’ll focus on the individual trails and what to expect along the way.

Red Trail 1.2 miles ~ Starting from High Ridge Road, the Red Trail begins behind the kiosk and quickly reaches the Housatonic Overlook, just a few steps away. A bench sits at the edge for those who want to pause and take in the view. While the outlook isn’t quite what it once was due to tree growth, it still offers a peaceful place to sit and unwind above the valley.

Red Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Scattered along the Red Trail on Tucker’s Ridge are clusters of weathered rock formations that add a rugged, textured character to the hike. Shaped over time by erosion, these outcrops range from low, moss- and lichen-covered slabs to more pronounced ledges that break through the forest floor, occasionally forming natural perches along the ridgeline above the Housatonic River.

Red Trail – Tucker’s Ridge

The Red Trail offers occasional, partial views of the Housatonic River as it travels south along Tucker’s Ridge. Just before the trail meets the pipeline easement, there are limited, filtered views to the south through the trees, where the landscape briefly opens before the forest closes in again along the ridge.

Red Trail – Tucker’s Ridge

The Red Trail drops over exposed bedrock and crosses a small stream that drains the northern wetland area before making a sharp, easy-to-miss left turn up the hillside. From there, it curves southeast toward the flatter interior trails, passing through a forest of hardwoods with a dense mountain laurel understory and scattered, scenic rock formations that break up the landscape.

Red Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

According to what I read, part of the eastern section of the Red Trail, travels on an old stage coach road.

Red Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Once it reaches the interior of the property, the Red Trail loops around the southern portion of the tract before turning northeast. Along the way, it intersects both segments of the Blue Trail and crosses the eastern leg of the Yellow Trail, ultimately terminating at the western leg of the Yellow Trail.

Along the way, the trail passes through the southern wetland area, where wooden puncheons help keep the footing dry. In season, vernal pools—temporary, rain- and snowmelt-fed ponds—can also be found here.

Red Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Yellow Trail 0.2 mile ~ This yellow-blazed trail begins near the far northeastern end of the property. It turns right at a junction with the Red Trail and loops around, passing the end of the Red Trail, to its terminus farther down at a T-intersection with the Blue Trail.

Yellow Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

The Yellow Trail features a short, steep descent alongside an eye-catching rock formation before leveling out as it winds through the northern wetlands. Along the way, it passes through stands of mountain laurel and seasonal vernal pools that add interest to the landscape.

Yellow Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Blue Trail 0.4 mile ~ This blue-blazed trail runs through the center of the property, connecting with the Yellow, Red, and Green trails. It travels through low-lying terrain filled with Mountain Laurel, with small cliffs and intermittent rocky slopes rising on both sides of the path. It maintains a fairly level grade throughout, making for an easy and steady walk through the heart of the property.

Blue Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Green Trail 0.2 mile ~ this green-blazed trail is a short connector that links the Blue and Red Trails.

From the Blue Trail, it climbs the ridge in a northwestern direction, passing the edge of the northern wetlands and crossing a small stream before ending at the gas pipeline Right-of-Way (ROW).

Green Trail – Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Review:

The trail system here is well laid out and enjoyable to explore, with a nice mix of terrain that keeps things interesting—rocky sections, wooded paths, wetlands, and pockets of mountain laurel all add variety along the way. It’s a great spot for a short, easy hike where you can cover multiple trails without much effort. That said, the views are a bit underwhelming, especially compared to what this ridgeline likely offered in the past, but the overall experience on the trails still makes it a worthwhile visit if you are in the area.

Pros:

Varied terrain, relatively well-marked trail network, easy navigation, short and manageable mileage, interesting rock formations, peaceful wooded setting, wetland features with puncheons, Mountain Laurel in season.

Cons:

Limited views due to tree growth, small trail system, minimal elevation gain, overlook can feel underwhelming.

Take a hike!

Housatonic Overlook and Tucker’s Ridge

Sources:

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Loop

Posted on March 31, 2026

March 29, 2026 – Yorktown Heights, NY

Difficulty: Moderate (1 short, steep climb)

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 831 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 581 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Trail Map

Trailhead parking: Locke Lane/Croton Heights Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Dirt parking lot for about 15 vehicles – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Tucked into the wooded hills of Yorktown Heights, Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve offers a surprisingly rugged escape in the heart of Westchester County. Rising to 831 feet, this modest, forested high point delivers a true hiking experience, with rocky footpaths, steady climbs, and a sense of seclusion that feels far removed from the surrounding suburbs.

The mountain is defined by exposed rock outcrops and ledges, where weathered slabs, scattered boulders, and lichen-covered stone—shaped by ancient glaciers—break through the forest floor to form natural viewpoints.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Throughout the preserve, bedrock breaks through the forest floor in broad, weathered slabs, especially along the upper slopes and near the summit. These exposed surfaces are smoothed and rounded in places, a result of ancient glacial movement that once covered the region, scraping and shaping the stone as it advanced. In other spots, the rock appears fractured and layered, with cracks and fissures that create natural steps and ledges along the trails.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Scattered across the mountain are glacial erratics—large, isolated boulders left behind as the ice retreated. Some sit perched awkwardly on slopes, while others are partially embedded in the soil, giving the woods a slightly wild, untamed feel. Many are coated in moss and lichen, blending into the forest and adding texture and color, especially in shaded areas.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

As the trail climbs, dense stands of oak, maple, and mountain laurel give way to open rock near the summit, revealing sweeping views over the Croton Reservoir, the Hudson Highlands, and beyond.

Turkey Mountain summit

What sets Turkey Mountain apart isn’t its height, but its contrast—a compact preserve that feels unexpectedly wild, where rugged terrain and expansive vistas far exceed its modest scale.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve covers roughly 125 acres of forested trails and rocky ledges and has been protected as a public park since 1969. The preserve is owned by the Town of Yorktown and maintained in partnership with the Yorktown Land Trust.

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

History:

From the Colonial era through 1917, the land that is now Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve remained in the hands of the Griffen family. The Griffen Farm, marked as “Pleasant View” on old maps, consisted of a large farm house surrounded by springs, streams, wooded meadows, barns, and a 10-acre apple orchard. It was later purchased by Lydia Locke, (1884–1966) an opera singer whose eventful personal life—including seven marriages and a high-profile murder trial—captured national attention for decades. She assembled roughly 400 acres and established a preserve known as Loch Ledge.

Lydia Locke

In 1951, after the Town of Yorktown declined her proposal to purchase the land for a school, she sold 125 acres to the Child Service League of Queens for use as a boys’ summer camp. The camp operated from 1957 until 1964, when it closed due to financial challenges.

Child Service League – Turkey Mountain

Efforts to protect the property began soon after, with the formation of the Save Turkey Mountain Committee in 1965. Working with local supporters, the Town of Yorktown committed $30,000 to match private contributions, and in 1969 the land was acquired with the condition that it be preserved for outdoor education and hiking.

Trails Overview:

The trails are marked with Town of Yorktown Parks & Recreation round discs.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

White Trail ~ Starting from the small parking lot off Route 118, the White Trail at Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve begins through gentle forest before quickly climbing over rocky, uneven terrain scattered with roots and boulders. The trail ascends steadily, winding through dense hardwoods and moss-covered rocks, offering a wild, textured landscape.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Halfway up, the slope eases briefly with glimpses of surrounding hills, then resumes its climb along exposed rock outcrops. The final stretch opens onto summit ledges with sweeping views of the Croton Reservoir, the Hudson Highlands, and distant ridges. Short but steep, the White Trail is a direct, challenging, and rewarding ascent that highlights the preserve’s rugged, boulder-strewn character.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Blue Trail ~ Descending from the summit of Turkey Mountain, the Blue Trail offers a more gradual and forgiving route back to the parking area. Leaving the open rock ledges behind, the trail eases into the woods, trading expansive views for a quieter walk beneath a canopy of oak and maple.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

The grade softens compared to the White Trail, but the footing remains rocky and uneven, with roots and small stones keeping you attentive on the descent. As you continue downward, the terrain becomes less exposed and more enclosed, with occasional glimpses of old stone walls and subtle remnants of the mountain’s past appearing off to the sides of the trail.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Lower down, the path levels out and smooths slightly as it approaches the trailhead, making for a relaxed finish after the climb. It’s an ideal way to come down—steady, scenic, and just rugged enough to remind you that even the “easier” route on Turkey Mountain still feels like a true hike.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Parking:

The preserve is served by a single, small, unpaved parking lot just off Route 118. It’s fairly limited in size, generally accommodating roughly 10–15 cars at most, depending on how efficiently people park.

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Trailhead

Because of that, it tends to fill up quickly—especially on weekends, holidays, or nice weather days. When the lot is full, visitors often line the narrow entrance road, which can create a bit of congestion and makes the approach feel tighter than expected.

For a smoother experience:

Arrive early (especially weekends)
Weekdays are significantly easier for parking
Be mindful of roadside parking—it’s informal and can get crowded

In short, the lot is small and easy to miss, but that limited access is part of what keeps the preserve feeling a bit more tucked away and less developed than many other local hikes.

Hike Overview:

I did this hike in 2017 and felt that it was time for a return visit. While the views aren’t really that spectacular, the trails and landscape make the hike worthwile. Visiting during “leaf off” season, revealed the forest’s bare skeleton, usually hidden during the warmer months. We arrived around 9:30 a.m. on a Sunday to find only a few cars in the trailhead lot, but by the time we returned a couple of hours later, it was full.

We completed the loop clockwise, ascending the steeper White Trail and descending the gentler Blue Trail—a route I prefer to protect my knees. Most hikers we encountered were going the opposite direction.

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Loop

I rated this hike as moderate because of the initial steep ascent; once at the summit, the remainder of the hike is relatively easy.

Elevation profile – Turkey Mountain Loop

The trails are generally well marked, with some spray-painted blazes on exposed rock on the higher sections of the mountain. That may be an issue when snow covers the ground.

The Hike:

From the west end of the parking lot, look for three white blazes on a tree—these mark the start of the White Trail, which you’ll follow for the first three-quarters of a mile to the summit of Turkey Mountain. The trail begins co-aligned with the Red Trail but soon reaches a junction where the Red Trail splits right and the White Trail bears left. Shortly after, it passes a woods road on the left. Continue following the white blazes as the trail crosses a wooden boardwalk over a wet area, passes a junction with the Orange Trail on the left, and then crosses a second boardwalk.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

The White Trail then begins to climb, starting moderately before becoming steeper. The path moves onto rocky, uneven terrain, weaving around exposed roots and scattered boulders. As you ascend, short steep sections demand careful footing, while dense hardwoods provide shade and the trail curves past natural rock formations and small ledges.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

As the trail approaches the summit, glimpses of the surrounding hills appear through the trees. The final stretch crosses bare rock slabs, guiding hikers to the open, rocky summit.

White Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

The White Trail ends at the 831-foot summit of Turkey Mountain, offering views of the Croton Reservoir, the Hudson Highlands, and distant ridges—making the steeper ascent well worth the effort. It’s a perfect spot to pause, catch your breath, and take in the scenery.

End of White Trail – Turkey Mountain summit

Turkey Mountain summit

From this vantage point, the Croton Reservoir glimmers below, framed by forested hills, while the Hudson River winds its way toward the horizon. Beyond the river, the steep, dark cliffs of the Palisades rise sharply, creating a striking contrast against the calm water and rolling landscape.

Turkey Mountain summit

To the northwest, a tapestry of rolling hills stretches across northern Westchester, with forested ridges, open clearings, and gently sloping valleys unfolding toward the horizon.

Turkey Mountain summit

Also at the summit is a disc stamped by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This spot once held a survey tower, and three concrete footings still remain. Survey towers were used by U.S. Coast and Geodetic Surveyors from the mid-1800’s through the 1980’s to establish the clear lines of sight needed for the surveys that form the backbone of the nation’s spatial reference framework. One of the most enduring and widely used designs was the Bilby Tower, created by Jasper Bilby in 1926.

Turkey Mountain summit

Nearby is a geodetic survey marker, which is a precisely placed reference point used to measure and map the Earth’s surface. These markers provide exact latitude, longitude, and elevation data, forming the foundation for accurate maps, property boundaries, and engineering projects. Often set in bedrock, these metal disks are part of a national network that ensures consistency in surveying and navigation.

Turkey Mountain summit

When you’re ready to continue, follow the Blue Trail, which starts directly at the end of the White Trail. The path begins heading north from the summit, winding along rocky ledges and through clusters of hardwoods, before gradually curving northeast and descending into the forested slopes below.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

The Blue Trail descends gradually, weaving through a canopy of mixed hardwoods. The footing alternates between soft leaf-covered soil, exposed roots, and occasional rocky sections, giving the trail texture and character without the intensity of the White Trail. As you lose elevation, small clearings and moss-covered boulders appear, offering glimpses of the surrounding forest and creating a peaceful, scenic descent that showcases the mountain’s varied terrain.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

As the Blue Trail winds down the mountain, it passes a series of intriguing rock formations that break through the forest floor. Weathered slabs, jagged boulders, and pockets of moss-covered stone create natural sculptures along the path. These formations add texture and interest to the hike, giving the trail a rugged, dynamic feel even on the gentler descent.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

As the trail reaches the far northeastern edge of the preserve, it makes a sharp right turn and descends more steeply along a wide woods road, running alongside the nearby powerlines.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Along the Blue Trail, a tall, hollowed-out tree stump rises like a natural sculpture, its dark, cavernous interior contrasting with the rough, weathered exterior, hinting at decades of slow decay and the forest life thriving around it.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Further along the trail, clusters of rock formations emerge, from jagged outcrops to smooth, weathered slabs. Moss and lichen cling to their surfaces, and scattered boulders create natural obstacles and resting spots, adding visual interest to the forested path.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Scattered throughout the preserve are remnants of old stone walls, their weathered stones partially hidden by moss and undergrowth. These walls hint at the land’s agricultural past, winding through the forest like quiet, timeworn boundaries that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

The Blue Trail soon winds past an old stone wall, its weathered stones nestled beside a towering rock formation, creating a striking contrast between human-made and natural features.

Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

End of Blue Trail – Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve

Review:

This enjoyable 3-mile moderate loop climbs the steeper White Trail before descending the gentler Blue Trail, making for a well-balanced and comfortable route. While the views are modest, the real highlight is the landscape itself—rocky outcrops, moss-covered boulders, and quiet forest that create a scenic and immersive hiking experience from start to finish. I highly recommend this hike, though it’s best enjoyed on a weekday during the warmer months to avoid the crowds.

Pros:

Scenic landscape, relatively well marked trails, shaded forest canopy, peaceful setting, interesting rock formations.

Cons:

Small unpaved parking lot, can get crowded on weekends, slippery footing when wet or leaf-covered, limited views, trail intersections may be slightly confusing for first-time visitors.

Take a hike!

Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve Loop

Sources:

Milton Station Fire Tower – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Posted on March 23, 2026

March 22, 2026 – Jefferson, New Jersey

Difficulty: Moderate (1 short, steep climb)

Length: Approximately 3.5 miles

Max elevation: 1,378 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 500 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: Morris County Highlands Trails Map #126 – Fire Tower Trail

Trailhead parking: Snow Bowl Area Weldon Road, Jefferson, NJ 07849

Paved parking area – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Rising above the wooded ridges of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, the Milton Station Fire Tower stands as both a scenic destination and a working piece of New Jersey’s wildfire detection network. Built in 1937, this 80-foot steel lookout still plays an active role today, offering a unique blend of history and function. A short but steady hike leads to its base, where those willing to climb are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views across the NJ Highlands—and, on clear days, a distant glimpse of New York City on the horizon.

Milton Station Fire Tower

History:

The Milton Station Fire Tower was erected in 1937 atop Bowling Green Mountain as part of New Jersey’s expanding fire detection network. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) through the Woodlands Protective Expansion Project and consists of an 80-foot steel framework produced by the International Derrick Company. Positioned for maximum visibility, the tower offers broad views of the Hudson Highlands and nearby forests, enabling observers to spot and report fires across a large area.

Snow Bowl Ski Area was once a well-loved local ski spot in Jefferson, New Jersey, located on Bowling Green Mountain. Operating from the early 1960s through the mid-1970s, it was established by Dr. Frank Johnson and became known for its early adoption of snowmaking technology. The mountain offered a vertical drop of roughly 400 to 470 feet and featured a base lodge that even included a swimming pool—an unusual amenity for a small ski area.

Snow Bowl Ski Area

Popular with local families and the baby boomer generation, the resort eventually closed due to a combination of mild winters and increasing competition from larger ski destinations. Today, the former ski area is preserved as part of Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, where traces of its past can still be found along the trails.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Bowling Green Mountain was preserved through a partnership between the Trust for Public Land, the Morris County Open Space Preservation Trust Fund, and the Morris County Park Commission, which acquired the 96-acre property from a private investment company. The land has since been permanently protected and incorporated into Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, the county’s largest and one of its most popular parks.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Previously closed to the public, this acquisition significantly expands access to open space in the area. Ownership of the property was officially transferred to the Morris County Park Commission on December 31, 2020, and it is now open for visitors to explore. New trails in the Snow Bowl area of the existing park have been developed to connect directly with the newly preserved land, improving access and creating a more cohesive trail network.

Snow Bowl Area Trailhead

Parking:

Both trails are situated within Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, on the site of the former Snow Bowl Ski Area and Bowling Green Mountain. The trailhead and parking area are located on Weldon Road, just south of Jefferson Township Middle School.

Snow Bowl Area Parking – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

There are no rest room facilities on site.

Trails Overview:

The Snow Bowl Loop is a roughly one-mile trail that follows a section of the Jefferson High School cross-country course. It features a mix of crushed stone and natural footing, making for an easy, comfortable walk. The route passes alongside a pond and small streams, with several remnants of the area’s former ski operations visible along the way. Benches are placed throughout the loop, offering spots to sit and take in the surroundings. It’s an ideal choice for a short, relaxed outing.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Fire Tower Trail is a more challenging route, following a dirt and gravel service road up Bowling Green Mountain. The climb is steady and fairly steep, tracing what was once part of an old ski slope. Near the top, you’ll reach a communication tower, but the hike continues beyond this point. From there, the trail levels out as it crosses the summit ridge, eventually leading to the fire tower at the true high point.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

If you arrive while the tower is staffed, the Milton Fire Observer may invite you up into the cab. If you get the opportunity, it’s well worth the climb—the views from the top more than justify the effort.

Both trails are marked with white signs with red arrows attached to wooden posts and/or trees. The Snow Bowl Loop is also marked with yellow blazes painted on trees.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Hike Overview:

This hike had been on my list of fire towers to visit. While on the shorter side, it delivers a satisfying punch with its steep climb up to the communications tower, followed by 133 steps to the top of the 80-foot fire tower. There are no views at the base, so you’ll need to climb at least partway above the treetops to enjoy any scenery.

On the day we visited, the area was lightly trafficked. We only encountered a group heading toward the tower on our return and a few people near the Snow Bowl Loop. Using the Avenza Maps app is helpful for staying on track. Overall, it’s a rewarding hike with a nice mix of challenge and scenery on Bowling Green Mountain.

This hike is primarily an out-and-back route, with a short detour along the Snow Bowl Loop.

Milton Station Fire Tower – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

As shown in the elevation profile below, the first 0.6 mile of the hike is quite steep, while the remainder of the route is relatively easy.

elevation profile – Milton Station Fire Tower

The Hike:

The hike begins at the Snow Bowl Area trailhead near the base of Bowling Green Mountain. Pass through the gate and bear left, where the Fire Tower Trail starts as a wide gravel service road. The route is well marked, with directional signs posted on wooden markers along the way.

Snow Bowl Area Trailhead

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Fire Tower Trail begins with a relatively level stretch before dipping slightly and passing through another gate. Along the way, you’ll encounter several junctions with other trails, including the Snow Bowl Loop, which you’ll take later. For now, continue straight ahead on the Fire Tower Trail.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Fire Tower Trail begins to steepen as you reach a black-and-yellow striped sign marked with the number “8.” This is an object, or hazard, marker designed to draw attention to a specific feature—in this case, a drainage crossing. The number identifies its location along the route. You’ll pass several more of these markers as you continue ascending the service road on Bowling Green Mountain.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

After about 0.6 miles from the trailhead, the Fire Tower Trail reaches a communication tower, though this is not the final destination. From there, the trail continues along the mountain ridge until you reach the fire tower. Once on the ridgeline, the path levels out, offering a relatively easy walk. This section follows an eroded dirt road, which is generally easier to navigate than the gravel service road below.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

In this section, the trail is less clearly marked, and several roads branch off from the main path. Keep an eye out for trail signs to stay on course. Using the Avenza Maps app is a helpful way to navigate and ensure you remain on the correct trail.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

This structure appears to be the counterweight foundation for a bullwheel ski lift, a remnant from the days of the Snow Bowl Ski Area.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The yellow boundary markers on Bowling Green Mountain are used to clearly define park property lines. They indicate where county-managed land begins and ends, helping both visitors and staff identify which areas are part of the park. For hikers, these markers are primarily informational, serving as a visual reminder to stay on maintained trails and respect protected areas.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The white signs on Bowling Green Mountain are posted by the NJDEP to mark Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These lands are managed for wildlife habitat, conservation, and regulated public recreation such as hunting, hiking, or birdwatching. The signs inform visitors of the protected status and outline rules, seasonal restrictions, and permitted activities.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

After passing the yellow boundary marker, it’s roughly 0.4 miles to the fire tower. Even with the trees bare, the tower isn’t visible until you’re quite close. When the trail reaches a fork, bear right and follow the short path to the tower. The Fire Tower Trail ends at this point.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

In 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Milton Station Fire Tower as part of the Woodlands Protective Expansion Project. The tower serves as a key observation point in the high-value urban-wildland interface of northern New Jersey. From its vantage, it has line-of-sight to all seven towers in the division, as well as the Sterling Fire Tower, the last remaining active lookout tower in New York.

Milton Station Fire Tower

The Milton Station Fire Tower is an 80-foot steel structure built by the International Derrick Company, featuring a 7-by-7-foot metal cab, and is situated on Morris County park land.

Milton Station Fire Tower

If you’re planning a visit to the Milton Station Fire Tower, you can call the number below to find out when the tower will be staffed.

Milton Station Fire Tower

The Milton Station Fire Tower features 11 landings and a total of 133 steps from the ground up to the cab. There are no views from the base of the tower, so you’ll need to climb at least partway above the treetops to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Milton Station Fire Tower

At the Milton Station Fire Tower, the upper landing of the cab is typically locked for safety and preservation reasons. While visitors can climb the tower and access most of the steps and landings, the very top platform is restricted to prevent accidents and limit wear on the historic structure.

Milton Station Fire Tower

Even with the upper landing locked, you can still enjoy excellent panoramic views from the lower sections of the cab and the landings just below the top. These vantage points rise above the treetops, giving a sweeping perspective of the surrounding forests, mountains, and, on clear days, distant landmarks across northern New Jersey.

Milton Station Fire Tower

From the top of the Milton Station Fire Tower, on a clear day, you can see the Manhattan skyline rising in the distance. The view stretches across the Hudson River Valley, with clusters of high-rises appearing as a striking contrast to the surrounding forested hills of northern New Jersey.

Milton Station Fire Tower

After climbing the tower and enjoying the views from just below the cab, we sat at the base to relax for a few minutes. A Jeep pulled up—it was the fire observer reporting for duty. He climbed the tower, unlocked the cab, and gave me permission to go inside. I wasn’t thrilled about making the climb a second time, but I did it…and survived.

Milton Station Fire Tower

The Fire Observer at Milton Station Fire Tower plays a crucial role in monitoring the surrounding forests for signs of wildfire. Traditionally, observers are stationed in the cab during fire season, scanning the horizon for smoke and using tools like alidades (Osborne Fire Finders) and maps to pinpoint locations and report them to rangers or local fire departments.

In addition to this protective role, the observer acts as a steward of the area, providing public engagement and safety oversight. They often welcome visitors, answer questions about the tower’s history and operations, and may allow guests to climb the cab when it is safe.

NJ Fire Observer Nicolas Cavallone

After taking in the views from the tower, retrace your steps along the Fire Tower Trail, passing the communication tower and descending Bowling Green Mountain via the gravel service road.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Near the junction of the Fire Tower Trail and the Snow Bowl Loop stands a stone chimney, a surviving remnant of the original Snow Bowl ski lodge.

Fire Tower Trail – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

At the junction with the Snow Bowl Loop, turn left. If you’re ready to return to your vehicle, follow the Fire Tower Trail back to the trailhead. Otherwise, turning left allows you to continue and extend your hike.

Turn left on Snow Bowl Loop Trail

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Snow Bowl Loop Trail passes a small but scenic pond, surrounded by trees and natural vegetation, offering a peaceful spot to pause, enjoy the reflections on the water, and listen to the gentle sounds of nearby Russia Brook.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Snow Bowl Loop Trail winds over a mix of stone and natural soil, creating a varied yet gentle surface underfoot. Shaded by forest trees and dotted with occasional open clearings, the trail offers a leisurely, easy-going walk where hikers can enjoy the sights and sounds of streams, wildlife, and the surrounding woodland.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Soon after the pond, the Snow Bowl Loop Trail winds alongside Russia Brook, where moss-covered rocks and gently flowing water create a serene, shaded corridor. The brook adds a soothing soundtrack to the hike, with small cascades and trickling streams enhancing the peaceful, forested setting.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The Snow Bowl Loop Trail meanders through shaded woods, twisting and turning along gentle rises and dips. It soon opens into a sunny clearing where a bench invites hikers to pause and take in the view, offering a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

The final stretch of the Snow Bowl Loop Trail gently winds back toward the junction with the Fire Tower Trail, descending through an open clearing before reaching the trailhead area.

Snow Bowl Loop – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Snow Bowl Area Parking – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Review:

A hike up Bowling Green Mountain to the Milton Station Fire Tower, paired with a loop around the Snow Bowl, makes for a surprisingly well-rounded and enjoyable outing. While the overall distance is on the shorter side, the steady climb up the fire road adds just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The ascent—especially the steeper section along the old ski slope—gets your heart pumping, and the final reward comes with the climb up the fire tower itself. If you’re lucky enough to access the cab, the sweeping views above the treetops are absolutely worth the effort.

What really makes this hike stand out is the contrast between the rugged climb and the peaceful scenery below. The Snow Bowl Loop offers a completely different experience, with its gentle terrain, pond views, and quiet stretches alongside Russia Brook. It’s the perfect way to ease into or wind down from the more strenuous climb, adding a relaxed, scenic element to the hike.

The area also tends to feel less crowded than many other nearby destinations, which only adds to its appeal. Between the historical character of the fire tower, the remnants of the old ski area, and the variety of landscapes packed into a relatively short hike, this is a rewarding trip that offers a little bit of everything.

Pros:

Great views from the fire tower, interesting history with CCC and old ski area remnants, varied terrain, scenic pond and stream, lightly trafficked and less crowded, well-marked and easy to follow trails, combination of challenge and relaxation, benches and spots to rest along the Snow Bowl Loop.

Cons:

No views unless you climb the fire tower, fire tower access not always guaranteed, minimal signage in some areas without a map, limited standout features at the summit beyond the tower.

Take a hike!

Milton Station Fire Tower – Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

Sources:

Mt. Nebo Loop from Tackamack Park

Posted on March 20, 2026

March 15, 2026 – Blauvelt, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles

Max elevation: 682 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 550 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Hudson Palisades Trails Map #109 – Clausland Mountain County Park Map

Trailhead parking: 68 Clausland Mountain Rd, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Paved parking lot – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Rising to 682 feet above sea level, Mount Nebo sits along the western edge of the Hudson Valley, not far from the Hudson River and the village of Nyack. The terrain here is classic lower Hudson Highlands: rolling ridges, pockets of dense hardwood forest, and seasonal views that open up through the trees. Depending on your route, you might catch glimpses of the Hudson, nearby towns, or the undulating ridgelines stretching north and south.

Mount Nebo

But what really sets Mount Nebo apart is its past. During the height of the Cold War, the summit area was home to a Nike missile defense installation, part of a nationwide network designed to protect major metropolitan areas like New York City.

Nike Ajax Missile

Today, Nike Overlook Park sits atop the summit of Mount Nebo, offering limited views of the Hudson River Valley. Scattered concrete foundations, rusted fencing, graded clearings, and old access roads hint at its Cold War past, when this quiet mountaintop was part of a highly secured missile defense site. Now, it stands as an off-the-beaten-path destination where woodland solitude meets a subtle reminder of global tensions.

Nike Overlook Park

Surrounding Mount Nebo is a surprisingly rich patchwork of parkland that turns this modest summit into something much bigger than a single destination. What makes the area special isn’t just the mountain itself—it’s how seamlessly it connects to neighboring preserves, creating miles of continuous woods, ridgelines, and trail options across southern Rockland County.

Adjacent to Mount Nebo, you’ll find a network of local and county parks that feel more intimate but no less rewarding. Clausland Mountain County Park sits just to the north and west, offering rolling terrain, rocky outcrops, and a maze of intersecting trails. It’s a favorite for loop hikes, with gradual climbs and the occasional overlook that hints at the broader landscape beyond the trees.

Clausland Mountain Park

Just to the west, Tackamack Park provides a quieter, often overlooked complement to the surrounding lands. With its mix of wooded trails, small ponds, and local-use paths, it offers a more relaxed, neighborhood feel while still connecting into the broader trail network. It’s the kind of place where a short walk can easily turn into a longer wander as you link into adjacent public lands.

Tackamack Park

Threading through much of this terrain is the Long Path, an aqua-blazed long-distance trail that links these parks into a continuous hiking corridor stretching far beyond Rockland County. Across Mount Nebo and its neighboring lands, the Long Path acts as both a guide and a backbone, connecting high points, wooded valleys, and historical sites into a cohesive journey.

Long Path – Clausland Mountain Park

Together, these adjacent lands create a landscape that feels expansive without ever being overwhelming. You can keep things simple with a short out-and-back, or wander for miles across park boundaries without realizing where one ends and another begins. It’s this quiet continuity—where places like Mount Nebo, Clausland Mountain, and Tackamack Park blend together—that gives the area its unique character and lasting appeal.

History:

Nike Missile Site – NY-03/04 –

Mount Nebo (today’s Nike Overlook Park) was NOT the missile launch site—it was the brains of the system, controlling missiles that were to be launched from a separate location.

Clausland Mountain is composed not of a single mountain but a chain of hilltops along the Palisades between Piermont and S. Nyack. The tallest hilltop, nearly 700 feet, is Mount Nebo at the southern end overlooking Rockland Cemetery and Piermont. The name comes from a biblical reference to a mountain from which Moses saw the Promised Land and upon which he died. The name appears irregularly on maps of the past, so it is unclear who named it or when it was named. Trees obscure the view most of the year. Stone outcroppings show that the soil is thin and not suitable for farming. There is no indication on maps that anyone lived nearby.

The US Army already owned the Mount Nebo site from WW II, and it was a perfect place to house an observation post once again, this time with radar. A command center was constructed on the 15-acre site along with a huge golf ball shaped radar dome whose foundation can still be found there. Below the mountain at the northwest intersection of the Palisades Parkway and Rt. 303 was the missile launch site. Missiles were kept in silos until there was need for launch.

From 1954 to 1974, during the height of the Cold War, a ring of Nike missile sites protected the New York metropolitan area, including installations on Mount Nebo. Designed to intercept incoming Soviet long-range bombers—such as the Tu-95 “Bear”—these missiles could engage threats before they reached the mainland. In total, nineteen Nike sites formed a defensive perimeter around New York City.

In 1954, the U.S. Army deployed the world’s first operational guided surface-to-air missile system: the Nike Ajax. Originally conceived near the end of World War II and developed in the early Cold War years, the system was fast-tracked into service in response to growing fears of Soviet air attack. Nike Ajax batteries were strategically placed to defend major urban, and industrial centers across the country.

Each Nike missile site was organized into three main components: the administrative area, the Integrated Fire Control area (IFC), and the launch area. The administrative section—often located within or near the other two—contained barracks, a mess hall, and support buildings, typically simple one-story cinder block structures. It also included vehicle maintenance facilities and fuel storage.

The IFC served as the technological heart of the operation. It housed radar systems used to detect and track incoming aircraft, along with control trailers, power equipment, and communications infrastructure. Positioned at least 1,000 yards—and often more than a mile—from the launch area, the IFC maintained a direct visual line of sight to coordinate targeting and engagement.

Nike Overlook Park –

In 1976, Orangetown purchased the IFC (Integrated Fire Control) site on Mount Nebo for $10,000. The town made a few improvements and Nike Overlook Park was born. A pool was planned but never built. In 1995, the Upper Grandview Association made the suggestion that the park buildings be preserved as a Cold War museum, but nothing came of it. The name preserves its Cold War past, while the land itself has been reclaimed for recreation and open space.

Trails Overview:

The trail network around Mount Nebo offers a surprisingly diverse mix of terrain, difficulty, and connectivity, making it easy to tailor a hike to just about any pace or experience level. Rather than a single defined route, the area is best understood as an interconnected system of trails that weave through multiple parks and preserves.

Clausland Mountain Park Map

Branching off from the Long Path are a number of local trails—many unblazed or marked with standard colors that create loop opportunities through adjacent lands. In Clausland Mountain County Park, trails wind over rolling hills and rocky outcrops, offering moderate elevation changes and occasional viewpoints. These paths are well-suited for building longer loops or exploring less-traveled sections of the forest.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

Overall, the Mount Nebo trail system is defined by its flexibility. Short out-and-back walks, moderate loops, and multi-park traverses are all possible without ever straying far from the core network. It’s a place where navigation can be as simple or as exploratory as you want it to be—rewarding both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers looking to piece together their own route.

Hike Overview:

I visited Mount Nebo in the summer of 2017. We tried to do a loop back then, similar to the one described here. The White Trail was not marked back then and we lost the trail, causing us to bushwack through a maze of downed trees. Now, although the trails in the area are well marked, one should pay attention while on the White Trail due to the constant switchbacks and sharp turns that the trail takes.

This is a pleasant hike through a quiet area. There are no sweeping views here, and the remnants of the Nike Missile Site atop Mount Nebo aren’t especially remarkable. But if you’re looking to explore a quieter stretch of trail with minimal foot traffic, and appreciate a bit of Cold War history tucked away in the woods, this hike offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.

This hike covers roughly 4.5 miles, with about 550 feet of elevation gain.

Mt. Nebo Loop from Tackamack Park

As the elevation profile below shows, this hike features plenty of minor ups and downs.

Elevation gain – Mt. Nebo Loop

Parking:

The main lot for Tackamack Park sits directly on Clausland Mountain Road, making it an easy and obvious trailhead for accessing both Tackamack and the surrounding trail network. Parking is free and open daily, with no formal gates or restricted hours in most cases. From the lot, you can immediately connect to local trails and also link into Blauvelt State Park and Clausland Mountain County Park, making it a useful starting point for longer hikes.

Tackamack Park

Tackamack Park trailhead

The Long Path passes directly through the parking area at Tackamack Park, making it one of the more convenient access points to this section of the trail.

The Hike:

From the Tackamack Park parking area, head out to Clausland Mountain Road and follow the aqua-blazed Long Path east. After crossing the road and entering the woods, you’ll notice a white-blazed trail on the left—this will be your return route. For now, continue straight, following the aqua blazes.

Clausland Mountain Park

Long Path – Clausland Mountain Park

After a short distance, the trail reaches a wooden footbridge spanning a small, often gently flowing stream. Cross the bridge and continue ahead as the path begins a steady, gradual climb through the surrounding woods, gaining elevation without ever becoming too steep.

Long Path – Clausland Mountain Park

Eventually, the trail steepens as it climbs through Clausland Mountain Park. About a mile from the start, the Long Path makes a sharp right turn. Right at this bend, look for a tree marked with three orange blazes on the left. Turn left here and follow the trail uphill.

Long Path – Clausland Mountain Park

Orange Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

In a short distance, you’ll pass the back of a sign, and just beyond it, an old, rusted chain-link fence comes into view—marking the boundary of Nike Overlook Park.

Orange Trail – Nike Overlook Park

Shortly after passing through the chain-link fence, the Orange Trail reaches a T-intersection. The other end of the White Trail begins on the left, but turn right to remain on the Orange Trail. Almost immediately, the trail passes a clearing on the left. Leave the Orange Trail and head into the partially paved clearing, where you’ll notice several oddly shaped concrete rings scattered across the ground, some partially hidden by grass. It’s worth taking a few moments to explore this area.

Nike Overlook Park

There isn’t much to see in this part of the park, though we did come across what appear to be concrete stands that once supported some kind of tank.

Nike Overlook Park

When you’re ready to continue, head toward the park’s main entrance gate and walk down the paved road, labeled “US Army Road” on Google Maps. Continue downhill for about 175 yards to the next intersection, then turn right onto Nike Lane. Follow the road for another 350 yards until you reach the main gate of the IFC site.

Nike Overlook Park

US Army Road

Nike Overlook Park

Nike Lane – Nike Overlook Park

Nike Lane continues past the gate, bearing left as it passes the first set of buildings. Follow the road to the high point, keeping an eye out for remnants of the IFC site along the way.

Nike Lane – Nike Overlook Park

One of the buildings near the summit with a high-capacity venting system.

Nike Overlook Park

To the left of the road, almost hidden, is a rusty steel radar platform.

Nike Overlook Park

We took a short rest at the summit, then spent some time wandering the area, seeking out scattered remnants—some tucked away in the surrounding woods. We then began heading downhill on Nike Lane, stopping occasionally to check out anything we may have missed on the way up.

Nike Overlook Park

A few buildings still stand at Nike Overlook Park, originally supporting operations such as radar tracking, missile guidance, communications, and command functions. Typical structures at an IFC site included radar towers, control rooms, generator buildings, and other small support facilities.

Nike Overlook Park

As you continue past the gate on Nike Lane, the Orange Trail begins on the left, across from the small parking area.

Nike Lane – Nike Overlook Park

The Orange Trail leaves Nike Lane and enters the woods. Just ahead there are three orange blazes on a tree, marking the start of the trail. Continue ahead until you reach a T-intersection marked by a park map. Here, the Orange Trail goes in both directions. Turn RIGHT and follow the orange blazes as the trail weaves through the forest.

Orange Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

After about 260 yards, the Orange Trail reaches a junction where it makes a sharp left through a break in the fence—the same route you took on the way up. Just ahead, three white blazes on a tree mark the start of the White Trail. Continue forward, following the white blazes.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

The White Trail soon passes through a clearing before re-entering the woods. It then goes through a break in a chain-link fence and turns left, leaving Nike Overlook Park and entering Clausland Mountain Park.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

From Nike Overlook Park, the White Trail descends through Clausland Mountain Park, following long, looping switchbacks that wind through a mix of open clearings and shaded forest. The trail provides a peaceful, wooded route, with occasional glimpses of old fence lines. Its gradual downhill course makes for an easy, scenic return through the quiet woods.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

Along the White Trail, hikers will encounter a number of interesting boulders and low stone walls scattered throughout the woods. These features add character to the landscape, hinting at the area’s natural history and past human activity.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

The White Trail also crosses several small streams, which can be easily hopped over. They provide a chance to pause and enjoy the gentle sounds of flowing water. These crossings add variety to the hike and highlight the quiet, natural beauty of the forest.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

After about 2 miles, the White Trail ends at a junction with the Long Path. Turn right, cross Clausland Mountain Road, and continue back to the Tackamack Park parking lot, where the hike began.

White Trail – Clausland Mountain Park

Review:

This loop hike offers a rewarding mix of history, nature, and solitude, making it a hidden gem in Rockland County. Starting from Tackamack Park, the trail winds through quiet woods, gentle streams, and scenic clearings, with long switchbacks providing a comfortable climb and descent. Along the way, hikers can explore remnants of Cold War history at Nike Overlook Park on the summit of Mount Nebo. The combination of interesting boulders, low stone walls, and peaceful stream crossings adds variety and charm, while the lightly traveled trails ensure a sense of tranquility. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a moderate hike away from the crowds, this route offers a unique and memorable experience.

Pros:

Cold War era history, Long Path, well marked trails, little foot traffic, scenic landscape.

Cons:

Some road noise becomes noticeable along the White Trail as it approaches nearby streets.

Take a hike!

Mt. Nebo Loop from Tackamack Park

Sources:

Herrick Preserve Loop

Posted on January 13, 2026

January 11, 2026 – Sherman, Connecticut

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3.5 miles

Max elevation: 863 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 600 ft.

Map: Herrick Preserve Trail Map

Parking: 38 Evans Hill Rd, Sherman, CT 06784

Limited roadside parking – No restrooms on site

Hours: Open Daily, Sunrise – Sunset

Overview:

Herrick Preserve is a quiet, wooded nature preserve in Sherman, Connecticut, offering hikers a peaceful escape into classic New England landscape. Managed by the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy, the preserve protects rolling forest, stone walls, vernal pools, and rocky outcrops.

Herrick Preserve

Encompassing about 185 acres of mixed hardwood and hemlock forest, it offers well-marked trails that climb to scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River valley. Its gentle-to-moderate terrain, natural beauty, and connection to nearby Appalachian Trail sections make Herrick Preserve a favorite spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the region’s unspoiled character.

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Preserve

Housatonic Overlook – Herrick Preserve

History:

Herrick Preserve exists thanks to the long-term conservation efforts of the Naromi Land Trust, a local nonprofit founded in 1968 to protect Sherman’s natural landscapes and rural character. Over the decades, members of the Herrick family donated key parcels of forestland—including the core area around today’s trailhead—beginning with a gift of roughly 60 acres in the 1970’s and followed by additional acreage as recently as the late 2010’s. These donations ensured permanent public access and strengthened trail connections to the Appalachian Trail.

A significant 2017 donation from the Herrick family added road frontage, guaranteed public access to the preserve, and further linked the trust’s land with federally protected Appalachian Trail lands.

In 2020, the Naromi Land Trust merged with the Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust to form the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy (NCLC), which now stewards Herrick Preserve along with many other protected natural areas throughout the region.

Trails Overview:

Herrick Preserve features a network of well-marked trails that wind through mature hardwood and hemlock forest. The primary route is a moderate 3.5-mile lollipop loop starting at the Evans Hill Road trailhead, with short spur paths leading to scenic overlooks of the Housatonic River Valley. For hikers seeking a longer outing, the preserve connects with the Appalachian Trail, offering extended routes through varied terrain and expansive forest views.

Herrick Preserve

Parking:

The roadside parking area at Herrick Preserve is small, accommodating only several vehicles. Tucked just off the main road, it’s easy to access and clearly marked, providing a straightforward starting point for the trails. A simple kiosk nearby offers maps and information to help hikers plan their route.

Evans Hill Road Trailhead – Herrick Preserve

Hike Overview:

I first stumbled upon Herrick Preserve while scrolling through social media, and something about it immediately caught my eye. The photos hinted at a hidden slice of wilderness, with winding trails weaving through dense forests, sun-dappled clearings, and glimpses of sweeping vistas. It looked like the perfect escape from the hustle of daily life—a place where the quiet hum of nature promised both adventure and tranquility. I knew I had to see it for myself.

Stop to read the information at the kiosk, and if you don’t have a trail map, take a photo of the one on display.

Evans Hill Road Trailhead – Herrick Preserve

Hunting is not allowed within the preserve, but the surrounding lands are privately owned.

Evans Hill Road Trailhead – Herrick Preserve

There were numerous fallen trees throughout the preserve, with a few blocking sections of the trail. None were difficult to navigate around, though some of the blowdowns appeared to be fairly recent.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

There are about a 1/2 dozen small stream crossings on this hike. You can probably jump across most of them or just walk through them as I did.

White Trail – Herrick Preserve

This moderate lollipop loop spans about 3.5 miles and climbs roughly 600 feet, offering a satisfying mix of gentle forest trails, steady climbs, and rewarding viewpoints along the way.

Herrick Preserve Loop

Elevation Profile – Herrick Preserve Loop

The Hike:

Start at the Evans Hill Road trailhead, where a kiosk marks the beginning of the White Trail. The route leads through mixed hardwood and hemlock forest on a well-marked path that gradually climbs in elevation. The footing is mostly natural, with occasional rocks and exposed roots, but the ascent is steady and moderately paced.

Herrick Preserve

Evans Hill Rd Trailhead – Herrick Preserve

White Trail – Herrick Preserve

In about a 1/2 mile, you’ll reach a junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Trail, a spur that leads to a scenic overlook with views of the Housatonic River Valley.

Turn right on Amy’s Lookout Trail

Amy’s Lookout Trail – Herrick Preserve

Amy’s Lookout Trail is a short spur that climbs steeply to a rocky outcrop, with north-facing views over the Housatonic River Valley. It’s a popular spot to pause, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos before returning to the main trail.

Amy’s Lookout Trail – Herrick Preserve

Exercise caution around this rock ledge, especially when wet or icy, as there is a steep drop directly below.

Amy’s Lookout – Herrick Preserve

When you are done admiring the view, retrace your steps back to the White Trail and turn right.

Turn right on White Trail

From the junction with the yellow-blazed Amy’s Lookout Trail, the White Trail continues generally north, with gentle ups and downs on a well-defined wooded path. This section offers a quieter stretch of trail with typical woodland footing—earth, occasional rocks, and exposed roots—without major climbs or obstacles.

White Trail – Herrick Preserve

In another 350 yards or so, the White Trail reaches a junction with the Blue Trail. This will be your return route, but for now continue following the white blazes as they head in a northerly direction, marking the start of the loop portion of the hike.

White Trail – Herrick Preserve

In another half-mile, the White Trail reaches a junction with the northern leg of the Blue Trail. Turn right and follow the white blazes downhill to the Housatonic Overlook. After visiting the overlook, you will return to this junction. The trail to the overlook is clearly marked.

Turn right on White Trail

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Housatonic Overlook offers expansive north- and east-facing views of the Housatonic River and the surrounding forested hills. The open, rocky area provides a clear vantage point, though hikers should exercise caution near the edges. It is the preserve’s most rewarding viewpoint.

Housatonic Overlook – Herrick Preserve

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps back to the junction sign.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

From the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Trail climbs steeply at first before leveling out. Follow the well-marked footpath as it winds southward, providing a quiet, peaceful walk through the preserve. After roughly 350 yards, the trail reaches a junction with the Appalachian Trail. Continue straight to stay on the Blue Trail.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

This sign indicates that the property is protected by a conservation easement that allows access to the Appalachian Trail. Visitors must stay on designated trails, as areas beyond them are privately owned and not open to public use. In short, this is protected land—not public land.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

From the junction with the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Trail begins a gradual descent through pleasant, quiet woods. The trail soon curves southeast, continuing its gentle downhill path, offering a peaceful walk surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

This fallen tree blocked the trail completely, forcing a wide detour around it. A partial blue blaze is still visible on the broken trunk.

Blue Trail – Herrick Preserve

After about a mile from the Housatonic Overlook, the Blue Trail ends at a junction with the White Trail, closing the loop. Turn right on the White Trail, now retracing your steps from the beginning of the hike, and follow the white blazes to the Evans Hill Road Trailhead, where the hike began.

Turn right on White Trail

White Trail – Herrick Preserve

Evans Hill Road Trailhead – Herrick Preserve

Review:

Herrick Preserve offers a peaceful, moderately challenging loop through quiet and scenic woods. Highlights include the Amy’s Lookout Trail, with its stunning views of the Housatonic River Valley, and the Housatonic Overlook, a rocky perch perfect for photos and a rest. Well-marked trails, gentle climbs, and shaded paths make this hike a refreshing escape into nature.

Pros:

Well-marked trails, scenic overlooks, quiet and peaceful woods, not much foot traffic.

Cons:

Limited parking, no restrooms, spotty cell service.

Take a hike!

Herrick Preserve Loop

Sources:

Herrick Preserve

Leon Levy Preserve Outer Loop

Posted on November 11, 2025

November 9, 2025 – South Salem, NY

Difficulty: Easy – moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 764 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 400 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Leon Levy Preserve Trail Map 2021 – Leon Levy Preserve Avenza Map

Trailhead parking: Smith Ridge Rd (NY-123) South Salem, NY 10590

The main entrance and parking lot is on Route 123 (Smith Ridge Road), just south of the intersection with Route 35. A white sign marks the entrance.

There are no restrooms on site, so please plan accordingly.

Overview:

Tucked into the rolling woodlands of the Town of Lewisboro, New York, the Leon Levy Preserve spans nearly 400 acres of forest, ravine, and wetland habitat. Once part of a grand 19th-century estate owned by chemist Dr. James M. Crafts, the land is now a peaceful haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Leon Levy Preserve

The preserve features about five miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest, past quiet wetlands, and along broad, historic carriage roads once used by horse-drawn carriages.

Leon Levy Preserve

Along the way, visitors encounter remnants of the property’s storied past—stone foundations, a towering chimney from Crafts’s former chemistry laboratory, and the moss-covered outlines of an old mansion site.

Laboratory ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

Natural beauty is everywhere here. The Purple Trail meanders through tranquil wetlands alive with frogs and songbirds. In spring and summer, native wildflowers like blue cohosh and purple milkweed brighten the understory, while fall brings an explosion of color that transforms the forest into a glowing canopy of reds and golds.

Purple Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

With its mix of history, ecology, and scenic tranquility, the Leon Levy Preserve is a perfect spot for a half-day hike, a bit of quiet exploration, or simply a walk through one of Westchester’s most atmospheric landscapes.

History:

The Leon Levy Preserve occupies land once owned by Dr. James M. Crafts, a renowned 19th-century chemist and former president of MIT, who established his country estate here in the late 1800’s. Crafts used the property not only as a retreat but also as a site for experimentation, constructing a chemistry research laboratory and an elaborate system of carriage roads that still form the backbone of today’s trail network. After his death, the estate changed hands several times before falling into disuse, leaving behind evocative ruins—stone foundations, a towering chimney, and moss-covered walls that now blend into the surrounding forest.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

In 2005, the Leon Levy Foundation, in partnership with the Town of Lewisboro and the Westchester Land Trust, preserved the land to protect its rich ecology and fascinating past. Today, the preserve serves as both a natural sanctuary and an open-air museum, where history and wilderness coexist in quiet harmony.

Leon Levy Preserve

Want to dig deeper into the preserve’s fascinating past? Click here to learn more.

Trails Overview:

The trail system at Leon Levy Preserve covers about five miles and offers a rewarding mix of easy-to-moderate terrain, scenic highlights, and historical intrigue. The network is designed as a series of color-coded loops and connectors that make it easy to tailor a hike to your interests or time. Many of the trails follow the preserve’s historic carriage roads, wide and gently graded, while others branch off into narrower footpaths that wind through forest, wetland, and rocky upland terrain.

Leon Levy Preserve Trail Map

The numbered junctions throughout the Leon Levy Preserve form an intuitive wayfinding system that helps visitors navigate its network of intersecting trails. Each junction is marked with a number that corresponds to locations on the official trail map, making it easy to track your position and plan your route. This system is especially useful since many of the trails loop and intersect—allowing hikers to customize the length and difficulty of their walk without getting disoriented.

Junction 2 – Leon Levy Preserve

A red blaze over another color blaze indicates that the trail is shared with horses.

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Hike Overview:

I’ve visited the Leon Levy Preserve several times since 2016, and it has evolved a bit over the years. Today, the trails and junctions are clearly marked, and the trail map is more detailed and informative—highlighting points of interest along the way and making it much easier to navigate throughout the preserve.

With rain in the forecast, I wanted to squeeze in a quick hike before the skies opened up. Having explored most of the trails here, I was familiar with the terrain. This route follows various colored trails around the preserve’s perimeter, bypassing some of the interior points of interest, but offering a peaceful loop through quieter sections.

The viewpoints at Leon Levy Preserve aren’t the sweeping vistas one might expect. Instead, they offer modest overlooks of the surrounding landscape, which become even less visible when the trees are in full bloom.

Valley View – Leon Levy Preserve

This counterclockwise loop covers about 3 miles along the preserve’s outer perimeter, mainly on wide carriage roads with occasional narrower footpaths. On our visit, the trails and junctions were clearly marked.

Leon Levy Preserve Outer Loop

The graph below illustrates the modest elevation gain on this loop hike.

Leon Levy Preserve Outer Loop elevation profile

Parking:

Parking is available for free at Leon Levy Preserve. The main lot is on Route 123 (Smith Ridge Road) in South Salem. The spacious parking lot accommodates regular vehicles (and horse trailers). While adequate for normal visits, on very busy days you may want to go early to secure a spot.

Leon Levy Preserve parking lot

The Hike:

This hike begins at the kiosk on the Blue Trail, marked by three blue blazes on a tree. Follow the trail to a T-intersection at a large boulder and turn right. Continue past the steel bollards and head uphill, where the trail soon passes a stone foundation and chimney.

Leon Levy Preserve Trailhead

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

The laboratory ruins of James M. Crafts, a prominent organic chemist known for the “Friedel–Crafts reaction,” served as the fifth president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1897-1900. After his academic tenure, he built his summer estate “Black Mansion” here on a wooded hillside, and among the outbuildings was a dedicated chemistry laboratory. What remains today includes a tall chimney, stone foundation walls, evidence of a flagstone patio and walk-ways.

Laboratory ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

When you’re done exploring the stone ruins, continue uphill on the Blue Trail. Shortly ahead, you’ll reach the site of James Craft’s Reflecting Pool ruins, located just to the left of the trail.

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Reflecting Pool ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

Not much remains of the Reflecting Pool, as it was filled with gravel shortly after the preserve was established in 2005. Today, a bench overlooks the spot where it once stood.

Reflecting Pool ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

When you return to the Blue Trail, turn left, then left again at Junction 2. Follow the Blue Trail a short distance to its junction with the Yellow Trail, and turn right.

Turn left at junction 2

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Turn right on Yellow Trail

Yellow Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Follow the Yellow Trail a short distance to a fork. While the trail continues straight ahead off the asphalt road, turn left and stay on the paved road to reach the ruins of the Black Mansion.

Turn left to remain on asphalt road

Before you lie the stone ruins of the first floor and partial basement of a three-story fieldstone and shingle mansion, once a luxurious summer home heated only by large fireplaces.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

Here’s a glimpse of the mansion in 1973—note the stone columns on the front porch. Only one still stands today.

Black Mansion 1973

The main floor featured several spacious reception rooms, a grand entryway, a paneled library, and a music room with an Aeolian organ. Its ceiling was painted to resemble a blue sky filled with birds. On the second floor, a long hall connected the bedrooms and an art gallery, while the attic offered sweeping views of Long Island Sound.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

Fragments of stone mark where the Black Mansion’s western circular porch once curved gracefully, offering sweeping views of the surrounding grounds.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

The Black Mansion’s circular porch along the western side offered a sweeping, panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Designed for relaxation and entertaining, it curved gracefully from the main structure, allowing residents to enjoy the afternoon sun and the tranquil scenery of the grounds.

Black Mansion undated photo

Today, only fragments of the stone foundation hint at the porch’s elegant curve and former charm.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

The covered porch of the Black Mansion was an elegant feature that wrapped around the front of the home, providing a shaded space to enjoy the outdoors. Supported by sturdy stone columns, the porch offered a grand entrance and a place for summer leisure, blending seamlessly with the mansion’s fieldstone and shingle design. Today, only a single column remains as a silent reminder of the porch’s former grandeur.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

The Black Mansion was renowned for its intricate architectural details, from ornate woodwork to expansive windows that filled the rooms with light. Though much of the structure has vanished, the layout and remaining stonework hint at a home designed for both comfort and impressive social gatherings. A fire on January 28, 1979 destroyed most of the Black Mansion, leaving only its stone walls and ruins to tell the story of its former splendor.

Black Mansion ruins – Leon Levy Preserve

After exploring the Black Mansion ruins, look west for a wooden post marked with a yellow blaze. Follow the Yellow Trail westward for about 250 yards until you reach Junction 5, the start of the Green Trail. From there, follow the green blazes as the trail descends and curves southwest.

Yellow Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Turn right on Green Trail

The Green Trail at the Leon Levy Preserve offers a peaceful, secluded hike that showcases the preserve’s rich natural diversity. Winding through hardwood forests, along wetland edges, and over gentle slopes, the trail highlights the tranquil and restorative side of the preserve.

Green Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

From Junction 5, the Green Trail leads hikers downhill and southwest through peaceful hardwood forests and along gentle slopes. The trail gradually opens to the Valley View overlook.

Valley View – Leon Levy Preserve

Perched above the preserve, Valley View offers a quiet spot to take in sweeping natural scenery and the peaceful forest below.

Valley View – Leon Levy Preserve

From the Valley View overlook, the Green Trail continues downhill, winding through quiet hardwood forests and along gently rolling terrain. After a scenic stretch, the trail reaches Junction 7, where it meets the Purple Trail in the West Valley section of the preserve.

Green Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Veer right on the Purple Trail

Purple Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

From Junction 7, follow the Purple Trail through the West Valley, crossing several wooden footbridges and bog walks that carry you over damp areas. The trail winds through mixed hardwood forests and serene wetlands before reaching the Orange Trail, offering a peaceful and scenic connector through the quieter parts of the preserve.

Purple Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

The Purple Trail concludes at a stone wall marking its junction with the Orange Trail. From here, turn left and follow the Orange Trail as it traces the eastern boundary of the preserve, offering gentle terrain and views of the surrounding forest.

Purple Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Orange Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

The Orange Trail ends at a junction with the Blue Trail. Continue straight on the Blue Trail (do not turn right) for about 140 yards, passing through shaded forest, until you reach the junction with the Yellow Trail.

Orange Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

From the junction with the Blue Trail, follow the Yellow Trail north along the gorge. The trail meanders through forested terrain until you reach the North Gorge Rim Overlook, offering views of the ravine and surrounding woods.

Yellow Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

At the end of the Yellow Trail, turn right onto the Blue Trail. Cross the historic Gorge Stone Bridge, taking a moment to enjoy the view below, then follow the trail as it begins its steady climb up the hillside through shaded forest.

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

The Blue Trail leads hikers through shaded woods and gentle slopes, showcasing the preserve’s serene beauty.

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

From Junction 33, follow the White Trail as it winds downhill through a mix of hardwood forests, moss-covered rocks, and gently rolling terrain. The trail offers occasional glimpses of the wetlands below and the surrounding wooded hills.

Junction 33 – Leon Levy Preserve

White Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Along the White Trail, The forest floor is dotted with ferns, moss-covered rocks, and patches of low shrubs, creating a lush, textured underbrush that adds to the trail’s tranquil, woodland atmosphere.

White Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

At the end of the White Trail, turn right onto the Blue Trail and follow it a short distance back to the parking lot, where your hike began.

Turn right on Blue Trail

Blue Trail – Leon Levy Preserve

Leon Levy Preserve Trailhead

Review:

Leon Levy Preserve offers a peaceful and scenic hiking experience through a mix of quiet forests, and gently rolling hills. The well-marked trails and wide carriage roads make it easy to explore at a relaxed pace, while the sounds of birds and rustling leaves create a calm, natural atmosphere. Historic ruins and stonework add interest along the way, giving the hike a sense of quiet discovery. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to unwind in nature and enjoy a tranquil walk through one of Lewisboro’s most beautiful preserves.

Pros:

Scenic landscape, peaceful forested areas, well-marked trails, historic ruins, gentle elevation changes, seasonal foliage displays.

Cons:

No restroom facilities

Take a hike!

Leon Levy Preserve Outer Loop

Sources:

Swan Lake Loop from Bedford Road – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Posted on November 5, 2025

November 2‎, ‎2025 – Pocantico Hills, NY

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: approximately 4.7 miles

Max elevation: 499 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 300 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Maps: Rockefeller State Park Preserve Trail Map 2023 – Rockefeller State Park Preserve Avenza Map

Trailhead parking: 176-94 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Overview:

Rockefeller State Park Preserve, established in 1983, offers visitors over 55 miles of scenic carriage roads that wind through woodlands, fields, and wetlands once part of the Rockefeller family estate. These historic roads, originally designed for horse-drawn carriages, now provide a peaceful setting for walking, jogging, and horseback riding. The park’s beautifully maintained network of trails showcases the natural beauty and historic charm of the Pocantico Hills landscape.

Barnyard Hill Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Swan Lake, located at the heart of Rockefeller State Park Preserve, is a man-made lake constructed in the early 20th century as part of the Rockefeller family estate’s landscape design. The lake covers roughly 22 acres and was created by damming a tributary of the Pocantico River to enhance the estate’s scenic character and provide a tranquil focal point for the surrounding carriage roads.

Swan Lake – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Trails Overview:

Rockefeller State Park Preserve features over 45 miles of meticulously crafted carriage roads, originally designed by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and Jr. for horse-drawn travel through their Pocantico Hills estate. Built from layers of crushed stone and gravel, these gracefully winding roads now provide walkers, runners, and equestrians with peaceful routes through forests, fields, and rolling countryside. Each road is typically 10 to 12 feet wide, allowing comfortable passage for two carriages side by side.

Greenrock Road Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

The carriage roads at Rockefeller State Park Preserve are not blazed with traditional painted trail markers like those found in many hiking areas. Instead, they’re identified by blue wands corresponding to locations on the official park map.

Farm Meadow Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Because many roads look similar and there are numerous junctions, visitors are encouraged to carry the preserve’s trail map—available at the visitor center, online, or through the Avenza GPS map app—to help with navigation.

Hike Overview:

In 2019, the estate of David Rockefeller made a landmark 346-acre donation to Rockefeller State Park Preserve, marking one of the largest gifts of private land to New York State Parks in recent decades. This land, known as the Hudson Pines Farm property, was part of the Rockefeller family’s historic Pocantico Hills holdings and lies adjacent to the preserve near Bedford Road and Swan Lake.

This hike begins and ends on carriage roads that were once off-limits to the general public. The Pocantico Gate Trail, which starts along Bedford Road near the entrance to Kykuit, the historic Rockefeller estate, serves as a scenic gateway into Rockefeller State Park Preserve. This carriage road connects to others that wind past fenced pastures and shaded woodlands before joining a broader network of trails leading toward Swan Lake and the heart of the preserve.

Swan Lake – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

This easy, clockwise loop circles Swan Lake and includes a short detour to the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture.

Swan Lake Loop from Bedford Road

As shown in the graph below, this hike features only a modest change in elevation.

Swan Lake Loop elevation profile

The Hike:

There is roadside pull-off parking for approximately 12 to 14 vehicles at the Pocantico Gate Trailhead along Bedford Road (Route 448).

Pocantico Gate Trailhead – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Proceed past the gate and continue straight through the four-way intersection, then bear right at the next fork to follow the Barnyard Hill Trail.

Pocantico Gate Trailhead – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Pocantico Gate Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Barnyard Hill Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Heading north on the Barnyard Hill Trail, the path gently rises through open meadows bordered by post-and-wire fencing and clusters of hardwood trees. From the crest, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding farm fields, and with a bit of luck, you may spot dairy cows grazing peacefully in the fenced pastures of this working farm.

Barnyard Hill Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

At the T-intersection, turn right to leave the Barnyard Hill Trail and continue onto the Farm Meadow Trail. This gently descending carriage road is bordered by quiet woodlands on both sides, offering a peaceful and scenic stretch through the preserve.

Farm Meadow Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Follow the Farm Meadow Trail as it heads northeast, continuing straight through two four-way intersections. The route meanders between shady stretches of woodland and wide-open fields, offering a pleasant mix of forest cover and pastoral scenery.

Farm Meadow Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

After about 0.6 mile, the Farm Meadow Trail ends at a junction with Brothers’ Path, which enters from the right. Continue straight to follow Brothers’ Path, a scenic carriage road that loops around Swan Lake. Before long, the trees open up to reveal tranquil views of the shimmering water framed by gently sloping hills.

Veer left to Brothers’ Path

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Swan Lake – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

At the northern end of Swan Lake, bear right to stay close to the shoreline. The path to the left leads toward the park’s main entrance and Visitor Center off Route 117.

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

The carriage road is punctuated on the lakeside by “Rockefeller Teeth,” a row of jagged stones that add a dramatic, natural accent to the tranquil scenery along the shore. Their tooth-like appearance gives them their name.

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

From the northern end of Swan Lake, the view stretches south across calm, reflective waters framed by rolling hills and stately hardwoods. The gently curving shoreline and surrounding carriage roads create a classic Hudson Valley scene—peaceful, picturesque, and beautifully balanced between nature and design.

Swan Lake – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Brothers’ Path bears right and follows the shoreline along the east side of the lake.

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Throughout the year, Swan Lake offers ever-changing views that capture the essence of each season. In autumn, the surrounding hills blaze with shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

Swan Lake – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

A walk along Brothers’ Path on the east side of Swan Lake offers a peaceful, shaded route beneath tall oaks and maples, with frequent glimpses of the shimmering water through the trees. The gentle curves of the carriage road trace the shoreline, providing a serene and picturesque lakeside experience.

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

My understanding is that the New York and Putnam Railroad, nicknamed the Old Put, originally ran along this route. Around 1930–31, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had the tracks removed from his Pocantico Hills property and relocated them through the Saw Mill River Valley, along the eastern edge of the Rockefeller estate. The project, which cost an estimated $1 million, significantly reduced the railroad’s intrusion through the family’s private lands.

Brothers’ Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

As Brothers’ Path curves right along the southern edge of Swan Lake, continue straight to join the Greenrock Road Trail. This wide carriage road stretches beneath a canopy of towering oaks and maples, offering tranquil woodland scenery and occasional views of the surrounding hills.

Greenrock Road Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Along this stretch of the old railroad bed, the trail passes through rock cuts, where the stone was carved away to make way for the original rail line, now serving as a striking reminder of the area’s transportation history.

Greenrock Road Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Along the way, you may spot cows grazing peacefully in the fenced pastures, adding to the pastoral charm of the surrounding farmland.

Greenrock Road Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

If you’d like to take a detour to Stone Barns, turn left onto the Stone Barns Path and follow it uphill, bearing left at the forks and watching for signs along the way. The detour adds roughly half a mile, depending on how much exploring you do at Stone Barns. I hadn’t been there in a few years, so I decided to pay a visit. If you choose to skip this side trip, simply continue straight on Greenrock Road to return to Bedford Road.

Turn left on Stone Barns Path

Stone Barns Path – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

We wanted to see the farm animals, so we walked past the greenhouses and Visitor Center, then turned left after passing the main Stone Barns complex. From there, we continued toward the red-roofed barns, where the farm animals are housed.

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

On this day, only a few goats and some chickens were out and about. A farm worker mentioned that there were no pigs at the moment, though I spotted at least three of them foraging in the woods as we were leaving the complex—perhaps a few curious escapees.

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

From this high point, views of the new Tappan Zee Bridge and the distant Palisades emerge above the treetops, offering a scenic glimpse beyond the rolling hills of Stone Barns.

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

When you’ve finished exploring the Stone Barns complex, retrace your steps to Greenrock Road and turn left. Continue along Greenrock Road for approximately one-third of a mile.

Greenrock Road Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

At the three-way intersection, take the middle trail, which is the Pocantico Gate Trail. Follow it a short distance back to the parking area on Bedford Road, where your hike began.

Pocantico Gate Trail – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Review:

With its well-maintained carriage roads, minimal elevation change, and exceptional scenery, this loop is ideal for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers seeking a peaceful escape just minutes from Tarrytown.

Pros:

Historic carriage roads, beautiful Swan Lake views, relatively easy navigation, picturesque landscapes, minimal elevation gain.

Cons:

No restrooms, benches, or water sources near the Bedford Road access point. The area around Swan Lake is popular with walkers, joggers, and photographers, and can become quite busy on pleasant days.

Sources:

Bannerman Island – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Posted on October 11, 2025

October 5, 2025 – Beacon, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508

Admission to the island for the Cruise & Walking Tour is $45 per adult.

The Cruise & Walking Tour is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional Friday evening departures as well, during the May–October season.

Overview:

Pollepel Island, more commonly known as Bannerman Island, is a small, rocky isle located in the Hudson River near Beacon, New York.

Bannerman Island as viewed from Storm King Mountain

Steeped in history and legend, the island has long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its most iconic feature is the dramatic ruins of Bannerman Castle, a castle-like arsenal built in the early 1900’s by Francis Bannerman VI to store surplus military goods. The striking structure, designed to resemble a Scottish castle, stands as a romantic and haunting reminder of the island’s industrial past.

Bannerman Island 1926

In addition to the castle ruins, the island features a former family residence, formal gardens, and various support buildings—all set against the rugged natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands. Panoramic views from the island showcase the surrounding mountains, including Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, as well as sweeping vistas north toward the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Bannerman Island

Looking north – Bannerman Island

Today, Pollepel Island is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, with access managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which offers tours, events, and preservation programs that help keep the island’s unique history alive.

Tours Of The Island:

Tours of Bannerman Island offer a rare and captivating opportunity to explore one of the Hudson River’s most intriguing historic landmarks. Accessible only by boat, the island is home to the striking ruins of Bannerman’s Castle—an early 20th-century arsenal built by military surplus dealer Francis Bannerman—as well as Crag Inch Lodge, the Bannerman family’s summer residence.

Bannerman Island Tours

In addition, the Bannerman Castle Trust also offers specialty experiences, such as self-guided tours with live music, kayak trips, and theatrical performances during the summer season. All tours require moderate physical ability—visitors must climb 72 steps from the dock and navigate uneven trails. While the island’s rugged beauty and dramatic ruins make for a memorable visit, the tours are as much about storytelling as sightseeing, bringing to life the legacy of Francis Bannerman, the rise and fall of his “castle,” and the mystery that still clings to this tiny, storied island in the Hudson.

Cruise & Walking Tour:

The most popular tour departs from the Beacon waterfront aboard the Estuary Steward. This 30-minute cruise offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the island’s iconic castle ruins.

East Hudson Highlands

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Along the way, visitors learn about the island’s military, architectural, and personal histories, as well as ongoing preservation efforts.

Once ashore, guests embark on a guided walking tour through the castle grounds, gardens, and the partially restored residence. that lasts about 45 minutes, exploring the island’s key sites—including the dramatic remains of the Bannerman arsenal, the Bannerman family’s summer residence (Crag Inch Lodge), terraced gardens, and restored pathways. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories of Francis Bannerman’s eccentric life, the military surplus empire he built, and the castle’s mysterious decline. The tour combines history, architecture, and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience, perfect for day-trippers, history buffs, and curious explorers alike.

After the guided walking tour, visitors have about 45 minutes to explore the island on their own—arguably the best part of the experience. With around 43 people on the tour, it was a welcome relief to break away from the group and wander the rocky terrain alone, taking photographs without interruption.

Parking:

Parking near Red Flynn Drive in Beacon, NY, is conveniently located for those attending the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour. The primary docking point for the tour is at 2 Red Flynn Drive, directly across from the Metro-North Train Station. Visitors can park along Red Flynn Drive or utilize the nearby Metro-North Train Station parking lot, which offers free parking on weekends

Red Flynn Drive – Beacon, NY

For those arriving by car, it’s advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure ample time for parking and boarding. The dock is situated on the Hudson River, providing a scenic and convenient starting point for the tour.

Beacon Dock

Historical Marker – Beacon Dock

The scenery around Beacon Dock is a beautiful blend of natural and urban charm. Nestled along the Hudson River, the dock offers stunning panoramic views of the river and the Hudson Highlands, with rolling hills and lush forests framing the water.

Beacon Harbor

The Sloop Woody Guthrie is a traditionally rigged wooden sailboat operated by the Beacon Sloop Club, offering free public sails on the Hudson River to promote environmental awareness and river stewardship. Named after the legendary folk singer and activist, the boat is often seen docked near Beacon’s waterfront.

The Sloop Woody Guthrie – Beacon Harbor

Cormorants are large, dark waterbirds commonly seen along the Hudson River, often perched with their wings outstretched to dry.

Cormorant – Beacon Harbor

The combination of serene waterfront views and the vibrant town atmosphere makes the area around the dock both relaxing and picturesque, an ideal starting point for a cruise to Bannerman Island.

The Boat Ride:

The departure for the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour begins at the Beacon dock, located just steps from the Beacon Metro-North train station, making it easily accessible by car or public transit.

Visitors board the Estuary Steward, a comfortable passenger boat operated by the Bannerman Castle Trust, for a 30-minute scenic cruise along the Hudson River.

Estuary Steward

As the boat heads south toward Pollepel Island, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands, with forested cliffs, winding shorelines, and glimpses of historic landmarks along the way.

East Hudson Highlands

From the Hudson River, the view of North and South Beacon Mountains is breathtaking. The twin peaks rising steeply from the river’s edge, their forested slopes shifting in color with the seasons and crowned by the historic Mount Beacon fire tower, which stands like a sentinel over the valley below.

North & South Beacon Mountains

During the ride, guides often provide background on the region’s natural and cultural history, offering insight into the strategic significance of the river and the mysterious allure of Bannerman Island.

Bannerman Island

As the boat nears the island, the castle’s crumbling turrets and stone walls come into view, rising dramatically above the trees—an unforgettable sight that sets the tone for the tour ahead. The ride is smooth and relaxing, making it a fitting prelude to the more adventurous walking portion of the visit.

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Amenities on Bannerman Island:

Overall, the island is geared toward short, daytime visits, emphasizing history, nature, and preservation over comfort or commercialism. Visitors are encouraged to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. There is no potable water on the island, so plan accordingly.

Bannerman Island is equipped with composting toilets, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional restrooms that reflects the island’s commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. These dry toilets operate without water or plumbing, using natural decomposition and ventilation systems to safely break down waste over time. Housed in a small wooden outbuilding, they are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Note that there is no running water on the island.

Restrooms – Bannerman Island

The deck near the dock on Bannerman Island serves as the primary arrival and gathering spot for visitors stepping off the boat. This modest but functional wooden platform provides a place to orient guests before tours begin. The decks are constructed with wooden planks and bordered with simple railings, designed to blend into the landscape without detracting from the historic surroundings. Benches and resting spots are placed at intervals, especially near scenic viewpoints like the patio decks.

wooden deck – Bannerman Island

On Bannerman Island, several of the main walkways are paved paths with wooden railings, thoughtfully designed to provide safe and accessible routes through uneven or elevated terrain. Other paths are more rustic, winding through wooded areas and open spaces, with occasional roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces—so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Walkway – Bannerman Island

Marked trails lead visitors through the island’s key sites, including the castle ruins, gardens, scenic overlooks, and Crag Inch Lodge. Some areas may be roped off or fenced due to structural instability or restoration work.

Trail Marker – Bannerman Island

Bannerman Island:

Upon arrival at Bannerman Island, the boat docks at a small landing on the island’s northern shore, where visitors disembark to begin the land portion of the tour.

Bannerman Island

From the dock, guests climb a wooden staircase of 72 steps to reach the main trailhead leading into the heart of the island, where they are greeted by two brick and stucco columns—remnants of the original formal entrance to the estate. Built in the early 1900’s, these weathered pillars once supported an iron gate and served as a symbolic welcome to the Bannerman family’s summer retreat. Their design echoes the island’s unique architectural style, offering a first glimpse into the blend of function and fantasy that defines Bannerman’s legacy.

Bannerman Island

As you reach the top, the first clear view of the castle ruins appears—weathered, towering, and partly hidden among the trees.

Bannerman Island Arsenal

A guide then leads the group along gravel and dirt paths, weaving through historic structures, terraced gardens, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, visitors hear stories of the Bannerman family’s life on the island, the construction and tragic decline of the arsenal, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this unusual piece of Hudson River history. The experience is immersive and atmospheric, with each turn revealing new perspectives of both nature and architecture.

Bannerman Island

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Bannerman Island

Crag Inch Lodge is perched near the southern end of Bannerman Island, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Highlands. Built in the early 20th century by Francis Bannerman VI, the lodge served as a modest yet charming residence, in contrast to the imposing, armory-style castle constructed to store surplus military goods. Inspired by Scottish baronial architecture, Crag Inch Lodge reflects the Bannerman family’s heritage. Its name—“Crag Inch”—is a nod to Bannerman’s Scottish roots, with “crag” meaning rocky cliff and “inch” meaning island.

Crag Inch Lodge

Today, Crag Inch Lodge stands as one of the last remaining habitable structures on Bannerman Island, its weathered stucco walls bearing witness to more than a century of history. From its patio, visitors can look south through the Wey-Gat—the narrow, dramatic passage between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain—once considered a natural gateway to New York’s interior. More than just a relic of the Bannerman era, the lodge offers a rare and striking vantage point to experience the Hudson River’s natural beauty and historical significance.

Crag Inch Lodge

From the patio of Crag Inch Lodge, the view to the south reveals a wide, glimmering expanse of the Hudson River, framed by forested hills that fade into the distance. This stretch of river, nestled between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, is known as Wey-Gat—Dutch for “Wind Gate.” The name refers to the northern narrows of the Hudson Highlands, where the two mountains form a dramatic gateway through which the river flows.

View south from Crag Inch Lodge

The main living area included a fireplace for warmth on cooler evenings, with windows strategically placed to frame views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands. Furnishings were modest and practical, consistent with the Bannerman family’s utilitarian needs while staying on the island. Over time, the lodge weathered exposure to the elements, and while much of the original interior detail has worn away, some historic features remain, such as fragments of the original plasterwork, wood framing, and traces of the original hearth.

Crag Inch Lodge

The interior of Crag Inch Lodge reflects the rustic charm and modest elegance of an early 20th-century island retreat. Originally designed as a summer residence for the Bannerman family, the lodge featured simple yet sturdy construction, in keeping with the rugged setting of Bannerman Island. The layout was compact but functional, with cozy rooms finished in wood and stone, designed more for comfort than opulence.

Crag Inch Lodge

Today, Crag Inch Lodge is not fully restored but serves as a preserved structure that offers a glimpse into the domestic side of life on Bannerman Island—far removed from the grandeur of the castle armory. Efforts by the Bannerman Castle Trust have helped stabilize and protect the building, making it a meaningful stop on guided tours of the island.

Crag Inch Lodge

Inside, you’ll find interpretive displays, photographs, and historical information that offer insight into the Bannerman family’s life on the island. It functions as an informal museum—more of a historic site with curated exhibits than a full-scale museum.

Crag Inch Lodge

Once the guided portion of the tour ends, you’re given about 45 minutes to explore the island on your own. I found this part of the visit the most enjoyable. I spent the time walking the marked trails, some of which were roped off in places due to structural instability or restoration work. Still, I was able to reach some of the more remote and quiet corners of the island.

Bannerman Island

Looking north from Bannerman Island, the Hudson River winds gracefully between forested shores and historic rail lines, framed on both sides by the majestic Hudson Highlands.

Looking north – Bannerman Island

As you make your way to the highest point on the island, you’ll come across a triangulation station marker set in the middle of the trail. A triangulation station marker (or “trig point”) is a permanently placed survey mark used to establish a precise horizontal position for map-making and land surveys, typically marked by a disk with a small triangle. These markers form networks for accurate geodetic control and are often accompanied by reference marks—disks with arrows pointing to the main station—to help re-establish the station’s position if it’s disturbed or lost.

Bannerman Island

The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names currently list Pollepel Island as the preferred name, with “Polypus Island” as a historical or variant name.

triangulation station marker – Bannerman Island

Looking south from Bannerman Island, the Hudson River winds between the dramatic cliffs of Breakneck Ridge and the forested slopes of Storm King Mountain, creating one of the most breathtaking vistas in the Hudson Highlands.

View south – Bannerman Island

Some of the rougher paths are equipped with steel railings to help visitors navigate the rocky terrain more safely.

Trail – Bannerman Island

The dirt trails on Bannerman Island are narrow, rustic paths that wind through the island’s rugged terrain, connecting key points of interest like the castle ruins, gardens, and scenic overlooks. These trails follow the island’s natural topography, often passing through rocky outcrops, shaded groves, and areas with sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands.

Trail – Bannerman Island

The breakwater ruins at Bannerman Island are the remnants of a protective barrier built to shield the island’s harbor from strong currents and ice flows on the Hudson River. Originally constructed in the early 1900’s as part of the island’s use as a military surplus storage facility, the breakwater was made of stone and concrete, designed to create a calm docking area for transporting goods to and from the island.

Today, what’s left of the breakwater can still be seen jutting out from the shoreline — a skeletal, partially submerged structure that hints at the island’s industrial past. Though weathered by time and river conditions, the ruins remain a striking feature of the island’s waterfront, adding to its sense of mystery and historic decay.

Breakwater – Bannerman Island

Looking up at Crag Inch Lodge from the south side of Bannerman Island, just below the grotto, you’re greeted by a striking view of the lodge’s façade rising above the rocky shoreline. From this vantage point, the lodge appears perched like a sentinel overlooking the Hudson River. The surrounding natural landscape—jagged rocks, dense trees, and the gentle curve of the island’s contours—frames the building, highlighting its secluded and almost castle-like presence amid the rugged terrain.

South side of Bannerman Island

The grotto on the south side of Bannerman Island is a charming and somewhat hidden natural feature that adds to the island’s mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Nestled along the rocky shoreline, the grotto is a small, sheltered cave-like recess formed by the rugged cliffs and rock formations that line the southern edge of the island.

Grotto – Bannerman Island

Touring Bannerman Island is a memorable experience—part history lesson, part scenic adventure. As you explore the castle ruins, quiet trails, and riverfront views, the island unfolds like a forgotten chapter of the Hudson Valley, full of mystery, beauty, and unexpected charm.

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour

I came for the crumbling castle, and stayed for the surprisingly enthusiastic history lesson.

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour

Sources:

Everett Cave

Posted on September 17, 2025

September 10, 2025 – Bennington, Vermont

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 1.2 miles

Max elevation: 1,100 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 200 ft.

Route type: Lollipop-Loop

Map: Bennington Area Trail System – BATS

Trailhead parking: Mountaineer Athletic Center – Mansion Dr, Bennington, VT 05201

Ample parking available at Mountaineer Athletic Center.

Overview:

Tucked away in the scenic beauty of Bennington, Vermont, Everett Cave offers a captivating blend of natural wonder and outdoor exploration. Known for its striking rock formations, multiple chambers, and the tranquil sound of dripping water, the cave provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

One of its most praised features is its accessibility, with the cave reachable via a short hike. It’s ideal for casual hikers looking for adventure without extensive preparation. Though the trail includes a short steep section, the effort is well rewarded once you’re at the cave.

It is recommended to wear sturdy footwear and bring a strong flashlight or lantern, as the cave’s interior is pitch black. If you dare to venture inside, you might spot bats and get an up-close look at fascinating geological features.

Often described as a hidden gem of Southern Vermont, Everett Cave is a rewarding destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy a unique outdoor experience.

History:

Everett Cave is a natural limestone cave formed through a solutional process, where water dissolves the surrounding rock. It is located on the former Southern Vermont College campus in Bennington, Vermont. Known for its striking underground formations, the cave is accessible via the Bennington Area Trail System (BATS). Although detailed historical records are limited, the cave’s origins trace back millions of years to ancient seabeds. Over time, it became a popular landmark along the college’s trail network.

Everett Cave

The property was originally the estate of Edward Hamlin Everett, known as The Orchards, who purchased 500 acres from the John Holden estate in 1910. In 1926, it was acquired by the St. Joseph Business School, which became St. Joseph College in 1962 and then Southern Vermont College (SVC) in 1974. SVC closed at the end of the academic year in May 2019. Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) purchased the 371-acre former SVC campus in late December 2020.

Mount Anthony, standing at 2,346 feet, overlooks the Bennington Monument and serves as a scenic backdrop to the Town of Bennington.

Mount Anthony

According to unverified reports, Everett Cave is one of five caves on the mountain and it’s not the largest. The cave features a short entrance passage leading to a main chamber, a small side room, and a climb to three smaller rooms—two of which are typically filled with water for much of the year.

Trails Overview:

The Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) is a network of multi-use trails on the wooded slopes of Mount Anthony, just south of downtown Bennington, Vermont. Winding through the Green Mountains, the trails offer diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Highlights include scenic views, open meadows, forested switchbacks, and connections to other BATS trails across Mount Anthony, along with access to natural and historic landmarks.

BATS Trail Map

The network of trails through the meadows consists of mowed paths without navigation markings. These paths are maintained by SVHC. In the woods however, trails are marked with colored blazes and signposts at junctions, and are maintained by BATS.

Fieldhouse Trail

Cave Trail

Parking:

The parking area at the Mountaineer Athletic Center/Fieldhouse serves as a trailhead for the BATS trails, including the Cave Trail leading to Everett Cave. The Mansion Drive lot (next to the Fieldhouse) is currently one of the permitted public access points and offers the shortest route to Everett Cave.

Mansion Drive Trailhead

The parking lot is large, so finding a parking space shouldn’t be a problem.

Mansion Drive Trailhead

Hike Overview:

I was traveling to the Bennington area for some sightseeing and came across an easily accessible, fascinating cave that I wanted to check out. To avoid aimlessly wandering through the woods like I have on past explorations, I did some research to find its exact location. I do the legwork so you don’t have to.

There’s a lot of outdated information about the trails and parking since SVC closed and new owners took over. However, the trails are still accessible, and parking is available at the Mountaineer Athletic Center/Fieldhouse on Mansion Drive.

This is a beautiful hike, with the cave being the highlight. However, the viewpoint we visited was also quite impressive. Overall, it’s an easy trail, with the only steep section being the approach to the cave. With a network of trails crisscrossing the fields in all directions, I used Gaia GPS to help navigate.

This is a short hike that can be extended using the BATS trail network. The goal of this trail report is to guide you to the cave—and as a bonus, to a great viewpoint. With more time, I would have explored additional trails.

The Hike:

Head to the right side of the Mountaineer Athletic Center/Fieldhouse and walk around to the back of the building. Look for the “Fieldhouse Trail” and follow the mowed path west toward the tree line.

Parking for Everett Cave

A fine view from the parking lot.

View from the parking lot.

Mountaineer Athletic Center/Fieldhouse

Fieldhouse Trail

Once you enter the woods, you’ll reach a T-intersection with a yellow-blazed trail—this is the Cave Trail. Turn right (north) and follow the narrow footpath a short distance to a fork.

Cave Trail

Although the yellow-blazed trail continues straight, take the left fork and follow the trail as it climbs steeply uphill via switchbacks.

Turn left on Everett Cave Spur Trail

Everett Cave Spur Trail

The trail ends a short distance ahead, near the entrance to Everett Cave. If you plan to enter the cave, use extreme caution. I only went in briefly before hearing unsettling noises from inside.

Everett Cave

You have to bend down—and, depending on your height, you may even need to crawl—through a short entrance passage to reach the main room. At that point, I heard strange noises coming from inside the cave, so I decided not to go any farther.

Everett Cave

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps back to the Cave Trail and turn right (south). Walk past the junction with the Fieldhouse Trail.

Carriage Path

At the four-way intersection, continue straight on the yellow-blazed trail.

Carriage Path

Most of these trails were originally built as logging roads to help the Everett family collect and transport fuel for their wood-burning furnaces.

Carriage Path

A short distance ahead, a trail to the left leads to a small pond and the Valley of Vermont Overlook, offering views to the north, east, and southeast. Take a moment to enjoy the view.

Valley of Vermont Overlook

When you are ready to continue, proceed ahead on the mowed path which heads northeast across the field. You can see the red roof of the Fieldhouse down below.

Valley of Vermont Overlook

We took the right fork, but both paths lead back to the parking lot. Neither of these two mowed paths appear on the current trail map.

Hayfield Trail

Soon, you’ll reach a T-intersection with the Hayfield Trail. Turn right and follow the trail downhill, back to the parking lot, where the hike began.

Hayfield Trail

Review:

A short, but sweet hike with fabulous views and of course a cave. I would have liked to explore the cave a bit more, but after hearing some noises coming from inside, I wasn’t going to stick my head in there.

Pros:

Everett Cave, gorgeous views, scenic landscape.

Cons:

None.

Take a hike!

Everett Cave

Scott Tower

Posted on September 14, 2025

September 10, 2025 – Holyoke, Massachusetts

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 2 miles

Max elevation: 679 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 211 ft.

Route type: Lollipop-Loop

Map: No Map Available

Trailhead parking: Community Field Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040

Ample parking and restrooms are available at Community Field.

Overview:

Scott Tower, officially known as the Walter Scott Memorial Tower, is a 56-foot stone structure located in Anniversary Hill Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Built in 1940 as a public works project, the tower was constructed using stone quarried directly from the hill on which it stands. It was named in honor of Colonel Walter Scott (1861-1935), the original owner and donor of the land.

Scott Tower

Designed as both a scenic overlook and a symbol of community pride, the tower offers panoramic views from its observation platform, accessible via a spiral staircase.

Scott Tower

Visitors reach the tower by following a paved, one-mile path through a wooded area, making it a popular destination for hikers, history buffs, and locals seeking a quiet escape.

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

During the 1940’s, the site was further developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which added trails and footbridges to improve public access. However, since the 2000’s, the tower has suffered from neglect, including graffiti and vandalism, raising concerns about its preservation.

History:

Originally known as “Crafts Hill,” Anniversary Hill Park in Holyoke was established between 1923 and 1939 to commemorate the City’s 50th anniversary. It became a popular destination for recreation, featuring stonework and Scott Tower, built in the 1940’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Scott Tower – circa 1940’s

However, the park declined after the 1960’s when I-91 split the landscape, isolating Scott Tower and limiting access. While nearby Community Field was revitalized in 2010, the larger park remained underused.

In 2020, Kestrel Land Trust partnered with the City to protect 14 forested acres near Scott Tower, reconnecting and expanding parklands. In 2024, invasive brush was cleared, views were restored, and a new, accessible entrance with parking and a gravel path was created west of I-91.

Future plans include adding community amenities, restoring historic stonework, and managing graffiti—revitalizing the park as a welcoming space for all.

Trails Overview:

The main route to Scott Tower is an old paved road open only to foot traffic. Several dirt footpaths branch off from it, but we did not explore them. Currently, no trail map is available for the area.

The image below is a map layer from Gaia GPS, showing some or all of the available trails and paths.

Anniversary Hill Park

Hike Overview:

Scott Tower had been on my list of places to visit for years. During a recent road trip to Vermont, I decided to take a short detour to stretch my legs and finally see this historic landmark.

The walk to the tower is a relatively easy uphill climb along a paved road. While there are no signs or markers along the way, simply following the road toward the highest point will get you there.

The spiral staircase inside the tower is partially damaged—some steps are missing or unstable—and it’s quite dark as you ascend. I recommend bringing a small flashlight for safety.

In the past, the area around Scott Tower had a reputation for illegal activity, including graffiti, litter, and drug use. However, the park has seen significant cleanup efforts in recent years. Still, as it’s a secluded spot, it’s wise to remain cautious during your visit.

This simple lollipop loop starts at Community Field and follows a paved road, passing under both the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 91 before reaching the tower and returning.

Scott Tower – Anniversary Hill Park

I saw a sign near the restrooms warning that bears have been spotted throughout the park, so be “Bear Aware.”

As shown in the graph below, the elevation gain is minimal.

elevation profile – Scott Tower

There is ample parking available at Community Field where there are restrooms available.

Community Field parking lot

The Hike:

From the northwestern end of the Community Field parking lot, proceed along the paved road past the gate. This is Scott Tower Road (as labeled on Google Maps), which passes beneath both the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 91.

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

Follow the paved road uphill. Shortly, it curves to the right, passing an old stone wall and a stone staircase on the left.

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

Old stone staircase – Scott Tower Road

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

When you reach a fork in the road with the communication towers visible ahead on the right, either path will lead you to the tower. The left fork is the quicker route. We took the right fork because we weren’t sure which way to go. This marks the beginning of the loop portion of the hike.

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

If you’re taking the longer route (bearing right at the fork), when the paved section ends, continue straight onto the gravel road. Shortly after, turn left at a junction marked by a rock.

Scott Tower Loop Road – Anniversary Hill Park

Turn left for Scott Tower

Follow the road uphill for a short distance until you reach the base of Scott Tower.

Scott Tower Loop Road – Anniversary Hill Park

Though undeniably tall, the tower doesn’t dominate its surroundings. It stands on a walled platform, with an entrance framed by pillars made of native stone. These pillars support a wide balcony, ten feet above the ground. Inside, 68 steps spiral upward to a small lookout post offering a sweeping, 360-degree view of the lower Valley—from Mt. Tom all the way to Hartford.

Scott Tower

In 1960, the construction of Interstate 91 cut through Anniversary Hill Park, separating part of the park, including the tower, and reducing accessibility. As access declined over the following decades, public use of the tower and its surroundings also diminished.

Scott Tower

Watch your step while climbing the spiral staircase, some steps are cracked or missing. The stairwell is also quite dark.

Scott Tower

The lower level of the tower.

Scott Tower

The second level of Scott Tower.

Scott Tower

Scott Tower offers scenic views of the city and the Connecticut River Valley. It stands on land that was once part of Holyoke’s largest and most impressive city park, originally opened in 1923 to commemorate the city’s 50th anniversary.

Scott Tower

Over the years, the trees have grown, obscuring the 360° views that were once visible from the top of the tower. However, there are still glimpses. During leaf-off season, the views are probably much better.

Scott Tower

Graffiti, vandalism, and neglect have damaged the historic tower, which once offered past generations a hiking area and a unique view of the Connecticut River Valley.

Scott Tower

In the 1970’s, at least one cleanup effort, part of the ‘Legacy of Parks’ conservation program, was undertaken to remove graffiti.

Scott Tower

On December 11, 1941, shortly after the park was completed, Holyoke’s volunteer air raid observation post was relocated to the top of Scott Tower. Standing over 550 feet above sea level, the tower offered a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal lookout for potential air attacks. City officials worked with the Army and the American Legion to establish a camp at the site.

Scott Tower

When you’re ready to continue, take the paved road that begins parallel to the one you came up, to begin your descent.

Scott Tower Loop Road – Anniversary Hill Park

At the intersection with Scott Tower Road, turn right and follow the paved road downhill, retracing your steps back to the parking area where the hike began.

Turn right on Scott Tower Road

Scott Tower Road – Anniversary Hill Park

Review:

A short and easy walk along a mostly paved road, but the tower and its history make it a worthwhile destination. I wish I’d had more time to explore the surrounding trails, but it was definitely worth the visit.

Pros:

Scott Tower, some views, historical features, seclusion.

Cons:

No trail map or informational signage.

Take a hike!

Scott Tower

Sources:

Poet’s Seat Tower – Rocky Mountain Park

Posted on September 13, 2025

September 12, 2025 – Greenfield, Massachusetts

Parking: 70 Mountain Road, Greenfield, MA 01301

No restrooms or visitor facilities on-site

Overview:

Poet’s Seat Tower is a 46-foot sandstone observation tower atop Rocky Mountain in Greenfield, Massachusetts, standing about 515 feet above sea level.

Poet’s Seat Tower

The original Poet’s Seat Tower was a wooden structure built in 1877. It stood on a scenic bluff now known as Rocky Mountain Park, overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. The site was long associated with poets and writers who were drawn to its sweeping vistas and tranquil atmosphere — hence the name “Poet’s Seat.”

Poet’s Seat Tower – Rocky Mountain Park

The first tower was a simple wooden lookout constructed by local residents to commemorate Frederick Goddard Tuckerman (1821–1873), a reclusive 19th-century poet from Greenfield who often visited the spot for inspiration. Tuckerman’s friends and admirers dedicated the tower in his honor, recognizing both his literary legacy and his connection to the landscape.

Original Poet’s Seat Tower

That original wooden tower stood for several decades before deteriorating. That original wooden tower stood for several decades before deteriorating. It was eventually replaced by the current sandstone tower, which still stands today and serves as a beloved local landmark.

Built in 1912 to replace the earlier wooden tower from 1877, it honors the area’s long association with poets—most notably Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, who drew inspiration from the scenic overlook in the 19th century.

Poet’s Seat Tower

From the top, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley, the Pocumtuck Range, and the surrounding hilltowns—especially stunning during autumn when the landscape blazes with color.

View southwest – Poet’s Seat Tower

View west – Poet’s Seat Tower

The tower’s rustic stone construction and crenellated top give it the look of a small medieval fortress, a fitting tribute to the romantic spirit of the poets who once admired the same view.

Poet’s Seat Tower

In 1977, Poet’s Seat Tower underwent a major restoration to preserve its structure and historic charm. Funded by the town of Greenfield, the Bicentennial Commission, and local civic groups, the project included repointing the sandstone exterior, repairing the spiral staircase, and reinforcing the tower’s interior with new steel and cement work.

Poet’s Seat Tower

Inside Poet’s Seat Tower, a short flight of straight iron steps leads upward from the ground floor to the two interior upper levels, where a spiral iron staircase continues to the open observation deck.

Poet’s Seat Tower

The interior features rough sandstone walls and arched window openings that let in natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape. Reinforced with steel and concrete during the 1970’s restoration, the tower’s interior remains sturdy yet retains its historic character, guiding visitors upward to the open observation deck and its sweeping vistas.

Poet’s Seat Tower

The tower is open to the public year-round, and parking is available nearby, making it an easy stop for scenic vistas and a taste of local history. Along with its literary connections, the site offers picnic spots and walking trails, adding to its appeal as a peaceful getaway.

Poet’s Seat Tower

Rocky Mountain Park in Greenfield, Massachusetts, is a scenic public preserve that stretches along a forested ridgeline above the Connecticut River Valley. Centered around Poet’s Seat Tower, the park features wooded trails, rocky cliffs, and open ledges that offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s one of Greenfield’s most beloved outdoor destinations, blending natural beauty with local history.

Rocky Mountain Park

The park’s network of trails winds through oak and pine forests, connecting scenic overlooks such as High Ledge and Beacon Field below. Visitors can hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the views from the tower and its surrounding stone benches. The area has long been a place of inspiration—once visited by 19th-century poets like Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, and later preserved by local citizens who valued its rugged charm and panoramic vistas.

Rocky Mountain Park

Rocky Mountain Park has roughly 2 to 3 miles of interconnected trails that wind along the ridgeline and surrounding woodland. These trails vary from gentle paths near Beacon Field to steeper, more rugged sections that climb toward Poet’s Seat Tower and other rocky overlooks. Many visitors extend their walk by linking to nearby green spaces and town trails, creating longer loop options around Greenfield’s hillside parks.

Sources:

Lost City Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Posted on September 3, 2025

August 31, 2025 – Gardiner, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 1,224 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 610 ft.

Route type: Lollipop-Loop

Map: Shawangunk Trails Map #105

Fee: $15.00 day hiking fee (Non-Member) – Purchase Membership

Trailhead parking: Mohonk Preserve Coxing Trailhead – Gardiner, NY 12525

Please note: The Coxing Trailhead is Mohonk Preserve’s smallest parking lot and fills VERY early on peak weekends. On summer and fall weekends, arrive early to ensure a parking space.

Overview:

Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York State, encompassing over 8,000 acres of protected land in the scenic Shawangunk Ridge near New Paltz, about 90 miles north of New York City. Mohonk Preserve offers more than 70 miles of trails and carriage roads used for hiking, trail running, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

It is also a world-renowned destination for rock climbing. “The Gunks” (Shawangunk Mountains), is one of the oldest climbing areas in the U.S.

Shawangunk Conglomerate is a tough, silica-cemented rock made of quartz pebbles and sand, formed over 400 million years ago. Its durability shapes the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge and provides a unique landscape for hikers, nature lovers, and climbers alike. Visually, the rock appears as a light gray or white matrix embedded with rounded quartz pebbles.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

The “Gunks,” as they are affectionately known, are part of a 245 mile long ridge that runs from New York to Pennsylvania, forming a spectacular and rare landscape. Miles of Victorian-era carriageways and backwoods trails allow nearly limitless exploration of places of extraordinary scenic beauty.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

The Lost City Escarpment Trail is the highlight of this hike. It is a relatively newly blazed trail which was constructed sometime between 2018 and 2020. It travels through varied terrain along the Dickie Barre cliffs, with almost constant views of both the Lost City below and the surrounding countryside.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

History:

The area’s human history traces back to early 19th-century settlers like the Enderly family. They homesteaded along Coxing Kill, operating a water-powered sawmill beginning in 1801, leaving behind stone walls and a family graveyard near the Coxing Trailhead.

Established in 1869 by the Smiley brothers, the Mohonk Mountain House resort laid the foundation for a legacy of conservation in the region. To protect the surrounding natural landscape, the Mohonk Trust was created in 1963, eventually evolving into Mohonk Preserve Inc. in 1978. In recognition of their historical and environmental significance, both the Mohonk Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Trails Overview:

High Peters Kill Trail ~

This blue-blazed footpath connects Mohonk Preserve (via Coxing Trailhead) with Minnewaska State Park. The trail features a mix of terrain: forested sections, rocky ledges, narrow cliffside paths, water crossings, and ridgeline traverses. The High Peters Kill Trail serves as a connector within the broader network of trails spanning Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Whether you’re looking for a short loop or an extended hike across the Gunks, this trail offers a solid starting point.

High Peters Kill Trail – Coxing Trailhead

Kings Lane ~

This yellow blazed trail is a historic and scenic hiking route that offers a glimpse into the region’s past. Originally an old woods road used for transporting materials like conglomerate to be made into grindstones, the trail now serves as a path for hikers and rock climbers. It begins at a junction with the High Peterskill Trail and continues uphill through a forested area. The trail leads to the Lost City, a notable rock climbing area featuring dramatic cliffs and panoramic views.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

Lost City Escarpment Trail ~

The Lost City Escarpment Trail is a relatively newly marked footpath known for its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and panoramic views. It features unique rock formations and offers a mix of moderate to challenging terrain. The impressive glacially-formed cliffs and crevices resemble a “Lost City” skyline, offering a unique and visually striking landscape. Hikers can navigate through boulder-strewn areas, ascending to panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley, especially breathtaking during the fall foliage season.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

These three trails make up the Lost City Loop. All three trails are well marked and easy to follow.

Hike Overview:

This scenic hike through the Lost City and Dickie Barre area features well-marked, rocky trails that wind through rugged terrain. The route offers wide-ranging views of the valley below and the surrounding hills, making it a rewarding journey for hikers. The trail through the Lost City, with its unique rock formations, add a sense of adventure and discovery to the experience.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

The Coxing Trailhead is Mohonk Preserve’s smallest parking lot and fills to capacity VERY early on peak weekends. On summer and fall weekends, arrive early to ensure a parking space.

To access the land you need to have a current membership or pay a day use fee.

Coxing Trailhead – Mohonk Preserve

The last time that I hiked this area was in 2018. At the time, the Lost City Escarpment Trail was not marked. I decided to pay it a return visit to check it out. We explored the crevices on our last visit, but this time we just hiked the trails in order to document the Lost City Escarpment Trail as a loop. If you wish to explore the crevices of the Lost City, you may do so at your own risk.

This moderate loop on well marked trails was done counterclockwise, starting at the Coxing Trailhead.

Lost City Loop

Although this is a moderate hike, it does have numerous ups and downs, and there is one spot where you will have to crawl through.

elevation profile – Lost City Loop

Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and challenging in spots.

The Hike:

This hike begins at the southern end of the Coxing parking area by a kiosk, where three blue blazes mark the start of the High Peters Kill Trail. You’ll be following the High Peters Kill Trail for about .35 mile (this trail is also the route of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, with its logo markers appearing at junctions and other locations along the way).

High Peters Kill Trail – Coxing Trailhead

The High Peters Kill Trail follows a woods road, passing the Enderly Burial Ground on the right. It then crosses a wet area on a boardwalk and continues through a Hemlock forest. After crossing a stream on a wooden bridge, the trail begins a gentle climb, paralleling the stream for a short distance. It then crosses the stream on rocks and bears right, away from the stream.

Enderly Burial Ground – Mohonk Preserve

High Peters Kill Trail – Mohonk Preserve

Soon, you’ll come to a junction with the yellow-blazed King’s Lane Trail, which continues straight ahead. Leave the blue blazed trail and follow the yellow blazes. This is the start of the loop. You will return to this spot on the blue trail.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

If you plan to explore the crevices, look for side trails on the left that lead to the base of the cliffs. Otherwise, continue following the old road as it climbs the hillside, first somewhat steeply, then the grade moderates as it passes an impressive line of cliffs used by rock climbers. This is the “Lost City,” a faulted section of Coxing Clove, which has canyon like fissures in the towering rock outcrops.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

Originally, this road was used to haul conglomerate stone to create grindstones. Today, it’s been repurposed as a hiking trail that passes by the cliffs of the Lost City.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

The towering cliffs of the Lost City can be seen through the trees.

King’s Lane – Mohonk Preserve

Soon, King’s Lane ends where the Lost City Escarpment Trail begins. You will have to navigate through a boulder-strewn area to gain the ridge. Follow the yellow blazes as they climb the hill and turns left to reach the ridge.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

Once on the ridge, the trail follows the edge of the Dickie Barre cliffs and views open up of the surrounding area.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

As the trail heads in a westerly direction, it comes extremely close to the edge of the cliffs. Extreme caution should be excercised. You will have a good vantage point of the Lost City below as you walk the trail.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

The trail alternately veers away from and returns to the cliff line, offering nearly continuous views.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

Looking south, to the left of the narrow notch is The Trapps and Millbrook Mountain is on the right. Through the notch, across the Walkill Valley, the Catskill Mountains are visible on a clear day.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

To the east, Skytop Tower sits at 1,253 feet above sea level, atop Mohonk Mountain.

View of Skytop Tower atop Mohonk Mountain from Lost City Escarpment Trail

Continue heading west on the Lost City Escarpment Trail, enjoying the scenic ridge walk. At times you will encounter short spur paths that lead to views.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

Here, you will have to crawl through. It is larger than it appears.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

After about 3/4 of a mile of ridge walking, the Lost City Escarpment Trail enters Minnewaska State Park. Continue following the yellow blazes along the edge of the cliffs. A short distance later, the trail comes to a wide ranging viewpoint which makes a nice spot to take a break. You have now traveled about 1.4 miles.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Mohonk Preserve

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

The steep, vertical rock face of the Dickie Barre cliffs.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Looking east. The highpoint, just right of center, is Mohonk Mountain with Skytop Tower at its summit.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

The Lost City Escarpment Trail ends at a T-intersection with the blue-blazed High Peters Kill Trail.

Lost City Escarpment Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Turn left at the junction and follow the blue blazes as the trail descends steeply, passing large rock formations along the way.

High Peters Kill Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Soon, the High Peters Kill Trail re-enters Mohonk Preserve. Continue following the blue blazes as the trail continues to descend.

High Peters Kill Trail – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

High Peters Kill Trail – Mohonk Preserve

After almost a 1/2 mile from where you began on the blue trail, you will pass the junction with King’s Lane. Bear right to continue on blue, now retracing your steps from the beginning of the hike, and returning back to the parking lot, where the hike began.

Review:

This is a really great hike in The Gunks. It’s one of the shorter loop hikes that can be done at Mohonk Preserve, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can take anyone of the connesting trails to lengthen the hike. On most nice weekends, Mohonk is swarming with people, but we only saw a few hikers during our visit.

Pros:

Lost City, Dickie Barre cliffs, well marked trails, scenic landscape, scenic views.

Cons:

Parking lot fills up early.

Take a hike!

Lost City Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Sources:

Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Loop – Norvin Green State Forest

Posted on August 26, 2025

August 24, 2025 – Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 1,116 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 620 ft.

Route type: Figure-Eight Loop

Buy Maps (Paper & Avenza): Northern New Jersey Highlands (Combined Map)

Free Web Map: Norvin Green State Forest Trail Map 2023

Trailhead parking: 582 Glenwild Ave, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403

Small dirt parking lot for approximately 10-12 cars – No bathrooms on site

Park Overview:

Norvin Green State Forest spans approximately 5,416 acres in Passaic County, New Jersey, near Bloomingdale and Ringwood, adjacent to the Wanaque Reservoir. The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain is part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area. The Park is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads. The existing trails, either old forest roads or new trails constructed by volunteers, are perfect for those looking for moderate to strenuous hikes.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

With hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, Norvin Green provides the avid hiker with scenic vistas, including the New York skyline, Burnt Meadow Brook and Lake Sonoma.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.

Norvin Green State Forest – Otter Hole Trailhead

History:

Norvin Green State Forest was named for Norvin Hewitt Green, the grandson of Ringwood Manor owner Abram S. Hewitt, who donated the land in 1946 to the State of New Jersey to expand Ringwood State Park. It was later designated as Norvin Green State Forest.

Trails Overview:

This Figure-Eight Loop follows two trails, the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail and the red-blazed Torne Trail. Both trails are relatively well blazed, but there were several instances where I briefly lost the Blue Trail and had to double back. Both trails are extremely rocky with some exposed roots. And in several places you may have to use both your hands and feet.

On this hike, the Hewitt-Butler Trail (2.1 miles) crosses Glenwild Avenue and traverses the southern portion of Norvin Green via Torne Mountain and Osio Rock, before terminating by a small stream at the southern base of Osio Rock.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Osio Rock

The red-blazed Torne Trail (.75 mile) begins at the terminus of the Hewitt-Butler Trail and heads north, splitting Torne Mountain and Osio Rock. There is a short section where the trail climbs over jumbled boulders.

Torne Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

Trails in this park are maintained by volunteers through the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

Hike Overview:

The parking lot is small, holding about 10-12 cars. This lot fills up early most weekends and an early start is essential. We arrived at the trailhead at about 8am on a Sunday morning and there were about 2 spaces left. When we returned after the hike, the lot was full.

Otter Hole parking lot – Norvin Green State Forest

This hike is surprisingly rugged with some steep sections, rocky trails, open rock slabs and some minor scrambling. The trails are mostly shaded except for the areas around the viewpoints which are exposed. This seems to be a lesser used area of Norvin Green as we did not encounter any hikers during our time there.

There is a bailout option after descending Torne Mountain. Instead of climbing to Osio Rock, turn left at the junction with the red-blazed Torne Trail which will lead you back to Glenwild Ave.

The trail traverses over open rock and there are ankle-breaker type rocks and exposed roots throughout. Probably not a good hike to do if the ground is wet. A good pair of durable hiking boots and trekking poles are recommended.

This Figure-Eight Loop climbs Torne Mountain in a counterclockwise direction, descends, then climbs Osio Rock before descending to meet the red-blazed Torne Trail at its southern end and returning north, back to the start.

Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Loop – Norvin Green State Forest

The graph below shows the ups and downs of this hike. There is a total elevation gain of approximately 620 feet, but it felt like more.

Elevation Profile – Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Loop

The Hike:

From the Otter Hole parking lot, cross the road diagonally to the left to the trailhead next to a road sign, “Begin 700 Passaic County.” Start following the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail as it ascends on a rocky footpath and curves to the right, paralleling the road for a bit.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

The trail soon dips down and after about 350 yards, the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail comes to a junction with the red-blazed Torne Trail, which begins on the left. The Red Trail is your return route, and the paved road that you crossed at the start of the hike can be seen through the trees on the right. Continue following the blue blazes as it ascends Torne Mountain over a rocky trail surface.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

At the top of the rise, the Hewitt-Butler Trail reaches an open area marked by a cairn, then ducks back into the woods briefly before coming out at another open area. Look to your left for a faint footpath on the left that leads to the Stone Living Room. It’s easier to spot the Stone Living Room during leaf-off season.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

Stone Living Room – Torne Mountain

After checking out the Stone Living Room, retrace your steps back to the main trail, turn left and continue following the blue blazes in a southerly direction. As you continue, the trail soon reaches the height of land and views begin to appear.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

When you arrive at this junction, it is up to you to decide which way to go. We chose the “Alternate & Easier Route.” Both trails meet up farther down. It’s still steep in spots but not a straight shot over rock slabs like the black-dot-on-blue blazed trail.

Bear left to remain on the Hewitt-Butler Trail

As the Hewitt-Butler Trail descends, it is slightly overgrown in this area and becomes harder to follow. I had to consult my Avenza Maps app a few times to get back on the right track. The trail essentially zig-zags down the hill and at times can be a bit hard to determine in some spots.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

In a short distance, the Hewitt-Butler Trail comes to the best viewpoint (in my opinion) on this hike.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

As the trail leaves the viewpoint, it makes a hard right and descends just below the viewpoint. This turn is easy to miss.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

Soon the trail descends more steeply, passing the other end of the black-dot-on-blue blazed trail then reaches a junction with the red-blazed Torne Trail.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Torne Mountain

When you reach the rock pictured below, you have hiked just over a mile. If you want to cut this hike short, turn left and follow the red blazes back towards the parking lot. To continue on, remain on the Blue Trail as it ascends somewhat steeply to the summit of Osio Rock.

Junction of Hewitt-Butler and Torne Trails

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Osio Rock

When you reach the open summit of Osio Rock, there are views over the surrounding mountains with the Wanaque Reservoir visible in the distance.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Osio Rock

Continue following the blue blazes by scrambling down the other side of Osio Rock. There are more views as the trail heads downhill.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Osio Rock

After about 3/4 of a mile from the junction with the Red Trail, the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail ends at the southern end of the red-blazed Torne Trail alongside a small stream.

Terminus of Hewitt-Butler Trail – Osio Rock

Start of Torne Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

Turn right and follow the red blazes along a relatively level route. Soon the grade steepens and the trail becomes more rocky and root filled. This trail travels the saddle between Torne Mountain and Osio Rock.

Torne Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

After passing the junction with the Hewitt-Butler Trail, there is a short section where you’ll have to scramble up through some large rocks and boulders.

Torne Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

The Torne Trail soon reaches its high point then descends gradually.

Torne Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

After about 3/4 of a mile (before reaching the paved road), turn right on the blue-blazed Hewitt-Butler Trail, now retracing your steps. Follow the blue blazes for about a 1/4 mile, back to the parking lot, where the hike began.

Hewitt-Butler Trail – Norvin Green State Forest

Otter Hole parking lot – Norvin Green State Forest

Review:

This is a really nice hike through a lesser used area of Norvin Green State Forest. The trails are rocky throughout and there are large rock formations that the trail climbs over or around. The views are nice, but the solitude made it a worthwhile hike. The trails are mostly shaded with the exception of the open rock summits. There are a lot of slanted rock slabs that the trails travel over and some jumbled boulders on the Torne Trail to climb over. I wouldn’t recommend this hike if the ground is wet.

Pros:

Nice views, Stone Living Room, well marked trails, interesting rock formations little foot traffic.

Cons:

None.

Take a hike!

Torne Mountain and Osio Rock Loop – Norvin Green State Forest

Sources:

Norvin Green State Forest

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Posted on April 16, 2025

April 13, 2025 – Mendham Township, New Jersey

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3.4 miles

Max elevation: 829 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 500 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Map: No accurate or current map available

Trailhead parking: East Main St., Mendham Township, NJ 07945

No fees for parking or hiking.

Overview:

Named for the two streams that run through it, Dismal Harmony Natural Area is characterized by a combination of thick forests, lush wetlands, and steep slopes.

Dismal Brook

In addition to the natural landscape, there are numerous points of interests to see and explore.

Stone cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Legend Rock – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Boy Scout cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

This Mendham Township Open Space offers 146 acres of woodlands with several hiking trails of various difficulty levels. This natural area provides a tranquil environment for individuals to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

History:

Dismal Harmony Natural Area was acquired in 1967 through the contributions of residents, and with the help of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. It was the first natural area to be established in Mendham Township. The original 77 acres have been expanded to the present 146 acres. The park is named for the two streams that flow through the property: Dismal Brook and Harmony Brook. The origin of the name “Dismal” is unknown. Harmony Brook was probably named for the village of Harmony, which was the source of the stream. The village was settled about 1750 in the area now covered by Clyde Potts Reservoir and was destroyed when the reservoir was filled in the early 1930’s. The two brooks powered several 18th and 19th century mills in the downtown Brookside area, formerly known as Water Street. Remains of stone walls from the farming era are evident throughout the property, as well as millponds and millraces. Dismal harmony Natural Area is bordered to the east by 198 acres of woods and streams donated to the Morris County Park Commission by the Badenhausen family. This beautiful natural area now comprises 344 acres.

Legend Rock ~

Henry Clark, a Scotsman who came to the area in 1727, was one of the earliest settlers of the property. In 1750, he built a dam and sawmill at the head of Dismal Brook. Just west of Dismal Brook, on a steep hill, they spotted the native Lenni Lenape down in the Dismal Valley hunting and gathering in the forest. Afraid that the Lenape were hostile natives and fearing for their lives, the small party quickly took refuge in the cave-like crags of the rock until the danger had passed. As the others slept inside, Henry Clark kept watch all night long with his gun by his side.

Parking and Restrooms:

There are no restrooms on site so prepare accordingly.

The gravel parking lot on East Main Street can accomodate about 8-10 vehicles. There were four vehicles when we arrived shortly after 9am and almost full when we returned just before noon.

Dismal Harmony Natural Area Parking

There are four access points (Patriots’ Path connects to all of them):
East Main Street (where we started);
Tingle Road at intersection with Washington Valley Road;
at the end of Stoney Hill Road; and
at the bend on Woodland Terrace.

Trails Overview:

The trail maps available are fragmented with no trail names/blaze colors making it almost impossible to determine what connects to what. All of the trail maps that I have seen, that do show blaze colors, don’t correspond to the actual colors of the blazes on the trails. Trails are well marked, but there a numerous intersections, especially those marked in yellow, which could make navigating the trails a bit confusing.

I used the Gaia GPS app with the Gaia Topo (feet) map layer to better navigate the trails. It shows most if not all of the trails on the property and was quite helpful in locating Legend Rock. Those who are not confident of their route-finding ability may want to choose another hike.

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Near the beginning of the hike, I took a wrong turn, and walked nearly a half mile down the wrong end of the Pink Trail, all uphill. My hiking partner was not thrilled. From that point on, I frequently consulted the Gaia GPS app, especially at the multitude of intersections along the way.

The Yellow Trail can be confusing to say the least. It seems like every turn or junction along its route are marked by three yellow blazes, which signifies the start or end of the trail. In a few spots, the Yellow Trail goes in different directions. Using the Gaia GPS app saved me from walking in circles.

Yellow Trail – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Yes boys and girls, even an expert navigator such as myself can take a wrong turn now and then. Or as I like to say “taking the scenic route.”

The Patriots’ Path, which extends some 20 miles across Morris County, was developed by the Morris County Park Commission and follows a generally east-west route from its entrance into Mendham Township in Lewis Morris Park near Sunrise Lake. Much of the route through the Mendhams follows the right-of-way of the Rockaway Valley Railroad, abandoned in 1913, and for the most part is hard-packed gravel with gentle slopes. Maps are available from the Morris County Park Commission.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Hike Overview:

After seeing some posts on Social Media about this place, I decided to pay it a visit. I was hesitant in the past because there is not much information available online and the trail maps are not much help. I saw that someone posted the track of their hike with the point of interests marked and labeled. I knew that by knowing the general vicinity of the POI’s, I could probably find them.

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The first bump below is the wrong turn. The mileage and elevation gain from the wrong turn has been deducted from this hike report.

elevation profile – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The Hike:

From the parking area, follow the white-blazed Patriots’ Path as it heads north on a footpath parallel to the cascading Dismal Brook. After crossing two wooden footbridges over tributary streams, the trail moves away from the brook, climbing gradually on a woods road.

Dismal Harmony Natural Area Trailhead

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

In about half a mile, you’ll come to a T-intersection with a gravel road. Turn left to continue on the Patriots’ Path, which once again closely parallels the brook, now below on the left.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

This gravel road is actually an old rail bed. Rockaway Valley Railroad, informally known as the “Rock-A-Bye Baby.” The Rockaway Valley Railroad (RVRR) ceased operation in 1914 and was abandoned in 1917. Much of the old railbed is now the route of the Patriots’ Path.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

A short distance beyond, the trail bears left and crosses a wooden bridge over Dismal Brook. It immediately turns right onto a woods road and continues to parallel the brook, now on the right. Just ahead, the trail bears left onto a footpath to avoid a wet section of the road, which it soon rejoins.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Dismal Brook

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

A short distance ahead, the woods road followed by the Patriots’ Path bears left and heads uphill, continuing to run parallel to the brook. In about 1,000 feet from the wooden footbridge you just crossed, look to your left, up on the hillside, for the ruins of an old stone cabin.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

A faint footpath leads to these interesting stone ruins.

Stone cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The stone cabin ruins, was a cabin restored by the Badenhausens. The cabin had heat and hot water, a bathroom, kitchen, and livingroom with fireplace. It was destroyed by a large tree that fell on it.

Stone cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

When you are done exploring the cabin ruins, return to the Patriots’ Path and turn left. Soon you’ll come to a junction marked by a huge cairn. Here, the Patriots’ Path bears left, but you should proceed ahead on a pink-blazed trail, which begins here. The trail continues north, parallel to the brook, climbing gradually. Several unmarked side trails on the right lead down to beautiful cascades in the brook.

Bear right on Pink Trail

Pink Trail – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

About a mile from the start of the hike, turn left on a yellow-blazed trail as it turns sharply left, away from the brook, and begins to climb rather steeply. This turn is easy to miss so stay alert.

Turn left on Yellow Trail

Yellow Trail – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

After a short, relatively level section, you’ll reach a T-intersection, where the yellow blazes lead both ways. Turn right, then bear left a short distance ahead, continuing to follow the yellow blazes which lead to a huge boulder known as Legend Rock.

Yellow Trail – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Legend Rock – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The story goes that, in the 1700’s, Scottish settlers hid from the Native Americans by crawling into cracks in this rock formation. Although there is a sheer face on the east side of the rock, it can be easily climbed from the west side.

Legend Rock – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The top of Legend Rock.

Legend Rock – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

After exploring this interesting feature, continue southeast on the Yellow Trail as it climbs to the height of land, about 829 feet above sea level. This ridgeline is known as Blueberry Ridge. There are views through the trees (during leaf-off season) of Clyde Potts Reservoir and the surrounding area.

Yellow Trail – Bluberry Ridge

Soon, the Yellow Trail descends, steeply at times, into the valley below. In about 0.3 mile from Legend Rock, the trail comes to a T-intersection. Turn left here as the Patriots’ Path joins the Yellow Trail from the right. Almost directly across from this junction is a stone fireplace. You may want to stop here and explore these ruins.

Yellow Trail – Bluberry Ridge

Yellow Trail – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The remains of a 1937 Boy Scout cabin that was called Camp Swastika. It was originally built of Chestnut trees from the area. In the 1960’s it was completely restored by local young people using the original foundation and fireplace. A few of the logs were used for an outhouse.

Boy Scout cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

This cabin was later destroyed by fire and replaced with a log Adirondack shelter, once again using part of the original foundation and fireplace.

Boy Scout cabin ruins – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

The trail now begins to head southwest. You may see sporadic yellow and white blazes in this section.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

In about a 1,000 feet from the last junction (where the fireplace is), The trail reaches another T-intersection, marked by a rock cairn and a bench. Turn left here and continue following yellow/white blazes.

Turn left at the junction

A short distance later as the Yellow Trail turns left, continue straight ahead past the rock cairn to continue following the white blazes of the Patriots’ Path, which descends steeply on switchbacks.

Continue straight

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

At the base of the descent, when you reach Dismal Brook, turn right to remain on the Patriots’ Path. You are now retracing your steps from earlier in the hike.

Bear right

Follow the white blazes with Dismal Brook on your left until you reach the footbridge.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Dismal Brook

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Turn left, crossing the footbridge over Dismal Brook then turn right. Follow the Patriots’ Path along the old rail bed with Dismal Brook now on your right.

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Bear right at the next junction, cross the two wooden footbridges, and return to the parking lot where the hike began.

Bear right

Patriots’ Path – Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Review:

This is a really good hike that doesn’t seem to get a lot of foot traffic. The woods were quiet with the exception of birds that serenaded us during the entire hike. The trails are well marked, but it still gets a little confusing without an up-to-date trail map. There is plenty to see in this wild and scenic preserve.

Pros:

Quiet area, well marked trails, ruins, Dismal Brook.

Cons:

No accurate trail map.

Take a hike!

Dismal Harmony Natural Area

Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation

Posted on April 3, 2025

March 30, 2025 – Woodland Park, New Jersey

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 3.4 miles

Max elevation: 520 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 350 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Garret Mountain Reservation Map

Trailhead parking: Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

No fees for parking or hiking, just admission to Lambert Castle.

Overview:

Garret Mountain Reservation is a 568-acre park located on First Watchung Mountain in Paterson and Woodland Park and extending into Clifton. Situated more than 500 feet above sea level, it provides sweeping views of northern New Jersey and the New York City skyline. Garret Mountain Reservation is easily one of Passaic County’s most frequented parks. The original landscape was designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers Firm.

Garret Mountain Reservation

This beautiful park, operated by the Passaic County Parks Department, the park includes an equestrian center, athletic fields, fishing, picnic grounds, jogging paths, and trails for cross country skiing, hiking and running.

Lambert Castle and Lambert Tower, two of Passaic County’s historic sites, are also located within Garret Mountain Reservation.

Lambert Castle

Lambert Tower – Garret Mountain Reservation

History:

The rocks themselves are over 190 million years old, part of lava flows that created the Watchung Mountains that run roughly north-south in northeastern New Jersey. You can see exposed basalt in many places with the marks of a glacier’s passing over the basalt, both smoothing it but also cutting grooves (striations) into the stone.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Before contact with Europeans, the native populations used the mountain (also known as Garret Rock) and traces of their lives can be found in artifacts and even drawings made on some rocky surfaces.

The Watchung Mountains were an important observation post for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. After the Civil War, two of Paterson’s mill owners purchased land atop the Mountain. Catholina Lambert purchased land on the northeast corner of the mountain and built Belle Vista as his showplace home, now known as Lambert Castle. Lambert Tower was also constructed atop the mountain. Southwest of the land owned by Lambert, the Barbour Flax Mill purchased a stream fed pond, and this pond was used for suppressing fires at its mills on Grand and Spruce Streets. This pond became a place to cut ice as well as a swimming pond for locals.

Barbour’s Pond

By the mid 1920’s Lambert’s property passed to Passaic County and plans were made for a park. By the 1930’s, Barbour’s Pond was also taken over by Passaic County. The combined properties became Garret Mountain Reservation and the land became the location for relief projects for Works Progress Administration (WPA).

Historical Marker – Garret Mountain Reservation

Garret Mountain Reservation was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the landscape architecture firm carried on the work of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed Central Park in New York.

Garret Mountain Reservation opened to the public in 1931.

In 1967, Garret Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark.

Parking and restrooms:

There are at least a half dozen parking areas from you to choose from. All the parking areas provide access to the Yellow Trail. For this particular hike, we parked at the Pat Di Ianni Boathouse aka Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area.

Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area

The parking lot is sizable and can fit a number of vehicles.

Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area

There are comfort stations throughout the park that are open in season. Portable toilets are provided in the parking areas for use during the off season.

Trails Overview:

The Yellow Trail circles around the outer perimeter of Garret Mountain Reservation, and offers several panoramic overlooks. The New York City skyline can be seen from several overlooks along the Yellow Trail on a clear day. This trail is very well marked with yellow blazes.

The White Trail traverses the center of the park and connects at both ends with the Yellow Trail, making additional loop hikes possible. With the exception of the short sections where it overlaps the Yellow Trail, I did not hike this trail.

The Teal section of the paved Park Road is designated for joggers and walkers and loops around the park.

Garret Mountain Reservation Trail Map

Hike Overview:

I did this hike in 2018 and decided it was time for a return visit. Unfortunately, it was quite foggy and overcast on the day of this hike, so the views were very limited. Things have changed within the park, with significant improvements added since I was last here.

This hike was done counterclockwise from the Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area. With the exception of a slight detour at the “Auto Overlook,” the entirety of this hike takes place on the Yellow Trail. This trail is well marked and easy to follow.

Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation

There are numerous ups and downs on this hike, but all relatively short.

Elevation profile – Yellow Trail Loop

The Hike:

From the parking area, follow the paved path downhill towards the southern end of Barbour’s Pond and turn left onto another wide paved path. Continue south along the paved path, passing to the left of the Pat Di Ianni Boathouse. Once behind the boathouse, turn left on the gravel path which is the route of the Yellow Trail, which comes in from the right.

Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area

Pat Di Ianni Boathouse

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

After paralleling a stream on the right, the trail turns left, away from the stream and begins to climb, passing some cliffs on the right. As the trail nears private homes, it climbs slightly, turns left and crosses a small field. The trail then turns sharply to the right, descends the hill, turns left and crosses Park Road.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The trail now runs along a wide gravel road, and in a short distance, the Yellow Trail reaches a junction with the start of the White Trail, which begins straight ahead. TURN RIGHT on the wide gravel road and continue following the yellow blazes.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

In about 250 feet, the gravel road bears left as the Yellow Trail continues straight ahead, climbing an embankment and crossing the paved Park Road again. The Yellow Trail turns right at the entrance to the Garret Mountain Equestrian Center and runs along the road near the edge of the woods.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Just before reaching the park boundary, the yellow blazes turn left, away from the road and ascend into the woods on a footpath. With the access road to the stables visible ahead, the trail bears right and passes between abandoned concrete tank supports.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The Yellow Trail climbs slightly, then descends and turns left and enters the parking area for the Passaic County Mounted Patrol Squad. Here, the trail turns right and begins to run along the ridge of Garret Mountain, with the stables to the left. At the end of the stables, the trail bears left then turns right, continuing along the ridge.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

A Deer carcass near the edge of the cliffs alongside the Yellow Trail.

Deer carcass – Garret Mountain Reservation

A short distance beyond the stables, the Yellow Trail reaches a viewpoint to the east from the edge of the ridge. Clifton, as well as the southern part of Paterson, may be seen directly below, with much of southern Bergen County beyond and the Manhattan skyline visible (on a clear day) in the distance.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The trail continues north along the ridge, passing several more viewpoints.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

A short distance later, Lambert Tower comes into view.

Lambert Tower – Garret Mountain Reservation

Lambert Tower, a 70 foot stone observation tower, was constructed in 1896 by Catholina Lambert. The tower was built on the crest of the cliffs above Lambert Castle, which is visible through the trees below.

Lambert Tower – Garret Mountain Reservation

The grounds around the tower and along the 150-foot sheer cliffs are open to visitors of the Garret Mountain Reservation. Lambert Tower was undergoing renovations and not accessible at the time of this hike.

Lambert Tower – Garret Mountain Reservation

The tower was not open on the day we visited, but the Passaic County Parks website states: It offers stunning views of the area from Bear Mountain NY, to Northern New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge and the New York City skyline all the way to the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and beyond to Sandy Hook, NJ.

Lambert Tower – Garret Mountain Reservation

The Yellow Trail passes to the right of the tower along a stone wall, but on this day we had to walk around the fenced off construction site and walk between the fence and the wall. Just past the tower, the Morris Canal Greenway Trail (marked with canal-boat-logo-on-yellow blazes) joins. Continue to follow both the yellow and the Greenway logo blazes. The crushed stone path at a break in the stone wall leads downhill to Lambert Castle.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

After curving to the right, the trail descends on a rocky path and stone steps, and it briefly parallels the paved park road. About 0.2 mile from the tower, a side trail to the right leads to another expansive viewpoint to the east from the edge of a cliff (we bypassed this since there were no views on this day).

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The trail soon passes a small gravel parking area on the left, follows a footpath into the woods, then emerges onto a grassy field and follows along its right side. A new playground and gazebo are just to the left.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

At the end of the field, the Yellow Trail, together with the Greenway Trail, descend on a footpath to the entrance of the Auto Overlook.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Here, the White Trail and the Greenway Trail leave to the right, as the Yellow Trail continues ahead. Turn right, leaving the Yellow Trail briefly towards the overlook. The overlook affords a panoramic view over downtown Paterson (directly below) and High Mountain to the north.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Auto Overlook – Garret Mountain Reservation

Follow the paved path as it curvers to the left towards Park Road and turn right, rejoining the Yellow Trail, which climbs along the road that leads to Veterans Memorial Point, the site of a communications tower.

Auto Overlook – Garret Mountain Reservation

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Just to the left of the trail is a round stone platform called the “Crow’s Nest.”

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Crow’s Nest – Garret Mountain Reservation

The Yellow Trail continues past the guard rail and turns left, but you may want to take a moment to check out the view from Crow’s Nest.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Crow’s Nest – Garret Mountain Reservation

Lambert Tower in the distance.

Crow’s Nest – Garret Mountain Reservation

When you are ready to continue, retrace your steps to the guardrail barrier and turn left, rejoining the Yellow Trail as it descends into the woods. In about a quarter of a mile, after the White Trail comes in from the right and quickly leaves to the left, the Yellow Trail climbs over a small rise.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The trail then descends, first gradually, then more steeply on switchbacks. At the base of the descent, the trail turns right onto a path, then bears left and crosses the park entrance road. The Yellow Trail then bears right and runs between Mountain Park Road and the treeline.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

The Yellow Trail soon crosses a footbridge and views of Barbour’s Pond begin to appear on the left. The trail continues along the west side of the pond, soon passing over the small cliffs overlooking the pond.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Barbour’s Pond – Garret Mountain Reservation

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Barbour’s Pond – Garret Mountain Reservation

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Barbour’s Pond – Garret Mountain Reservation

The Yellow Trail then joins a gravel road along a short stone wall, and a short distance later, reaches the south end of the pond.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

After crossing another footbridge, the Yellow Trail bears right on a paved path towards the Pat Di Ianni Boathouse. Here, TURN LEFT and follow another paved path across the dam of the pond alongside a black fence, past another gazebo, then climb the stone steps, back to the parking lot, where the hike began.

Yellow Trail – Garret Mountain Reservation

Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area

Barbour’s Pond – Garret Mountain Reservation

Barbour’s Pond Picnic Area

While you are in the area, Lambert Castle is worth a visit. You can take the path down from Lambert Tower to the castle during the hike or you can stop by afterwards. The images below are from 2018.

Lambert Castle

“The Castle,” a well-known landmark in Northern New Jersey, is located on Garret Mountain overlooking the City of Paterson. Once a private residence, the building is fashioned after an English castle. Catholina Lambert, an English immigrant who made his fortune in the silk industry, built the Castle in 1892-93. He named it “Belle Vista.” Many prominent individuals of that era, including President McKinley, visited the Lambert family in their luxurious residence.

Lambert Castle

Lambert’s son, Walter, sold the Castle to the City of Paterson in 1925. The city used the building as a Tuberculosis Hospital for several years. In 1928, the title was transferred to the Passaic County Park Commission as part of Garret Mountain Reservation.

Lambert Castle

The New Jersey and National Registers of Historical Places awarded the Castle Landmark Designation in 1976.

Lambert Castle

Review:

A really nice hike even though there were no views due to the fog. The park’s scenic landscape provides a respite from urban life within a historic and well-maintained park. If you are looking for a backwoods experience, this is not the place. The trails are not far removed from civilization and the park can get crowded on warm days. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the park if hiking is not your thing. Garret Mountain Reservation is worth a visit to see and enjoy all it has to offer.

Pros:

Lambert Castle, stone observation tower, scenic views, lots of birds, pond. The trails were well maintained and easy to follow on the day of my visit.

Cons:

Lambert Tower was not open, can get crowded.

Take a hike!

Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation

Sources:

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

Posted on March 25, 2025

March 23, 2025 – Woodland Park, NJ

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: Approximately 3.5 miles

Max elevation: 562 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 400 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Maps: Rifle Camp Park Trail Map

Trailhead parking: 387 Rifle Camp Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Portable Toilets on site

Overview:

Rifle Camp Park is a 225-acre county park of Passaic County, New Jersey. The park sits on the ridgeline of Garret Mountain, a section of First Watchung Mountain. It is extensively forested, containing only a few open areas. Due to the local geology, large trap rock outcrops are abundant throughout the property. The eastern section of the park consists of nearly vertical basalt cliffs that provide panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park includes about 5 miles of hiking trails.

Rifle Camp Park

History:

The park is named for a Revolutionary War encampment that took place for approximately one week in 1780 in the vicinity of the “Great Notch,” which is now where U.S. Route 46 passes though the ridgeline. Major James Parr’s Rifle Corps were commanded to take a position in the Great Notch to protect the pass and observe British troop movements. This encampment is presumed to have occurred south of the current park property, closer to U.S. Route 46. Although it is impossible to rule out that they used vistas along the eastern edge of the park as lookouts for British troop movements, no evidence has been found that could substantiate this.

From October 9th to October 17th, 1780, Major James Parr’s rifle corps based themselves in the area now known, as Rifle Camp Park. The area also served as a location for General George Washington’s troops to observe British movements during the American Revolution. Washington relied heavily on the protection of the Watchung Mountains, which run from Mahwah in Bergen County to Bound Brook in Somerset County. They offered him ideal vantage points over New York City, which remained under British control for most of the Revolution, while providing an elevated, heavily-wooded, easily defended area for the Continental Army to camp and train.

Historical Marker – Rifle Camp Park

Much of the park property was originally purchased by the County Park Commission in the 1920’s from several individuals and entities along with lands that would be used to develop Garret Mountain Reservation. The newly acquired mountain was divided in half into Garret Mountain Reservation and South Mountain Park (later renamed Rifle Camp Park). The Olmsted Brothers firm developed an interim design for the property in the late 1940’s, and the Park Commission continued land acquisition for full park development through the 1960’s. With the necessary properties acquired, the Park Commission secured the services of Kinsey Associates, a national known park planner, to develop and design a Master Plan for the newly named “Rifle Camp Park” in 1969 with park completion following in 1973.

Trails Overview:

There are 2 marked trails totaling almost 5 miles. The Yellow Trail is listed at 3.2 miles and the Red Trail is listed at 1.5 miles. The two trails overlap in two different sections.

Rifle Camp Park Trail Map

The Yellow Trail for the most part, loops around the perimeter of the park. For a good chunk of that distance, it runs along the fence line….literally.

The Yellow Trail is well marked and easy to follow.

Hike Overview:

This is one of those hikes that I was curious about for some time now. From the images that I have seen online, it looked like a great spot to check out. Some years back, I hiked Garret Mountain Reservation and assumed that Rifle Camp Park would be similar. I was sadly mistaken. Don’t get me wrong, the park is nice, but there are way too many fences! For most of the hike, we walked alongside a fence. There are fences along the edge of the cliffs, along the reservoir and bordering private property. That kind of ruined it for me. Other than that it was a decent hike.

Rifle Camp Park

There are a fair amount of minor ups and downs on the Yellow Trail totalling about 400 feet of elevation gain.

Elevation profile – Rifle Camp Park

Parking:

There are 5 parking lots in Rifle Camp Park. For this hike, we parked all the way up top, by the John Crowley Nature Center. By parking there, we came upon the NYC skyline view almost immediately. That meant the we experienced the best part of the hike right at the beginning. That also meant that the last part of the hike is uphill.

The Hike:

From the southern end of the parking lot, look for a yellow blaze on a tree. Follow the yellow blazes south until it reaches a gravel path that runs parallel to the fence line. Almost immediately views over Clifton and the NYC skyline will appear on the left (on a clear day).

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

NYC skyline from Yellow Trail

View east from Yellow Trail

The Yellow Trail hugs the fence line along the edge of the cliffs, then veers right, away from the fence and proceeds downhill. The Yellow Trail reaches a paved path near a pond and turns left.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail passes a small 1 acre pond on the eastern edge of the property.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The trail runs along the eastern side of the pond, and at about the midway point, the trail turns left and heads uphill on a footpath.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail reaches a black fence, turns right and continues along the fence line with more views to the east.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The townhomes below were built in the area that was once a quarry.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail continues along the fence line with views to the east and south (through the fence). The NYC skyline can be seen in the far distance. Soon, the trail bears right and descends a small hill near the southern end of the Great Notch Reservoir and bears right.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

View east from Yellow Trail

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail climbs a hill along the fence of the reservoir and turns left, hugging the fence. The trail now heads in a northerly direction. Through the trees, if you look to the right, you can see the black fence along the ridge where you walked just a few minutes earlier.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

Great Notch Reservoir

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Great Notch Reservoir was constructed between 1924 and 1938.

Great Notch Reservoir

In a short distance, the trail leaves the fence line and heads northeast through the woods, soon approaching a large rock formation, and heads uphill alongside it. The trail turns right, then a quick left as it passes through a small ravine.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail then levels off as it continues northeast on a wide dirt road. Soon it turns left and is joined by the Red Trail, which comes in from the right.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The coaligned Yellow/Red Trail heads in a northwesterly direction, passing a fitness station and a dog park.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

Dog Park – Rifle Camp Park

The trail turns left by the dog park and proceeds uphill on a paved path. At the top of the rise, the trail reaches a playground area with picnic tables and grills.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail turns left by the picnic tables, as the Red Trail continues ahead. Follow the yellow markers as they head north and soon bear right uphill. As the trail levels off, it soon crosses the main park road, not far from the entrance.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

After crossing the park road, the Yellow Trail turns left, approaches private property, then turns right on a gravel path. Soon, the trail departs the gravel path and heads east along the northern edge of the property, bordered by another fence.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

The Yellow Trail veers away from the fence line briefly before returning to it. As the trail heads uphill, views over the City of Clifton and the NYC skyline appear to the left.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

At the top of the rise, the Yellow Trail turns right and passes by the new nature & environmental center. A short distance later, the Yellow Trail reaches the upper parking lot and turns left, passing through the lot and back to where the hike began.

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

Review:

This is the type of place that I am glad that I hiked, but would probably never return to again. To be honest, it wasn’t worth the 35 minute drive from the Tappan Zee Bridge. The woods were scenic and the cliff top views were nice, but those fences! I appreciate the history of the park and enjoyed the solitude, but those fences! If you are seeking a true hiking experience, this might not be the place for you.

Pros:

Well marked trails, scenic landscape, NYC skyline views, plenty of parking.

Cons:

Too many fences.

Take a hike!

Yellow Trail Loop – Rifle Camp Park

Sources:

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower – Catskill Park

Posted on March 18, 2025

March 15, 2025 – Woodstock, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous

Length: Approximately 5 miles – total elevation gain approximately 1,400 ft.

Route type: Out and Back

Maps: Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail Map – Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Map for Avenza

Trailhead parking: 353 Meads Mountain Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498

Portable Toilets on site

Caution: Overlook Mountain has the highest population of Timber Rattlesnakes in the Catskill Mountains. They can be found anywhere from the parking lots to the summit of Overlook Mountain, and Echo Lake. The road to the summit of Overlook Mtn is very wide, so it is easy to avoid them. Please stay on the designated trails.

Overview:

Overlook Mountain is the southernmost peak of the Catskill Escarpment near Woodstock, NY. The centerpiece of the 590-acre Overlook Mountain Wild Forest area of Catskill Park, the mountain offers a unique combination: a historic fire tower, mountain house ruins, and impressive views of the Hudson River Valley and the central Catskills.

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

Overlook Mountain House ruins

View of Ashokan Reservoir from Overlook Mountain

This is one of the busiest mountains in the Catskills. The summit of Overlook Mountain is one of the top three most visited locations in the Catskill Forest Preserve (after Slide Mountain and North-South Lake). On a typical weekend day in the warm weather, hundreds of hikers will make their way up and down the 2-½ mile gravel road that leads to the summit.

The Overlook Wild Forest is a small part of the Catskill Forest Preserve, but an extraordinary part of American history. The area has long influenced painters, writers and musicians, and played a prominent role in creating America’s perspective on nature and wilderness. It is owned and managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

Meads Mountain Road Trailhead

Parking:

The Overlook Mountain Trailhead, located on Meads Mountain Road, is the most visited trailhead in the southern Catskills. There is room for approximately 15-17 vehicles, depending on how well people park. The parking lot at this trailhead fills up quickly.

Overflow parking is available about a 1/2 mile down the road. The Meads Meadow Trailhead Parking Lot on McDaniel Road opened for public use in 2017. The overflow parking lot is located at 463 Macdaniel Rd, Bearsville, NY 12409 and can accomodate about 30 vehicles.

There is a 1/2-mile foot trail which connects both parking lots, eliminating the need to walk along the shoulder of the road. This connector trail ends near the kiosk, just past the gate of main parking area.

Please keep in mind that parking in the overflow lot will add 1 mile (1/2 mile each way) to the hike described here.

Parking is only available in the designated areas, please observe all posted traffic and parking signs, otherwise your vehicle may be ticketed and/or towed.

Restrooms:

There are portable toilets in the parking lot.

Meads Mountain Road Trailhead

There is also a Privy (outhouse) at the summit behind the Observer’s Cabin.

Privy – Overlook Mountain summit

History:

South Peak, as Overlook Mountain was once known, was described in detail by Charles Lanman in magazine articles and his book Letters of a Landscape Painter published in 1845. Lanman was a great admirer of the artist Thomas Cole (1801–1848) and for some time tried to persuade him to explore the mountain. Although Thomas Cole included the mountain in several of his paintings. It was not until 1846 that he visited, and played a part in replacing the name South Peak with Overlook Mountain. Thomas Cole, as far as is known, was the first person to set down in writing ‘Overlook Mountain’ as the name of the entire mountain.

Cole wrote of the view: “The vast valley of the Hudson lies like a Sea before and beneath you while the base of the mountain on which you stand rises abrupt and definitely from its misty bosom & seems like the prow of a stupendous vessel ploughing the great deep.”

Until the end of his life, Cole was drawn to the upper elevations of the Catskills. It was however, Overlook, to which he returned for a final visit. According to Cole’s biographer, Louis Noble, in The Course of Empire (1858), Cole was aware that he was approaching the end of his life when he chose to hike the Overlook Cliffs in October of 1847: “From this dizzy crag Cole took a long and silent look up and down the beloved valley of the Hudson. He had gazed upon it, from other points unnumbered times, alone and with companions. . . it had filled his heart for years. This was his last look.” Cole died a few months later at the age of 47.

Overlook Mountain House ~

The first of a long series of efforts to build a hotel on the mountain began in 1833; when Overlook Mountain was still known as South Peak or Woodstock Mountain. Nearby was Schue’s Pond, today Echo Lake. James Booth built a horseback – hiking trail that year to what he called a “temporary mountain house,” which he proposed to expand into a large structure, like the popular Catskill Mountain House. However, this venture did not survive the economic turmoil of 1833. Booth was followed by other disappointed Overlook dreamers – William Scobie, Nicholas Elmendorf, Robert Livingston Pell and Isaac N. Secor. Finally, a corporation with large stockholders, William Brinkerhoff (a Woodstock hotel owner) and Charles H. Krack (a summer homeowner who owned a floating bathhouse in New York City), succeeded. The first Overlook Mountain House was built in 1871 by designer and builder Lewis B. Wagonen of Kingston; but by then, the solitude, peace and beauty that had attracted the early visitors was in competition with the bluestone and charcoal industries. Tourism eventually prevailed. By the early 1900’s, Overlook Mountain was well known to the art community and nearby Woodstock’s reputation as an art colony was growing thanks to Ralph Radcliffe Whitehead’s arts and crafts colony Byrdcliffe.

The original Overlook Mountain House accommodated 300 guests by 1873. Destroyed by a chimney fire in 1875, it was rebuilt in 1878 by the Kiersted Brothers of Saugerties. In its early seasons, the Mountain House resembled a sanitarium for lung and tuberculosis patients especially since it was the highest elevation mountain house in the State. Anchored to the mountain by cables, the second mountain house stood three stories high and was 200 feet long. However, between the years 1887 and 1917 it operated irregularly. In 1917 it was sold to financier Morris Newgold, but was again destroyed by fire in 1924. Resurrected in concrete to become a grand hotel, it was never completed, a victim of changing public tastes and the automobile. Since 1940, when it was boarded up, theft, vandalism and the elements have brought it to its present condition.

Fire Tower ~

The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is the newest of the five remaining fire towers in the Catskill Park, having been built in its present location in 1950. The tower closed in 1988 and was reopened in 1999, making it the first tower to re-open to the public in the Catskills. The steel tower offers incredible views of the Hudson River Valley across to the Berkshires, Taconics and Litchfield Hills, the Ashokan Reservoir and the Devil’s Path Range.

The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is a standard 60′ Aermotor LS40 steel tower that was first erected on Gallis Hill in 1927. It was taken down by the Conservation Department and moved to this location in 1950. The tower has been restored as a part of the Catskill Fire Tower Project and appears in the National Historic Lookout Register. The tower sits at the 3,140′ ft. summit. The staircase is open every day at Overlook Mountain Fire Tower. The top cab is open on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day when volunteer summit/fire tower stewards are present on the mountain.

Trail Overview:

Starting at the Overlook Mountain parking area located on Meads Mountain Road, the red-blazed Overlook Spur Trail is a steady climb on an old carriage road that once transported guests in the late 19th century to the Overlook Mountain House and later, to access the fire tower.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

Hike Overview:

I rated this hike as Moderate – Strenuous, but that is subjective. The strenuous part is the first half of the hike that gains 1,400 feet of elevation. The moderate part is that it’s on a wide gravel road which is easier to walk than a footpath, and the second half of the hike is all down hill.

This is a pretty straightforward out-and-back hike on a wide gravel road. It’s almost impossible to get lost, even for the most navigationally challenged hiker. It’s a popular hiking spot so you will see other hikers, especially in warmer weather. The hike described here is about 5 miles round trip.

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

As you can see from the elevation graph below, it’s a steep climb to the fire tower, approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain.

elevation profile – Overlook Mountain

The Hike:

From the back of the parking lot on Meads Mountain Road, proceed past the gate onto the wide gravel road heading northeast on the red-blazed Overlook Spur Trail. The trail markers are scant, but the route is obvious.

Overlook Mountain Trailhead – Meads Mountain Road

Please sign the Trail Register. Trailhead registers are used by the NYSDEC to estimate the amount of public use on State lands and as a guide to assist with management decisions regarding the use of public lands. Knowing how many people use the area determines the need for funding allocations. They also help SAR teams find you if you are lost, and provide a communication forum for hikers of current hazards or warnings.

Overlook Mountain Trailhead – Meads Mountain Road

The trail starts to climb immediately. This trail utilizes the existing gravel road which was constructed for access to the Overlook Mountain House and later, to access the fire tower.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

After almost 2 miles of a steep uphill climb, the skeletal remains of the Overlook Mountain House come into view. You may want to take a little time to explore the massive concrete ruins. Please heed caution around the ruins for loose or falling concrete. There is a high population of Rattlesnakes in and around this area. Watch where you step.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

Owned by New York City hotelier Morris Newgold, He began to make improvements, but the hotel burned down in 1924.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

Newgold decided to rebuild, swearing to create a hotel that would “last the test of time and weather.” In 1927 he decided to build a four-story building out of concrete, including a power station and other amenities.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

By 1935, he had spent $1 million, but Newgold died before it was complete. World War II was looming, and Newgold’s grandson was about to enlist. He had the grounds sealed up and joined the service. When he came back after the war, he found the building had been broken into and everything of value carted off.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

Vandalized beyond repair, the hotel was abandoned for good. Ironically, now it’s more popular than ever, albeit not as an overnight stop.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

The ruins are impressive and castle-like.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

As you continue on the trail, you will encounter another smaller structure.

Overlook Mountain House ruins

To the north of the main hotel is an old spring and reservoir, with nearby ruins of the “bowling alley.”

Old spring with reservoir

After passing the hotel ruins, continue to follow the trail uphill. From here it’s another 1/2 mile to the actual summit. Circling around a small cliff, hikers will reach the Observer’s Cabin.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

Overlook Mountain Observer’s Cabin

There are several picnic tables at the summit.

Overlook Mountain summit

A nice grill is available for use, but with the high winds probably not advisable.

Overlook Mountain summit

The 60-foot Aermotor steel tower with 7X7-foot metal cab was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register in October of 1997.

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

Originally built for Gallis Hill in Kingston, the tower was moved piece-by-piece to its present location in 1950. For outstanding views, you can climb the 81 steps to the top.

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

The high winds and cloud cover dissuaded me from climbing to just below the cab, which was locked. I went about half way, clicked some pics and descended.

Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

View northwest from the middle of the fire tower.

View north towards the Indian Head Wilderness

Below is a similar shot on a clear day.

View from Overlook Mountain Fire Tower – 2016

View southwest from the middle of the fire tower.

View southwest from Overlook Mountain Fire Tower

Below is a similar shot on a clear day with Ashokan Reservoir visible.

View of Ashokan Reservoir from Overlook Mountain

Overlook Mountain House ruins peeking out above the trees.

View west of the Overlook Mountain House ruins

When you are done checking out the views from the fire tower, proceed past the Observer’s Cabin to the Scenic Overlook.

Bear right at the Observer’s Cabin

It’s a short walk on this footpath to a rock ledge with panoramic views to the east, south and west.

Scenic Overlook Trail

Not much to see on this day due to the low lying clouds.

Scenic Overlook

Below is a similar shot on a clear day. The Hudson River is visible on the far left with Ashokan Reservoir on the right.

View west from Overlook Mountain

Scenic Overlook

Below is a similar shot on a clear day.

View southwest from Overlook Mountain

Scenic Overlook

Here you’ll find graffiti carved into the rock going back to the early 1800’s. The one pictured below is 100 years old.

Scenic Overlook

When you are done enjoying the views from the Scenic Overlook, retrace your steps past the Observer’s Cabin and proceed downhill on the Overlook Spur Trail.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

You may want to stop at the Overlook Mountain House ruins again and snap some more pics before you make your way down the mountain.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

Overlook Mountain House ruins

From the ruins, it’s about 2 miles back to the parking lot, where the hike began.

Overlook Spur Trail – Overlook Mountain

Review:

The hike itself is rather boring. A slog steeply uphill on an old gravel road with telephone poles and power lines overhead. However, the payoff makes it totally worth it. The massive ruins, views and the fire tower make for an enjoyable day on the mountain. This is a great hike for those that enjoy a good climb, but don’t care to venture into the deep woods. I have not seen any Rattlesnakes on my two visits to Overlook Mountain, but they are there. Both times that I have hiked Overlook Mountain took place in March so they were probably still in their dens. Awareness of high grass and rock crevices are essential to avoid any unwanted encounters with Rattlesnakes.

Pros:

Overlook Mountain House ruins, Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, Hudson Valley views.

Cons:

Old gravel road is monotonous, parking lot fills up quickly, tends to get crowded in warmer weather.

Take a hike!

Overlook Mountain Scenic Overlook

Sources:

King’s Chamber Loop – Fahnestock State Park

Posted on December 19, 2024

December 14, 2024 – Kent, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3.6 miles

Max elevation: 1020 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 600 ft.

Buy Maps (Paper & Avenza): East Hudson Trails Map 2023

Parking: Waywayanda Lake Boat Launch – 170 Waywayanda Ct, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512

Dirt road (somewhat rough) – No toilets on site

Hours: Open Daily, 8:00am – Sunset

There are no admission or parking fees at this park.

Please Note: This hike is done using old unmarked woods roads and/or trails which are not maintained. The area itself contains a maze of old roads that go off in different directions, some of which are not on any maps that I viewed. Those who are not confident of their route-finding ability might wish to choose another hike.

Overview:

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, also known as Fahnestock State Park, is a 16,171-acre state park located in north central Putnam County with portions in the towns of Carmel, Kent, Philipstown and Putnam Valley. The park is traversed by the Taconic State Parkway, US Route 9, NYS Route 301 and several local roads. Rail stations operated by Metro North Railroad are within ten miles of the park at Garrison, Cold Spring and Beacon. The park does not have a single, formal entrance. The park is managed and maintained by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Fahnestock is characterized by parallel ridges and hills that trend in a southwest to northeast direction. Steep slopes are often found on the southeast and northwest aspects of some of these ridges. Elevations range from approximately 400 feet in the lowest area of the park along Clove Creek in the vicinity of U.S. Route 9, to a maximum of over 1300 feet on a ridge west of Canopus Lake. The majority of the park is at elevations greater than 600 feet.

As the peaks of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park are more hills than mountains, the hiking is generally less strenuous than others in the region. This makes the park a popular destination for casual hikers.

History:

King’s Chamber: The King’s Chamber is as grand as its name suggests. It is the largest stone chamber in Putnam County, boasting a standing ceremonial stone in front of it. Its dimensions are roughly 30 ft. deep, 6 ft. high, and 10 ft. wide. Speculation on their origins, age, and purpose are as numerous as they are varied. Folklore surrounds them. The King’s Chamber aligns with the winter solstice sunrise and it is also a lunar standstill chamber. That alignment happened in 2023.

Camp Collins: The King’s Chamber sits on a tract of land that was once an old Boy Scouts camp. Camp Collins was a 99-acre Scout Camp located in the Moose Hill area, and owned by the Yonkers Council. It opened prior to 1935 and continued in operation until 1952. In April 1953 it was announced that Camp Collins would close and the Yonkers Council would begin sharing space at Camp Bullowa in Stony Point across the Hudson River.

The entire area around Moose Hill is now part of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park and is accessible from various entry points.

Hike Overview:

This is a really nice hike with lots to discover. The historical aspects of the points of interests, make for a worthwhile day hike. Currently, there are no blazed trails and there are numerous woods roads that go off in different directions. Some of the woods roads are on the trail map, but others are not, and it could get confusing. My advice is to use the Avenza Maps app and the NY-NJ Trail Conference East Hudson Trails Map 2023 (for Avenza).

I have pretty good navigational skills, but I had to refer to the Avenza app numerous times to insure that I was on the right track. This area doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic and makes for a quiet area to hike.

This Lollipop Loop hike was done countercounterclockwise from the Waywayanda Lake boat launch area.

King’s Chamber Loop – Fahnestock State Park

It’s mostly downhill on the way to King’s Chamber and a lot of ups and downs on the way back.

elevation profile – King’s Chamber Loop

The Hike:

For the purpose of this guide, I named the trails/woods roads so that they can be more easily followed.

From the Waywayanda Lake Boat Launch (aka Pudding Street Pond or Cranberry Swamp on some maps), look for a wide trail just to the right of a private driveway. Head south along this road which I call the Connector Trail.

Waywayanda Lake Boat Launch

Connector Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The Connector Trail rises gradually alongside private property. Stay on the wide woods road as it passes large rock formations.

Connector Trail – Fahnestock State Park

In about 0.3 mile, when you reach the power lines corridor, bear left to begin walking on the Power Lines Trail.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

In about another 475 feet, turn right, leaving the Power Lines Trail and begin walking on a woods road. This turn can be easy to miss if you are not paying attention.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

You’ll see a lot of Orange signs along the way letting you know that you are in Fahnestock State Park.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

This road which I will call the King’s Chamber Trail, Climbs gradually and soon reaches the high point of the hike, 1020 ft.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Continue heading southwest on the King’s Chamber Trail, passing stone walls along the way.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The old road dips down into the valley very gradually. You may notice other woods roads that branch off from the main road, but you should continue on the King’s Chamber Trail Consult your map (or Avenza Maps app) for verification.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Soon, Roaring Brook (a tributary of the Peekskill Hollow Creek Watershed) will appear on your right. Follow the road as it parallels the brook. In about 3/4 mile from the junction with the Power Lines Trail, the road comes really close to the brook and becomes less discernible. Look just ahead to a break in a stone wall. That is the route of the King’s Chamber Trail.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

After crossing through the break in the stone wall, the road widens and begins heading southeast.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

In another 370 yards from the break in the stone wall, the trail reaches the King’s Chamber which is just to the left of the trail.

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

A historical curiosity in Putnam County are the “corbelled stone chambers.”

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

These are structures with roofs of large stone slabs, with stone side walls angled slightly inward.

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

The age, the creators, and the original purposes of the chambers are unknown, and continue to be the subject of much speculation.

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

Theories about the creators range from Native Americans of the distant past, Norsemen in the 10th century, Welshmen in the 12th century, and early European settlers.

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

There could be as many as 200 stone chambers in all of Putnam County. While their origins and ages are in dispute, they have certainly been used by area residents as root cellars for crop and ice storage well into the 20th century.

King’s Chamber – Fahnestock State Park

When you are done checking out the King’s Chamber, proceed ahead on the King’s Chamber Trail which is diagonally to the east of the entrance. In a very short distance, as you descend a rocky area, you will pass a standing stone. Look to your left (you may have to walk a few feet) and you will see another much smaller stone chamber.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

This is known as “The Tomb.” It is a small, slightly subterranean chamber with a tomb like appearance and a quartz shelf in the rear.

The Tomb – Fahnestock State Park

When you are ready to continue, proceed east a short distance and you will pass an old picnic shelter.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

This picnic shelter was part of Camp Collins.

Camp Collins – Fahnestock State Park

Camp Collins was a 99-acre Scout Camp located in the Moose Hill area, and owned by the Yonkers Council. It opened prior to 1935 and continued in operation until 1952. In April 1953 it was announced that Camp Collins would close and the Yonkers Council would begin sharing space at Camp Bullowa in Stony Point across the Hudson River.

Camp Collins – Fahnestock State Park

As you continue east, there are small stone steps to the left of the trail that lead to a large stone chimney.

Stone steps – Fahnestock State Park

Possibly the site of a cabin or another picnic shelter.

Stone chimney – Fahnestock State Park

The King’s Chamber Trail continues east, but soon bends to the north.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

A short distance later, the road comes to a Y-Intersection. Bear left and begin heading north.

Turn left

The King’s Chamber Trail soon passes an old park storage shed on the left.

Old storage shed – Fahnestock State Park

Continue heading north on the King’s Chamber Trail for another 280 yards (from the Y-Intersection), and you will pass through an area with remnants of Camp Collins on both sides of the trail.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Camp Collins – Fahnestock State Park

Stone chimney – Fahnestock State Park

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Camp Collins – Fahnestock State Park

The trail soon starts gaining elevation, turning left at the next intersection.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Bear left

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The trail dips down a little then begins climbing Moose Hill in earnest.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

When you reach the next intersection, bear right. If you turn left, the trail climbs to the near summit of Moose Hill. In retrospect, I would have taken the left fork to avoid the rocky section of the Power Lines Trail which is just ahead. Either way you go, you will end up at the Power Lines Trail.

King’s Chamber Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Turn left on the Power Lines Trail, which is rocky and quite steep.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

At the top of the rise, you will see the “Summit Trail” on the left. Continue along on the Power Lines Trail as it descends along the eastern boundary of Fahnestock State Park.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The Power Lines Trail runs along the edge of the woods. The power line corridor is owned by the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and abuts much of the park’s eastern boundary, with NYC Watershed lands and NYS DEC multiple use areas beyond.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The trail navigates several smaller hills as it heads north.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

The Power Lines Trail soon bears right, avoiding another hill, and passes the junction with the start of the King’s Chamber Trail where you turned earlier in the hike.

Power Lines Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Soon the trail leaves the power line corridor and you are now retracing your steps on the Connector Trail. Follow the woods road north, back to the boat launch area, where the hike began.

Connector Trail – Fahnestock State Park

Review:

A really good hike with lots to see. Although the King’s Chamber was the highlight of this hike, the scattered ruins of Camp Collins and the numerous stone walls, make this a fun discovery hike. The Taconic State Parkway is nearby during the first half of this hike, and some slight road noise can be heard, but it’s not a distraction. For almost the entirety of the hike, it was quiet except for an occasional critter rustling through the leaves or birds chirping. The only people that we saw, was a couple walking their dogs as we returned to the trailhead. A totally enjoyable hike.

Pros:

King’s Chamber, The Tomb, Camp Collins ruins, stone walls, quiet area, little foot traffic.

Cons:

No marked trails, some blowdowns.

Take a hike!

King’s Chamber Loop – Fahnestock State Park

Sources:

Squaw Cave, Flag Rock and Mohegan Trail Loop – Bolton Notch State Park

Posted on August 30, 2024

August 25, 2024 – Bolton, Connecticut

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 811 ft. – total elevation gain approximately 400 ft.

Map: Bolton Notch State Park Trail Map

Parking: Bolton Notch State Park Access Road, Bolton, CT 06043

Paved parking lot – Portable toilet on site

Hours: Open Daily, 8:00am – Sunset

There are no admission or parking fees at this park.

Park Overview:

Bolton Notch State Park is located about 15 miles east of Hartford, Connecticut and offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. The park is home to several picturesque hiking trails, including the Hop River Trail, Shenipsit Trail, and the Mohegan Trail which winds through the forested hills of the park. Spread out over 95 acres, the state park serves as a nice day trip for locals as well as visitors.

Bolton Notch State Park

Bolton Notch State Park is a recreational hub that connects the north central and eastern parts of Connecticut for hikers, walkers, cyclists and runners. From the park, there is access to the Shenipsit Trail, Charter Oak Greenway, Hop River Trail, Freja Park, Valley Falls Park, and Box Mountain Forest.

The park is home to several unique points of interest, including an 800-ft, abandoned railroad tunnel, Squaw Cave and Flag Rock.

Bolton Notch Tunnel – Hop River Trail

Squaw Cave – Bolton Notch State Park

Flag Rock – Bolton Notch State Park

History:

Bolton was originally part of the hunting grounds of the Podunk Indians. The Podunks lived in what is now East Hartford and South Windsor, along the Podunk River. Most early historians agree that Bolton Notch was the boundary between the Podunk territory to the west and the Mohegan territory to the east. The Indians called it Saqumsketuck, which means land or place at the hard rock.

The Hop River Trail that runs through Bolton from Valley Falls Park to Willimantic is an old railroad bed. From 1849 to the mid-1950’s the Hartford, Providence and Fishkill Railroad traveled through this corridor. It brought prosperity to Bolton’s slate and grindstone quarries at the Notch. The rock was first quarried during the War of 1812, and throughout the 19th century was sent to major cities in the Northeast to pave streets.

Freight trains used the line throughout the 1960’s. The last train ran on September 29, 1970, by which time the line was part of the bankrupt Penn Central.

The railroad had a yard and a station at the Notch where stone, lumber, hay, grain, etc., was loaded and unloaded. If you walk the trail, you’ll see remnants of ties and telegraph poles.

Bolton Notch Railroad Station

The State of Connecticut purchased the first 70 acres from the estate of Albert H. Pitkin in 1918, for development of a Wayside Park.

Squaw Cave:

According to legend, A Dutch cabin boy named Peter Hager was part of a trading party with the local Podunk Nation. He fell in love with a local woman, Wunnee-Neetunah, and they got married in the way of her nation. When Peter tried to return to his trading party, he was rejected and the couple spent their exile together in the cave.

Wunnee-Neetunah (also called Wunnee), was the daughter of a Podunk Chief named Tantonimoh. Her family adopted Peter Hager, the cabin boy of a Dutch trader named Captain May. After Peter fell in love with Wunnee, the Captain encouraged him to live among the Podunks to learn their language and customs.

After a few years, Peter and Wunnee traveled to Boston with Wunnee’s mother to get married, but learned that there was a law against intermarriage. While they stayed outside the city, Peter was seen gathering wood on the Sabbath and was arrested and whipped. Before he was imprisoned, Wunnee and her mother rescued Peter and they fled back to Connecticut. Along the way, they were attacked, presumably by Massachusetts colonists, and one died in the fight. Peter was accused of killing the man. Peter and Wunnee did not return to Wunnee’s home, but were married in another Podunk community in Connecticut. Bailiffs from Boston were sent to capture or kill Peter, but the Podunks warned Peter and Wunnee.

As they sought safety from the bailiffs and other groups attacking the Podunks, Peter and Wunnee moved farther east to a cave on the south side of a rocky mountain known as Wiashguagwumsuck. After about 30 years, Peter and Wunnee planned to move north to a settlement in an area without European colonists or hostile native groups. However, a group of Mohegan men found Peter, the outlaw, living with his Indian wife in the cave. The Mohegans reported them to the local bailiffs who shot Peter. He reached the cave, and Wunnee was sent in after him. They remained in the cave for a few days, and when when the bailiffs went into the cave, they found it empty. Wunnee had either snuck out the cave entrance with Peter’s body or found a deeper passage in the cave through the mountain. Peter was reportedly buried in the royal burying ground of the Podunk Tribe, and Wunnee was reportedly taken in by a Windsor couple and was reportedly buried in Windsor.

It is unknown how much of the legend is truth or fiction.

The Bolton Board of Selectmen felt that “Squaw Cave” was a derogatory name and decided to change the name to Wunnee-Neetunah Cave in 2023.

Parking:

At the junction of Route 44 and Route 6 in Bolton. Heading west on I-384 from Bolton Notch, turn right at the end of the guardrail and go downhill to the parking lot.

Bolton Notch State Park is located off the west-bound lane of I-384 about 1/3 of a mile from the beginning of I-384 (at the junction of US-6 and US-44). Although there is a sign at the entrance it is difficult to spot and not advertised in advance. It is a sharp right turn into the parking lot and in case of fast moving traffic, it is advised that visitors park in the Bolton Park & Ride Lot, which is 0.4 mile west. The main area of the park can be safely accessed from the commuter parking lot via the Charter Oak Greenway Trail, a short five minute walk to the main section of the park.

The sign below is not visible until you get to the turn. The Charter Oak Greenway, the paved path behind the sign, connects the commuter parking lot with the parking area of the park.

Bolton Notch State Park

The parking lot has room for about 18 vehicles. When I arrived at the trailhead at approximately 9am, I got the last remaining spot. Upon completion of the hike (image below) the lot was still full and there were a few vehicles waiting for a spot to park as others left.

Trailhead – Bolton Notch State Park

Trails Overview:

There are approximately five miles of trails in the park, from easy to moderate level. The Charter Oak Greenway, Hop River State Park Trail and the Shenipsit Trail can be used to access adjoining public lands.

Bolton Notch State Park Trail Map

The marked trails that were used on this hike, are fairly well blazed and easy to follow.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The “Cave Trail,” so named for the purpose of this writing, is somewhat overgrown, but discernible if you know where to look. The Mohegan Trail is well shaded.

Hike Overview:

This hike pertains to the southern section of the park only. Utilizing the Hop River State Park Trail, Cave Trail (unmarked), Garnet Trail and the Mohegan Trail.

The hike was done counterclockwise once on the Mohegan Trail.

Bolton Notch State Park Loop

elevation profile – Bolton Notch State Park Loop

The Hike:

From the parking lot, turn right on the Hop River Trail and head east, past a fitness station and interpretive signage that explains some of the site’s history.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

In a short distance, you’ll arrive at the western portal of the old train tunnel. Do not enter the tunnel. Instead turn left by the opening and follow the unmarked path.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The Cave Trail begins between the western portal and a large boulder. Follow this narrow and somewhat overgrown footpath as it bears to the right and rises alongside the tunnel.

Cave Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

When you reach the guard rail, walk alongside it until you reach the end of the guard rail.

Cave Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

Look for this pole and follow this faint footpath steeply uphill for a short distance as it bends to the right.

Cave Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The cave will appear as you approach the cliff. I would advise those who want to enter the cave to bring a headlamp or a flashlight. It is quite dark in there and you may want to shine a light inside to make sure that there are no critters lurking around inside.

Squaw Cave – Bolton Notch State Park

Wunnee-Neetunah Cave is a true cave, meaning it was caused by water erosion of Limestone.

Squaw Cave – Bolton Notch State Park

The cave consists of a 10 foot chamber, followed by a 3 foot wide tunnel that continues for roughly 40 feet before narrowing to a point that is unsafe to pass through, but continues for an unknown number of feet to a second chamber containing running water.

Squaw Cave – Bolton Notch State Park

The ceiling of the cave may have some spiders.

Squaw Cave – Bolton Notch State Park

When you are done exploring this unique historical feature, retrace your steps along the Cave Trail, back to the west portal of the tunnel.

Cave Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

I did an out-and-back through the tunnel just to check it out. The tunnel is curved, so the other side sometimes cannot be seen clearly by those entering. Exercise caution when walking through the dark tunnel.

Bolton Notch Tunnel – Hop River Trail

With tracks laid and rocks blasted out in the mid-1800’s for a rail line, the 30-foot tall, 800-foot-long tunnel was built in 1955 due to the above construction of a complicated interchange as I-384 transitions to Route 6 and Route 44.

Bolton Notch Tunnel – Hop River Trail

The Bolton Tunnel is part of the Hop River State Park Trail, a former railroad line. This trail winds 24.8 miles through the towns of Manchester, Vernon, Bolton, Coventry, Andover, Columbia, and Windham. The Hop River Trail is part of the East Coast Greenway, a bicycle and pedestrian pathway that winds through 15 states and 450 communities, spanning 3,000 miles from Florida to Maine.

Bolton Notch Tunnel – Hop River Trail

At the eastern end of the tunnel, I turned around and walked back through it, heading west.

Bolton Notch Tunnel – Hop River Trail

Now retracing my steps, I walked past the parking area for a short distance to pick up the joint Mohegan/Garnet trails which is on the right.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

Turn right on Yellow/Red Trail

Yellow/Red Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

I followed the yellow/red blazes a short distance until the two trails split.

Yellow/Red Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The yellow-blazed Mohegan Trail turns left, but I continued straight on the Red Trail. I would come back to this junction a short while later after visiting Flag Rock.

Continue straight on Red Trail

The Red Trail forks left, but either way that you go will lead you to Flag Rock. I took the left fork to Flag Rock and returned on the right fork.

Garnet Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

In a short distance, the red-blazed Garnet Trail dead ends at a rock outcrop that is covered in graffiti.

Garnet Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

If you walk up to the high point of the rock outcrop (far left in the image below), you will get a view southwest over I-384 and the surrounding area.

Flag Rock – Bolton Notch State Park

This view is more extensive during leaf-off season.

View from Flag Rock – Bolton Notch State Park

If you walk along the rock outcrop as it descends, there is a path that leads to the front of Flag Rock that provides a nice view of this feature. You may want to take a break in this area, just watch out for broken glass.

Flag Rock – Bolton Notch State Park

For perspective, the image below is of me standing on Flag Rock (at the viewpoint). Flag Rock was painted shortly after September 11, 2001 and has been maintained by unknown persons since that time.

Flag Rock – Bolton Notch State Park

When you are ready to continue, descend back to the Red Trail, which is a short distance down the hill.

Garnet Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

When you return to the junction with the yellow-blazed Mohegan Trail, turn right.

Turn right on Mohegan Trail

The Mohegan Trail does a big loop around the southern section of the park. Hiking counter-clockwise, the trail climbs the hill on a moderate grade. The Mohegan Trail does not climb to the summit, but just below it. Once reaching the height of land, the trail descends gradually through the lush green forest.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The Mohegan trail, is rumored to be haunted by the Sachem of the Rhode Island Narrangassett Tribe, Miantonomoh, who was executed by the Mohegan Tribe after the Battle of The Great Plains in 1644. The body of Miantonomoh, with a hatchet buried in the back of his head, was never found and it is said that his spirit still wanders alone and lost along the Mohegan trails through Bolton.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

This trail doesn’t seem to get a lot of foot traffic. I blew through a countless amount of spiderwebs with my face.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

After about 1.3 miles, the trail makes a hard right turn onto a woods road. This junction is not well marked. If you come to a concrete highway barrier, you went too far.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

In a few feet, the Yellow Trail veers left, leaving the woods road and descends to its terminus at the Hop River Trail.

Mohegan Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

When you reach the Hop River Trail, turn left and walk past the yellow vehicle barriers, heading east. You are now on the Hop River Trail.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

This last stretch of the hike makes for a pleasant walk on the smooth surface of the trail.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

The Hop River Trail passes through deep rock cuts and depending on the weather, you will see a lot of walkers, cyclists and runners throughout this section.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

In about 0.3 mile (from the yellow vehicle barriers), the Hop River Trail will leave you right back at the parking area, where the hike began.

Hop River Trail – Bolton Notch State Park

Trailhead – Bolton Notch State Park

Review:

This was a great hike. The points of interest are enough to warrant an hour and forty minute ride from the Tappan Zee Bridge. Aside from the Hop River Trail, I did not see anyone else on the other trails. I definitely recommend this moderate loop hike for those that are seeking something out of the ordinary.

Pros:

Wunnee-Neetunah Cave, Flag Rock, Bolton Tunnel, well marked trails, not much foot traffic in the interior of the park.

Cons:

Signage is inadequate at the entrance to the park, road noise can be heard pretty much throughout the hike.

Take a hike!

Squaw Cave, Flag Rock & Mohegan Trail Loop – Bolton Notch State Park

Sources:

Scenes From The Trail

Detailed hike reports, complete with images.

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Squaw Cave, Flag Rock and Mohegan Trail Loop – Bolton Notch State Park

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