Mohegan Quarry Ramble – Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

Posted on February 28, 2018

February 24, 2018 – Mohegan Lake, NY

Difficulty: Easy – Moderate

Length: Approximately 5 miles

Max elevation: 616 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 576 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Trailhead parking: 2857 Grant Ave. – Mohegan Lake, NY 10547

Sylvan Glen Park Preserve is the site of The Mohegan Lake Quarry which operated from the 1890’s to 1940. It provided granite for St. John the Divine Cathedral, the New York State Office Building in NYC, the Schwab mansion, the State Armory and the Roosevelt Memorial in New York. It is also written that Mohegan Lake Quarry provided the granite blocks used in the construction of the Shrub Oak Methodist Church. Ornamental pieces, such as the eagles on the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., were carved with finger-grip hammers by quarry workers. Columns and cornices were carved with the aid of steel shot and water, shaped with pneumatic hammers and polished with steel discs at the site. Some equipment, cables, building foundations, discarded columns and polished blocks remain at the quarry site for hikers to view.

Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

The 408 acre park has 6.2 miles of trails and is located in northern Westchester County, NY. The property was purchased in 1981 and was opened as a park when additional adjoining properties were acquired. Quarries of various sizes and remnants of the operations are located throughout the western portion of the park. Subsequent acquisition of adjacent land extended the park onto former farmland and provided another entrance to the park. The trails traverse a variety of terrain, from steep climbs to gentle woods roads. Interpretive signs, near the quarry operations that ceased at the beginning of World War II, provide an insight into the Town of Yorktown’s largest employer at the time. The trails through the former farmland offer a different perpective of land use, including a 0.25 mile riding ring and large ditches dug to drain wetlands.

Mohegan Quarry Ramble – Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

The forecast called for rain in the early afternoon and I wanted to get a hike in before the skies opened up. I figured that this was a hike that could be completed in a few hours. We were able to complete the hike in about 2 hours and 40 minutes and just as we began to drive away, it began to rain. Perfect timing.

From the kiosk at the end of the parking area, we proceeded ahead on the white-blazed Turtle Pond Trail.

Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

The Turtle Pond Trail follows a woods road and passes a pond on the right.

white-blazed Turtle Pond Trail

After passing a fenced-in dog park on the left, the trail bears right, then turns left as it heads uphill.

white-blazed Turtle Pond Trail

At the top of the climb, three yellow blazes on a tree to the left mark the start of the Snake Hill Trail and almost immediately the end of the blue-blazed High Quarry Trail. We continued on the Turtle Pond Trail which descends to cross a gas pipeline and reenters the woods on a footpath.

white-blazed Turtle Pond Trail

After reentering the woods, the Turtle Pond Trail passes through white pines and crosses Sylvan Brook.

Sylvan Brook

Foundations and remnants of quarrying operations along with interpretive signs are along the trail. The trail turns, passes the High Quarry Trail (blue) to the left and turns right. At 1.1 miles, the trail turns left, passes the end of the Sylvan Glen Trail (red), and ascends. The Turtle Pond Trail ends at the blue-blazed High Quarry Trail, here we turned right and headed steeply uphill.

blue-blazed High Quarry Trail

At the top, pieces of abandoned quarry machinery and cables are scattered along the trail.

abandoned quarry machinery – Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

The High Quarry Trail ascends along the edge of the quarry pit, with slabs of granite to the left.

blue-blazed High Quarry Trail

At the top of the rise, the trail goes under a rock bridge.

rock bridge – High Quarry Trail

The High Quarry Trail begins to descend, passes a water-filled quarry and then a stone shed that housed explosives.

water-filled quarry – High Quarry Trail

explosives shed – High Quarry Trail

At approximately 1.7 miles, we took a side trail to a view into the quarry pit and to the west. Making sure to observe caution and staying back from the edge.

view over the quarry

caution sign

After taking a short break at the view, we returned to the blue-blazed High Quarry Trail and turned right. Almost immediately, the red-blazed Sylvan Glen Trail comes in from the right and joins the High Quarry Trail. We followed the co-aligned High Quarry (blue) and Sylvan Glen (red) trails east, away from the quarry operations.

co-aligned High Quarry and Sylvan Glen trails

When the trails split, we veered right and began following the red blazes of the Sylvan Glen Trail.

veer right onto the red-blazed Sylvan Glen Trail

The Sylvan Glen Trail crosses wet areas on wooden planks.

wooden planks – Sylvan Glen Trail

wooden planks – Sylvan Glen Trail

The Sylvan Glen Trail passes through and by numerous stone walls and then crosses a stream.

stream crossing – Sylvan Glen Trail

The trail passes through another wet area and goes up and over a knoll.

wet area – Sylvan Glen Trail

knoll – Sylvan Glen Trail

After going through several stone walls, the Sylvan Glen Trail passes a pond on the right.

pond – Sylvan Glen Trail

After passing the pond, the red-blazed Sylvan Glen Trail ends at a junction with the green-blazed Old Farm Trail. This junction is approximately the midpoint of the hike at 2.5 miles. To the right are wooden planks that lead towards another trailhead and parking area on Stoney Street. We turned left onto the Old Farm Trail and began heading west.

green-blazed Old Farm Trail

The Old Farm Trail heads uphill and passes an orange blazed trail to Quarry Drive (no parking). After going through a stone wall, it turns right onto the Ring Trail (yellow), an old riding ring.

co-aligned Ring and Old Farm trails

In about 100 feet, the Old Farm Trail, departs from the Ring Trail, turns right and passes through the stone wall a second time.

Old Farm Trail

The trail continues in a westerly direction and crosses a wooden footbridge over a large ditch. It then passes the end of the pink-blazed Taconic Bridge Trail that heads to Granite Knolls Park and the bridge over the Taconic State Parkway. After following a woods road, the Old Farm Trail ends at the blue-blazed High Quarry Trail at approximately 3.0 miles. We turned left onto the High Quarry Trail, now heading south.

blue-blazed High Quarry Trail

In approximately 360 yards, the blue-blazed High Quarry Trail turns right, joins the red-blazed Sylvan Glen Trail and heads towards the view over the quarry (from earlier in the hike). In about 400 feet, just before reaching that viewpoint, the trails split and we turned left now following the red blazes.

turn left on the red-blazed Sylvan Glen Trail

The Sylvan Glen Trail turns left at a huge rock pile and then begins to border it.

Sylvan Glen Trail

The Sylvan Glen Trail heads left uphill along a narrow path and turns around at the end of the knob of the hill. It descends gradually at first and then turns to descend steeply. At approximately 3.8 miles the trail reaches and steeply descends stone steps. These steps were built by the Jolly Rovers, a highly skilled group of Trail Conference volunteers who specialize in rock work. They spent 706 hours to build the 36 steps, moving 21 tons of stone in the process.

stone steps – Sylvan Glen Trail

A side trail at the bottom of the steps leads 200 feet to the 18-foot circumference Quarry Oak.

Quarry Oak

yellow-blazed Quarry Oak Trail

This Oak tree is quite impressive and is also Westchester’s largest aquifer.

Quarry Oak

After taking a short break by the Quarry Oak, we walked back out to the Sylvan Glen Trail and turned left, now heading northwest. The Sylvan Glen Trail passes through a large rock pile and enters the quarry.

Sylvan Glen Trail

The trail leaves the quarry and ends at the Turtle Pond Trail. From there we retraced our steps back along the white-blazed trail. When we arrived at the crossing of Sylvan Brook, I noticed an attractive cascade just upstream which I had missed earlier. We bushwacked a short distance to get a closer look.

Sylvan Brook cascade

Back out to the Turtle Pond Trail, it was an easy and uneventful walk back to the parking area, where the hike began.

A very nice hike which was full of historical features and tranquil woods. A good hike to do when you are short on time or just want some alone time. We passed several hikers going in the opposite direction, but other than that we had the woods all to ourselves. There are a lot of intersecting trails which can be used to form different loop hikes. I would suggest that you print a copy of the map and carry a compass.

Pros: Historical features, well marked trails, not much foot traffic.

Cons: Barking dogs as you pass the dog park at the start of the hike.

Take a hike!

Sylvan Glen Park Preserve

Cranberry Mine and Black Mountain Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on February 22, 2018

February 17, 2018 – Woodbury, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 6 miles

Max elevation: 1,200 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 898 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Trailhead parking: Silver Mine Picnic Area, Woodbury, NY 10980

This hike was originally slated for Sunday, but I rescheduled it to a day earlier in order to beat the snow. Since this hike consists of unmarked roads and some bushwacking it is best done when the leaves are off the trees. I visited Cranberry Mine a year earlier and decided to incorporate it into a longer loop hike and search for an obscure mine that sits hidden among the cliffs of Black Mountain.

Cranberry Mine and Black Mountain Loop

Check out the Google Earth Fly-Through video of the hike below.

We parked at the Silver Mine Picnic Area on Seven Lakes Drive. There are plenty of parking spots available there and access to several trails as well.

Silver Mine Picnic Area

Once parked and geared up, we crossed Seven Lakes Drive and headed for the sign just across the road. Just beyond the sign, there is an old woods road that parallels Seven Lakes Drive. We turned right and began heading east along this road.

old woods road

The road gradually ascends then levels off as it veers north. This road was lined with telephone poles, which gave me the impression that at one time it was a main road, possibly used for transporting mining materials. This road is not maintained by the park and it appeared to be seldom traveled. It was swampy in some sections.

old woods road

After approximately 0.7 miles, we arrived at a stream that flows from north to south. This stream flows downhill, under Seven Lakes Drive and into Queensboro Brook. Here we turned left and began bushwacking north along the western side of the stream.

bushwacking north along the western side of the stream

It is a relatively easy 0.3 mile bushwack, although there are numerous downed trees and barberry bushes along the way.

bushwacking north along the western side of the stream

In a short distance, there is a woods road that runs from east to west and crosses the stream. We turned left (west) onto this road and walked uphill towards Cranberry Mine.

Cranberry Mine

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, extensive iron mining and exploration activity took place along the southeast side of Cranberry Hill in present-day Woodbury Township, New York.

Lenik, Edward J.. Iron Mine Trails (Kindle Locations 1568-1569). New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.

Cranberry Mine

The principal feature of this complex is a horizontal shaft that extends into the hillside for about 200 feet. This mine opening or adit is twenty-two feet wide and about twelve feet high, while the interior shaft is twelve feet wide.

Cranberry Mine

A cut stone wall, bonded with cement and containing an iron plate door, was built across the entrance to the mine around 1920. The mine was used to store dynamite by park officials until the 1930’s. The iron door at the mine entrance has been torn open.

Cranberry Mine

The iron door has been replaced with a bat gate. Due to declining bat populations over the years, caused by a disease known as WNS or White Nose Syndrome, some mines have been closed to visitors during hibernating months.

Cranberry Mine

There is a powder storage magazine which is located about 350 feet north of the mine shaft entrance. This former magazine is a banked earth-covered structure with interior dry-laid stone walls, a stone front with an iron door, and a domed corrugated metal roof. The interior chamber measures fourteen feet in length and five feet in width. This powder magazine was built and used for powder storage during the period of mining activity and later was adapted for dynamite storage by the park.

powder storage magazine

When we were ready to move on, we debated whether we should bushwack back down the hill the way we came or venture down the old woods road that leads east from the mine. Not knowing the condition of the road or if it was even passable, led to some apprehension, but in the end, we chose the woods road.

woods road

This woods road was very swampy soon after crossing the stream, but then cleared up. Surprisingly, it is easy to follow and except for a few blowdowns across the road, is quite clear for an old unmaintained road.

old woods road

The road veers southeast and approaches Seven Lakes Drive. A huge blowdown blocked the road so we bushwacked to the right and came to the continuation of the woods road where we began our hike. We then bushwacked a short distance out to Seven Lakes Drive.

Seven Lakes Drive just ahead

We then walked along Seven Lakes Drive for about 300 yards until we came to Silvermine Road, marked by a cable hung between two boulders on the south side of the road.

Silvermine Road

Silvermine Road heads south towards Queensboro Brook then turns right and skirts the edge of the brook. It then veers to the left and crosses Queensboro Brook on a wooden bridge.

Silvermine Road

Queensboro Brook

This woods road was built in 1934 by workers of the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration. The road begins a steady climb and then levels off as it travels between Black Mountain and Silver Mine Lake.

Silvermine Road

There ARE many places along the lake to take a break and have a snack, and we did just that.

Silver Mine Lake

Silvermine Road then climbs again and reaches an intersection with the joint Appalachian and Ramapo-Dunderberg Trails, at the notch between Black Mountain and Letterrock Mountain. We turned left (east) on the joint AT/R-D trail, which climbs steeply to Black Mountain.

joint AT/R-D trail

The climb is rather steep, but short lived. This was the toughest part of the hike, but doable by most hikers.

joint AT/R-D trail

After a short climb, the trail comes out to a rock ledge with a great western view of Silver Mine Lake and the Harriman Hills.

western view from Black Mountain

We took a break here to enjoy the view, but we weren’t quite at the summit yet. We had about 100 vertical feet and about 500 yards to go. The trail is rather steep in spots and requires slight scrambling, but nothing too difficult.

joint AT/R-D trail on Black Mountain

The trail levels off and continues southeast along the edge of the cliffs.

joint AT/R-D trail on Black Mountain

Continuing along the ridge, the Hudson River comes into view.

view of the Hudson River from Black Mountain

We made it to the 1200 ft. summit and just beyond, where we sat and rested while enjoying the view. Looking southeast, the Palisades Parkway is visible below and the Hudson River in the distance.

view of the Hudson River from Black Mountain

We then began retracing our steps along the ridge and in search of the Silver Mine. I wasn’t exactly sure of its location, but I had an idea of the general vicinity. The Spanish Mine sits atop the mountain and consists of two shallow pits which are not very impressive. The mine that I was looking for is more intriguing.

Facts regarding the ownership and operation of this mine, also known as the Spanish Silver Mine or the Silver Mine, are lacking, but mystery and legend abound. It was the reported burial place of Captain Kidd’s treasure. Another legend, attributed to R.H. Torrey, a founder of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, states that the mine was dug by Spanish miners in the 18th century.

Lenik, Edward J.. Iron Mine Trails (Kindle Locations 1653-1654). New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.

Where the trail descends steeply for about twenty vertical feet, we turned left, leaving the trail, and continued in an easterly direction around the face of the cliff. The mine shaft is located about 100 vertical feet below the summit and the footing can be quite treacherous in this area. I climbed down the steep slope with hopes of finding the mine. I could have used some hiking poles in this area as I kept sliding. Since I wasn’t quite sure if I was even in the right area, I decided to give up. I did not want to continue as I was wearing down a bit and the climb back up to the trail was not easy. While doing more research, post hike, I found the possible GPS location of the elusive mine and according to the coordinates, I came within 50 feet of it. I won’t be satisfied until I can find it.

After huffing and puffing back up to the joint AT/R-D, we retraced our steps back to Silvermine Road and turned right, heading north, back to Seven Lakes Drive. We turned left on Seven Lakes Drive and walked 0.4 miles back to the Silver Mine Picnic Area, where the hike began.

This is a nice moderate hike that incorporates a lot of the things I love about Harriman State Park. I highly recommend this hike to everyone.

Pros: Cranberry Mine, seldom used woods roads, not much foot traffic, Silver Mine Lake, scenic views, Appalachian Trail.

Cons: I didn’t find Spanish Silver Mine.

Now get out there and take a hike!

Black Mountain

Hearthstone Castle

Posted on February 3, 2018

February 3, 2018 – Danbury, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Map: Tarrywile Park Trails map

Parking: 18 Brushy Hill Rd, Danbury, CT 06810

Hearthstone Castle in Danbury, Connecticut was constructed in 1897. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It has also been known as Parks’ Castle and as The Castle. Today, the castle is owned by the City of Danbury and is located in Tarrywile Park. Hearthstone Castle is slated to be demolished due to safety concerns.

Hearthstone Castle

I visited this castle in 2015 and hiked several of the trails that surround the property. I had recently read that this castle is slated for demolition sometime in 2018. I wanted to pay it another visit before it is torn down.

Hearthstone Castle – September 26, 2015

The temperature on the day that we visited was in the single digits to low teens so we walked around a bit, but didn’t do a real hike and just walked to the castle. We parked at Tarrywile Park & Mansion, which is right across the street. We then crossed the road and proceeded past the gate and up the driveway a short distance to the castle.

entrance – Hearthstone Castle

With more than 21 miles of trails over varied terrain, hiking is one of the major attractions of Tarrywile Park. In my opinion, the castle is the main reason to visit, but I do look forward to exploring more of the trail system when it is a little warmer.

Hearthstone Castle

Originally known as the “Sanford Castle”, the castle was constructed in 1897 to serve as a summer home for noted photographer E. Starr Sanford. Sanford’s success allowed him to build the fanciful and romantic summer home in his beloved hometown of Danbury. Sanford hired New York architect Earnest George Washington Dietrich (1857-1924) to design his castle.

Hearthstone Castle

In his Danbury castle design, Dietrich brought Sanford’s romantic vision to life, creating a three-story fairy tale castle consisting of seventeen rooms, including nine bedrooms, kitchen, library and a billiards room. Accessory structures included a large carriage house, caretaker’s cottage, pump house, water tower and machine shop.

Hearthstone Castle

The stone used for the exterior castle walls was quarried on site, along with the stone for the eight magnificent fireplaces that warmed the castle on Autumn and Winter evenings when the family was in residence.

Hearthstone Castle

Sanford enjoyed his hometown castle for only five years. After retiring from Davis & Sanford in 1901, Sanford sold the property in 1902 to New York financial mogul Victor Buck. Buck, re-naming the property “Buck Castle,” utilized the property as a retirement residence, mostly visiting during the summer months over the next two decades.

Hearthstone Castle

In 1918 Buck sold the castle and surrounding property to Charles Darling Parks, who had previously purchased the Tarrywile Mansion and property across the street from the castle on Brushy Hill Road in 1910.

Hearthstone Castle

Already showing signs of deterioration at the time of the City of Danbury’s purchase, the Castle has badly deteriorated over the ensuing years due to water damage that has caused the structure to be boarded up and declared unsafe for entry by visitors.

Hearthstone Castle

While the exterior walls remain largely intact, the roof and floor have been structurally undermined leaving the interior in need of total renovation.

Hearthstone Castle

In November of 2016, city voters approved two $10 million bond packages that will fund a controversial partial demolition of the historic Hearthstone Castle.

Hearthstone Castle

When plans to tear down parts of the “dangerous” castle surfaced, residents who felt the city was not doing enough to save the structure, protested.

Hearthstone Castle

State officials have said they could save some of the structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The state may also provide funding to help Danbury preserve as much of the ruins as possible.

Hearthstone Castle

I have read that there is a plan outlined to gut the interior, stabilize and lower the walls in order to make the structure safer. The end result may be that only the foundations or possibly the first floor remain. Whatever their plans are, when all is said and done, it will undoubtedly look different than it does now. My advice is to visit this historic castle before it is gone.

Now get out there and explore!

Hearthstone Castle

Sources:

Friends of Tarrywile Park

Danbury News Times

Dyckman Hill Loop from Fort Lee Historic Park – Hudson River Palisades

Posted on January 27, 2018

January 27, 2018 – Fort Lee, New Jersey

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 7.5 miles

Max elevation: 344 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 559 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Hudson Hudson Palisades Trails Map #108 – Free map

Trailhead parking: Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Fort Lee Historic Park is a 33-acre cliff-top park area with scenic overlooks, a reconstructed Revolutionary War encampment, and a Visitor Center. It was named for General Charles Lee, who aided in the defense of New York City. It is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

Fort Lee Historic Park

At the north end of the park there are two overlooks with views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River, and the skyline of upper Manhattan.

overlook – Fort Lee Historic Park

Fort Lee, originally Fort Constitution, was an American Revolutionary War fort located on the crest of the Hudson Palisades in what was then Hackensack Township, New Jersey. Selected as a site to help defend New York City and the Hudson Valley against the onslaught of the British during the Revolution, Fort Lee Historic Park today stands as a monument to those who battled for independence.

Fort Lee Historic Park

The New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park encompasses about 2,500 acres along the Hudson River from Fort Lee to the New Jersey state line, where it continues into New York State. It is a long narrow park averaging less than an eighth of a mile wide. Loop hikes are possible for hikers willing to ascend/descend 300 feet in a short distance on marked trails.

The Long Path (13 miles in NJ; aqua blaze) extends north from the George Washington Bridge and follows the level cliff-top of the Palisades. For most of the way to the State Line Lookout it runs along a narrow strip of the land between the four-lane Parkway and the cliff edge. As a result the sounds of traffic can be heard along the trail.

The Shore Trail (12.2 miles; white blaze) runs along the Hudson River from Fort Lee Historic Park to 0.7 mile beyond the New Jersey-New York state line. For most of its route, it follows a nearly-level path that closely hugs the shoreline.

I had visited Fort Lee Historic Park several times in the past and found it an interesting place. Since it was going to be a warm day for January, I decided to head a little further south than usual to take advantage of the warmer temps. The hike begins in Fort Lee Historic Park, where we explored the historic features and views. We then proceeded to follow the Long Path north along the top of the cliffs, with yet more views. We then descended on the Dyckman Hill Trail to the river and returned on the Shore Trail along the edge of the Hudson River.

Dyckman Hill Loop from Fort Lee Historic Park

Before we began the actual hike, we walked over to the northern end of the park to check out the view. This giant bridge has a 3,500-foot center span and its towers are 570 feet tall. The George Washington Bridge connects Fort Washington Park in Manhattan to New Jersey’s Fort Lee Historic Park and the Palisades. The bridge first opened in 1931.

George Washington Bridge

Just under the bridge on the Manhattan side, is the Little Red Lighthouse (AKA Jeffrey’s Hook), Manhattan island’s only lighthouse. This 40-foot-high structure had been erected on Sandy Hook, New Jersey in 1880, where it used a 1,000 pound fog signal and flashing red light to guide ships through the night. It became obsolete and was dismantled in 1917. In 1921, the U.S. Coast Guard reconstructed this lighthouse on Jeffrey’s Hook in an attempt to improve navigational aids on the Hudson River. When the George Washington Bridge opened in 1931, the brighter lights of the bridge again made the lighthouse obsolete. In 1948, the Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse, and its lamp was extinguished.

Little Red Lighthouse

In the southern portion of the Historic Park, winding pathways lead past a reconstructed blockhouse to gun batteries and firing steps.

Fort Lee Historic Park

blockhouse – Fort Lee Historic Park

Fort Lee Historic Park

firing steps – Fort Lee Historic Park

At the southernmost end of the park, the Manhattan skyline is clearly visible.

view of NYC – Fort Lee Historic Park

There are authentically recreated eighteenth-century soldiers’ and officers’ huts, with a well, woodshed, and baking oven. They serve as the focal point for interpretive programs.

soldier’s hut – Fort Lee Historic Park

Fort Lee Historic Park

When we were done exploring the park, we headed back towards the entrance road. The sign near the visitor center indicates the start of the Long Path (in New Jersey) and the distances to the other trails.

trail sign – Fort Lee Historic Park

Since we would be using the Long Path for the first part of the hike, we began following the aqua blazes. The Long Path and the Shore Trail are co-aligned at the start. The Shore Trail would be our return route.

Long Path

The Long Path travels on the paved walkway out of the park and onto Hudson Terrace, where it turns right, heading north. The two trails split when they reach Hudson Terrace, with the Shore Trail going left.

Long Path

The Long Path continues along Hudson Terrace towards the George Washington Bridge.

Hudson Terrace – Long Path

After passing beneath the I-95 overpass, the Long Path turns right and climbs two sets of steps alongside the GW Bridge.

Long Path

The trail leads up the stairs, turns left and crosses a pedestrian bridge.

pedestrian bridge – Long Path

After crossing the pedestrian bridge, the Long Path enters the woods on a broad gravel track.

Long Path

The views open up almost immediately. Looking north, the Ross Dock Picnic Area is visible jutting out into the Hudson River. We would pass through there on our way back.

view north – Long Path

There are short spur trails that lead to views over the river, this one has a bench.

Long Path

The Long Path then arrives at a junction with the blue-blazed Carpenter’s Trail, which turns right and descends to the river. We had now hiked just under a mile (not including the walk around the park). We continued straight, still following the aqua blazes of the Long Path.

Long Path

It is easy walking on this section of the Long Path, as it is very level with many views along the way. The Manhattan skyline is visible through the GW Bridge.

view south – Long Path

It wouldn’t be a hike without a blowdown blocking the trail.

blowdown – Long Path

We then entered Allison Park, marked by the iron fence surrounding it that was erected in the 1930’s. Allison Park was named for William O. Allison (1849–1924), the first mayor of Englewood Cliffs and a leader in preserving Palisades lands. Allison once had an estate here.

Allison Park – Long Path

Allison’s picturesque Colonial Revival Mansion burned in 1903, but there is a small stone building along the edge of the cliffs.

Allison Park

We sat on the porch of this old house and took a short break as we looked out over the Hudson.

Allison Park

Allison Park is an 8-acre scenic cliff-top park area overlooking the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Allison Park

At the northern end of the park is a boulder with a plaque for William Outis Allison.

Allison Park

Leaving the park, the Long Path continues along the paved access road, passes the entrance road to St. Peter’s College, and enters a narrow strip of woods near the Parkway before heading back toward the edge of the Palisades’ cliffs.

Long Path

Back near the edge of the cliffs, there are some stone ruins. This building more likely housed equipment for the antenna, that lays alongside it. I believe it was for relaying the signal for the Park Police and/or maintenance dept.

stone ruins – Long Path

According to Eric Nelsen, Palisades Interstate Park Museum Technician, this site was owned and operated by the park as a campground through the late twenties and the 1930’s. It was called “Camp Palisades” and was mostly for RV and car campers.

stone ruins – Long Path

It was in this area that I spotted a Peregrine Falcon sitting in a tree.

Peregrine Falcon

There were a number of buildings, like restrooms, camp store, etc., but all were torn down. I think a big piece of it is buried by the Parkway.

abandoned emergency call box – Long Path

The Long Path comes out on Palisades Avenue and continues north. To the right is the start of the yellow-blazed Dyckman Hill Trail, which starts down the Palisades to the Englewood Boat Basin This was as far north as we would go today and were now approximately at the halfway point.

Start of Dyckman Hill Trail

We walked down the hill on the sidewalk, following the yellow blazes. In 1912 the Interstate Commission first proposed a road from the “top of the Cliffs at the head of Palisades Avenue at Englewood, running down the face of the Palisades” to Englewood Landing to connect with a ferry that would cross the river from the base of Dyckman Street in Manhattan.

Dyckman Hill Trail

In 0.4 mile, the Dyckman Hill Trail descends 340 feet to the Englewood Boat Basin.

Englewood Boat Basin

Known as Dyckman Hill Road, this steep and winding section of the Drive follows a carriage road, which had in turn been built around 1870 for the Palisades Mountain House, a grand hotel on the summit (the Mountain House burned down in 1884). Workers spent two years widening and improving the old road, cutting into the cliff face, building the tall gray stone walls alongside the roadway.

Dyckman Hill Trail

Just beyond a waterfall on the right, the yellow blazes turn left and descend stone steps,

stone steps – Dyckman Hill Trail

passing by another waterfall

waterfall – Dyckman Hill Trail

and then going through an underpass beneath the entrance road.

underpass – Dyckman Hill Trail

The Dyckman Hill Trail then turns right and continues to descend on stone-paved switchbacks and stone steps.

stone-paved switchbacks – Dyckman Hill Trail

Caution should be exercised in this area, as the stone paving may be uneven, and the route may be slippery when wet or covered by leaves.

stone-paved switchbacks – Dyckman Hill Trail

At the base of the descent, we followed the road towards the river. The Dyckman Hill Trail ends near the river, at the Englewood Picnic Area.

Dyckman Hill Trail

We sat at a picnic table, relaxing and enjoying the warm January weather. To the south, we had a nice view of the George Washington Bridge and the Manhattan skyline just beyond.

George Washington Bridge from the Englewood Boat Basin

Aptly named, the Shore Trail runs along the edge of the Hudson River.

Shore Trail

The Shore Trail passes numerous small beach areas along the way that make great places to stop and take in the scenery.

Shore Trail

In warm weather, this trail sees a lot of foot traffic, but on this day there were few people along the trail. Walking south, we had a constant view of the GW Bridge. The land mass at the bottom is the Ross Dock Picnic Area.

GW Bridge – Shore Trail

We arrived at the Ross Dock Picnic Area and there were plenty of people out and about, enjoying the day. During the early 1900’s, Ross Dock was a summer camp for families from New York City.

Ross Dock Picnic Area

Much of the present-day picnic area was built on sunken barges and other landfill from the quarry days.

Ross Dock Picnic Area

The Shore Trail has various access points and is a great place to take a walk by the Hudson River.

Shore Trail

Carpenter’s Grove, just south of the main Ross Dock picnic area, is a picnic grove that is set aside for the use of groups by permit.

Carpenter’s Grove

The Shore Trail passes beneath the GW Bridge.

Shore Trail

A river level view of the Little Red Lighthouse.

Little Red Lighthouse

The Shore Trail then arrives at another nice sitting area, then climbs a series of stone steps.

stone steps – Shore Trail

The trail then emerges on Henry Hudson Drive where we took a short break from climbing all those steps.

Shore Trail

We followed the white blazes which turned right onto Hudson Terrace, now heading north, back to the entrance of Fort Lee Historic Park.

Hudson Terrace – Shore Trail

Across the street from the park there is an interesting stone arch. If I wasn’t so tired, I would have crossed the street to check it out, but there was a lot of traffic and I wasn’t in the mood to dodge cars at this point.

stone arch

The Shore Trail then reaches the entrance to the park, and turns right.

Hudson Terrace – Shore Trail

Entering the park, we began to retrace our steps back on the paved walkway.

Fort Lee Historic Park – Shore Trail

We then reached the terminus of the Shore Trail and back to the parking area, where our hike began.

terminus of the Shore Trail

Another terrific hike with lots to see. There is only one noteworthy descent and ascent on the entire hike. For the majority of the route it was mostly level with plenty of views along the way. A great hike atop the cliffs and a nice return walk along the Hudson.

Pros: Historical features, scenic views, Hudson River, lighthouse, Long Path.

Cons: Road walk.

Take a hike!

Dyckman Hill Loop from Fort Lee Historic Park

Sources:

Palisades Interstate Park

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

Barnes Mine and Lake Welch Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on January 20, 2018

January 20, 2018 – Stony Point, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 5.3 miles

Max elevation: 1,161 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 412 ft.

Route type: Figure 8 Loop

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #118

Trailhead parking: 14-32 St Johns Rd – Stony Point, NY 10980

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.

Barnes Mine is located on the southern slope of Pole Brook Mountain and is on the north side of Lake Welch Drive in Harriman State Park. The mine is on a 17-acre parcel bought in 1846 by Isaac Barnes. Barnes Mine ceased operating about 1880. This mine does not appear to have been extensively worked.

Barnes Mine

Lake Welch was started in 1928 on what was then known as Beaver Pond. Sandyfield was a settlement of about 30 houses that was submerged when swampy Beaver Pond was dammed to create the 216-acre lake by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

Lake Welch

While planning a hike when there is snow on the ground, I try to be reasonable about the distance and difficulty of the trail. While it might be a breeze to do a 8-mile loop in warm weather, hiking in snow has its issues. It is far easier to walk in the tracks of someone else who has already “broken” the trail than on virgin snow. I chose this hike because of the minimal elevation gain while keeping it at a tolerable distance.

Barnes Mine and Lake Welch Loop

Below is a map of the same area from 1930, notice that there is no Lake Welch.

1930 map of Sandyfield area

We arrived shortly before 9:30 am on a crisp, but clear Saturday morning with temps in the low-mid 30’s. We parked in the hikers parking lot on St. Johns Road.

hikers parking – St. Johns Road

The lot has room for about 6-8 cars and was empty when we arrived. The image below shows how it looked like shortly before 2:00 pm as we concluded the hike.

hikers parking – St. Johns Road

At the far end of the driveway, facing northwest, where there are two boulders, is where we began our hike.

start of hike – hikers parking

We proceeded on the unmarked woods road that heads northwest towards Lake Welch Drive.

unmarked trail

The stone foundation ruins in the overgrown field were part of the Charleston Homestead, the 17-acre parcel that includes Barnes Mine. The Barnes Mine is inextricably linked to the Charleston family, which once lived in the Sandyfields-Johnsontown area near what is now Lake Welch and St. John’s-in-the-Wilderness Church. The trail leads around to the left of the stone foundation.

ruins

The old road then leads out to Lake Welch Drive which is closed in winter.

Lake Welch Drive

Across Lake Welch Drive is the base of Pole Brook Mountain and where we were headed.

cross Lake Welch Drive

We walked up the hill and then veered left onto an old overgrown road. I can only imagine that the old road would have been more discernible if there was no snow on the ground. Since I did some research prior to the hike, I knew the general direction that we had to go.

unmarked woods road

We had to maneuver around a large blowdown that was blocking the trail.

large blowdown

In a short distance we came to a rock cut along the woods road that leads to the mine.

rock cut along the road

We walked through the cut and there it was. Barnes Mine is on a 17-acre parcel bought in 1846 by Isaac Barnes. It probably was he who first opened a mine there. By 1864, it belonged to John Charleston. In 1871, he leased the mine to the Rockland Nickel Company, which operated the Nickel Mine on nearby Grape Swamp Mountain.

Barnes Mine

The main feature of this mine is a large cruciform-shaped open pit from which rock and ore have been extracted. This north-to-south cut measures eighty-three feet in length and varies in width from ten to thirteen feet.

Barnes Mine

At the extreme north end of this cut, the excavation is somewhat wider and deeper. Here the mine pit undercuts the rock ledge and contains water. The east-to-west crossing mine cut is 113 feet in total length, and thirteen to seventeen feet wide.

Barnes Mine

The mine was filled with water, frozen over and a blanket of snow covered the ground and ice. It was hard to determine what was solid ground and what was ice so we took great caution in this area. Some of these water filled pits can be extremely deep and there could be multiple pits in the area which may be covered with leaves and look like puddles.

Barnes Mine

Once done exploring the mine, we headed back out to the old road and turned right, heading southwest. The road is easily followed at this point, but it doesn’t stay that way. It soon becomes wildly overgrown and kind of disappears so we ended up bushwacking. It was short lived though because the Long Path was just ahead. We turned right on the aqua-blazed Long Path. The trail goes northwest along a farm road, this farm, part of the Sandyfield community, was the home of Charles Conklin until September 1938.

Long Path

In a short distance, the Long Path turns right and leaves the farm road onto a footpath, now heading northeast.

Long Path

Along the way, we passed a cellar hole by the side of the trail.

cellar hole – Long Path

After 0.4 mile, we came to a junction with the start of the blue-blazed Beech Trail.

junction – Beech Trail

The Beech Trail starts out as a footpath and at times widens to a woods road then narrows again. The blazes also vary in shades of blue. Sometimes dark blue, light blue or just faded blue. Nevertheless, they are blue and it wasn’t confusing. This is one of the newer trails, blazed in 1972. It was during the construction of this trail that the method of using offset double blazes to show the direction in which the trail turns was invented.

Beech Trail

The trail goes northeast on a woods road (the old Green Swamp Trail). The Beech Trail passes Green Swamp on the right and impressive boulders and cliffs on the left.

Beech Trail

I’ve hiked this trail before, it is quite scenic in a less traveled area.

Beech Trail

We followed the blue blazes of the Beech Trail until it reaches CR 106. The Beech Trail crosses the road and reenters the woods, but we turned right and began walking along the road.

CR 106

We walked along County Route 106 for about 600 yards. Several cars drove by on this day, but I could imagine it being a little busier in the warmer weather.

CR 106

After walking under Lake Welch Drive, we turned left into the entrance to the Lake Welch Boat Launch.

Lake Welch Boat Basin

Just past the entrance, we turned right and began walking down the boat ramp towards Lake Welch. On the left, there is a boulder with a plaque to commemorate the Sandyfield School Site.

Sandyfields School Site plaque

The community of Sandyfield, where there were about 25 homes, with about 100 residents, was located on high ground to the north and west of the swamp (now Lake Welch). Sandyfield had been founded about 1760 when the first road through the hills had been built from Stony Point to Central Valley. Hikers now know this road as the Hasenclever Road.

Sandyfields School Site plaque

In 1910, when the state park was created, the residents were notified that they would have to leave their homes. There was an attempt to resist through political channels, but in 1939 the last residents were ordered to leave.

Sandyfield School 1946

By 1942, the lake was completed using workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps that was building the park. The new lake was named in honor of William A. Welch the first chairman of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission that built Harriman.

Lake Welch

Down at the edge of the boat launch, the Jackie Jones Fire Tower is visible to the southeast.

Jackie Jones Fire Tower

We then jumped on a park road that runs along the west side of the lake, now heading northeast.

park road – Lake Welch

We saw a lot of different animal tracks along this road, I wasn’t sure what any of them were, but some were pretty large. We proceeded up a road on the left and visited what is referred to as the Odell Cemetery, but is officially named Lake Welch Burials.

Odell Cemetery

We paid our respects to those that are interred here who at one time lived on this land. In 1939, the Park ordered residents Fred Odell, Albert and Aaron Baisley, and Sarah Benson to move out. The residents finally moved out in 1942.

Odell Cemetery

We walked back out to the park road and turned left, continuing our walk around Lake Welch and arrived at the beach area. We stopped at the beach, but unfortunately there were no lifeguards on duty.

Lake Welch

We took a short break here and had a snack. We saw several people walk by, the only people we saw on the hike.

Lake Welch

We continued on the road around the beach which brought back many childhood memories.

Lake Welch

I remember climbing up and down this rock formation when I was very young. I also remember be yelled at to stop. It seemed as big as a mountain back then.

Lake Welch

It was about this point where my friend realized that she had lost one of her microspikes. She walked back looking for it, to no avail. If found, please let me know.

Lake Welch

I remember running across the grass here and yes, I got yelled at for that as well.

Lake Welch

Looking southwest from the beach.

Lake Welch

Heading towards the dam at the northeast end of the lake.

Lake Welch

The dam was completed in 1929. Apparently, it was not high enough, because a new dam was started in 1934 using workers from CCC Camp SP-26.

Lake Welch dam

Sandyfield residents, who opposed the construction of the dams, petitioned Governor Lehman and President Roosevelt to abolish the Park Commission (N.Y. Times, 11/22/34).

Lake Welch dam

Lake Welch

Lake Welch dam

There are no real good places to walk along the east side of the lake, at least not in the snow. We began a road walk along CR 106.

CR 106

There weren’t many cars driving by on this chilly Saturday so it was an easy and scenic walk along the road.

the southwest section of Lake Welch as it flows towards Beaver Pond Brook

Lake Welch as viewed from CR 106

We got to St. Johns Road and turned left.

St. Johns Road

We then walked down the road and turned right towards the hikers parking area where our hike began.

St. Johns Road

We then got in the car and drove a very short distance on St. Johns Road to visit the church. Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Zimmerman built this memorial to her late husband after he passed away on their honeymoon. The cornerstone was laid on June 23, 1880. Read the full history of St. John’s in the Wilderness.

St. John’s in the Wilderness Episcopal Church

A Memorial to Lost Love.

St. John’s in the Wilderness

A visit to St. John’s is a walk through another place in time.

St. John’s in the Wilderness

Behind the church is a ruined structure with a doorway.

ruins behind St. John’s in the Wilderness

This cemetery was used by the old families from the Sandyfield, Johnsontown, plus the other old hamlets of the Harriman State Park area.

St. John’s Cemetery

Thank you for your service Mr. Conklin.

Frank Conklin – St. John’s Cemetery

I hope that you enjoyed the hike and please don’t forget to follow my blog. Feel free to share my posts with your friends as well. As always, I welcome any comments or suggestions regarding past or future hikes.

Pros: Barnes Mine, Lake Welch, historic features, scenic area, lesser traveled area.

Cons: My friend lost her microspikes.

Take a hike!

Barnes Mine – Lake Welch Loop

Sources:

Myles, William J.. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History (Kindle Location 5906). New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.

Lenik, Edward J.. Iron Mine Trails (Kindle Location 1780). New York – New Jersey Trail Conference. Kindle Edition.

St. John’s in the Wilderness Church Cemetery

Constitution Marsh and Indian Brook Falls

Posted on December 31, 2017

December 31, 2017 – Garrison, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 2.1 miles

Max elevation: 237 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 253 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101

Trailhead parking: 113 Indian Brook Rd, Garrison, NY 10524 (room for 8 cars)

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a unique and beautiful tidal marsh. It is located in Putnam County, New York on the east shore of the Hudson River, just south of the village of Cold Spring. The hiking trail leads to a boardwalk and there are benches to take in the marsh habitat, it’s wildlife, and an unmatched view of the surrounding Hudson River Highlands.

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary

Indian Brook Falls is where the Indian Brook plunges from a 40 ft. cliff into a rocky pool nestled in a small gorge. The picturesque waterfall then flows southwest and joins the Hudson River near Constitution Marsh.

Indian Brook Falls

I have visited both the falls and Constitution Marsh on numerous occasions. I have always enjoyed the walk to the Hudson River and the boardwalk over the marsh, with its views of the Hudson Highlands it’s a nice payoff with little effort. Since this would be our last hike of 2017 and the temperature was in the mid teens, I thought that we should keep it short, but with some inducements to make us brave the frigid weather. At just over 2 miles, it was the perfect hike to do on an extremely cold day.

Constitution Marsh and Indian Brook Falls

View the Google Earth Fly-Through video of the hike below.

We got a late start due to the cold. It was in the single digits early on, so we waited until it warmed up to a blistering 12 degrees and arrived at the parking area at around 11:30 am.

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary

There is only room for eight cars and in warm weather the lot can fill up quickly. There is no parking along the road anywhere else and cars will be ticketed and/or towed.

parking – Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary

The ground was slick and icy so we wore our microspikes for better traction. We began by walking down the entrance road of Constitution Marsh.

Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary

The road is closed to vehicular traffic from visitors and is the start of the blue-blazed trail, note the blue markers on the sign.