Stony Kill Falls – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Posted on August 20, 2018

August‎ ‎18, 2018 – Wawarsing, NY

Difficulty: Easy (1 steep ascent on stone steps and back down the same way)

Length: Approximately 1.7 miles

Max elevation: 1,387 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 281 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Trailhead parking: Shaft 2A Road Wawarsing, NY 12446

For decades Stony Kill Falls had been a secret gem known to locals and avid tourists of the famed Shawangunk Ridge. Hidden in the southwest flank of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, a towering 87 foot drop swelled every Spring into a roaring waterfall with no official access route. Gated off at the end of an unassuming road with the unappealing name of Shaft 2A Road, only those in the know, knew where to go.

Stony Kill Falls

The land it sits on was acquired in 2001 by the State of New York, The Open Space Institute and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference from Napanoch Sand and Gravel Company, that once owned the land.

Stony Kill Falls

The Stony Kill Area Trail Project at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, created a formal, sustainable hiking trail to provide safe access and views of the Stony Kill Waterfall. The trail includes two footbridges, multiple stone steps through a boulder field and a sustainable route up the steep slope to access the upper falls.

The project was paid for by a grant from NYS Parks and by the Palisades Park Conservancy. Tahawus Trails LLC was contracted by the Palisades Park Conservancy for all aspects of the project and supervised and managed volunteer contributions to the project.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

I first visited Stony Kill Falls in April of 2015 and at that time there was little information about its location online. Once on site, there was no set route to get to the falls and definitely no safe way to reach the top. Reaching the base of the falls entailed scrambling over boulders strewn about the Stony Kill. Below is an image from April of 2015 with ice formed from the spray. The Falls are unusually beautiful in the wintertime when cold temperatures create an icy, cone like structure at the base of the Falls.

Stony Kill Falls – April 18, 2015

Upon hearing that the new trail was complete, it was time to pay a return visit. I was not only impressed, but also in awe of the exceptional work that was done in order to create safe and easy access through this marvelous place. This is a fairly easy out and back hike, but can be combined with the Stony Kill Carriage Road at the terminus of the Stony Kill Falls Trail, past the top of the falls, for longer hikes.

Stony Kill Falls

A new feature that I have added is the Google Earth Fly-Through. It follows the path that we hiked and it gives you a good idea of the terrain, layout, amount of parking etc. Check it out, it’s pretty cool.

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

Parking is at the end of Shaft 2A Road, alongside the road. The road is narrow and its a good idea to turn around and park facing away from the gate, as sometimes the road gets lined with vehicles.

Shaft 2A Road

Shaft 2A Road continues past the gate. We walked around the gate and proceeded down the gravel road.

Shaft 2A Road

In about 300 yards, the road splits at a clearing. We stayed to the left.

Shaft 2A Road

To the right of the clearing is a fenced in shaft, a deep water valve, running hundreds of feet below the earth to the Catskill Aqueduct. A feature of this area’s history was the building of two aqueduct lines through it, aqueducts that brought Catskill Mountain water to New York City. The first line, the Catskill Aqueduct, was built from 1909 to 1915, and the second line, the Delaware Aqueduct, was built from 1937 to 1945. The entire aqueduct system provides 350 to 400 million gallons of water per day to New York City or about 40% of their water supply.

Shaft 2A

Shaft 2A, located near Stony Kill Falls within the Preserve, is one of 67 access shafts along the aqueduct. An easement agreement between OPRHP/PIPC and the New York City Water Authority allows for authorized access by the Authority to Shaft 2A from Shaft 2A Road.

Shaft 2A

On the left is an aging helipad, possibly utilized as a quick access point for repairs to the Aqueduct.

helipad

Just beyond the helipad, the cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge come into view.

Shawangunk Ridge

Continuing along the gravel road, the path dips down into a gravel pit that has been transformed into a parking area. I presume that at some point they will open this up, which would make the parking, much more visitor friendly.

Update 2019: The new parking area is now open (9am – 5pm) and the hike now begins from here.

Shaft 2A Road

The Stony Kill Falls Trail begins at the southern end of this parking area just past the gate.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail is marked with red blazes and begins at the southern end of Shaft 2A Road.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

A sign on the post warns of Timber Rattlesnakes that inhabit this area. None were encountered on our visit, but care should be taken by remaining on the designated trail.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The well blazed trail soon leaves the open area and ducks into the woods.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail continues on a crushed stone tread, constructed of shale, from the piles quarried from the Aqueduct shafts. The path is packed down so firm, that it resembles blacktop.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

In a short distance, the trail crosses the Stony Kill on a rustic timber footbridge, built by Tahawus Trails LLC in 2017. The bridges are constructed with Black Locust railings and decking. The first bridge is 30 ft. long and is framed with Galvanized I-beams.

footbridge – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail then almost immediately, crosses another. The second bridge is 19 ft. long and framed with Pressure Treated Pine.

footbridge – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail now ascends stone steps. The Jolly Rovers Trail Crew built the 35 step stone staircase leading to the stone paved viewing platform, overlooking the falls.

stone steps – Stony Kill Falls Trail

Chris Ingui, Executive Director and Founding Member of The Jolly Rovers states: “To accomplish this, our volunteers donated 3,000 work hours over the course of 30 days through the Fall of 2016 through the Fall of 2017. The stone was all native Shawangunk conglomerate and was split and shaped onsite and flown into place via overhead zip lines that we rigged into the surrounding trees.”

Jolly Rovers Trail Crew – Photo Credit: Chris Ingui

The finished product is outstanding, and and I for one am grateful to have these dedicated men and women put in such effort to make this place more easily accessible and enjoyable.

stone steps – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The stone steps lead to a stone paved 12′ by 12′ viewing platform with a keyhole view of Stony Kill Falls. This was constructed as a collaborative effort with Tahawus and the Rovers.

viewing platform – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The 87-foot Stony Kill Falls, is one of the major waterfalls in the Shawangunks and is a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers and photographers. The volume varies with the season and the rainfall, but at any time, it is a beautiful sight.

Stony Kill Falls

From the viewing platform, Tahawus Trails LLC constructed the remaining ascent up the steep bedrock ledge to the summit of the Falls.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail switchbacks using stone steps and paved landings. According to Eddie Walsh, founder of Tahawus Trails LLC, Tahawus put in about 2,300 man hours into the project.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail includes 140 linear feet of Stone Paved Tread Surface.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

In total, Tahawus Trails installed 230 steps, shaped from stone on site.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail blends in so well to its surroundings, that it looks like it was always there.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The stone steps seem to disappear into the hillside.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

There are 6 Iron Rungs to help navigate a short steep section, along with 70 linear feet of Barrier Railings.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

A 9-foot plank bridge is bolted down and secure over a wet area.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail reaches the top of the falls, where there is a 30-foot cascade. Previously, there was no safe access to this area from the base of the falls.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

Having never been to the top of the falls before, this was a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

upper falls – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The Stony Kill cascades down the staircase like rock formation before it plummets 87 feet off the cliff.

upper falls – Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail continues southwest along the Stony Kill.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

It moves away from the Stony Kill briefly.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail heads upstream along the Stony Kill, which flows northeast from Minnewaska State Park to Rondout Creek.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The trail now climbs gradually.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

The Stony Kill Falls Trail ends at the northern end of the Stony Kill Falls Carriage Road, where we turned right.

terminus of Stony Kill Falls Trail

A short distance away is the “nudist pool,” that is lined with smooth rock slabs. Beyond the pool, the Stony Kill can be followed upstream for several miles, where the hiker will come across many pools and small cascades, as it flows from Minnewaska State Park.

nudist pool – Stony Kill

Retracing our steps, we turned left and departed the Stony Kill Carriage Road and got back on the red-blazed Stony Kill Falls Trail. The Stony Kill Carriage Road runs south for 1.5 miles and ends at a junction with the Smiley Carriage Road, just north of Lake Awosting.

junction with Stony Kill Carriage Road

We retraced our steps back to the viewing platform to get one last look at Stony Kill Falls before heading out. We passed two women and a little girl just before reaching the viewing platform. The only people we would see on this hike. It pays to get an early start.

Stony Kill Falls

Walking back along the trail, I looked around and felt very fortunate to have such a charming place to explore.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

Recrossing the footbridges, I had to stop again and take a long look around. I honestly hated leaving here.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

Back out in the open area, we followed the gravel road back the way we came.

Stony Kill Falls Trail

While getting ready to leave, several cars drove up. We were fortunate enough to arrive early and for the most part, had the place to ourselves.

Shaft 2A Road

Having visited Stony Kill Falls before there were any formal trails, I was blown away with all the work that has been done there. Such great care has been taken to make it this trail blend in to the natural landscape. Thanks to the creativity, vision and sweat of Tahawus Trails LLC, The Jolly Rovers and all the volunteers, making a magnificent place even more alluring.

Pros: One of the most attractive trails that I have hiked on, Stony Kill Falls, Easy to follow trail, scenic landscape.

Cons: Slippery when wet, parking situation hopefully improves if they open up the new parking area.

Take a hike!

Stony Kill Falls

Sources:

Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake from State Line Trailhead‏ – Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

Posted on August 6, 2018

‎August‎ ‎5‎, ‎2018 – Greenwood Lake, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous

Length: approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 1,299 ft. – total elevation gain: 705 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: North Jersey Trails Map #116 – Free Park Map

Trailhead parking: State Line Trailhead Parking Lakeside Rd, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925

The 2,000-acre Abram Hewitt State Forest encompasses a section of the Bearfort Ridge between Greenwood Lake and Upper Greenwood Lake, north of Warwick Turnpike. Bearfort Ridge, formed of the unusual Skunnemunk Conglomerate or “puddingstone,” is an anomaly in the midst of the Highlands. With its many overlooks, colorful bedrock, and stunted pitch pines, it is one of the most picturesque mountain ridges in all of New Jersey. The challenge: all of the trails “climb steeply” in places.

Bearfort Ridge

The forest is isolated and untouched, accessible only on foot. Marshes and wetlands are scattered throughout the forest with several brooks and streams crisscrossing the lower areas. Hemlock and oak are the dominant species of this relatively undisturbed forest. The glacially-smoothed ridge is studded with pitch pines. Rocky outcrops and upland swamps characterize Abram S. Hewitt State Forest. The glacially carved ridge offers spectacular views eastward along Greenwood Lake.

Ernest Walter Trail – Bearfort Ridge

While searching for a place to hike, Bearfort Ridge was cited numerous times as one of the most scenic areas in all of New Jersey. About an hour drive from where I reside, it was definitely worth the trip. I mapped out a loop hike using the various trails, but with extreme heat and poor air quality, the strenuous hike that I had mapped out would be made more difficult. I wanted to have options for a shorter out if it became necessary. As it turned out, the hike became an out and back once we got to Surprise Lake. We could have continued and completed the loop, but to be honest, the ruggedness of the trails made this three mile hike more than enough on this hot and humid day. We were satisfied with the hike and the effort that we put forth on this sweltering Sunday in August.

Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake from State Line Trailhead

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

Since it was going to be a scorcher, we got an early start, arriving at the trailhead at approximately 8:00 am. The parking area has room for about 8 cars, but when we arrived there was only one car there. Upon returning to the parking area shortly after noon, the lot was at capacity with cars parked alongside the woods and cars filing in then turning around. The trailhead for the State Line Trail begins just below the hikers parking.

State Line Trail

The trail can also be accessed alongside the kiosk by the hikers parking as well. This is where we began the hike.

State Line Trail

From the kiosk at the end of the parking area, we began following the blue-on-white-blazed State Line Trail, which follows a wide, rocky path up Bearfort Mountain.

State Line Trail

The ascent is moderate at first, and the trail soon levels off.

State Line Trail

The heavy rainfall the previous several days. turned the State Line Trail into a stream bed. On the level areas, there were numerous water crossings, some deeper and wider than others.

water crossing – State Line Trail

As the trail ascends, the water streamed over and around the rocks, making it slippery and a little slow going. At times we walked along the edge of the trail rather than walk through the flowing water or wet rocks.

State Line Trail

With a private home visible directly ahead, the trail turns right and begins to climb more steeply. Taking care to follow the blue-and-white blazes, as there are many side trails that branch from the main route.

State Line Trail

Although the trail is steep, it is nicely shaded on the section that we hiked. Even though it was still early morning, I had already worked up quite a sweat.

State Line Trail

In about 3/4 mile, we reached an intersection with the yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail. This turn can be easily missed as the blazes are not easily visible going uphill. I was on the lookout for them and spotted two yellow blazes on a tree as I was walking past the trail. I assume that one of the blazes is missing because this is either the start or end of the trail, depending on which direction one is traveling. We turned left and followed the yellow-blazed trail uphill.

junction – Ernest Walter Trail

The trail climbs over rocks as it heads steeply uphill. In a short distance, we began to traverse a long, glacially-smoothed outcrop of Skunnemunk Conglomerate “puddingstone” rock. This unusual reddish-matrix conglomerate rock, studded with pebbles of pink sandstone and white quartz, is characteristic of Bearfort Ridge.

Bearfort Ridge – Ernest Walter Trail

As the trail climbs along the ridge, views open up over Greenwood Lake to the east.

Greenwood Lake – Ernest Walter Trail

The trail continues to climb steeply over the bare rock of the ridge. The bottom of my boots were still wet from the State Line Trail and I slipped a little, several times. I wouldn’t recommend this section of the trail in times of rain or snow.

Bearfort Ridge – Ernest Walter Trail

It’s a nice walk, up the ridge, but without tree cover it is also very hot.

Bearfort Ridge – Ernest Walter Trail

We continued to the top of the summit ridge, which offers a panoramic view over the six-mile-long Greenwood Lake, 600 vertical feet below. Although the air was thick and hazy, the view was still quite stunning.

Greenwood Lake – Ernest Walter Trail

We wanted to spend some time here, taking in the magnificent view and resting from the steep climb, but instead walked a little further and found a shady spot.

Greenwood Lake – Ernest Walter Trail

We continued along the Ernest Walter Trail, which briefly dips into the woods, but soon comes out again on another long conglomerate outcrop. After passing through an area studded with pitch pines…….

pitch pines – Ernest Walter Trail

the trail bears right and descends to cross the outlet of a wetland to the right of the trail. The water here was about 12 inches deep and we walked across the fallen tree on the left, to cross over.

water crossing – Ernest Walter Trail

A short distance beyond, the yellow-blazed Ernest Walter Trail, reaches the eastern shore of pristine, spring-fed Surprise Lake.

Surprise Lake

We sat here in the shade, and even though it was barely 10:00 am, we enjoyed our lunch. I had read, that this place attracts crowds, on this day, we had this beautiful spot to ourselves. We then began contemplating on our next move regarding the hike. I laid out the pros and cons of continuing on the loop and/or retracing our steps, which would shorten the hike by about a mile or so. We decided on retracing our steps and making this an out and back hike.

Surprise Lake

While relaxing here, three hikers and their dog came along. We struck up a conversation and as it turns out, one of them reads this blog. He told me that he recently followed one of my hikes. I was glad to hear that and offered to take their photograph. I didn’t catch their names, but the dog’s name is Roxie. They continued on to do the loop.

Roxie and her 3 friends

Now returning the way we came, we made our way through the woods and back out onto the scenic ridge.

Bearfort Ridge – Ernest Walter Trail

We didn’t mind revisiting these views, but we did mind the blazing sun.

Greenwood Lake – Ernest Walter Trail

This place is as beautiful as advertised.

Bearfort Ridge – Ernest Walter Trail

After making our way along the ridge, we reached the junction with the blue-on-white-blazed State Line Trail. There were about 25 hikers making their way up and stopped at the junction to wait for stragglers. We turned right and proceeded to navigate our way down the rocky trail. On two occasions, we bushwacked to the left, in order to view the cascades that tumbled down the mountain. We continued descending on the State Line Trail until we returned to the parking area, where the hike began. The best view of the cascades are right from the parking area.

cascades – State Line Trail

This was an excellent hike and I plan to return, possibly in the fall, to complete the loop. The area is really beautiful and the views are amazing. This is a wonderful area to explore and there are connecting trails, including the AT, making long or short loop hikes possible. The State Line Trail is steep, but once up on the mountain, it does get easier, with some minor ups and downs.

Pros: Beautiful scenery, puddingstone, majestic views, Surprise Lake.

Cons: Can get crowded, State Line Trail is a stream after heavy rain.

Take a hike!

Bearfort Ridge and Surprise Lake from State Line Trailhead

Sources

Rock Rift Crevices from Spring Farm Trailhead – Mohonk Preserve

Posted on July 31, 2018

‎July‎ ‎29‎, ‎2018 – Marbletown, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: approximately 6 miles

Max elevation: 1,096 ft. – total elevation gain: 679 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails Map #106

Trailhead parking: Spring Farm Trailhead parking – Marbletown, NY 12440

Fees: $15.00 per hiker day use fee (Non-Member) – Purchase Membership

Overview:

With over 8,000 acres on the Shawangunk Ridge, Mohonk Preserve is the largest member and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State. The Mohonk Preserve is a private land conservation organization established to protect the Shawangunk Ridge, it is not public land funded by the government. Therefore, there is a day use fee to use the preserve which funds its maintenance and programs.

Mohonk Preserve

The Mohonk Mountain House property consists of 1,325 acres, and much of it is landscaped with meadows and gardens. It adjoins the Mohonk Preserve, which is crisscrossed by 85 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads. The Mohonk Mountain House charges $22.00 Monday-Friday and $27.00 weekends/holidays for a day hiking pass. A hiking pass does not include access to the interior of the house or lake swimming. The Mohonk Preserve (non-profit nature preserve) and the Mohonk Mountain House (resort hotel) are two separate places. The Mohonk Preserve charges $15.00 for a day pass (annual memberships available) which also allows access to the Mohonk Mountain House property. The only drawback is that you have to hike a couple of miles in order to get to the Mountain House grounds. That normally adds about five miles to any hike unless you pay to park on their property.

Although Mohonk is famous for its Lemon Squeeze, which lies within the Labyrinth rock scramble. There are other notable hikes that involve rock scrambles, agility, and the use of hands as well as feet, including Arching Rocks Path, Cathedral Path, Giant’s Workshop, Humpty Dumpty Path and Rock Rift Crevices. I have done several of them and along with being challenging, they are also quite enjoyable.

This hike focuses on the Rock Rift Crevices, which is mostly a horizontal rock scramble and is fun to explore. It is a great introduction to rock scrambling for those that want a thrill without requirement of any real advanced skills. The rock scramble on this hike is less than a 1/2 mile long, but it feels much longer. It involves a lot of twisting and squirming through rock crevices and climbing over rock formations and boulders. The key is to keep an eye on the blazes as there seem to be numerous routes in which to go. This 6 mile loop also uses easy walking carriage roads to reach the crevices, a brief detour onto Mohonk Mountain House property to some magnificent views and returns on different carriage roads.

Rock Rift Crevices from Spring Farm Trailhead

The hike:

We began the hike on the Northwest Trail, which is located directly across from the booth where you stop to pay or show your membership card.

Northwest Trail

We headed south on the Northwest Trail, on a mowed path along the edge of a field.

Northwest Trail

The trail then plunges into the woods, crosses a small stream and begins to climb on a footpath, gradually at first. The trail reaches a collapsed stone wall, briefly parallels it then crosses through it. The trail then steepens as it climbs the hillside. The trail is not well marked, but easily discernible. I did spot an occasional red blaze along the way.

Northwest Trail

After about 1/2 mile and approximately 160 feet of elevation gain, we reached Cedar Drive and turned right, now heading southwest. Cedar Drive is one of several broken-stone carriage roads that connects the Spring Farm Trailhead area to the Mohonk Mountain House property.

Cedar Drive

In approximately 0.6 mile, we came to the Cedar Drive Carriage Road Bridge. The original rustic stone and wood bridge that crossed Mohonk Road was removed in the 1960’s when the public roadway was widened.

Cedar Drive Carriage Road Bridge

This new span, installed in 2011 once again links the historic carriage roads north of Mohonk Road to the remainder of the network on the southern side. The prefabricated steel pedestrian bridge with wooden decking is similar in appearance to the Trapps Bridge.

Cedar Drive Carriage Road Bridge

We crossed the bridge and continued walking on Cedar Drive. In approximately 0.7 mile, we reached the Cedar Drive Bridge.

Cedar Drive Bridge

This wide wooden bridge spans Mossy Brook and is very solidly built.

Cedar Drive Bridge

After crossing the bridge, we walked about another 500 feet and reached Glen Anna Road and turned left.

turn left on Glen Anna Road

Glen Anna Road snakes its way up the hillside…..

Glen Anna Road

then arrives at a junction with the red-blazed Rock Rift Trail.

Rock Rift Trail

We turned right onto the Rock Rift Trail and began following the red blazes and arrows. A short walk on the footpath leads to the start of the rock scramble.

Rock Rift Trail

The arrows point in which direction to go, otherwise it would be hard to figure out with so many crevices and rock formations.

Rock Rift Trail

Some of the crevices are tighter than others, but they are all doable. I am 6′ and 220 lbs. and although I had to remove my backpack at times to fit through the tighter squeezes, there were no spots where I had too much difficulty.

Rock Rift Trail

The trail twists and turns through a maze of jumbled boulders and a labyrinth of high rock walls.

Rock Rift Trail

Yes, I was able to squeeze through there.

Rock Rift Trail

There isn’t much elevation gain on this trail, although we did work up a sweat.

Rock Rift Trail

Some of the enclosed areas are very dark, but I had my trusty flashlight with me to help light the way.

Rock Rift Trail

We only encountered a lone female hiker going in the same direction as us. Near the end, we passed two male hikers going in the opposite direction.

Rock Rift Trail

With no other hikers breathing down our necks, we were able to go at our own pace. Although one of my fellow hikers commented later that we should have gone slower in order to further enjoy the beauty of this area.

Rock Rift Trail

Hiking this trail was like being in the Land of the Lost.

Rock Rift Trail

It rained heavily the two days before we did this hike and the rocks were slick in some areas.

Rock Rift Trail

There was one dark, cave like crevice where we had to walk about 25 feet in 12 inches of water. Luckily, I always carry spare socks in my pack.

Rock Rift Trail

This is a really fun trail and I truly enjoyed hiking it.

Rock Rift Trail

Surprisingly, this trail is not well-known. It travels inside caves and tunnels and is challenging, but at the same time, very rewarding.

Rock Rift Trail

This passageway, near the end of the crevices, was a little tight. My shoulders scraped against the sides, but I was able to squeeze through.

Rock Rift Trail

The Rock Rift Trail leads out to Rock Rift Road, where we took a short break and reflected on the wondrous adventure we had just undertook.

Junction of Rock Rift Trail and Rock Rift Road

After our brief moment of reflection, we continued on our journey. The Rock Rift Trail continues ahead on the other side of the road, where the path now becomes a maintained trail rather than a scramble.

Rock Rift Trail

The trail steeply climbs the hillside on switchbacks, making this the steepest ascent of the day.

Rock Rift Trail

In about 800 feet, the Rock Rift Trail ends at North Lookout Road, leaving the Mohonk Preserve and entering Mohonk Mountain House property. We decided to turn right in search of some views.

North Lookout Road

We didn’t have that far to walk. In about 600 feet, we reached North Lookout.

North Lookout Road

A gazebo, known as a “Summer House” on Mohonk property, marks the North Lookout. It offers a spectacular viewpoint over the Rondout Valley, with the Catskills in the distance.

North Lookout

We took a lunch break here while enjoying the magnificent view. I took this opportunity to remove my wet boots and socks and let my feet air out. Those fresh socks I had in my pack felt like heaven. While there, a group of horseback riders came by and asked me to take their photographs with their phones, and I obliged.

North Lookout

After a lengthy break, we tore ourselves from this splendid spot and retraced our steps on North Lookout Road, past the junction with the Rock Rift Trail.

North Lookout Road

As we continued on North Lookout Road, we were looking for a shortcut trail that cuts down the hillside, but we weren’t paying attention and missed it. No worries though, North Lookout Road wraps around and we stayed left to remain on it.

stay left to continue on North Lookout Road

We then came to a junction with the shortcut trail (the one we missed) on the left and Whitney Road on the right. This junction is a little confusing because it is not clearly labeled, but I consulted my map and continued ahead on North Lookout Road, now re-entering the Mohonk Preserve. A short distance ahead, we came to a three way junction that was easier to decipher. Here, we turned right onto Bonticou Road.

turn right on Bonticou Road

We walked northeast on Bonticou Road for about 0.8 mile, arriving at the paved Mohonk Road and crossed the street to continue on Bonticou Road.

Bonticou Road

We stayed on Bonticou Road for approximately another 0.6 mile and turned left onto Spring Farm Road.

turn left on Spring Farm Road

With the vast network of carriage roads that seem to intersect each other, a lot of the junctions can at times be a little confusing. From here it was made easier by the signs posted on the trees pointing us in the right direction.

Spring Farm Road

We stayed on Spring Farm Road for just under 1/2 mile as it led us downhill.

Spring Farm Road

We then turned left onto the red-blazed Crag Trail.

turn left on Crag Trail

The Crag Trail heads northwest on a footpath.

Crag Trail

The Crag Trail is also the route of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT).

Crag Trail

I didn’t see any more red blazes, but kept following the blue ones and the paper signs attached to the trees.

Crag Trail

In about 500 yards after turning onto the Crag Trail, we arrived back at the parking area, where the hike began.

Spring Farm Trailhead parking

We took a brief rest then headed up a short distance from the parking area, to what is referred to as “The Million Dollar View.”

Million Dollar View

This was a perfect way to end another great hike in “The Gunks.”

Million Dollar View

Review:

This was a truly great hike and the carriage roads were nicely shaded throughout, which was a bonus. The Rock Rift Crevices are about as much fun as one can have on a hike. This hike took place on a Sunday and we only ran into a handful of people on the trails/carriage roads. An all around good day on the trails with perfect weather to boot. I hope that you enjoyed the hike and will be inspired to hit the trails. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and get notified whenever I publish a new post. Now get out there and take a hike!

Pros: Rock Rift Crevices, scenic views, mostly shaded trails, well maintained carriage roads, The Gunks.

Cons: Junctions along carriage roads can be confusing.

Rock Rift Crevices from Spring Farm Trailhead

Old Minnewaska Trail and Undercliff Road Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Posted on July 21, 2018

July‎ ‎21‎, 2018 – Gardiner, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 7.5 miles

Max elevation: 1,092 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 918 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails #105

Fee: $15.00 day hiking fee (Non-Member) – Purchase Membership

Trailhead parking: Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead Parking Area 3142 US-44, Gardiner, NY 12525

Mohonk Preserve

I normally prefer to hike the Mohonk/Minnewaska area on weekdays due to the large crowds on weekends. Having been gifted an annual Mohonk Preserve membership, I wanted to take advantage of it and hike some trails that I hadn’t yet done. Parking is always an issue when visiting the Mohonk Preserve, so it makes for an early rise. The preserve’s website lists the parking areas as opening at 9:00am on weekends, but when we arrived at about 8:30am, it was near capacity.

West Trapps Parking Area

This hike began from the West Trapps Parking Area, travels along several lesser used trails and returns along Undercliff Road. Undercliff Road is always filled with walkers, cyclists and rock climbers, but it is a very scenic walk. Originally, the hike was going to be a simple 6 mile loop, but upon arriving at the trailhead, We decided to visit Van Leuven’s Cabin. That added about 1.5 miles to the hike, but well worth it.

Old Minnewaska Trail and Undercliff Road Loop

This hike begins on the Trapps Hamlet Path, which is located to the left of the booth when entering the parking area. The 0.8 mile long trail has numbered wooden posts along the way that mark areas of historical significance. A pamphlet with the history of the area is available in a box attached to the post at the start of the trail. On our visit, the box was empty, but the booth attendant supplied us with one.

Trapps Hamlet Path

This blue-blazed trail travels through what was once a 19th century mountaintop community. Once home to the huckleberry-pickers and stone-cutters, the Trapps Mountain Hamlet housed as many as 40-50 families by the time of the Civil War.

Trapps Hamlet Path

This vanished hamlet now consists of the restored Van Leuven Cabin; 60 cellar holes and foundations of dwellings, mills, barns, a school, a tavern, a chapel, and other structures; over 40 charcoal pits; and four family burying grounds. This historic district is a subsistence hamlet listed on both the New York State and National Register of Historic Places.

The trail is well marked and travels through an attractive forest. Most of the tall trees are from the 1920’s. The original forest had been cut down by the end of the 1800’s to clear land for pastures, meadows and to provide wood for local sawmills and firewood for cooking and heating.

Trapps Hamlet Path

It’s an easy walk through the secluded and shaded woods. In about 400 yards, the trail crosses the start of the yellow-blazed Enderly’s Path. We continued following the blue blazes as they cross a small stream on wooden planks.

Trapps Hamlet Path

In a short distance, we came to a large, rounded piece of Shawangunk Conglomerate (sometimes called Shawangunk Grit) that a millstone cutter abandoned long ago.

millstone – Trapps Hamlet Path

In some parts of the Shawangunks, ready access to more suitable exposures of the conglomerate bedrock made it possible to produce excellent gristmill stones, an important source of income for Trapps families in the 19th century.

millstone – Trapps Hamlet Path

The trail then crosses a brook located at a point where a farm wagon road once crossed the stream. Its existence is indicated by a number of stones laid on top of one another on each side of the brook to form bridge abutments. The bridge would have allowed the passage of wagons carrying hay, firewood, or cut millstones.

Trapps Hamlet Path

The trail continues over an old stone fence, leaving one property and entering onto another. The lands ahead belonged to Ben Fowler who owned about 150 acres.

Trapps Hamlet Path

The trail continues through the forest then crosses Clove Road.

Trapps Hamlet Path

Shortly after crossing Clove Road, the trail turns left onto an old dirt road. This road was an early track, leading to the pioneer Van Leuven homestead. Later, this track became a Gardiner town road, well-traveled by pedestrians, horseback riders, horse-drawn wagons, and even an early Ford or two, before the road fell into disuse. The trail parallels the Coxing Kill which flows over conglomerate outcrops amid large boulders. The Coxing is a major stream flowing down from Lake Minnewaska, two miles upstream from here.

Trapps Hamlet Path

The trail ascends gradually and arrives at the Van Leuven Cabin. It is one of the few remaining homes of the nearly vanished Trapps Mountain Hamlet. Its small size and simple, unadorned lines were typical of the Hamlet. The cabin is a plank house built in 1889 or 1890 by William Hagen and bought by Eli Van Leuven in 1898. Eli’s family occupied the house into the 1920’s when the Mohonk Mountain House bought the property.

Van Leuven Cabin

After checking out the cabin and reading the informational signs, we turned around and began retracing our steps on the Trapps Hamlet Path. We stopped at post marker 8, which we had passed on our way to the cabin, to visit the Fowler Burial Ground.

Fowler Burial Ground

A short walk up the spur path, is one of several family burying grounds established by the people of the Trapps Mountain Hamlet as an alternative to public cemeteries. The oldest headstone to be recognized here dates from 1866.

Fowler Burial Ground

We then returned to the Trapps Hamlet Path and continued retracing our steps. When we reached the junction with Enderly’s Path, just beyond a stream crossing, we turned left.

junction with Enderly’s Path

The Enderly’s Path is a 0.7 mile footpath, marked by yellow blazes. It connects the Trapps Hamlet Path with the Shongum Path.

Enderly’s Path

We walked the Enderly’s Path to its terminus at the Shongum Path and turned left.

Shongum Path

Marked by signs and red blazes, the Shongum Path connects the Old Minnewaska Trail with the West Trapps Connector Trail, linking the Coxing Kill area with the West Trapps parking area.

Shongum Path

We hiked the Shongum Path to its terminus at a junction with the Old Minnewaska Trail. We turned left and crossed a wooden bridge that spans the Coxing Kill. We then turned right and walked down to check out Split Rock.

Split Rock

The Coxing Kill plunges into a small gorge of solid rock and streams out on the other end into a pool.

Split Rock

While there is no “official” swimming area or lifeguard, swimming seems to be allowed and this is a very popular swimming hole. The channel flows into a small sloped pool that is about 3-4 ft deep with a sandy/small rock bottom.

Split Rock

We relaxed here for a short while and had the place to ourselves. By mid afternoon on a nice day, this place is crawling with people. We walked back up to the Old Minnewaska Trail and turned left. We recrossed the wooden bridge over the Coxing Kill and continued ahead on the gravel road, known as the Old Minnewaska Trail.

Old Minnewaska Trail

Built in 1879 to link Mohonk with Minnewaska, this 2.3 miles long carriage road was abandoned in 1907. It is marked with light blue blazes and also with the dark blue plastic discs of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail.

Old Minnewaska Trail

At times the trail narrows to a footpath as it ascends gradually along the hillside. This was the steepest ascent of the day and it was relatively easy.

Old Minnewaska Trail

After climbing gradually, the trail descends slightly to cross a stream (the stream was dry on this day). The stone abutments of a former bridge can be seen ahead, but the trail dips down to the stream, which It crosses on rocks.

Old Minnewaska Trail

The road again narrows to a footpath and begins a gradual climb. As the trail levels off, the remains of an old quarry can be seen down to the left when there are no leaves on the trees. The hand-cut drill holes at the edges of the large conglomerate stone blocks are still visible. The trail continues along a relatively level route, with some minor ups and downs. Huge slanted rock slabs begin to appear on the right. After a while, we came to a broad viewpoint to the left, with pitch pines lining the slope below, and the Catskills visible in the distance.

View of the Catskills from the Old Minnewaska Trail

The trail now begins a steady but gentle climb through mountain laurel thickets. In half a mile, the trail begins to descend. Soon, we reached a spot where the old road has been eroded down to the bedrock. Here, a slanted rock slab on the left affords a superb view across the Rondout Valley to the Catskills. This is a good spot to take a break, and we did. Just beyond the viewpoint there is a trail junction with the start of the Undivided Lot Trail (marked by a signpost). We veered right to remain on the Old Minnewaska Trail.

stay on Old Minnewaska Trail

The Old Minnewaska Trail climbs on switchbacks and ends at a junction with Laurel Ledge Road.

junction with Laurel Ledge Road

Laurel Ledge Road is a wide, maintained carriage road, which is open to bicyclists as well as hikers.

Laurel Ledge Road

We continued ahead to the end of Laurel Ledge Road at Rhododendron Bridge and continued straight ahead at the intersection, to Undercliff Road (marked by a sign).

straight ahead at the intersection onto Undercliff Road

To the right is Overcliff Road, which connects with Undercliff Road at Trapps Bridge. Either carriage road can be used for this hike and both are the same distance. We opted for Undercliff Road because it’s on the eastern side of the cliffs and thus shaded for most of its entirety in the afternoon. Overcliff Road has less foot traffic and offers views similar to those of the Old Minnewaska Trail.

straight ahead at the intersection onto Undercliff Road

After the road makes a sharp S-curve, the trail reaches the famous Trapps Cliffs, considered the best rock climbing area in the East.

Trapps Cliffs

The cliffs sit away from the road, with many spur trails that lead up to them that are intended for rock climbers. Jumbled slabs of Shawangunk conglomerate sit piled near the edge of the road, some forming cave like structures.

caves – Undercliff Road

After about two miles along Undercliff Road, we passed a junction with the yellow-blazed East Trapps Connector Trail, which begins on the left. Route 44-55 is visible below to the left, along with views of the Wallkill Valley. We continued ahead, along Undercliff Road.

Wallkill Valley – Undercliff Road

The Trapps Cliffs begin more closely to approach the road, and we encountered many rock climbers along this stretch.

Undercliff Road

We stopped and watched them scale the cliffs.

climber – Undercliff Road

From here to the Trapps Bridge, there are views to the left over the Wallkill Valley. Undercliff Road ends at a junction with Overcliff Road, with the Trapps Bridge to the left. We descended on a gravel road, the yellow-blazed West Trapps Connector Trail, just to the right of the bridge.

West Trapps Connector Trail, just to the right of the bridge

Soon after the road levels off, the trail reaches a junction with the red-blazed Shongum Path, marked by a sign, on the right. We continued ahead, following the yellow blazes.

West Trapps Connector Trail

The West Trapps Connector Trail ends at the West Trapps Trailhead parking area, where the hike began.

West Trapps Trailhead parking area

Another great hike in The Gunks, with some history and some views. With the exception of Undercliff Road, the trails we hiked were mostly deserted. The crowds on Undercliff Road were not overwhelming and we enjoyed watching the climbers scaling the cliffs and practicing their hand holds. This area has such an extensive network of trails that can be used for a variety of loop hikes. I will be back soon to explore some more trails.

Pros: The Gunks, views, Trapps Hamlet, Split Rock, cliffs, shaded trails, well marked trails.

Cons: Undercliff Road gets a lot of foot and bike traffic.

Take a hike!

Old Minnewaska Trail and Undercliff Road Loop

Sources:

West Mountain Loop via Fawn Trail and AT – Bear Mountain State Park

Posted on July 14, 2018

July‎ ‎14, 2018 – Tomkins Cove, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous

Length: approximately 4.4 miles

Max elevation: 1,223 ft.– total elevation gain: 849 ft.

Route type: circuit

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Trailhead parking: Anthony Wayne Recreation Area South Lot

This hike follows trails that were recently rerouted and reblazed over existing trails. An updated map is essential to avoid confusion and/or getting lost. The NY-NJ Trail Conference has released a new 2023 Appalachian Trail Detour Map that reflects the recent trail additions and changes.

Alternate routes from the same starting point:

Please note: From late September to late October, Oktoberfest is held at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area on Saturdays and Sundays.

Overview:

West Mountain is a peak that is located in both Orange and Rockland County, NY, just east of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Most of the mountain is within the boundaries of Bear Mountain State Park, but part of it is in Harriman State Park as well. In November 1923, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission decided that “all of the Park lying west of Bear Mountain (later, west of West Mountain) shall be designated Harriman State Park.” The summit is at an elevation of 1,257 ft. and the western ridge (the section that is part of this hike), is about 1.5 miles long. The narrow ridge offers hikers many fine outlooks both to the west and to the east as the trail jogs from one side of the ridge to the other.

West Mountain as viewed from The Timp

This is one of my favorite spots in the Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park area. It’s a great hike to do at any given time and parking is never an issue if you get a late start. Some of the best views in the area can be had from the West Mountain ridge and many different trails can be accessed from the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, making longer hikes possible. I have hiked the ridge previously via different routes and plan to be back. This loop hike was done clockwise from the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area South Lot.

West Mountain Loop via Fawn Trail and AT

Normally an early riser on hike day, we arrived at the parking area at around 9:30am. There was one other car in the south lot when we began the hike by heading north along the sidewalk.

Anthony Wayne Recreation Area South Lot

We turned right near the northern end of the lot, walked past a gate and crossed the bridge over Beechy Bottom Brook.

Anthony Wayne Recreation Area

We then turned left and continued heading north through a picnic area.

Anthony Wayne Recreation Area

At the northeast end of the picnic area, we jumped on a gravel park road and continued north.

park road – Anthony Wayne Recreation Area

In a short distance, the gravel road heads away from the parking areas and leads uphill. The road then turns right at a Y-intersection with a grassy road and heads steeply uphill. We left the gravel road and continued straight, now following the blue-on-white-diamond-blazed Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail.

stay left at junction to Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

The 4.8 mile Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail, forms a figure-eight loop. It is the only trail in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks on which bicycles are permitted.

Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

Soon the trail comes to a junction with the white-blazed Anthony Wayne Trail, which continues straight and left. To the right is the start of the red-“F”-on-white blazed Fawn Trail, which ascends stone steps.

Fawn Trail

The Fawn Trail was shown on the first Park trail map in 1920. The Fawn Trail provides an easy route from the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Doodletown Road to the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area on the other side of West Mountain. It is a fairly level trail, and in June it passes through masses of laurels in bloom.

Fawn Trail

The Fawn Trail climbs using switchbacks and rock steps for part of the way, and crosses a junction with the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

Fawn Trail

It then passes around the northern end of West Mountain and turns towards the southeast.

Fawn Trail

After approximately 0.6 mile from the start of the Fawn Trail, we reached a junction with the Appalachian Trail and turned right, now following the white blazes. This junction is easy to miss and we walked past it. I stopped and checked my map and even while writing this post, the map and the actual trail don’t seem to match up. I have an older map (2015) and it’s possible that one of the trails were re-routed.

Appalachian Trail

The AT begins a steady climb up the eastern face of West Mountain.

Appalachian Trail

The section of the Appalachian Trail that passes through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks is the oldest section of the trail, completed in 1923.

Appalachian Trail

Near the top, there is an outstanding viewpoint to the left over Bear Mountain,

view of Bear Mountain from West Mountain

Iona Island and the Hudson River.

Iona Island and the Hudson River – Appalachian Trail

The stone building on the summit of Bear Mountain is the Perkins Memorial Tower.

Perkins Memorial Tower from West Mountain

After a brief descent to a valley, the AT climbs steeply up to the ridge of West Mountain.

Appalachian Trail

The AT reaches a junction with the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail, which comes in from the right. We turned left, now following the joint AT/Timp-Torne Trail, as it heads south.

Appalachian Trail

The trail passes another viewpoint to the left over Bear Mountain, Iona Island and the Hudson River.

view of Bear Mountain from West Mountain

The trail now swings to the west side of the ridge and soon reaches a west-facing viewpoint over Black Mountain.

Appalachian Trail

west-facing viewpoint – Appalachian Trail

The Palisades Interstate Parkway and two large parking areas for the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area are visible in the valley below.

west-facing viewpoint – Appalachian Trail

The joint AT/Timp-Torne Trail continues south along the ridge and dips into the woods.

Appalachian Trail

The trail traverses an open rock ledge,

Appalachian Trail

then descends steeply…..

Appalachian Trail

and crosses back to the west side of the ridge, soon passing more viewpoints to the west.

view southwest from West Mountain

Appalachian Trail

Balancing Rock – West Mountain

Appalachian Trail

After reaching another east-facing viewpoint, Bear Mountain is visible to the northeast.

view of Bear Mountain from West Mountain

A Black Vulture posing.

Black Vulture – West Mountain

A short distance later, we came to a junction, marked by a post. Here, the AT continues ahead as the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail turns left. We continued ahead still following the white blazes.

continue straight on Appalachian Trail

A rock outcrop at the junction affords hikers a great west-facing view.

view southwest from West Mountain

The AT descends steeply on stone steps that were recently added by NY/NJ Trail Conference’s Long Distance Trails Crew.

Appalachian Trail

The LDTC have relocated some sections of the heavily eroded trail and have installed switchbacks to eliminate some of the steeper sections in this area.

Appalachian Trail

The AT crosses Beechy Bottom West Road (also part of the Horn Hill Loop) and then comes to a junction with the Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail, marked by a sign.

Appalachian Trail junction

We turned right and began heading north, now following the blue-on-white-diamond-blazes.

Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

The trail continues through the woods and crosses several bridges.

Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

In approximately 1/2 mile from the junction with the AT, the trail reaches the south lot of the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area. We walked along the sidewalk and returned to our vehicle, where the hike began.

Anthony Wayne Recreation Area South Lot

Another outstanding hike in Bear Mountain State Park. This hike has views galore and varied terrain to keep it interesting. This approach of West Mountain is less steep than the other two hikes I have done here. Surprisingly, the ridge didn’t have that much foot traffic for a gorgeous Saturday in July. There is also enough tree cover along the ridge to keep from baking in the sun.

Pros: Views galore, Appalachian Trail, plenty of parking, shaded trails except for some sections along the ridge.

Cons: September – October the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area is used for Oktoberfest.

Take a hike!

West Mountain Loop via Fawn Trail and AT

Sources:

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Long Distance Trails Crew
Myles, William J.. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History – Kindle Edition

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

Posted on July 8, 2018

‎July‎ ‎8‎, ‎2018

Address: 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536

Lasdon Park Brochure and map

The Lasdon estate, originally called Cobbling Rock Farm, was acquired by William and Mildred Lasdon in 1939. The Lasdon estate was simply used as a country retreat. In 1976, William Lasdon created the Mildred D. Lasdon Bird and Nature Sanctuary. This is a twenty-two acre preserve which was donated to the county. There is an intricate system of trails that run through an array of wildlife habitats. Many different species of birds, and up to twenty different types of warblers can be observed there during migration.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

When William Lasdon died in 1986, Westchester County purchased the estate for $4.2 million. Several companies were interested in using the 234 acres to put up condominiums. The county wanted to obtain this land in order to preserve the land and history of the area. For the most part, the formal grounds remain as they were designed initially. Westchester County has been continuously developing and embellishing the collections on the property.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

The William and Lasdon Memorial Garden site was donated by their daughter, Mrs. Nanette Laitman. This is the main garden present at the front of the estate. It is a one-acre garden created in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Lasdon.

Lasdon Memorial Garden

The Famous and Historic Tree Trail features trees and other species that honor historic events and famous Americans, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and John F. Kennedy, from our country’s past. Each station features a panel describing the famous person or even to which the original parent tree was witness.

Historic Tree Trail

Lasdon Park also features the Westchester County Veterans Museum, with exhibits of photographs, historical documents, artifacts and memorabilia about Westchester County residents who served in the United States armed forces in time of war, from the Revolutionary War to the present. There is no admission charge to the museum.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

The Trail of Honor is dedicated to the veterans of Westchester County, from The American Revolution to Desert Storm. On this trail you will walk among the natural surroundings and wildlife featured in Lasdon Park as you journey through our nation’s past.

Trail of Honor

At the entrance to the trail, you are welcomed by the flags of the six branches of the military: the Merchant Marines, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force, arranged by date of organization.

Trail of Honor

The Trail of Honor features 12 stone cairns that display the busts of combat soldiers from the American Revolution through Operation Desert Storm; the Korean War Memorial; and the Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a sculpture of three seven-foot bronze statues that depict a soldier carrying a wounded comrade, with a nurse reaching out to assist them. Nearby, an obelisk with inscriptions of Westchester County servicemen and eight women nurses killed in Vietnam.

Trail of Honor

As you proceed on the path into the woods, there are a series of 12 stone cairns that display the busts of combat soldiers from every major American conflict, dating from the American Revolution through Operation Desert Storm.

Korean War

The cairns are covered with stones from the 44 towns in Westchester County.

Vietnam War

At the end of the Trail of Honor is the Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a sculpture that is comprised of three seven-foot bronze statues that depict a soldier carrying a wounded comrade, with a nurse reaching out to assist them.

The Westchester-Putnam chapter of the Vietnam Veterans commissioned local artist Julia Cohen to design the sculpture.

Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The sculpture design and casting, took a year to complete. A Sikorsky Sky Crane flown by the 169 Aviation Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard was used to put the statues in their place on Tuesday October 12, 1987.

Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Nearby, a black obelisk featuring 217 names of natives of Westchester County that were killed serving in the Southeast Asia conflict. Surrounding the obelisk is a path made up of 5,900 paving stones, each one representing ten soldiers who were killed in the Vietnam War.

Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The area in front of the monument is used for memorial ceremonies done by the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 49.

Westchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Also located along the trail is the Korean War Memorial. This memorial is the largest in the park, and was built shortly after the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was erected with the intention of giving special recognition to veterans of Korea, a war that some feel has been overlooked by the American people. The monument is a massive black obelisk inscribed with the names of all the servicemen from Westchester County who died serving in Korea.

Korean War Memorial

The Combat Infantryman’s Memorial represents the award given to soldiers who have been under fire while serving their country. The badge commands a great deal of respect, and is awarded for the extreme bravery the recipient has demonstrated. Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained to fight on the front lines while on land, and make up the majority of the armed forces.

The Combat Infantryman Monument

As you continue to the end of the trail and witness each of the fifteen memorials you will remember that our freedom truly is not free. These brave men and women from Westchester paid the ultimate price to ensure the freedom of our great nation, and we owe them our deepest respect and gratitude.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

“You silent tents of green, We deck with fragrant flowers; Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

Sources:

Jackie Jones and Big Hill Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on July 7, 2018

July‎ ‎7‎, ‎2018 – Stony Point, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: approximately 4 miles

Max elevation: 1,276 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 642 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails #118

Trailhead parking: Kanawauke Rd – Stony Point, NY 10980

Overview:

Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the NYS parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, two beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points.

Harriman State Park

Living in relatively close proximity to Harriman, it is my go to place for either a well planned or spur-of-the-moment hike. On this day, I had scheduled a different hike that involved some bushwacking through an area filled with Rattlesnakes. Not being in the mood to worry about being bit, I decided to reschedule that hike for cooler weather. A few days earlier, I had read that the Jackie Jones Fire Tower had been recently restored. I visited the tower in December 2016 and it was in really bad shape and not safe to climb. I was eager to see the restored tower and check out the view from the top. We were already in the car when we decided on this hike and since it was last minute, we kept it simple.

Jackie Jones and Big Hill Loop

The Hike:

We parked in the hikers parking area on Kanawauke Road (CR 106). It’s a sizable pull off parking and there was only one other car when we arrived at 8:30am. On our return at approximately noon, it was at capacity.

hikers parking area on Kanawauke Road

From the parking area, we walked west along Kanawauke Road (CR 106) for about 300 feet, crossing over Minisceongo Creek.

Kanawauke Road

The trail crosses the road, but after crossing over Minisceongo Creek, we turned left and proceeded past the gated road to commence the hike, following the yellow-blazes of the Suffern-Bear Mountain (S-BM) Trail.

Suffern-Bear Mountain (S-BM) Trail

We would be following the yellow blazes for the first 2 miles of the hike. The trail starts off on a paved park road as it proceeds uphill.

Suffern-Bear Mountain (S-BM) Trail

In about 1/4 mile, the S-BM Trail bears left onto a woods road…..

S-BM Trail veers left

and passes some boulders across the trail.

S-BM Trail

In a short distance, the S-BM Trail passes a stone gatehouse.

stone gatehouse – S-BM Trail

The gatehouse is part of a large estate, known as ORAK.

stone gatehouse – S-BM Trail

A little further up the trail, to the left, are more extensive ruins. At this time of year, they are covered with foliage and harder to see.

ORAK Ruins

Known as ORAK, the mansion was built in 1923 by George Briggs Buchanan, a vice president of the Corn Products Refining Company, which manufactured Karo syrup (Orak is Karo spelled backwards). After Buchanan died in 1939, his heirs sold the mansion to the park. The home, gardens and outbuildings were rented to Park employees until 1973, when the main house and hothouse were demolished.

ORAK Ruins

The dining room of the house resembled a ship’s cabin, with portholes for windows, and a floor that rocked gently to simulate a ship’s motion.

ORAK Ruins

There’s plenty to explore here, including the remains of a greenhouse, but it is best done during winter when it is more exposed. Once we were done exploring the ruins, we continued heading uphill on the Suffern-Bear Mountain (S-BM) Trail.

S-BM Trail

Soon, we reached a fork in the trail. The unmarked woods road that comes in from the left would be our return route, but for now, we veered right to continue on the S-BM Trail.

turn right on S-BM Trail

The trail soon bears left, leaving the woods road, and climbs to a large open rock ledge. A short distance beyond, it passes communications towers on the right and soon arrives at the 1,276-foot summit of Jackie Jones Mountain, marked by a steel fire tower.

Jackie Jones Fire Tower

The last steel fire tower in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park, Jackie Jones Lookout was constructed in 1928 by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, who operated the facility until 1931. From that time, the facility was operated by Forest Fire Control until it closed in the 1970’s. The 60’ Aermotor LS-40 tower with 7’x7’ metal cab, features windows of an unusual design.

Jackie Jones Fire Tower

The fire tower was restored in 2018 by the New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA). A great job and big thanks to them. I climbed the tower and hardly a shake. Although the cab was locked on our visit, the view from just below the cab was very nice. Looking northwest, one can see Lake Welch from the tower.

Lake Welch – Jackie Jones Fire Tower

Looking southeast, the Hudson River is visible, with High Tor Mountain to the right.

Looking southeast – Jackie Jones Fire Tower

Looking south, the Manhattan skyline is visible in the distance.

Manhattan skyline – Jackie Jones Fire Tower

Looking northeast, Bear Mountain is visible, just to the right of center, with the Harriman hills to the left.

View northeast – Jackie Jones Fire Tower

After stopping briefly at the tower we resumed our trek. The S-BM Trail now descends, steeply in places. After crossing a stream, it climbs a little and then resumes its steep descent. At the base of the descent, it crosses another stream and then the Old Turnpike, a wide woods road, which is now the route of a buried telephone cable. After ascending slightly, it reaches a junction with the aqua-blazed Long Path, which comes in from the left. We continued ahead on the joint S-BM/Long Path, which turns right onto a woods road. A short distance ahead, the joint trails turn left and climb to the Big Hill Shelter.

Big Hill Shelter

Built in October 1927, this stone shelter offers a panoramic view to the south, with the New York City skyline visible in the distance on a clear day.

Big Hill Shelter

The shelter has 2 fireplaces and a wooden platform for sleeping. It also has a fire ring just outside the entrance.

Big Hill Shelter

We took a break here, had a snack and chatted briefly with several hikers that passed by while we were there. We also watched a pair of hawks soaring above us and making quite a racket. Once our break was over, we went back and descended on the S-BM/Long Path, following the same route we took up to the shelter. When we reach the fork where the two trails diverge, we stayed left and continued on the S-BM Trail. We retraced our steps on the S-BM Trail until we came to the Old Turnpike. Here we turned right and began walking on the unmarked road. The Old Turnpike was rather overgrown until 1969, when AT&T widened it to 20 feet and buried a coaxial cable along one side.

Old Turnpike

The Old Turnpike was a road from Monroe (now known as Southfields) to Haverstraw. It is not known when it was first built, but it became the “old” turnpike in 1824, when a new turnpike (now Gate Hill Road/Route 106) was built.

Old Turnpike

It was a very pleasant walk along this wide woods road. After about 0.5 mile on the Old Turnpike, we turned left onto another unmarked woods road. The turn was not easily discernible due to a large fallen tree across the road. I had to walk up to the tree in order to determine that this was indeed the road we were looking for. The image below was captured after stepping over the tree and looking back towards the Old Turnpike.

unmarked woods road

The unmarked woods road heads north and uphill.

unmarked woods road

In about 0.3 mile, we reached a junction with the yellow-blazed S-BM Trail. The yellow blazes head both right and straight ahead, but we turned right, now retracing our steps along the S-BM Trail. We followed the trail downhill past the ORAK ruins and back to Kanawauke Road/Route 106. We then turned right on Route 106 and walked 300 feet along the shoulder to reach the parking area where the hike began.

Review:

This was a very nice hike for a hot and humid day. Not much elevation gain and mostly shaded throughout. Since I was familiar with the area, it made for a good impromptu hike.

Pros: ORAK ruins, fire tower, Big Hill Shelter, views, shaded trails, not much foot traffic.

Cons: Fire tower cabin was locked.

Take a hike!

Jackie Jones and Big Hill Loop

Sources:

Anthony’s Nose via Military Road

Posted on July 4, 2018

July 4, 2018 – Garrison, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 4.6 miles

Max elevation: 910 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 812 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101

Trailhead parking: 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:

Anthony’s Nose is a peak along the Hudson River at the north end of Westchester County, New York. Together with Dunderberg Mountain, it comprises the South Gate of the Hudson Highlands. The 910 ft. peak has been known as Anthony’s Nose since at least 1697, when the name appears on a grant patent. Pierre Van Cortlandt, who owned this mountain, said it was named for a pre-Revolutionary War sea captain, Anthony Hogan. This captain was reputed to have a Cyrano de Bergerac type nose.

Anthony’s Nose as viewed from The Torne

Anthony’s Nose is one of the more popular hikes in the Hudson Valley and on weekends the cars are lined up along Route 9D as a testament to its popularity. I visited Anthony’s Nose recently, on my birthday, via the Camp Smith Trail. Being that it was July 4th, I wanted to do a hike that leads to an American Flag. Sadly, there aren’t that many options in the area. I had raised a bright new flag on the summit of Hook Mountain on July 4, 2017. Unfortunately the flag that I placed there was taken down by unknown person(s). I wanted to keep the hike somewhat local due to holiday traffic and my choices were whittled down to Anthony’s Nose or The Torne. Having just done The Torne on Memorial Day weekend, I decided on Anthony’s Nose. There are several different routes one can take to the scenic view where the flag flies proudly. I wanted to check out a route that isn’t as well known and do some exploring as well.

Anthony’s Nose via Military Road

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

We arrived at the Trailhead shortly before 8:30 am and there was one car in the lot. While we were gearing up, two cars pulled up and quickly got out and hit the trail. We gave them a head start so we wouldn’t be on their heels and then began our hike. We took a short footpath at the western end of the lot to the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, which crosses South Mountain Pass Road here. We walked a short distance to the AT and turned left onto a woods road and passed a locked gate.

Appalachian Trail – South Mountain Pass Road

This woods road, also the route of the AT, is labeled on maps as Military Road.

Appalachian Trail/Military Road

The road ascends gently and in about 300 yards from the gate, the AT leaves to the right as it descends slightly. We continued straight to stay on Military Road.

Stay left on Military Road

Military Road now ascends steadily and passes a primitive campsite.

Military Road

In about 0.4 mile, Military Road reaches a fork where we veered right.

Military Road

To the left is a locked gate where the road continues into Camp Smith.

gate to Camp Smith

We continued following the road to the right, skirting the northern boundary of Camp Smith.

sign – Military Road

The road curves to the west as it levels off.

Military Road

There is a sign to the right of the road. I believe the TA stands for “Training Area.” It is not shown on Camp Smith’s Training Area Map, so I’m not sure if it’s old or new.

sign – Military Road

The trail continues west, with the Hudson River visible through the trees. The road then turns left and joins the Appalachian Trail, which comes in from the right. The AT begins a steep descent here.

turn left on Appalachian Trail

In a short distance, the AT turns right and leaves the road, descending steeply towards Route 9D. We stayed to the left, to remain on the woods road.

continue straight on the woods road

We now began following the blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail, which ascends steadily on a moderate grade.

Camp Smith Trail

Even though it was still early, we passed several hikers going in the opposite direction.

Camp Smith Trail

It was already getting hot and a little humid, but the entire hike thus far on the woods road, had been shaded.

Camp Smith Trail

In approximately 1/2 mile from the junction with the AT, the Camp Smith Trail turns left, and leaves the woods road. We turned right and walked a short distance to the large rock outcrop that is Anthony’s Nose.

Anthony’s Nose

Looking southwest, Iona Island and the Hudson River is visible below. Just beyond, starting from the left of center, is Dunderberg and Bald Mountains, The Timp is to the left of the notch and West Mountain to the right. The notch is Timp Pass.

view southwest – Anthony’s Nose

The Bear Mountain Bridge is visible below to the west, with Bear Mountain on the left and The Torne, just right of center.

Bear Mountain Bridge – Anthony’s Nose

One of the finest views in Westchester County. It is such a popular spot on nice days, that it is hard to find solitude up here, but worthy of a visit nonetheless.

view southwest – Anthony’s Nose

No wind at the summit, kept the air warm, but the clouds blocked the sun, at least for the time being.

American flag – Anthony’s Nose

Across the river, a bronze sculpture of an Elk’s Head, can be seen on a rock outcrop.

Elk’s Head – Bear Mountain State Park

Directly across the river is Bear Mountain with Hessian Lake at its base.

Bear Mountain and Hessian Lake

The blueberries were just starting to ripen.

blueberries – Anthony’s Nose

Happy Birthday America! We stayed at Anthony’s Nose for quite some time enjoying the view as well as a snack. What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than at this spot right here?

American flag – Anthony’s Nose

The whole time we were there, people came and went. Then it was our turn. We walked back out to the Camp Smith Trail and turned left.

Camp Smith Trail

We headed northeast on the Camp Smith Trail as it descends.

Camp Smith Trail

In a 1/2 mile, the Camp Smith Trail ends at the junction with the Appalachian Trail. We stayed on the woods road as the AT ascends steeply.

Appalachian Trail

At the top of the rise, the AT continues straight and leaves the woods road, but we turned right to continue on Military Road. The trail curves southeast then curves northeast as it begins to descend.

Military Road

Please note: If you would like to skip the bushwacking section of the hike, continue on Military Road a short distance back to the parking area, where the hike began.

When we reached the primitive campsite that we passed early, on the hike. We began bushwacking east up the hill towards Mine Mountain. We were now looking for Philips Mine and its workings, that sit just up the hill. It wasn’t an easy bushwack and there was no clear path, After about 400 yards of zig-zagging through the heavy brush, we arrived at a tailings pile on the slope of the hill.

tailings near Philips Mine

As we walked around this area, there was evidence of mining operations throughout. The Philips Mine is on the northwestern flank of Mine Mountain. It was first operated for iron ore. It is unclear when the mine was first opened.

mining remnant near Philips Mine

Standing on the rusty tailings, looking north towards Canada Hill. We walked around looking for any one of the several mine openings. I was under the assumption that the tailings would be near the adit.

Looking north towards Canada Hill

We walked on Coppermine Road as it heads northeast……

Coppermine Road

and then loops around to the southwest.

old mining road near Philips Mine

We walked off the trail, being careful where we stepped. An old metal railing lays in the woods.

metal railing near Philips Mine

After looking around for a little while, we were sweating bullets as there is not much tree cover in this open area. I was told by someone to be careful up here because there are vent shafts that may be covered with vegetation that are not visible. Someone else told me that there are rattlesnake dens up here as well. We were a little tired and dripping in sweat and decided to call off our hunt for the mine. When I did some post hike research, it turns out that we came within 100 feet of the main opening. The route up to it, which I stood right in front of, is a steep uphill and was heavily overgrown on our visit. I plan on going back near the end of the year before it snows and explore this area again.

Coppermine Road

Not wanting to bushwack back down the hill, we opted to walk northeast on Coppermine Road.

Coppermine Road

Once the original entrance road to Philips Mine, Coppermine Road is now a private road with a sign that reads: “No Trespassing.”

Coppermine Road

We walked downhill on Coppermine Road to the intersection with South Mountain Pass Road.

Coppermine Road

We turned left and continued downhill, now on South Mountain Pass Road.

Coppermine Road

We walked southwest on South Mountain Pass Road for approximately 550 yards until we reached the parking area, where the hike began.

South Mountain Pass Road

A nice 4th of July hike with a little exploring thrown in. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t find the mine, but I know that I will return soon and resume the search. The route that we took to Anthony’s Nose, is possibly the easiest way to go. It’s not as steep as the other available routes, but slightly longer. I can see why the place attracts crowds, it’s an amazing spot with great Hudson Valley views. I hope that you enjoyed the hike. Tell me what you think and don’t forget to follow my blog.

Pros: Anthony’s Nose, Hudson Valley views, Hudson River, woods road the entire way to the nose.

Cons: I didn’t find the mine, does get crowded.

Take a hike!

Anthony’s Nose via Military Road

Lost City Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Posted on June 30, 2018

For an updated version (2025) of this hike, click HERE:

June 30, 2018 – Gardiner, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 2.5 miles

Max elevation: 1,224 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 567 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails #105

Fee: $15.00 day hiking fee (Non-Member) – Purchase Membership

Trailhead parking: Mohonk Preserve Coxing Trailhead – Gardiner, NY 12525

The Lost City is a line of cliffs with glacially created vertical fractures. They resemble a city skyline when viewed from a distance. The Lost City area offers a series of crevices and boulders similar to the well-known Lemon Squeeze of the Mohonk Mountain House. Like the Lemon Squeeze, it requires the use of hands and feet to traverse the talus field which leads up the cliffs.

Lost City

I had heard about the Lost City, but there isn’t a lot of info online, so I decided to go check it out and play it by ear. My intention was to go with someone that had hiked it before. Since there is no blazed path through the talus fields and crevices, I didn’t want to climb and crawl through tight openings and end up at a dead end atop a monolith. Recently I hiked nearby and did the High Peter’s Kill and Millbrook Ridge Loop. While on that hike, I walked briefly on an unmarked trail along the edge of the cliffs. I wanted to see if that trail continued to the top of the Lost City cliffs. As it turned out, the trail did indeed run along the top of the cliffs, from Lost City to the High Peter’s Kill Trail. The people that I went with had never hiked the Lost City and I only found that out once we were at the base of the cliffs. Since none of us knew a precise route up to the cliffs, this hike turned into a short loop, but was still a really good hike.

Lost City Loop – Mohonk Preserve

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

We arrived at the Coxing Trailhead at about 8:30 am on a Saturday morning.

Coxing Parking Area

There were about a dozen cars in the lot when we arrived, but as is always the case on weekends at Mohonk Preserve, the lot fills up quickly. At the southern end of the parking area, there is a kiosk, which marks the start of the light-blue-blazed High Peter’s Kill Trail. This is also the route of the blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT).

High Peter’s Kill Trail – Coxing Trailhead

The High Peter’s Kill Trail follows a woods road.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

In a short distance, the trail passes the Enderly Burial Ground on the right.

Enderly Burial Ground

The trail then crosses a wet area on a boardwalk and continues through a hemlock forest.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

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. A short distance later, we came to a junction with the yellow-blazed King’s Lane Trail, which continues straight ahead.

King’s Lane Trail

King’s Lane is an old woods road, once used for hauling loads of conglomerate to be made into grindstones. The road now serves as a path for rock climbers to reach the cliffs of The Lost City.

King’s Lane Trail

The road leads gradually uphill, with the cliffs visible through the trees on the left. We walked on King’s Lane for about 550 yards, to its terminus. We passed a few side trails on the way up, but continued to the end, trying to figure out which was the best way to go. We reached a clearing and we left the trail to approach the cliffs and have a look around.

Lost City

It was eerily quiet and not knowing which way to go or if even we were in the right place, made me a little uneasy. I like to plan things out and study the route before I head anywhere I haven’t been. The imposing cliffs in front of us had many openings and hiding places for critters, which didn’t make me feel any better. I didn’t want to climb into a bear or snake den.

Lost City

I wanted to feel the place out before we started exploring in depth, so we found a path around a large rock formation and climbed up top for a better vantage point.

Lost City

As soon as we got to top, one of my colleagues sat down right beside this Copperhead and immediately jumped up. It was nestled in a crack in the rock and very nicely camouflaged among the leaves. It appeared to have just finished shedding.

Copperhead

Needless to say, after that encounter, we were all a little hesitant about crawling through any tight spaces. We made our way back down and retraced our steps on King’s Lane, passing different rock formations with all kinds of nooks and crannies.

Lost City

We walked up another side trail that we had passed earlier and found a gap in the cliffs. There is a path leading up the side that climbs rather steeply. We decided to take that route.

Lost City

We began following a faint path that heads southwest atop the cliffs.

unmarked path atop the cliffs

We stopped to examine the fissures in the cliffs.

fissure in the cliff

As we walked along the edge of the cliffs, views opened up. Looking southeast, to the left of the narrow notch is The Trapps and Millbrook Mountain is on the right.

The Trapps and Millbrook Mountain

Looking northeast, Skytop Tower is visible in the distance.

looking northeast

Looking straight down from the edge of the cliffs, possibly a route up.

Lost City

Walking along this unmarked path on the edge of the cliffs was really enjoyable. The scenery in this area is exceptional.

Lost City

Looking down one of the fissures of The Lost City.

Lost City

We continued heading southwest, stopping occasionally to take in the views.

Lost City cliffs

The beauty of this area is that we did not encounter any other hikers from the time we got on King’s Lane.

Lost City cliffs

We decide to stay along the edge of the cliffs rather than follow the path that led away from it. We then began to descend steeply, scrambling down some giant boulders and talus fields. We passed many more crevices on the way down.

Lost City

This massive monolith looks like a skyscraper.

monolith – Lost City

Even though we didn’t do the rock scrambling and crevice exploration that we expected when we set out on this hike, the downhill scramble was fun.

Lost City

Climbing over the massive boulders on our way down.

Lost City

Since there is no set path, we just figured out the best way down.

Lost City

When we cleared the talus field, we bushwacked through the woods until we reached the High Peter’s Kill Trail. Here we turned left and headed northeast.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

When we reached the junction with King’s Lane, we turned right to remain on the High Peter’s Kill Trail.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

We then retraced our steps along the light-blue-blazed High Peter’s Kill Trail until we reached the Coxing Trailhead, where our hike began.

Coxing Trailhead

After we completed the hike, we took an obligatory walk over to Split Rock and relaxed a bit. It was quite crowded at noon when we arrived there, but nonetheless a gorgeous spot.

Split Rock

Although this was supposed to be more of an exploration of The Lost City than an actual hike, I have no regrets. My hikes are never written in stone and I can adapt and improvise whenever necessary. Bottom line is that as long as I am in the woods or on a mountain top, it’s a good day. I now discovered new areas to roam and I fully expect to be back soon and fully explore. The walk along the cliffs and the downhill scrambling were very enjoyable.

Pros: Lost City, cliff walk, views, rock scrambling, The Gunks.

Cons: Copperhead snake.

Take a hike!

Lost City Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Source:

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

High Tor – Hudson River Palisades

Posted on June 24, 2018

June 24, 2018 – New City, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 3 miles

Max elevation: 832 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 793 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: Hudson Palisades Trails Map #112

Trailhead parking: Haverstraw Rd, New City, NY 10956 (roadside parking)

The mountainous ridge within High Tor State Park is part of the Palisades escarpment, which ends at New York State Route 45. At 832 feet above sea level, High Tor is the highest point on the Hudson Palisades. One of Rockland County’s best-known landmarks, High Tor offers outstanding views of the Hudson River and the town of Haverstraw below. During the Revolutionary War, beacons were placed on the summit to alert the Colonists of approaching British troops. It was also used as an air raid watch during World War II.

Like Tallman or Hook Mountain, this chunk of South Mountain was, by virtue of its trap rock composition, faced with the threat of destruction by quarrying. On numerous occasions, quarry operators sought to buy the property from its owner, Elmer Van Orden. While Van Orden always refused to sell, his death in 1942 revived fears that High Tor might end up defaced by quarrying. One of Rockland County’s most beautiful sites, it had inspired countless poets, artists, and even playwrights. Among them Maxwell Anderson, whose well-known 1937 play, High Tor, is the basis of a 1956 movie with Bing Cosby and Julie Andrews.

High Tor – courtesy of Historical Society of Rockland County

At Van Orden’s death, the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission immediately sought to acquire the property. A campaign led by the Hudson River Conservation Society and the Rockland County Conservation Association, and supported by dozens of groups and individuals, raised sufficient funds to purchase the property, which was transferred to the Commission in April, 1943. At the same time, Archer Huntington decided to donate his own 470-acre estate, which included Little Tor.

High Tor summit

The park is traversed by a 3.5-mile section of the Long Path. In addition, a woods road leads north from the parking lot to cross the Long Path along the ridge top and continues north to the top of the promontory known as Little Tor. High and Little Tor comprise the major part of South Mountain, which is the northern boundary of the Palisades.

On the day of this hike, the weather forecast called for rain and fog. There was a window of several hours where I felt that we could get a short hike in before it began to rain. Having hiked most of the Palisades, I decided on this short out and back on this Sunday Morning.

High Tor – Palisades Interstate Park

From the intersection of Ridge Road (CR 23), we proceeded west on Old Route 304.

intersection of Ridge Road (CR 23)

Just beyond the fourth telephone pole from the intersection, a double blaze on a tree indicates that the Long Path (which has been running along the road) turns right and enters the woods. We would be following the aqua-blazed Long Path all the way to the summit.

Long Path

After leaving the road, the Long Path crosses several wet areas on puncheons and soon begins a moderate climb on a rocky footpath.

Long Path

A short distance beyond, the trail bears left, crosses a stream on a wooden bridge, briefly levels off, then continues to climb. In half a mile, after gaining about 250 feet in elevation, the trail bears left and levels off again. It was at about this time that I saw a Coyote, just ahead, about 30 feet to my right. I stopped to try to raise my camera, but it saw me and took off into the woods.

Long Path

The Long Path descends a little to reach a junction with the white-blazed Spur Path, which begins on the left (the junction is marked by two signposts and a triple white blaze on a tree).

junction with the white-blazed Spur Trail

On the way back down, we would venture down the Spur Trail, but for now, we proceeded ahead on the Long Path, which now resumes a gradual climb. In another third of a mile, the Long Path reaches the crest of the ridge. To the right, the Hudson River is visible below through the trees. An unmarked woods road proceeds ahead, but we turned sharply left, continuing to follow the aqua blazes of the Long Path. After a short gentle uphill stretch, we reached the base of a steep talus slope.

Long Path

The trail now begins a steep climb of High Tor.

Long Path

The grade moderates as the trail skirts a rocky knob on the left and descends a little into a ravine, but the climb soon resumes, with a number of steep sections.

Long Path

After passing through a grassy area,

Long Path

The Long Path emerges on the 832-foot-high summit of High Tor, having climbed over 600 vertical feet from the start of the hike.

summit of High Tor

Even on this overcast morning, the views from High Tor are spectacular. Directly below to the northeast is the town of Haverstraw, with the Hudson River to the east.

Haverstraw, with the Hudson River to the east

To the south, you can see the large Lake DeForest.

Lake DeForest

To the north and west are the rolling hills of Harriman State Park, visible on a clear day. An aircraft beacon was once located on the summit, and the anchors of the beacon are still visible.

anchor – High Tor summit

There is also plenty of graffiti at the summit as well.

graffiti – High Tor summit

We spent quite some time at the summit, hoping for the sky to clear. Instead, some dark clouds appeared and we decided to make our way down the mountain before we got caught in a downpour. We retraced our steps on the Long Path, to the junction with the Spur Path.

junction with the Spur Path

We turned right onto the white-blazed Spur Path which heads gently downhill in a westerly direction.

Spur Path

The trail travels through the woods then comes out on an open field and ends at an informational sign with history about the property.

Spur Path

The ruins of the Youmans-Van Orden House are just beyond the sign. The area is overgrown and they are best viewed in the winter months. Behind the fireplace, there are more remnants of the house, but they are difficult to see with all the heavy foliage surrounding them.

Youmans-Van Orden House

I found what appears to be a Deer skull in the fireplace.

Deer skull

We sat here for a short time and then felt some drops. That was our cue to get it in gear and finish up this hike. We retraced our steps back to the Long Path and turned right. From there it was an easy walk down, the same way we came up. We then walked about 100 feet on the road and back to the parking area, where our hike began.

Long Path

This is a great short hike with some semi-challenging areas. On the day we visited, we passed several hikers, but while at the summit, several others arrived. This is a great spot with excellent views of the Hudson Valley. The ruins are better visited when they are not covered with vegetation. I plan on going back soon and including Low Tor on my subsequent hike.

Pros: Fantastic views, Long Path, well blazed trails, Hudson River, the Palisades.

Cons: Graffiti at the summit, can get crowded.

Take a hike!

High Tor – Palisades Interstate Park

Sources:

Rainbow Falls Loop – Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Posted on June 16, 2018

June 16, 2018 – Kerhonkson, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 7.2 miles

Max elevation: 1,893 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 858 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails #104

Fee: $10.00 per vehicle – Empire Pass Accepted

Trailhead parking: Lower Awosting Lot – Kerhonkson, NY 12446

The Shawangunk Ridge has become one of my favorite places to hike. “The Gunks” contain mainly public lands that are open to hikers. Most of the northern Ridge is protected by Minnewaska State Park Preserve, which now also manages Sam’s Point Preserve with more than 100 miles of hiking trails. With the network of trails and carriage roads available in Minnewaska State Park Preserve, hikers can connect to the various other preserves on the ridge.

This moderate loop hike was done using a combination of carriage roads and footpaths. Other trails and/or carriage roads can be used to shorten or lengthen this route. Last November I did a loop hike using the Mossy Glen Footpath and really enjoyed this scenic trail. I decided to map out a different hike that included this trail once again. We hiked the full length of the Mossy Glen Trail and used parts of the other trails and carriage roads to complete the loop.

Rainbow Falls Loop

Trails used: The distances shown in parentheses are approximately the distances traveled during this hike and not necessarily the total length of the actual trails.

Mossy Glen Footpath (1.7 miles) – This yellow-blazed trail travels near the scenic Peters Kill and is accessed from the Lower Awosting Carriage Road parking area.
Blueberry Run Footpath (0.3 mile at start, 0.3 mile on return) This blue-blazed trail intersects the Upper Awosting Carriage Road, Lower Awosting Carriage Road and the Jenny Lane Footpath. It also forms a T-intersection with the end of the Mossy Glen Footpath.
Jenny Lane Footpath (1.09 miles) This light-blue-blazed Footpath intersects with the terminus of the Blueberry Run Trail. This footpath follows along the crest of a modest ridge until descending to its terminus at the Lower Awosting carriage Road.
Rainbow Falls Trail (1 mile) – This orange-blazed interior trail located near Lake Awosting, travels by Rainbow Falls. The waterfall can be dry in the summer months.
Upper Awosting Carriage Road (0.8 mile) This green-blazed road travels from Lake Minnewaska to Lake Awosting and intersects numerous trails, making loop hikes possible.
Lower Awosting Carriage Road (1.5 miles) – This black-blazed old road takes visitors from Lower Awosting Lot, off US 44 to Lake Awosting following the Peter’s Kill.

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

I love to hit the trails early, but like most of the preserves in The Gunks, Minnewaska doesn’t open until 9:00 am. Nevertheless, we got there just after 9:00 am and the lower lot, where we parked, was already starting to fill up. From the kiosk at the rear of the parking area, we walked past the gate onto the Lower Awosting Carriage Road.

Lower Awosting Carriage Road

Almost immediately, we turned left onto the yellow-blazed Mossy Glen Footpath.

Mossy Glen Footpath

The trail passes through an attractive forest of hemlock and mountain laurel.

Mossy Glen Footpath

In about 0.5 mile, the trail approaches the carriage road, then turns left and descends to the Peter’s Kill, crossing it on a one-log footbridge.

one-log footbridge – Mossy Glen Footpath

After crossing the bridge, the trail turns right and continues southwest, along the Peters Kill. For the next mile or so, it hugs the stream and comes out on rock slabs near the edge of the water.

Mossy Glen Footpath

The Peter’s Kill was mostly dry on this day, but on previous visits, the flow was much stronger.

Mossy Glen Footpath

After passing through a relatively open area, with stunted pitch pines and an understory of blueberries,

Mossy Glen Footpath

the Mossy Glen Trail ends at a T-intersection with the blue-blazed Blueberry Run Footpath.

terminus of Mossy Glen Footpath

We turned right and followed this blue-blazed trail downhill,

Blueberry Run Footpath

The trail comes out onto open rock with an attractive cascade of the Peter’s Kill. The flow was light on this day, but I have been here before when the cascade spanned the entire width of the rocks. We stopped here briefly to enjoy this spot.

cascade – Blueberry Run Footpath

The Blueberry Run Footpath crosses the Peter’s Kill on another one-log footbridge, with the attractive cascade on the left.

one-log footbridge – Blueberry Run Footpath

The trail climbs rather steeply……

Blueberry Run Footpath

to cross the Lower Awosting Carriage Road,

Blueberry Run Footpath crosses the Lower Awosting Carriage Road

then continues through mountain laurel and hemlock.

Blueberry Run Footpath

After another steep climb, the Blueberry Run Footpath ends at a junction with the blue-blazed Jenny Lane Footpath.

turn left onto the Jenny Lane Footpath

Standing on the Jenny Lane Footpath, looking back at the Blueberry Run Footpath, with the blue blazes visible on a tree, just beyond.

junction with the Jenny Lane Footpath

We turned left, now heading southwest and followed the Jenny Lane Footpath, which soon begins to run close to the edge of the ridge, coming out occasionally on open rocks, with views over Litchfield Ledge to the east.

view east – Jenny Lane Footpath

In about three-quarters of a mile, the trail reaches a power line.

power line – Jenny Lane Footpath

We followed the trail as it turns right, runs along the power line for a short distance, then turns left and continues on a wide path, the remnants of an old woods road.

Jenny Lane Footpath

The trail soon begins to descend. As it goes down a badly eroded section of the old road, the trail has been rerouted onto a footpath to the left. At the base of the descent, the Jenny Lane Footpath turns left onto a grassy woods road, which soon reaches the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, where we turned right.

turn right onto Lower Awosting Carriage Road

We followed the Lower Awosting Carriage Road, crossing a causeway and concrete bridge over Fly Brook.

Lower Awosting Carriage Road

Just past the brook crossing, the orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Footpath begins on the left.

turn left on Rainbow Falls Footpath

The orange-blazed Rainbow Falls Footpath is also the route of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT).

Rainbow Falls Footpath

We turned left, leaving the carriage road, and followed the Rainbow Falls Footpath, which descends briefly, then ascends steadily over slanted slabs of conglomerate rock dotted with pitch pines.

Rainbow Falls Footpath

The trail turns left, crosses a small stream, and continues to climb over slanted rock ledges. From the top, the Catskills may be seen in the distance.

Catskills – Rainbow Falls Footpath

After a short but steep descent, the trail comes out on an open rock ledge. To the right is Huntington Ravine, with Litchfield Ledge beyond.

Rainbow Falls Footpath

The trail continues over open rock ledges, with Rainbow Falls just below.

Rainbows Falls Footpath

The trail ducks back into the woods and we happened to pass a Deer grazing, just off the path.

Deer – Rainbows Falls Footpath

The trail soon bears sharply right and descends very steeply, with cliffs to the right. At the base of the descent, Rainbow Falls comes into view.

Rainbow Falls

Although the falls were nothing more than a trickle on this hot and humid day, it was a perfect place to relax for a few minutes. Here the water drops from overhanging rock ledges, forming a cool mist.

Rainbow Falls

The trail now bears left, descends to cross a small stream, then climbs steadily to reach the Upper Awosting Carriage Road.

Rainbows Falls Footpath

Once on Upper Awosting Carriage Road, I turned right and wandered down the road searching for views, but did not find any, so I turned around. I also walked a bit further on the Rainbows Falls Footpath, but turned around when I didn’t see any viewpoints close by. I then returned to the Upper Awosting Carriage Road and began heading downhill (east).

Upper Awosting Carriage Road

After approximately 0.8 mile from the junction with the Rainbow Falls Footpath, the carriage road comes to a junction on the left, with the Blueberry Run Footpath.

Blueberry Run Footpath

The Blueberry Run Footpath heads north and descends steadily through mountain laurel and blueberries.

Blueberry Run Footpath

In about 430 yards, the trail passes the junction with the Mossy Glen Footpath, from earlier in the hike. In a short distance, we re-crossed the one-log footbridge over the Peter’s Kill.

one-log footbridge – Blueberry Run Footpath

After crossing the footbridge, we climbed the hill to the Lower Awosting Carriage Road and turned right. We then walked northeast along this carriage road for approximately 1.4 miles, as it descends gently, back to the parking area, where the hike began.

Lower Awosting Carriage Road

This was a pretty nice hike, which would have been much nicer with more water flowing through the Peter’s Kill and Rainbow Falls. Much better to do this hike in the Spring or after some heavy rain. The trails and the surrounding area are quite beautiful and we only ran into a handful of people and that was near the falls and on the carriage roads.

Pros: The Gunks, lesser traveled trails, well maintained trails.

Cons: Streams and waterfall mostly dry.

Take a hike!

Rainbow Falls Loop

High Peter’s Kill and Millbrook Ridge Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Posted on June 10, 2018

June 10, 2018 – Gardiner, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous (1 steep ascent, 1 steep descent)

Length: Approximately 6.2 miles

Max elevation: 1,283 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 922 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Shawangunk Trails #105

Fee: $15.00 day hiking fee (Non-Member) – Purchase Membership

Trailhead parking: Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead Parking Area 3142 US-44, Gardiner, NY 12525

Mohonk Preserve

Having received an annual Mohonk Preserve membership for Christmas, it was high time that I used it. I normally prefer to hike the Mohonk/Minnewaska area on a weekday due to the large crowds on weekends. With that in mind, I tried to design a hike that utilized some of the lesser used trails. Not an easy task, but it worked out well on this day. Although this hike began in the Mohonk Preserve, it travels into Minnewaska State Park through the Peter’s Kill area as well.

This hike began from the West Trapps Parking Area, but passes through the Coxing Kill and Peter’s Kill parking areas, which can be used as alternative starting points. The West Trapps lot opens at 9:00 am and we arrived at 9:03 am. There were only a few spaces left by that time. This hike was done in a counterclockwise fashion, but if done in reverse order, it will be the same amount of elevation gain. I wanted to get to Split Rock early since it attracts crowds, being so close to the Coxing Kill Parking Area.

High Peter’s Kill and Millbrook Ridge Loop

Trails used: The distances shown in parentheses are approximately the distances traveled during this hike and not necessarily the total length of the actual trails.

West Trapps Connector Trail – (600 ft. at start) (0.3 mile on return) This yellow-blazed gravel Road connects the West Trapps parking area to Overcliff and Undercliff Roads and also the Trapps Bridge over Route 44/55, which gives access to Trapps Road and the Millbrook Ridge Trail.
Shongum Path – (0.8 mile) Marked by signs and red blazes, the 0.8 mile long Shongum Path connects the yellow-blazed West Trapps Connector Trail with the Old Minnewaska Trail, linking the West Trapps parking area with the Coxing Kill area.
Old Minnewaska Trail – (550 ft.) Marked by signs and light blue trail blazes, this trail runs from Laurel Ledge Road and continues to opposite the Coxing Kill parking area.
High Peter’s Kill Trail – (1 mile) Marked by signs and light blue trail blazes, this trail can be accessed from either Mohonk Preserve at the Coxing Kill parking area or from Minnewaska State Park.
Bull Wheel Footpath – (0.5 mile) This white-blazed trail begins at the intersection with the High Peter’s Kill Footpath. The trail gradually descends through a former ski area and ends at an intersection with the Red Loop Trail.
Awosting Falls Connector Footpath – (0.15 mile) This white-blazed footpath connects the Peter’s Kill Parking Area to the Awosting Falls Carriage Road.
Awosting Falls Carriage Road – (1.9 miles) At the eastern boundary of the park preserve, this carriage road provides a multi-use connection between Minnewaska State Park Preserve and the Mohonk Preserve.
Trapps Road – This unmarked wide gravel road begins on the south side of the Trapps Bridge over US-44/NY-55. The trail continues along US-44/NY-55 and dead ends into Lyons Road. This is the point at which it leaves Mohonk Preserve and enters Minnewaska State Park.
Bayards Path – (0.21 mile) A red-blazed trail that connects Trapps Road to the Millbrook Ridge Trail, near the saddle in the ridge.
Millbrook Ridge Trail – (0.8 mile) Marked by light blue blazes, the trailhead starts at Trapps Road just beyond the bridge over 44/55 and leads to the summit of Millbrook Mountain.

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

The hike begins at the eastern end of the parking area at the kiosk.

West Trapps Connector Trail

We followed the yellow-blazed West Trapps Connector Trail, which heads east, parallel to Route 44/55.

West Trapps Connector Trail

In about 600 feet, we turned left onto the start of the red-blazed Shongum Path, the route of an old Lenape Indian trail.

Shongum Path

The Shongum Path descends gradually over bare rock at first, as it heads north. Along the way, I heard a loud commotion in the woods. I saw what appeared to be a Black Bear about 30-40 yards ahead of me, to the left of the trail. I saw black fur through the trees and at first thought it was a large dog, but by the time I got near to where I first saw it, there was no trace of anyone or anything.

Shongum Path

The trail travels through several wet areas on wooden planks. Eventually the trail veers to the northeast and parallels the Coxing Kill (creek), which is visible through the trees.

Shongum Path

After about 0.8 mile, we came to the terminus of the Shongum Path at a T-intersection with the blue-blazed Old Minnewaska Trail, a gravel road, and turned left.

Shongum Path

Now heading southwest, we crossed a wooden bridge that spans the Coxing Kill. We turned right and walked down to check out Split Rock.

Old Minnewaska Trail

The Coxing Kill plunges into a small gorge of solid rock and streams out on the other end into a pool.

Split Rock

Located at the site of the former Enderly Family sawmill, Split Rock has long been a favorite place for picnicking by the Coxing Kill. Luckily, we arrived at this spot at approximately 9:30 am and had the place to ourselves.

Split Rock

Split Rock Swimming Hole

We walked back up to the Old Minnewaska Trail and turned right. Alongside the trail are the Fieldstone foundations of a house and barn, and other outbuildings, which tell of the Enderly family farm, which occupied this place in the 19th century.

The Enderly House

For about a century, the Enderly family operated their farm, sawmill, and blacksmith forge on the Coxing Kill.

The Enderly Barn

A short distance ahead, we reached Clove Road and the end of the Old Minnewaska Trail. Just across the road is the Coxing Kill Parking Area.

Coxing Kill Parking Area

At the southern end of the parking area, there is a kiosk, which marks the start of the light-blue-blazed High Peter’s Kill Trail. This is also the route of the blue-blazed Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT).

High Peter’s Kill Trail – Coxing Trailhead

The High Peter’s Kill Trail follows a woods road, passing the Enderly Burial Ground on the right.

Enderly Burial Ground

The High Peter’s Kill Trail heads southwest then turns right, crosses a stream on rocks then turns left, now heading in a westerly direction.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

The trail gradually ascends through the woods……

High Peter’s Kill Trail

and passes a junction with the King’s Lane Trail.

junction with the King’s Lane Trail

The ascent steepens as we continued heading west on the High Peter’s Kill Trail and entered Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

The climb becomes very steep, with the trail routed over stone steps in places. For part of the way, the trail follows the Dugway, a 19th century woods road used to transport millstones quarried near here.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

After passing lichen-covered rock outcrops and an interesting “cave” formed by an overhanging rock, the grade moderates.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

A short distance beyond the end of the steep climb, as the High Peters Kill Trail turns left, we veered right on an unmarked trail. In about 150 feet, there is an expansive east-facing viewpoint over the Trapps ridge, with the Sky Top tower of the Mohonk Mountain House visible to the northeast.

looking northeast with Dickie Barre on the left and Skytop (center) in the distance

Sky Top tower

The cliffs of Dickie Barre.

cliffs of Dickie Barre

We sat here and took a short break while enjoying the view. To the left is the southern end of the Trapps ridge and the northern ridge of Millbrook Mountain is on the right. The Village of New Paltz may be seen through the narrow notch between The Trapps and Millbrook Mountain.

east-facing view

We returned to the High Peter’s Kill Trail and turned right. The trail now follows a relatively level path through blueberries and mountain laurel, with some pitch pines.

High Peter’s Kill Trail

Just below the crest of the rise, the white-blazed Bull Wheel Trail, which leads to the Peters Kill parking area on Route 44/55, begins on the left.

Bull Wheel Trail

The Bull Wheel Trail descends gradually on an eroded woods road.

Bull Wheel Trail

In some sections, the trail narrows to a footpath.

Bull Wheel Trail

There are dual-colored-blazes on either side of the trail that are not on the hiking map. These trails are designated for rock climbing and bouldering, which require a permit, which can be purchased at the Peter’s Kill Parking Area.

rock climbing and bouldering trail

The trail then passes through a flat open area over rock slabs.

Bull Wheel Trail

The trail passes a concrete slab, with steel bolts protruding. A tower that was anchored to the slab via the bolts once supported a pulley for a ski lift, part of the Ski Minne downhill ski area, which operated from 1964 to 1978. The pulley is commonly referred to as a “bullwheel,” hence the name for the trail.

Bull Wheel Trail

The trail then widens back to a gravel road as it descends.

Bull Wheel Trail

After about 0.5 miles on the Bull Wheel Trail, it ends at a T-intersection with the Red Loop Trail.

T-intersection with the Red Loop Trail

We turned left on the Red Loop Trail and walked a short distance on the gravel road to the Peter’s Kill Parking Area. We took a short rest at a picnic table and enjoyed a snack.

Red Loop Trail

When we were ready to resume our hike, we walked out to Route 44/55 via the entrance road to the Peter’s Kill Area.

Peter’s Kill Area

Directly across the road from the entrance is the start of the white-blazed Awosting Falls Connector Footpath.

Awosting Falls Connector Footpath

This short white-blazed footpath connects the Peter’s Kill Parking Area to the Awosting Falls Carriage Road.

Awosting Falls Connector Footpath

We took this trail a short distance to its terminus, at a T-intersection with the red-blazed Awosting Falls Carriage Road.

Awosting Falls Connector Footpath

We then turned left on the Awosting Falls Carriage Road and walked about 350 feet to the paved Lyons Road. Just beyond, the carriage road crosses paved Lyons Road and re-enters the Mohonk Preserve (the red blazes end here).

Lyons Road

The carriage road, now known as Trapps Road,

Trapps Road

continues around a hairpin curve….

Trapps Road

and in another two-thirds of a mile, crosses the Coxing Kill on a wooden bridge.

wooden bridge – Trapps Road

Coxing Kill

Trapps Road continues to parallel Route 44/55, but for most of the way, the highway is located some distance from the carriage road and cannot be seen (although sounds of traffic can sometimes be heard).

Trapps Road

Along the way, we passed a junction for the Coxing Trail and about 0.5 mile later, we reached the junction with the red-blazed Bayards Path.

Bayards Path

Although carriage roads are normally nice to walk on, I was glad to leave it and jump back on a trail.

Bayards Path

The red-blazed Bayards Path ascends on a moderate grade to the saddle of Millbrook Mountain.

Bayards Path

The narrow footpath is overgrown in some spots.

Bayards Path

In about 0.21 mile, the trail ends at a T-intersection with the Millbrook Ridge Trail.

terminus of Bayards Path

Millbrook Ridge Trail

We turned left on the Millbrook Ridge Trail and began heading northeast along the ridge of Millbrook Mountain.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

This was the best part of the hike for me. The ridge walk was quite scenic and I enjoyed it very much. With no more real elevation gain, it was now a walk in the park, sort of speak.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

The trail passes some partial views along the ridge then comes to open rock ledges with more expansive views.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

The trail continues over rock slabs along the ridge, with pitch pines.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

More views open up along the ridge, with the Catskill Mountains visible to the north. The Devil’s Path range of the Catskills.

Devil’s Path range of the Catskills – Millbrook Mountain

Directly northeast is the southern end of the Trapps.

Trapps – Millbrook Mountain

The trail comes out onto slanted rock with more views. The trail then descends steeply to the left of the boulder.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

I happened to see a survey marker along this spot as well.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

There are still more views as the trail descends. Below, the cliffs of Dickie Barre.

the cliffs of Dickie Barre

Ashokan Highpoint is visible to the right of Dickie Barre.

Ashokan Highpoint

The trail continues its steep descent over open rock slabs. This part of the hike was fun, especially because we didn’t have to climb up this way.

Millbrook Ridge Trail

After almost a mile of hiking the ridge, we descended to Trapps Road.

Trapps Road

We turned right on Trapps Road and walked about 150 feet to the Trapps Bridge.

Trapps Bridge

After crossing the Trapps Bridge over Route 44/55, we turned left, descended stone steps, and turned right on the yellow-blazed West Trapps Connector Trail that leads back to the parking area where the hike began.

On the way out, while driving by the visitor center on Route 44/55, a Black Bear came rolling down the hill and landed on the road. It promptly got up and crossed the road and I believe walked down into the visitor center parking area. I watched this through the rear view mirror as I drove.

This was another great hike in the Gunks. I was surprised at the lack of crowds along the way. We passed a few groups on the Millbrook Ridge Trail as we neared the end and several other hikers earlier. For a Saturday, we mostly had the trails to ourselves.

Pros: The Gunks, views, Split Rock, cliffs, well marked trails.

Cons: A little road noise along Trapps Road.

Take a hike!

High Peter’s Kill and Millbrook Ridge Loop – Mohonk Preserve

Sources:

Cranberry Lake Preserve Loop

Posted on June 2, 2018

June 2, 2018 – North Castle, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 3.6 miles

Max elevation: 490 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 347 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Cranberry Lake Preserve Trail Map – Maps also available on site – History Trail Brochure

Trailhead parking: 1536 Old Orchard St. West Harrison, NY 10604

Cranberry Lake Preserve is a 190-acre park operated by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Since 1967, this park has been a safe haven for migratory birds, turtles, and dragonflies. The varied landscape includes a four-acre lake, cliffs, scrubland, mixed hardwood forest, vernal pools, and a swamp. Biking, fishing and dogs are prohibited to protect the nature reserve.

Cranberry Lake Preserve

Before Westchester County purchased much of what is now Cranberry Lake Preserve in 1967, the area played an instrumental role in the building of the Kensico Dam. Completed in 1917, the dam stands less than a mile away. Most of the stone used to build it, was mined from the area that is now the preserve.

Kensico Dam

The dam was completed in 1917. It is 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long, and forms the Kensico reservoir. The construction of the dam began in 1913 and was concluded in 1917, three years ahead of schedule.

Kensico Dam

The history of the preserve and its role in the building of Kensico Dam, makes this place worthy of a visit in itself. There is a network of trails at the preserve and trail junctions are marked by numbered signs. This makes it easier to navigate the preserve with so many trails that intersect each other. The online map does not show the numbered junctions, but the kiosk near the nature center had plenty of maps that do.

kiosk – Cranberry Lake Preserve

We arrived at the upper parking area, near the nature center, just before 8:30 am. The forecast was calling for possible showers around midday and I was trying to get a short hike in before the rains fell. Since this was close by, it was the perfect place to hike on this day. My thinking was that if the weather cooperated, we could extend the hike and if it rained, we could use any one of the number of connector trails to make a beeline back to the vehicle. We did this hike in a counterclockwise fashion from the nature center.

Cranberry Lake Preserve Loop

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

After obtaining a map at the kisok, we checked out the nature center briefly, then proceeded south on a wide yellow-blazed path.

Yellow Trail

At a blue sign to the “Lake” (junction #4), we turned left and followed an orange-blazed trail downhill to the shore of Cranberry Lake.

junction #4

Orange Trail

We then turned right (at junction #26) onto a trail with blue and yellow blazes, heading south along the west bank of Cranberry Lake.

Blue and Yellow Trail

After briefly following the lake shore, the trail climbs to ledges that overlook the lake. Cranberry Lake was carved out more than 18,000 years ago by a glacier during the last Ice Age. That glacier is estimated to have been one mile high and is the same one that formed Long Island. The lake is four acres with a maximum depth of 14 feet.

Cranberry Lake

At the end of the lake, the trail descends, crosses a boardwalk and arrives at junction #6. We turned left onto a wide path, following blue, purple and red blazes, then turned left at the next junction (#7) onto an orange-blazed trail.

junction #7

The trail immediately crosses the Bent Bridge over a swamp.

Bent Bridge

swamp

Bent Bridge

The trail runs along old stone walls and passes a stone chamber, possibly an old root cellar.

stone chamber

At the end of the orange trail (junction #16), we turned right onto a wide path (an old railroad bed) and followed it a short distance to a Y-intersection, with a sign for the New York City Watershed grown into a tree (junction #8).

junction #8

Bearing left here, we were now following the Red Loop Trail. On the right, marking the boundary between the park and New York City Watershed lands, is an expertly-laid dry stone wall, built over a century ago and still in nearly perfect condition today (except where damaged by fallen trees). Soon, the trail bears left and heads south, continuing to follow the wall.

Red Loop Trail

At the southern end of the park, with private homes visible ahead through the trees, the red trail turns left and begins to head east. The trail arrives at a sharp right turn, marked by a red arrow on a tree to the left, and heads downhill toward Hush Pond. The Red Loop Trail crosses the outlet of the pond on puncheons, bears left (north), and soon begins to parallel a wetland on the left. In a short distance, it joins a level dirt road, with cliffs on the right.

Red Loop Trail

Soon, the cliffs are supplanted by a concrete wall. This is the foundation of the massive crusher used during the dam’s construction. It was built in 1912 and was capable of crushing 1000 cubic yards of gravel per day. Stone mined from the quarry that was too small to be used as dimension stone for the face of the dam was brought to the crusher to be minimized and used to make concrete.

crusher foundation – Red Loop Trail

Just beyond a crumbling section of the wall, the trail reaches junction #13, where a blue-blazed trail leads left to a wooden observation platform. Unfortunately, the view over South Pond is largely obscured by vegetation.

wooden observation platform

We returned to the main trail and turned left (north), now following both blue and red blazes. Soon, we reached a small cascade with a bench (junction #14).

junction #14

Here we turned right onto the Purple History Loop, marked with purple-on-white blazes, as it leads uphill.

Purple History Loop

The trail climbs briefly then levels off. It continues over a wet area on puncheons, then passes alongside an abandoned tennis court on the left.

Purple History Loop

The Purple History Loop continues past a junction with the White Trail and turns right. It then travels alongside the larger of the two quarry ponds. Formed during excavation, the larger pond was used by local residents in the 1960’s and became the “Birchwood Swim Club.” Up until its closure in the late 1990’s, members of the club also enjoyed use of the tennis courts, which we passed earlier.

quarry pond

As the trail continues into the quarry area, it passes by a wheelset, the wheel and axle assembly of a railroad car. 17 miles of railroad tracks once weaved through the area to deliver the stone while construction of the Kensico Dam was underway.

wheelset – Purple History Loop

Just past the wheelset, the trail climbs the quarry cliffs.

Purple History Loop

The first blast in the quarry occurred in 1913. A dozen huge derricks (large hoisting machines) were used to lift and load large stones for the face of the dam. In 1914, over two months time, 32.5 tons of dynamite were loaded into the
rock, creating the largest blast in the quarry, breaking up approximately 117,000 cubic yards of rock, that’s over 179 million pounds of stone.

quarry cliffs – Purple History Loop

The trail continues to the top of the quarry cliffs which offers partial views of the surrounding area. It also makes a nice place to take a break.

quarry cliffs – Purple History Loop

We wandered around the top of the cliffs for a bit. There is a lot of loose stone and we were careful near the edge not to lose our footing. I had read that over the years, there have been accidents where children and adults alike, have fallen here.

quarry cliffs – Purple History Loop

The quarry area was my favorite part of the hike. Even though the cliffs are not very high, they offer such a contrast to the woods trails we were previously on and are quite scenic.

quarry cliffs – Purple History Loop

Black Vultures soared above us as we sat, and one of them landed on a ledge and posed for me.

Black Vulture

With the absence of trees on top of the cliffs, the purple blazes are painted on the ground and at times are hard to locate. We spotted several and they lead into the woods as the trail begins to descend.

Purple History Loop

We followed the purple blazes downhill, past some foundations. The trail turns left and heads south on a wide path.

Purple History Loop

The trails passes by the remains of a couple of abandoned vehicles.

abandoned vehicle – Purple History Loop

Years after the completion of the dam, locals, whether for fun or for easy disposal of their old cars, sent them zooming off the cliffs of the abandoned quarry.

abandoned vehicle – Purple History Loop

The trail loops around and passes by the smaller quarry pond. Its cliffs make for some fun climbing if you are so inclined.

smaller quarry pond

The Purple History Loop, loops back around and reaches junction 20, which intersects with the Red Loop Trail and turns right. The trail descends as it heads north through the woods. At the base of the descent (junction #21), the blue trail joins from the left, and the trails cross a boardwalk. Just beyond, at junction #22, the trails again split. Bearing right, to continue to follow the red and purple-on-white trails, which cross another boardwalk. We veered right at junction #23, continuing to follow the red and purple-on-white blazes.

Red Loop Trail/Purple History Loop

We looked up the hill to the right to see an old concrete facade. This remnant was once part of the area where the stone cutting shed stood, where large dimension stones were sculpted and transported to the dam.

stone cutting shed

After curving to the left, the trail reaches a T-intersection (junction #34), with cliffs ahead. Here, the red and purple-on white trails turn right, but we turned left, now following the yellow blazes.

junction #34

At the next junction (#33), we veered left again, continuing to follow the yellow blazes and descend to the lake. At junction #24, we turned right and followed the yellow and blue blazes, with the trail paralleling Cranberry Lake. After passing junction #27, we reached a viewpoint over the lake from a rock outcrop, just off the trail.

Cranberry Lake

While at the edge of the lake, I walked past a Black Rat Snake without even noticing it. I was able to capture an image of it as I made my way back to the trail.

Black Rat Snake

Just beyond, we reached junction #26. Turning right onto the orange trail, we followed it back up to the yellow trail at junction #4, and turned right on the yellow trail to return to the Nature Center where the hike began.

Nature Center parking

This was a really good hike and surprisingly there was not much foot traffic on the trails. With the vast network of trails in the preserve, any number of loop hikes can be done. Most junctions are numbered which correspond to your current location on the trail map. These numbers are found on trees or wooden posts alongside the colored blazes. Please note: the numbers do not appear on the online version of the trail map. For best results, pick up a map onsite at the kiosk or nature center.

Pros: Historical features, wildlife, quarry cliffs, lesser traveled.

Cons: Trails and junctions can be confusing.

Take a hike!

Cranberry Lake Preserve Loop

Sources:

Brooks Lake and The Torne – Bear Mountain State Park

Posted on May 30, 2018

May 26, 2018 – Highland Falls, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous (1 steep climb, 1 steep descent and several ups and downs)

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles

Max elevation: 942 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 1,000 ft.

Route type: Double-lollipop

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Trailhead parking: Brooks Lake Park – Firefighters Memorial Drive, Highland Falls, NY 10928

Another version of this hike can be found here.

Popolopen Torne, officially called “The Torne,” is a small mountain with a relatively sharp and bald peak, part of the Hudson Highlands, with a summit 942 feet above sea level. It is located in Bear Mountain State Park and has 360° views, with the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge to the east, the hills of the West Point Military Reservation to the west and Bear Mountain to the south.

The Torne as viewed from Long Mountain

A memorial for fallen soldiers sits at the summit of The Torne and since this was Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to pay my respects to all the men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect the freedoms that we are able to enjoy.

Fallen Soldiers Memorial – The Torne

Since I had hiked The Torne before, I wanted to change it up a little. The previous hike was longer and included more elevation gain as well. I decided that this hike would begin and end at Brooks Lake since I have never been there. The hike is a double-lollipop, with the stem in the middle.

Brooks Lake and The Torne

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

Arriving at Brooks Lake at approximately 9:00 am on a beautiful Saturday morning, the parking area was nearly empty. This was the warmest day of the year thus far and on the drive to the trailhead, I received a poor air quality alert, but paid it no mind. I have struggled in the past on just such days, but they occurred in July during extreme heat.

Brooks Lake and about 100 acres to the north were acquired by the Park in 1918 from the heirs of Eliza Brooks. In 1925, there were five camps at Brooks Lake. The area around the lake was improved in 1934 for camping, bathing and picnicking.

Brooks Lake

We began our hike by proceeding counter clockwise on the red-square-on-white blazed Brooks Lake Trail. The Brooks Lake Trail was established in 2004 at the suggestion of local residents. The construction was financed with a grant from the New York Recreational Trails program.

Brooks Lake Trail

The Brooks Lake Trail crosses a grassy field with a wooden picnic pavilion on the left. It then enters the woods and at approximately 0.4 mile, crosses a stream on rocks.

Brooks Lake Trail

The trail is well marked and there are large cliffs to right of the trail, with the lake on the left. There are several viewpoints over the lake along the way.

Brooks Lake

Looking southwest, Bear Mountain can be seen in the distance.

Brooks Lake

The trail is very scenic and with the exception of a female hiker and her dog, we didn’t encounter anyone else along this stretch. The Brooks Lake Trail is well marked and easy to follow. For the most part it travels near the edge of the lake with several stream crossings (they were dry on this day) and just the right amount of ruggedness to keep it interesting.

Brooks Lake Trail

We came a cross a Garter Snake that was coiled up on the leaves.

Garter Snake – Brooks Lake Trail

At the southern end of the lake, we came to a junction of three co-aligned trails: the 1777W and 1779 Trails (which commemorate Revolutionary War events) and the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

1777W, 1779 and Timp-Torne Trails

We turned right and climbed the hillside with Brooks Lake visible through the trees below on the right.

Timp-Torne Trail

Although the three trails run together, we only concerned ourselves with the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail, which eventually breaks off from the other two and climbs The Torne. The trail levels off as it passes through the woods, then turns left and comes out onto Mine Road, where we turned right. There are blazes painted on the telephone poles to point the way.

Mine Road

In approximately 500 feet, immediately after Wildwood Ridge, the three trails go off to the left and reenter the woods.

Wildwood Ridge

The trails soon cross a stream on rocks and joins a wide woods road, the route of the West Point Aqueduct, built in 1906. At first, the route climbs steeply, then descends and eventually levels off. The trails begin to parallel Popolopen Gorge, with the rushing waters of Popolopen Creek visible in places through the trees on the left. We saw what appeared to be a Red Fox just off the trail, but no one was able to capture a good image of it.

1777W, 1779 and Timp-Torne Trails

After reaching a bench along the West Point Aqueduct, just ahead is a trail junction. The 1777W and 1779 Trails continue ahead, following the aqueduct.

1777W, 1779 and Timp-Torne Trails

Here the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail turns sharply right and leaves the aqueduct.

Timp-Torne Trail

The Timp-Torne Trail climbs gradually on a woods road and comes out to a small parking area on Mine Road.

Timp-Torne Trail

We rested for a few moments in the parking area before we tackled the tough climb up to the summit of The Torne. For a really short hike, you can park in this pullout (limited parking available) and begin the hike here. Leaving the parking area, we turned left and and walked a short distance uphill on Mine Road.

Timp-Torne Trail

A short distance ahead, the Timp-Torne Trail leaves the road at a wooden kiosk.

Timp-Torne Trail

From here the trail climbs more than 500 feet in just under 0.6 mile. It’s the toughest stretch of the hike, but it is manageable. Almost immediately upon entering the woods and beginning the climb up, I started to feel weak. I attributed my lack of strength and energy to numerous factors, including having skipped breakfast (dumb move) and the poor air quality. I knew I was going to have some difficulty making it to the summit, but I was determined and was not about to quit. We stopped frequently to rest and catch our breath, but eventually came out to an east facing viewpoint. The Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony’s Nose are clearly visible from a rock outcrop alongside the trail.

east facing viewpoint – Timp-Torne Trail

We continued ahead on the trail, which makes a sharp bend to the south and continues to climb over rock ledges.

Timp-Torne Trail

Reaching the summit, there were quite a few people there already. I stopped at the fallen soldiers memorial and paid my respects to all that gave their lives defending our freedoms.

Fallen Soldiers Memorial – The Torne

Looking south, Bear Mountain is visible close by.

view south from The Torne

This is one of my favorite spots in the Hudson Valley. The summit has some of the best views around. Even on a hot and hazy day, the view of the Hudson River was impressive.

Looking southeast from the summit of The Torne

The 360° views are spectacular, but don’t expect much shade up here.

Looking north from the summit of The Torne

Looking northwest, Turkey Mountain is visible in the center, with Long Mountain to the left.

Looking northwest from the summit of The Torne

No matter how grand the view, the best part of this hike is seeing the memorial for fallen soldiers. The 400 lbs. benches that were placed here, were part of an Eagle Scout project.

Fallen Soldiers Memorial – The Torne

Known as the “Trail of the Fallen,” Every rock that has been placed here has been carried up from the base of The Torne. Some as heavy as 200 lbs.

Fallen Soldiers Memorial – The Torne

After spending quite some time at the summit, we began our descent. The trail steeply descends the mountain on rock ledges. The descent is much steeper than the climb and we had to use both our hands and feet in places. It is only 0.3 mile to Mine Road, but it felt like much longer.

Timp-Torne Trail

We saw several hikers ascending from this side as we made our way down. Although it is much shorter going this way, it appears to be more difficult to ascend. There were plenty of lizards out and about on the rocks.

Timp-Torne Trail

On the way down there is one last view from a rock ledge along the trail.

Timp-Torne Trail

About halfway down, the trail reenters the woods and continues to descend more moderately on stone steps and switchbacks. We came out on Mine Road where the Timp-Torne Trail crosses the road and goes over the guard rail and descends to rejoin the 1777W and 1779 Trails at the West Point Aqueduct. I was pretty much done at this point so we walked on the road, back to the small parking area on Mine Road. From there we walked down to the three co-aligned trails on the West Point Aqueduct and retraced our steps back to the Brooks Lake Trail and completed the loop around the lake and back to the parking area, where our hike began. I stopped taking photographs because I was out of gas and just wanted to concentrate on not tripping. This wasn’t that difficult of a hike, but the way I was feeling, it was a major accomplishment to complete it. I definitely plan on doing this hike again, but I will probably try climbing up the steeper side. This is a hike that everyone should do at least once.

Pros: Fallen soldiers memorial, views galore, slight rock scrambling, wildlife.

Cons: Short road walk, traffic noise from Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Take a hike!

The Torne

Sources:

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Trail of the Fallen
Myles, William J.. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History – Kindle Edition

Camp LaGuardia

Posted on May 13, 2018

May‎ ‎13‎, ‎2018 – Chester, NY

Disclaimer: Exploring abandoned and/or ruined structures can be dangerous and you could be trespassing. Should you choose to enter the property of any of the places featured on this site, do so legally.

Camp LaGuardia straddles the towns of Chester and Blooming Grove. Built in 1918, the complex first served as Greycourt, a women’s penitentiary. After a sharp spike in the criminal activity of young women in New York City during and after World War I, the Women’s Farm Colony in the Town of Chester, Orange County, NY, received its first female inmates in 1924. A decade later, criminality among women was on the wane. But now, it was the depths of the Depression, homelessness and alcoholism among men were rampant.

Camp LaGuardia

In response, the city repositioned the property, shut down the prison, transferred title from the Department of Correction to the Department of Welfare, and in 1934, cut the ribbon for Camp Greycourt.

Camp LaGuardia

Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia was facing staggering poverty and unemployment. He loved the idea. He called the camp a “human repair shop,” and testified at federal hearings that 40% to 50% of residents left for full-time work. In 1935, the New York Times detailed the story of 28-year-old Ralph Rinaldo, former resident of New York’s skid row: “City Camp Farmer Wins Job and Wife,” read the headline. “Weds Onion Grower’s Daughter – Couple Get Gift of a Goat, a Pig and a Sheep.” A year after the camp opened, its residents voted to name it for LaGuardia.

Camp LaGuardia

The 1,001 bed camp was such a showcase of progressive thought that a scale model was exhibited at the World’s Fair. It is a collection of a half-dozen buildings, centering on the austere brick headquarters of Greycourt Prison and set on 258 acres of black soil.

Camp LaGuardia

After the Depression, older alcoholics replaced the merely out-of-work. It was a long-term place to be safe for Bowery drunks, healthier than the streets and cheaper for the city than jails. The place seemed to survive because it attracted so little notice.

Camp LaGuardia

That ended in the 1980’s. Drugs had transformed street life in New York. As mental hospitals closed, chronically ill men joined the ranks of the homeless. Chester homeowners began to complain about finding syringes on their lawns, and police made regular sweeps of the camp, frequently finding fugitives. In 1999, as part of a settlement with Orange County, the city turned the facility over to Volunteers of America, which imposed tougher screening and safety measures. In 2002, for the first time, a fence was erected around the camp’s perimeter.

Camp LaGuardia

As crack cocaine overtook booze as a drug of choice for the homeless, the shelter became an incubator for criminality, muggings took place along the old Erie Railroad tracks, and public lewdness and narcotics in the area were all too common.

Camp LaGuardia

Camp LaGuardia became the city’s single biggest shelter for homeless adults. At full capacity, the facility was nearly a third of the size of the Village of Chester.

Camp LaGuardia

Relations between the city and local communities began to fray as encounters between locals and camp residents, who would walk daily to Chester’s stores, grew ominous. Increased complaints of lewdness, harassment and public drunkenness prompted crackdowns by local police. Calls for greater oversight at the camp intensified in 1994, after a resident strangled a pet rabbit in front of a Greycourt Road woman.

Camp LaGuardia

Prompted in part by the changing demographics of the camp, as well as, the aforementioned incidents, local opposition to the facility grew throughout the 1980’s until its closing.

Camp LaGuardia

The closure of Camp LaGuardia was announced in November 2006 by New York City officials as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s five-year plan to reduce homelessness in New York City. In 2007 the Bloomberg administration began moving camp residents to subsidized housing or other shelters in preparation for the decommissioning. The facility was closed in 2008 and the buildings have remained empty since.

Camp LaGuardia

The now abandoned campus consists of roughly a dozen structures, including the three-story, 70,836-square-foot Main Building, an East Barracks and a West Barracks, plus a Warehouse Building, Fuel Depot Building, Pump House and Recreation Building.

Camp LaGuardia

There are access roads leading both to the Main Building and some outbuildings, including LaGuardia Road, a winding roadway that accesses the complex from Greycourt Road.

Camp LaGuardia

Orange County purchased the campus for $8.5 million in 2007.

Camp LaGuardia

County efforts to market the property were a disaster. In 2008, the county authorized its sale for $8.5 million to Scarsdale-based Mountco Construction Corp., who initially planned to build 807 homes or apartments and 170,000 square feet of commercial space on the site.

Camp LaGuardia

For eight years, those plans were debated, contested and downsized. Everything from sewerage infrastructure to housing scale and quantity were fought over. Still, Chester and Blooming Grove balked, and absent their approvals, the project went nowhere.

Camp LaGuardia

In June 2016, the county paid Mountco $1.2 million to break the contract of sale, kill the long-stalled deal and basically buy back the development rights.

Camp LaGuardia

Department of Public Works crews began cleaning up the property in 2016. They cut away overgrown brush, cleaned the interior, and secured the buildings. An effort to make the property presentable for real estate brokers to show the site to potential commercial owners.

Camp LaGuardia

The century-old buildings of Camp LaGuardia are abandoned and run-down. Stripped by vandals, scorched by arsonists, neglected by owners and battered by Mother Nature.

Camp LaGuardia

Thanks to sturdy support beams and load-bearing walls, built-to-last design and stolid civic architecture, the old buildings have remained structurally intact.

Camp LaGuardia

Orange County is now intensifying its efforts to sell the undeveloped site.

Camp LaGuardia

Orange County officials have been waiting 10 years to get these parcels back on the tax rolls and have already lined up some interested businesses through their Orange County Partnership connections and the IDA (Industrial Development Association).

Camp LaGuardia

As of this writing, the property remains abandoned.

Camp LaGuardia

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus: “If there’s a developer out there who has a vision for that property and credibility and a track record, we’d meet with them tomorrow,” he said.

Camp LaGuardia

Orange County, over the years, has rented out the former Camp Laguardia to a private company hosting paintball events and for filming.

Camp LaGuardia

For years local residents and government leaders had tried unsuccessfully to convince New York City to shut down the shelter. They got their wish.

Camp LaGuardia

Wyanokie High Point and Blue Mine Loop – Norvin Green State Forest

Posted on May 8, 2018

May 5, 2018 – Ringwood, NJ

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Length: Approximately 5 miles

Max elevation: 973 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 935 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: North Jersey Trails Map #115 – Free map

Trailhead parking: 150 Snake Den Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456

With more than 5,400 acres, Norvin Green State Forest has one of the largest concentrations of trails in the state. Norvin Hewitt Green, nephew of Ringwood Manor owner Abram S. Hewitt, donated much of this land to the State of New Jersey in 1946. Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, the forest is near Wanaque Reservoir and is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads, which can be combined to form a variety of loop hikes. With hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, Norvin Green provides the avid hiker with multiple scenic vistas. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.

Wyanokie High Point despite its name, isn’t the highest point in the Wyanokies, but it offers one of the finer views in New Jersey. Its nearly bald summit provides 360° views of the surrounding area, including the Wanaque Reservoir and the Manhattan skyline.

Wyanokie High Point

The Blue Mine, which is also known as the London, Iron Hill or Whynockie Mine, undoubtedly received its common name from the varying dark blue color of its ore. This ore deposit was first discovered and opened by Peter Hasenclever around 1765. During the early 19th century, the mine was worked by Peter M. Ryerson. This trench is fifty feet long, twenty-five feet wide and fifteen feet deep, and is filled with water.

Blue Mine – Norvin Green State Forest

I was looking to do a somewhat moderate hike with some views and after a little research, I decided on this hike. This is one of the more popular hiking areas in New Jersey, but does not get nearly as crowded as Harriman State Park. Wyanokie High Point is similar to Popolopen Torne, as that both have a short but steep climb to a bald summit and offer 360° views. The hike didn’t go exactly as planned because we turned when we should have continued straight and included a road walk at the end. The wrong turn took us to another mine that we wouldn’t have found if we stayed on the planned route. This hike was done in a counterclockwise fashion from the New Weis Center.

Wyanokie High Pointt and Blue Mine Loop

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

The parking area is located just before the entrance to the New Weis Center. The buildings are currently closed to the public, but the parking area is open to hikers.

New Weis Center

The hike begins at the western end of the parking area, where a gatepost with triple light-green blaze marks the start of the Otter Hole Trail. We would be following this trail for the first third of a mile (other trails, such as the “L” Trail and the “W” Trail, are co-aligned for part of the way).

start of the Otter Hole Trail

We continued on the entrance road, following the green blazes. Just ahead is a kiosk and just to the right is the Nature House. The New Weis Center property was a farm in the 1800’s. It was purchased by the Carrigan family in 1866, and the belief is that the old farmhouse (the “Nature House”) dates back to that era, if not earlier.

Nature House

The Otter Hole Trail then leaves the entrance road and runs along Blue Mine Brook on a wide footpath, lined with Norway Spruce.

Otter Hole Trail

Soon, the trail bears right to skirt the Highlands Natural Pool. Built about 70 years ago, this pool is fed by the brook and is not chlorinated. The trail briefly joins a dirt road, then bears left and ascends on a footpath and reaches a footbridge.

footbridge – Otter Hole Trail

After crossing a footbridge over Blue Mine Brook, the green-blazed Otter Hole Trail ascends through a rocky area on a footpath.

Otter Hole Trail

The trail reaches a wide woods road, the continuation of Snake Den Road. Here, the Otter Hole Trail turns right and follows the road, but we crossed the road and proceeded ahead to the kiosk.

junction

The co-aligned Mine (yellow-on-white) and Hewitt-Butler (blue) Trails begin here.

start of joint Mine and Hewitt-Butler Trails

The joint trails ascend on a footpath through mountain laurel and then climb more steeply through a rocky area.

joint Mine and Hewitt-Butler Trails

The trails level off and reach a junction where they split. The Mine Trail turns left, but we continued ahead following the blue blazes of the Hewitt-Butler Trail.

continue straight on Hewitt-Butler Trail

After a short level section, the trail begins a steady climb.

Hewitt-Butler Trail

At the top, a rock outcrop to the right of the trail offers a west-facing view, with Assiniwikam Mountain visible to the right (northwest). Just beyond, the white-blazed Macopin Trail begins to the right, but we continued ahead on the Hewitt-Butler Trail. Soon, we came to a balanced rock atop a rock ledge, with views west, east and north.

balanced rock – Hewitt-Butler Trail

After a relatively level stretch, we reached a junction with the red-on-white-blazed Wyanokie Circular Trail (also the route of the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail).

Wyanokie Circular Trail

The sign on the side of the tree helps point the way.

Wyanokie Circular Trail

Turning left, we followed these trails, which make a short but steep climb to the summit of Wyanokie High Point.

Wyanokie Circular Trail

The trail is steep, but it is not as difficult as it looks.

final ascent to Wyanokie High Point

The last part of the climb is over bare rock, with the trail marked by blazes painted on the rock.

final ascent to Wyanokie High Point

We arrived at the summit and were all alone. I guess timing is everything.

Wyanokie High Point

The nearly bald summit offers panoramic views to the southeast over the Wanaque Reservoir. The Wanaque Reservoir is the largest one in New Jersey. It supplies water for Newark, Paterson, Passaic, etc. Work began in 1920, which required replacing 4 miles of railroad and highway. It was completed in 1928 and can hold 27 billion gallons of “drink.” Nine dams hold the water in check.

Wyanokie High Point

On a clear day, the Manhattan skyline may be seen on the horizon.

Manhattan skyline – Wyanokie High Point

The true summit of Wyanokie High Point is marked by a protruding steel bar.

Wyanokie High Point

There is also a monument at the summit.

monument – Wyanokie High Point

We stayed at the summit for quite some time enjoying the sunny, but breezy weather. The views here are about as good as it gets. It was nearly noon when other hikers start arriving. That was our cue to get moving. We had enjoyed this spot for long enough and we still had a hike to complete.

Wyanokie High Point

We followed the red-and-white and teal diamond blazes as they descend from the summit, passing more views of the Wanaque Reservoir along the way.

Wanaque Reservoir

The trail eventually goes back into the woods and bears left, with the descent becoming less steep. At the base of the descent, the white-blazed Lower Trail begins to the right. Just beyond, the trail crosses a stream, and soon afterwards, the yellow-on-white Mine Trail joins from the left. We proceeded ahead, now following three different trail blazes.

Wyanokie Circular Trail

A short distance ahead, to the left of the trail, are the ruins of a stone shelter, constructed by members of the Green Mountain Club in the 1930’s.

ruins of a stone shelter

The trail now approaches Blue Mine Brook. Just before reaching the brook, there is a circular mine pit to the right of the trail, with a small pile of tailings (discarded waste rock) to its left. The trail crosses the brook on a wooden footbridge, built as an Eagle Scout project in 2002.

wooden footbridge

Immediately after crossing the bridge, we turned right and proceeded ahead for about 100 feet. To the left is the Blue Mine, filled with muddy water.

Blue Mine – Norvin Green State Forest

This ore deposit was first discovered and opened by Peter Hasenclever around 1765 and was worked intermittently throughout the 19th century. By 1890 it had yielded 800 tons of ore. It was shut down for good in 1905.

Blue Mine – Norvin Green State Forest

A large concrete pad at the entrance to the mine, with protruding iron rods, once served as a base for steam-operated equipment.

concrete pad – Blue Mine

We went back to the footbridge (did not recross it). Just beyond, the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail leaves to the right, but we continued ahead on the joint Mine/Wyanokie Circular Trails, which follow a rocky woods road. Bearing left at a fork and continuing ahead for about a quarter of a mile until the two trails separate. Here, we turned right and followed the yellow-on-white blazes of the Mine Trail, which climbs on a narrow woods road. At the top of a rather steep pitch, the Mine Trail turns sharply right, but we should have continued ahead on the orange-blazed Roomy Mine Trail. Here is where I screwed up. I was under the assumption that when the orange and yellow trails meet, we should follow the co-aligned trails until they split. I was wrong. After a while, I was pretty sure we were off the planned route, but it wasn’t all bad. We hiked through a a beautiful stretch of trail without running into anyone.

co-aligned Mine and Roomy Mine Trails

We also came across another mine that I didn’t know anything about. It could be another adit from the Roomy Mine, but I am not quite sure. While reviewing the track recorded by my GPS, post hike, I discovered that this mine was on the ridge above the Roomy Mine.

UPDATE: In the process of writing this post, I contacted the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry and they responded: “the opening you have questioned is not a separate mine but rather a shaft associated with the Roomy Mine itself.” They are going to further explore this matter and will notify me if any additional information arises.

iron mine – co-aligned Mine and Roomy Mine Trails

While checking out this mine, I heard and saw two people down below and was going to climb down to see if the Roomy Mine was down there, but if I was wrong, it would have been a steep climb back.

iron mine – co-aligned Mine and Roomy Mine Trails

Instead we continued on the co-aligned Mine and Roomy Mine Trails until they split. We then followed the orange-blazed Roomy Mine Trail which had several ups and downs, but eventually leveled off.

Roomy Mine Trail

We followed the orange blazes until its terminus at a junction with the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail. There we had a decision to make, take a left on the Highlands Trail out to Townsend Road and road walk back up the hill to the parking area or turn right and end up back near the Blue Mine and then make our way through the woods back to where we started. It was an easy choice. Road walk it was. Once out on Townsend Road, we walked downhill to the stop sign and turned left on Westbrook Road. We then turned left on Snake Den Road. Along the way there were a few interesting things to see.

Townsend Road

purple quonset hut – Snake Den Road

We then returned back to the parking area, where our hike began. It was about 2:20 pm when we got back and the lot was just about full.

New Weis Center parking – Snake Den Road

Despite the wrong turn, this was a really good hike. I was in a zone and just enjoying being in the woods and not paying attention when I should have. Since the trail we missed and the trail we were on were pretty much parallel, my compass read that we were going in the right direction. Another lesson learned out on the trail. I plan on going back sometime soon and doing a different hike, but visiting the Roomy Mine.

Pros: Well marked trails, gorgeous views, iron mines, rock formations.

Cons: Now they call me “Wrong Way.”

Take a hike!

Wyanokie High Point

Sources:

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Norvin Green State Forest
New Weis Center
Iron Mine Trails – Lenik, Edward J. – Kindle Edition

West Mountain Short Loop – Harriman State Park

Posted on April 30, 2018

April 29, 2018 – Tomkins Cove, NY

Difficulty: Moderate – strenuous

Length: approximately 4 miles

Max elevation: 1222 ft.– total elevation gain: 770 ft.

Route type: circuit

Map: Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map #119

Trailhead parking: Anthony Wayne Recreation Area South Lot

Alternate routes from the same starting point:

West Mountain as viewed from The Timp

Exactly one year ago to the day of this hike, I did a longer loop of West Mountain. Now I was looking to do a shorter loop with views and this place was worth a return visit. From the ridge there are views in all directions and it was fun to locate and point out the many peaks in the surrounding area that I have already hiked. The mini rock scrambles were also a blast. This hike was done in a counterclockwise direction.

West Mountain Short Loop

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

We got a later start than usual due to the early morning rain, but it cleared up and we arrived at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area shortly before 10:00 am. We walked to the kiosk at the southern end of Parking Area 2 and picked up the Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail which also runs through both parking lots.

Trailhead – Anthony Wayne South Lot

The 4.8 mile Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail, with blue-on-white diamond blazes, forms a figure-eight loop which begins and ends here. It is the only trail in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks on which bicycles are permitted.

Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

The trail enters the woods and travels through a pine forest. With all the rain that fell, the trail was swampy and in some places, large pools of water formed.

Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

Shortly after entering the woods, we walked by what appeared to be someone’s art project.

art project? – Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

The trail continues through the woods and crosses several bridges.

bridge – Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail

In about 0.5 mile from the kiosk, the trail comes to an intersection with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail. From this direction, only the back of the sign is visible.

intersection with the Appalachian Trail

The section of the Appalachian Trail that passes through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks is the oldest section of the trail, completed in 1923. The AT ascends gradually at first…..

Appalachian Trail

Then steepens as it crosses Beechy Bottom West Road (also part of the Horn Hill Loop).

Appalachian Trail at Beechy Bottom West Road crossing.

There are several stream crossings in this area which were made easier by the NY/NJ Trail Conference’s Long Distance Trails Crew.

stream crossing – Appalachian Trail

The Long Distance Trails Crew (LDTC) is made up of volunteers dedicated to the construction and rehabilitation of foot trails along the Appalachian Trail, Long Path and Highlands Trail in New York, west of the Hudson.

Appalachian Trail

The LDTC have relocated some sections of the heavily eroded trail and have installed switchbacks to eliminate some of the steeper sections in this area. Their work began in 2014 and are currently working on phase 3 of the project. After having climbed West Mountain a year earlier via the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail, I expected the AT to be just as challenging. Thanks to the hard work and sweat of some dedicated volunteers, this ascent was made much easier. After approximately 0.8 mile on the AT, we came to our first view of the day. A rock outcrop alongside the trail made for a good place to stop and take a breather.

view southwest from Appalachian Trail

Nearing the ridge of West Mountain, we came to the section of the AT that is currently being worked on. The new treadway will include water bars and running steps.

Appalachian Trail

Much of the work involves using heavy hand tools and some rigging with a high line (overhead cable) to move heavy rocks.

high line – Appalachian Trail

We climbed the recently installed stone steps as we neared the top of West Mountain.

stone steps – Appalachian Trail

We then reached the junction where the AT meets the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail. The rock outcrop affords hikers a great west-facing view, with Black Mountain visible straight ahead.

junction with the Timp-Torne Trail

In approximately the first mile of the AT, we gained about 600 feet of elevation. It was well worth it. The AT now joins the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail as it heads north along the edge of the ridge. The Timp-Torne Trail was the second trail built by the new Palisades Interstate Park Trail Conference, in the winter of 1921.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

The trail passes another west-facing view, veers slightly right and approaches some massive rock formations.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

After passing the rock formations, the trail leads to an east-facing viewpoint. With Anthony’s Nose in the center, surrounded by the rest of the East Hudson Highlands. Bear Mountain is to the left with the tower of the Bear Mountain Bridge peeking out from the Hudson River.

east-facing viewpoint – coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

Continuing north along the ridge, there is a north facing viewpoint, with Bear Mountain and Perkins Tower visible on the summit.

Bear Mountain

The trail then veers to the left and continues along the western edge of the cliffs as it continues heading north.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

At another rock outcrop is Balancing Rock, a glacial erratic that looks out of place here.

Balancing Rock – coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

We stopped here and took another short break, admiring the view.

Balancing Rock – coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

A little further north, another large rock outcrop with a great view west of the Harriman Hills.

west-facing view – coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

The trail then travels over some rock ledges…….

rock ledge – coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

and passes through a level area as it approaches some large cliffs.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

The coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail climbs through the crevices in the large rocks.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

The trail then travels over open rock slabs, but in certain spots there is a well worn path that bypasses the more difficult sections…….

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

with more views along the way.

coaligned AT/Timp-Torne Trail

The trail then comes to a north facing viewpoint, with Bear Mountain directly ahead.

view north of Bear Mountain

Perkins Memorial Tower is clearly visible at the summit.

Perkins Memorial Tower

To the southeast, the Hudson River can be viewed from this spot.

Hudson River

When we reached a y-intersection where the white-blazed Appalachian Trail veers right, we stayed left to remain on the blue-blazed Timp-Torne Trail.

veer left on Timp-Torne Trail

The trail changes from open rock to a rocky footpath over undulating terrain as it passes several more viewpoints.

Timp-Torne Trail

Perkins Memorial Tower from the Timp-Torne Trail

The Timp-Torne Trail passes through some large rock formations……

Timp-Torne Trail

with a short rock scramble just ahead.

Timp-Torne Trail

Another west-facing viewpoint with the Palisades Interstate Parkway and the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area north lot, visible below.

Timp-Torne Trail

The trail then begins a rather steep descent over open rock slabs. Relying on the grip of our boots, this section would be difficult if not hazardous, in wet conditions. There is a dirt path that bypasses some steep sections along this descent.

Timp-Torne Trail

On the way down, there is a great view of Popolopen Torne. The first time I hiked West Mountain, this view was the motivating factor in wanting to hike “The Torne.”

Timp-Torne Trail

At the base of the descent, a view back at the spot we were at, just moments earlier.

Timp-Torne Trail

After another steep descent, we came to an intersection with the red-“F”-on-white blazed Fawn Trail. Here we turned left and began heading west.

Fawn Trail

The Fawn Trail heads downhill, descending gradually towards the base of West Mountain.

Fawn Trail

The Fawn Trail ends at a junction with the white-blazed Anthony Wayne Trail at Beechy Bottom East Road.

Fawn Trail terminus

We then turned left onto Beechy Bottom East Road, which is also the route of the Horn Hill Loop Mountain Bike Trail. The trail continues straight ahead along the gravel road. The large pipe along the road goes up to a concrete reservoir. We followed this road south until we passed the north parking lot, which is visible through the trees. We then veered right on a park road that leads through a picnic area. We then crossed the bridge over Beechy Bottom Brook and back to the south parking lot, where our hike began.

Beechy Bottom East Road

This is one of my favorite Harriman hikes. Now having done two variations of it, I plan to do it again sometime, but in reverse. The views are nonstop, the terrain is varied and the light rock scrambling is enjoyable. This short loop is challenging, but not to the point of being overwhelming. I truly enjoyed being able to see all the hills in Harriman-Bear Mountain State Parks that I have hiked.

Pros: Views galore, light rock scrambling, varied terrain, well marked trails.

Cons: Some road noise from the parkway, Some sections of the trail can be hazardous when wet or icy.

Take a hike!

West Mountain

Sources:

Long Distance Trails Crew
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Myles, William J.. Harriman Trails: A Guide and History – Kindle Edition

Patterson Mine Loop – Long Pond Ironworks State Park

Posted on April 25, 2018

April 22, 2018 – Hewitt, NJ

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 5.3 miles

Max elevation: 734 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 610 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: North Jersey Trails Map – Free map

Trailhead parking: 1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421

Long Pond Ironworks was founded in 1766 by the German ironmaster Peter Hasenclever. With financial backing from British investors, Hasenclever purchased the existing Ringwood Ironworks as well as huge parcels of land, including the 55,000-acre Long Pond Tract. He also imported more than 500 European workers and their families to build ironmaking plantations at Ringwood, Long Pond and Charlottenburg in New Jersey and at Cortland in New York. From the wilderness they carved roads; built forges, furnaces and homes; and created supporting farms. At Long Pond, they dammed the river in order to provide water power to operate the air blast for a furnace and a large forge.

Long Pond Ironworks

Within the 175-acre Long Pond Ironworks Historic District lie the ruins of three iron blast furnaces, including the original Colonial-era furnace constructed in 1766, and two larger furnaces built for Civil War production; evidence of iron forges; remains of water power systems; and a variety of workers’ homes and commercial buildings that were critical parts of the ironworking village.

Long Pond Ironworks Historic District

This area is loaded with history and I have wanted to hike it, but the footbridge over the Wanaque River was swept away by Hurricane Irene in 2011 and hadn’t been replaced. That made this hike impossible to do. The bridge was replaced in late 2016 and when I read that, I scheduled a hike.

wood-truss footbridge

It was a beautiful day for a hike with temps in the mid 50’s and sunny. After the harsh winter, I was raring to get in the woods without any snow on the ground. We arrived at the Visitor Center and Museum just after 9:00 am on Sunday morning. I usually take a photograph of the area I will hike on my NY/NJ Trail Conference maps, then crop and print them. This makes viewing them much easier. I also like to print a copy of the trails and turns as a quick reference. Unfortunately the maps and directions were left behind, through no fault of my own. I still had the original maps in my backpack and I wasn’t about to turn around. The Visitor Center is open on weekends and they have great maps and brochures. We did this loop hike counterclockwise from The Visitor Center.

Long Pond Ironworks Visitor Center and Museum

Patterson Mine Loop – Long Pond Ironworks State Park

A new feature that I have added is the Google Earth Fly-Through video. It follows the path that we hiked and it gives you a good idea of the terrain, layout, amount of parking etc. Check it out, it’s pretty cool.

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

From the parking area, we proceeded west, crossing a grassy area in front of an historic home, the Sommers Stites House which dates back to the 1860’s.

Sommers Stites House

Continuing on a footpath that passes behind a second home, the Laird-West House.

Laird-West House

This house also dates back to the 1860’s, but portions of the house may be older.

Laird-West House

Then the path passes in front of three other historic buildings, including the Ward-Ryerson-Patterson House which was built around 1780 and functioned as a farmstead and country inn until 1980. The relocated house and 240 acres of land were purchased in 1842 by George Patterson and remained in the Patterson family for eighty-one years. The Patterson House served as a restaurant in the twentieth century under names such as the Wanaque Valley Inn, the Copper Kitchen, the Paul Bunyan Inn and the Holy Mackerel Seafood Restaurant.

Ward-Ryerson-Patterson House

The Patterson House, circa 1780, and the Whritenour House, circa 1810, were privately-owned satellite farms that provided goods and services to those living in Long Pond. The Patterson House and the Whritenour House were relocated to Long Pond in 1985 before the Monksville Reservoir was flooded in 1987.

Whritenhour House

The Harty-Milligan House is a two-story, two bay, and worker’s cottage that dates to back to 1861.

Harty-Milligan House

Approaching the third building, the footpath joins an old woods road and curves to the right, soon passing two more historic buildings. The Stone Double House was built before the Revolutionary War. It is the only surviving building which was here at the time of the Revolutionary War.

Stone Double House

Owl Peak Brook runs alongside the Stone Double House. The brook was dammed behind the cascade to create an ice pond from which ice was then harvested.

cascade – Owl Peak Brook

Mule Barn

We then crossed a bridge over Owl Peak Brook. This is a rebuild of the last one whose design probably dates to the early part of the 20th century. The bridge is very strong with huge timbers spanning the stone abutments.

Owl Peak Brook Bridge

Owl Peak Brook

After crossing Owl Peak Brook (also known as Hewitt Brook) on the bridge, the blue-on-white-blazed Sterling Ridge Trail and the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail join from the left. Just ahead are the ruins of the company store and Hewitt Post Office. The Company Store was a center of village life for over 160 years. Containing not only a wide assortment of merchandise, but also the post office and company bookkeeper’s office. Purchases at the store were deducted from workers’ wages.

Company Store

Just past the Company Store is the Ice House. Built into the hillside and about two feet into the ground, the ice house provided a location to store ice harvested from nearby ponds.

Ice House

When we were done checking out these structures, we took a footpath down the hillside to see the furnaces.

footpath

The stone blast furnace was built by Hewitt and Cooper Company at the outbreak of the American Civil War. Originally, this furnace stood over 60 feet high. A high quality gun metal was processed here; in fact the furnace became known as the Gun Metal Furnace. Abram Hewitt was a major supplier of gun metal to the Union Army and so contributed to the North’s important industrial advantage over the Confederacy.

Civil War era blast furnace

Continuing along the edge of the Wanaque River, we approached the Hewitt era waterwheel houses.

waterwheel houses

Once the fires were lit in the furnaces, oxygen was blown into the furnace with two 20-foot bellows run by cams on revolving shafts powered by a waterwheel.

south waterwheel

In 1957, vandals set fire to the two waterwheels, but the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks (FLPI) obtained funds to preserve one wheel in its charred condition with the original iron axle, and rebuild the second 25 ft. diameter wooden wheel on a cast iron axle.

south waterwheel

Today both waterwheels sit under a protective covering, but can be easily viewed.

north waterwheel

On April 30, 1882, the furnaces were extinguished, ending more than 120 years of ironmaking at Long Pond.

north waterwheel

When we were done exploring these interesting ruins, we walked back to the wood-truss footbridge. The 60 ft. bridge was constructed in the fall of 2016, through the efforts of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, to replace a bridge that was washed away by Hurricane Irene in 2011.

wood-truss footbridge

The view north of the Wanaque River with the waterwheel houses visible through the trees in the distance.

Wanaque River

After crossing the footbridge, in addition to the Sterling Ridge and Highlands Trails, we were now also following the yellow-blazed Hasenclever Iron Trail, which begins on the west side of the footbridge.

yellow-blazed Hasenclever Iron Trail

In about 300 feet, we followed the yellow blazes as the Hasenclever Iron Trail turns right, leaving the Sterling Ridge/Highlands Trail.

yellow-blazed Hasenclever Iron Trail

This yellow blazed trail follows, for the most part, a road built in the 1770’s, between the ironworks here at Long Pond and those at Ringwood Manor five miles away. Ironmaster Peter Hasenclever was running operations at both sites. This road was abandoned many years ago, and today, some sections are barely recognizable, while others are badly eroded. While the marked trail generally follows the road, there are places where it detours slightly to avoid wet or eroded sections.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

In a short distance we reached Stop 1 of the Hasenclever Iron Trail, marked by a laminated sign which provides informative historical details. We would be passing six such signs along the route of this hike.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

To the left of the trail, I spotted an abandoned vehicle behind a mound of dirt. It turns out that it is an early 60’s Chevy Corvair.

early 60’s Chevy Corvair

Continuing on the Hasenclever Iron Trail, we then rock hopped a stream.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

The Hasenclever Iron Trail then begins a steady ascent for about 0.5 mile.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

The trail then begins a steady descent heading south, with imposing cliffs and rock formations to the left of the trail. The Monksville Reservoir becomes visible through the trees.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

Just before reaching the reservoir, the trail turns sharply left and begins to parallel the reservoir. A short distance ahead, is Stop 2 of the trail, where the stone ruins of a building used to process or store limestone are barely visible on the left.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

Next is Stop 3, near where the trail departs from the original route of the Ringwood-Long Pond road, which is now submerged under the reservoir. In a short distance, the trail turns left and leaves the woods road it has been following. It now enters the woods on a footpath to skirt a private home. To the left of the trail, there are huge rock formations and and cliffs visible through the trees.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

The trail eventually curves to the right and descends to reach a junction with the dirt Beech Farm Road, which is Stop 4 on the trail. To the north (left), the road leads to the remains of Beech Farm, a homestead that dates back to Colonial times. We turned right onto Beech Farm Road, following the yellow blazes with Beech Brook on our left.

Hasenclever Iron Trail

A short distance ahead, we crossed Beech Brook on a wide concrete bridge with a guardrail.

concrete bridge – Hasenclever Iron Trail

Beech Brook

After crossing the bridge, the trail enters Tranquility Ridge County Park.

Hasenclever Iron Trail – Tranquility Ridge County Park

About 500 feet beyond the bridge, the trail turns left, leaving the road, and reaches Stop 5, where a 200-year-old tree on the right marks the site of an old homestead. The trail now ascends gradually along a woods road, with a detour around an eroded section. In about 0.3 mile, we reached Stop 6. Here, the yellow-blazed Hasenclever Iron Trail bears right, but we turned left onto an unmarked woods road which heads downhill towards Beech Brook (further upstream than the earlier crossing). This crossing can be tricky in times of high water, and we walked a short distance upstream and crossed just below a cascade.

Beech Brook

Just beyond the brook, we reached a T-intersection, where we turned left on another woods road. In about 200 feet, we reached a fork, where we veered right. The woods road now climbs along the side of a mountain, first rather steeply, then more gradually.

woods road

At the crest of the rise, there is a mine pit to the right of the trail which is filled with leaves. This is one of the openings of the Patterson Mine, which was opened around 1870 and last worked in 1903. To the left of the trail are two water-filled pits, also part of the mine complex. Adjacent to each opening is a pile of tailings, the waste rock excavated during the mining process.

Patterson Mine

The Patterson Mine is associated with the Ward-Ryerson-Patterson House, which formerly stood on the north side of the Greenwood Lake Turnpike opposite the Whritenour House.

Patterson Mine

When we were done exploring this interesting area, we returned to the woods road and continued ahead, now proceeding downhill. Soon, the joint Sterling Ridge/Highlands Trail (blue-on-white and teal diamond blazes) joins from the right. At this junction, the trail leaves Tranquility Ridge County Park and re-enters Long Pond.

joint Sterling Ridge/Highlands Trail

We Continued along on the marked trail, which heads downhill, paralleling a stream on the right. At the next junction, marked by a triple yellow blaze, the Jennings Hollow Trail begins on the right, but we continued ahead on the joint Sterling Ridge/Highlands Trail, passing through a hemlock grove.

joint Sterling Ridge/Highlands Trail

In three-quarters of a mile, we reached the wood-truss footbridge over the Wanaque River. Crossing the bridge, we turned left and began retracing our steps back to the parking area where the hike began. On the way there we took a right and walked up the driveway of a dilapidated house. It is known as “The Manager’s House.”

The Manager’s House

This is a large wood frame building constructed around the time of the Civil War for use by the on-site manager of the ironworks. According to the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks website, “this was the nicest house in the village and structurally is holding its own. We do hope to restore the building and perhaps come up with an adaptive reuse for it.”

The Manager’s House

We returned to the road and made our way back to the visitor center. There we took a break then took a walk behind the building to get a look at the Monksville Reservoir. Known for its trophy size muskellunge, walleye, bass and trout, Monksville Reservoir is heavily used by anglers, sporting clubs and the US Sailing Association. It was created in 1987 by damming the Wanaque River. It is named after the former community of Monksville, which was relocated and flooded upon its completion.

Monksville Reservoir

While at the reservoir I spotted a Tree Swallow sitting on a tree in the water. I also saw a Great Cormorant a little farther away.

Tree Swallow

Walking back out towards the road, we passed the very dilapidated Stephens-West House.

Stephens-West House

The inside wasn’t much better.

Stephens-West House

Right across the road is the Hewitt Methodist Church, built in 1895.

Hewitt Methodist Church

The historical value of Long Pond Ironworks is paralleled only by its natural beauty. The forests that were once cut down to make charcoal for the furnaces have returned, and the river that was once diverted into the hydropower systems
again cascades over ancient rock formations. This hike is a great introduction to Long Pond Ironworks State Park. There are numerous trails and mines to explore and I will be back to do some more exploring.

Pros: Historical features, stream crossings, well marked trails, ruins.

Cons: Trails can be a little swampy after rain.

Take a hike!

Long Pond Ironworks State Park

Sources:

The Friends of Long Pond Ironworks
The History Girl
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Iron Mine Trails – Lenik, Edward J. – Kindle Edition

Camp Smith Trail – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

Posted on April 18, 2018

April 17, 2018 – Cortlandt, NY

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: Approximately 4.3 miles

Max elevation: 910 ft. – total elevation gain: approximately 1,333 ft.

Route type: point-to-point/shuttle

Map: East Hudson Trails Map #101

Trailhead parking: Bear Mountain Tollhouse 28 Bear Mountain Bridge Rd, Cortlandt, NY 10567

The Camp Smith Trail is approximately 3.7 miles long and extends from the Historic Toll House (Visitor Center) on Route 6-202 to the Appalachian Trail (AT) on Anthony’s Nose. As described by the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: “Without a doubt, the most rugged trail in Westchester County is the Camp Smith Trail, which rewards a hiker with many panoramic views along its route.” Camp Smith (military reservation) is about 50 feet to the right of the trail in most places on the way to Anthony’s Nose. It is heavily used by the military and may include live gunfire. Many places to the left of the trail, there are steep cliffs that drop down to Bear Mountain Road.

Camp Smith Trail

Anthony’s Nose from the overlook – Trailside Museums and Zoo

Anthony’s Nose is one of the more popular hikes in the Hudson Valley and on weekends the cars are lined up along Route 9D as a testament to its popularity. I have wanted to do this hike for quite some time, but I consider this a weekday hike in order to minimize the crowds. With that being said, I chose this as my birthday hike. Having lived in Westchester County for most of my life, it was fitting that I hike the Camp Smith Trail. My intention was to hike it from the Historic Toll House to Anthony’s Nose and back. A tall order for an old guy like me, but I was going to give it a shot. Another option was hiking it in its entirety and descending on the Appalachian Trail to 9D after stopping at Anthony’s Nose. As it turned out we ended up doing the second option.

Camp Smith Trail – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

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

Since I was feeling optimistic, we only used one car. This hike is better done with a car parked at each end. We parked at the historic Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House, 0.7 mile north of the entrance to Camp Smith on Bear Mountain Road, Route 6/202. The Toll House currently serves as the trailhead for the Camp Smith Trail.

Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House

The Toll House and Bear Mountain Road were constructed between 1923 and 1924 to connect the newly constructed Bear Mountain Bridge with Route 9. The Road and Bridge were privately owned and tolls for such were collected at the Bear Mountain Road Toll House and at the Bridge itself.

Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House

The one-story Tudor-style Toll House has a gabled slate roof, exposed timbers, and smooth stucco finish. The west bay of the Toll House housed the office and collection area for tolls. In 1940, the Bridge and Road were sold to the State of New York. Under ownership of the State, collection of tolls for the Road ceased and the Bear Mountain Road Toll House was essentially left vacant. Restored in 2002, the Toll House is now used as a Tourist Information and Welcome Center. The Bear Mountain Bridge, Route 6/202 (Bear Mountain Bridge Road) and the Toll House were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as part of the Hudson Highlands Multiple Resource listing.

Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House

Since there was rain in the forecast for the afternoon, we decided to get an early jump and arrived at approximately 8:15 am. It was in the high 30’s and windy when we began the hike and rose to the mid 40’s throughout the day. The blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail starts behind the historic Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House.

Start of Camp Smith Trail

The triple blazes, which signify the start of the trail, are visible on a tree just past the brown shed on the right. We would be following the blue blazes until its terminus at the Appalachian Trail.

blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail

At first, the trail parallels the road, climbing steadily.

Camp Smith Trail

There are numerous signs alongside the trail, which borders Camp Smith. Camp Smith is a military installation of the New York Army National Guard and consists of 1,900 acres.

Camp Smith Trail

The trail travels past large boulders and rock formations as it ascends Manitou Mountain.

Camp Smith Trail

It drops steeply through a rock field and turns left before reaching a massive cliff.

Camp Smith Trail

Staying within sight and sound of the road, it works its way gradually uphill, crossing small ridges.

Camp Smith Trail

At 0.6 mile, it begins a serious ascent of Manitou Mountain.

Camp Smith Trail

It then soon climbs very steeply on a series of rock steps.

Camp Smith Trail

The trail continues to climb over jumbled rocks.

Camp Smith Trail

It turns left to reach a viewpoint to the south.

southern viewpoint – Camp Smith Trail

Turning right, it crosses the top of an open rock face.

Camp Smith Trail

open rock face – Camp Smith Trail

The Camp Smith Trail drops slightly and resumes its steady ascent of Manitou Mountain.

Camp Smith Trail

It passes through a gully as it approaches viewpoints on the brow of the mountain. At 0.9 mile, we stopped for a few minutes to enjoy the view of Iona Island with West Mountain in the background. In 1899, Iona Island was bought by the U.S. Navy for use as a naval ammunition depot, becoming one of the largest ammunition facilities in the nation, at that time. The depot supplied much of the munitions for both World War I and II, and remained in service until 1947.

Iona Island – Camp Smith Trail

The island was bought by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in 1965. In 1974 it was named a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. As an active wildlife sanctuary, Iona Island is currently closed to the public.

Iona Island – Camp Smith Trail

Approximately five of the original 164 arsenal buildings remain, which the park now uses for storage.

Iona Island – Camp Smith Trail

The trail turns away from the river and then left again toward a rock outcropping with views. To the north, Bear Mountain is visible on the left and Anthony’s Nose on the right, with the Bear Mountain Bridge in the center.

view north – Camp Smith Trail

The Camp Smith Trail then turns right and away from the views to begin its descent. The rock steps, switchbacks, and sidehill construction make it possible to safely descend the extremely steep talus slope. At the base of the descent I took quite a tumble. I rolled my ankle and smashed my shin on a rock. For a few seconds I thought that my hike was done. I cleaned off the wound, applied a bandage and hobbled off to continue the hike.

wounded knee – Camp Smith Trail

At 1.2 miles, the Camp Smith Trail reaches the bottom of the slope, crosses a flat area, turns gradually left, and arrives at a small rock outcropping with a view. From the viewpoint, the trail leads inland and then turns once again towards the river for another view to the west. Leaving the view, the trail continues the gradual descent, crossing intermittent brooks.

Camp Smith Trail

At 1.9 miles, it reaches a parking area on Route 6/202 at a large bend in the road, 2.2 miles north of the entrance to Camp Smith.

Camp Smith Trail

Continuing north to Anthony’s Nose, the trail crosses Broccy Creek and heads gradually uphill, parallel to the road.

Broccy Creek – Camp Smith Trail

After turning away from the road, it joins and leaves woods roads and crosses streams.

woods road – Camp Smith Trail

stream – Camp Smith Trail

Rising out of a ravine, the trail turns right at 2.4 miles, onto a rock outcropping with views of the Hudson River, Iona Island, and Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park.

Camp Smith Trail

view of Iona Island – Camp Smith Trail

view of Bear Mountain – Camp Smith Trail

Paralleling the river high over the road, the trail first drops slightly then begins to climb steeply.

Camp Smith Trail

At 2.7 miles, another rock outcropping with a view offers an excuse to stop before tackling the remaining unrelenting assault up Anthony’s Nose.

Camp Smith Trail

Along the last 0.4 mile, there are both seasonal and year-round views from open rock slabs.

turning around and looking south from the Camp Smith Trail

The trail drops down off the summit to join a woods road. Following it straight ahead leads to Anthony’s Nose and panoramic views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park, Hessian Lake and the Bear Mountain Bridge.

Hudson River, Bear Mountain and Hessian Lake from Anthony’s Nose

Bear Mountain Bridge from Anthony’s Nose

Looking southwest, a view of Iona Island from Anthony’s Nose.

Iona Island from Anthony’s Nose

We stopped here for a while, but it was very windy so we took refuge away from the views. There was not a single soul in sight as we sat there and that was just fine by me. At this point my ankle was swollen and my shin was throbbing from the spill I took earlier. Not having another car parked nearby was a dilemma. I didn’t have it in me to retrace my steps back the way we came so it was either a dangerous road walk back to the car along Route 6/202 or call for a ride. Luckily, we called a friend who happened to be driving nearby and he agreed to pick us up at the trailhead on Route 9D. We then followed the blue blazes, which travels on a woods road, to the Appalachian Trail, where the Camp Smith Trail ends at 3.7 miles.

Camp Smith Trail

We then followed the white blazes to the left where the AT descends steeply for 0.6 mile to Route 9D. We then met up with our ride and he dropped us off back at the Toll House.

Pros: Scenic views, great weekday hike, rugged trail, numerous stream crossings, well blazed trail, Hudson River, Anthony’s Nose.

Cons: Need two cars, I fell.

Take a hike!

Camp Smith Trail

Sources:

Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation

Posted on April 16, 2018

An updated version of this hike can be found here: Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation (2025)

April 14, 2018 – Woodland Park, New Jersey

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 3.4 miles

Max elevation: 520 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 321 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Garret Mountain Reservation map

Trailhead parking: Park Rd, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Garret Mountain, located in Paterson and Woodland Park, is divided into two separate Passaic County parks: Garret Mountain Reservation to the north and Rifle Camp Park to the south.

Garret Mountain Reservation

The 575-acre Garret Mountain Reservation includes Lambert Castle, built in 1893 by a wealthy silk manufacturer. The main portion of the park, on the ridge top above the castle, is encircled by a paved drive and has a variety of developed recreational facilities, but it also features two trails that traverse lesser-used areas and offer several panoramic overlooks. The New York City skyline can be seen from several overlooks along the Yellow Trail.

Lambert Castle

I had planned this hike out regardless of the weather, but when I saw that it was going to be in the high 70’s, I was a little hesitant. Being that this park is Passaic County’s major recreational area, I figured that on the first nice day after a rough winter, it would be crowded. We arrived shortly after 9:00 am and it was already bustling. We parked in the Stoney Brook Picnic Area which had quite a few cars. As it turned out, even though there were quite a few people here, it never felt crowded.

Yellow Trail Loop – Garret Mountain Reservation

From the parking area, we followed the path downhill to the southern end of Barbour Pond and turned left onto a wide crushed stone path. We passed to the left of two park buildings.

Stoney Brook Picnic Area

After the entrance to the second building, we reached the Yellow Trail. We turned left on the Yellow Trail, which we would follow for most of the hike.

Yellow Trail

After paralleling a stream on the right, the trail turns left, away from the stream and begins to climb, passing some cliffs that appears to have been quarried.

cliffs – Yellow Trail

The trail then passes some abandoned concrete picnic tables on the left…….

abandoned concrete picnic tables

and an abandoned playground and shelter on the right.

abandoned playground and shelter

The trail climbs a rise and just before reaching a paved road, turns sharply left and descends to cross Park Road, the road that circles the park.

Park Road – Yellow Trail

In a short distance, the Yellow Trail reaches a junction with the start of the White Trail. We turned right and continued following the yellow blazes, which turn right on a wide gravel path.

Turn right at the junction

In about 250 feet, the gravel path bears left as the Yellow Trail continues straight ahead, climbing an embankment and crossing the paved road again. The Yellow Trail turns right at the entrance to the Garret Mountain Equestrian Center and runs along the road.

Yellow Trail

At the next intersection, the trail bears left and continues parallel to the paved Weasel Drift Road. Just before reaching the park boundary, the yellow blazes turn left, leaving 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.

concrete tank supports – Yellow Trail

The trail then begins to run along the ridge of Garret Mountain, with the stables to the left.

Garret Mountain Equestrian Center

At the end of the stables, the trail bears left then turns right, continuing along the ridge.

Yellow Trail

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 in the distance.

view east from the Yellow Trail

The trail continues north along the ridge, passing several more viewpoints.

view from the Yellow Trail

A short distance later Lambert’s Tower comes into view.

Lambert’s Tower

Lambert’s 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’s Tower

The grounds around the tower and along the 150-foot sheer cliffs are open to visitors of the Garret Mountain Reservation.

Lambert’s Tower

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’s Tower

The trail passes to the right of the tower along a stone wall. Just past the tower, the Morris Canal Greenway Trail (marked with canal-boat-logo-on-yellow blazes) joins. We continued 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. There were quite a few cars in the in the parking lot of the castle so we decided not to walk down to it.

Yellow Trail

After curving to the right, the trail descends on a rocky path and stone steps, and it briefly parallels the paved park road.

Yellow Trail

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.

viewpoint – side trail

A police firing range is located directly below and we could hear gunshots.

police firing range

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.

grassy field – Yellow Trail

At the end of the field, the Yellow Trail, together with the Greenway Trail, descend on a footpath to the entrance of an overlook. Here, the White Trail and the Greenway Trail leave to the right. The overlook affords a panoramic view over downtown Paterson (directly below) and High Mountain to the north.

overlook

After taking in the view, we continued on the Yellow Trail, which follows Park Road, passing the Benson Memorial which honors the first president of the Passaic County Park Commission.

Benson Memorial

At the next junction, we followed the Yellow Trail as it bears right and climbs along a paved road that leads to Veterans Memorial Point, the site of a communications tower.

Yellow Trail

Just to the left of the trail is a round stone platform called the “Crow’s Nest.”

Crow’s Nest

Just beyond a guardrail barrier at the end of the paved road, the trail bears left and descends into the woods. A quarter of a mile beyond, after crossing the White Trail, the Yellow Trail climbs over a small rise.

Yellow Trail

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. Here is where we lost the trail. The Yellow Trail bears right and travels alongside Mountain Avenue. We stayed to the left and began following a gravel road. At this point it didn’t make any difference. Instead of walking along the west side of Barbour Pond, we walked along the east side.

Barbour Pond

We walked along the pond, stopping occasionally to watch people fish. The pond is supposed to be stocked with fish and we saw a woman that caught a Large Mouth Bass. We then turned left and walked up the stone steps, back to the parking area, where our hike began.

Garret Mountain Reservation

Since we had parked at the Stoney Brook Picnic Area, we were hoping that when we were done with the hike that there would be a table available not too far from the vehicle. Luckily, that was the case and we were able to relax, grill some steaks and enjoy the 76° sunny weather. When we were ready to go, we took a cruise by Lambert Castle.

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

A nice hike in a very scenic area. Although the place was bustling, it didn’t feel overly crowded. It got a little busy at the points of interest that were near parking areas, but hardly a hiker on the trails. Since this is considered an important bird area, the song birds were serenading us throughout the hike. I doubt that I would return there, but I am glad that I did visit.

Pros: Castle, stone observation tower, scenic views, lots of birds, pond.

Cons: Tower was not open, crowds.

Garret Mountain Reservation

Sources:

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – Urban Loop

Posted on April 12, 2018

April 8, 2018 – Paterson, New Jersey

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 4.5 miles

Max elevation: 184 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 257 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: NPS Pictorial Map

Trailhead parking: 28 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501

The Great Falls of the Passaic River is a 77 ft. high waterfall on the Passaic River in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. The falls and surrounding area are protected as part of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, administered by the National Park Service. The Congress authorized its establishment in 2009.

Great Falls

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park is site to one of the nation’s largest waterfalls. The Great Falls of the Passaic River and the surrounding historic buildings and raceways are the foundation for stories of Alexander Hamilton, the Industrial Revolution, the labor movement and the important contributions of immigrants to the making of America. Hamilton envisioned Paterson, with its water power provided by the Great Falls, as America’s counterpart and response to the industrial revolution occurring in England during the same period.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

The various projects encompassed by the overall Great Falls Park plans, includes the redesign of Overlook Park, rehabilitation of Hinchcliffe Stadium and reuse of the ATP Quarry Lawn. The Quarry Lawn was known as Mount Morris in the 19th Century. The hill was quarried, leaving a 50-foot tall basalt wall that naturally enclosed a flat open space along the river, where textile dying mills sprouted on the small plateau in the early 20th Century. The site, now known as the Allied Textile Printing site (ATP) eventually became covered with mill buildings. The site now holds the ruins of many of those mill buildings, including the Colt Gun Mill.

Colt Gun Mill

With all the work being done to rehabilitate the decaying area around the falls, I wanted to pay it a visit and explore the ruins before they are demolished further and/or restored. The area around the falls is of great historic significance which makes it that much more interesting to explore. There is a lot to see and photograph on this “urban hike” so I will describe the route and include some images, but will also do separate posts to further illustrate the history and include more images. We arrived at the parking area at approximately 9:00 am on a chilly Sunday morning and eagerly began our hike.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park – Urban Loop

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

Overlook Park, probably the best spot to view the falls, is currently fenced off during construction. The falls can be viewed from the sidewalk, but not as desirable as from the park. I knew that going in, but I had visited this spot in the past and was more interested in the surrounding area. Below is an image that I captured in March of 2015 from Overlook Park.

Great Falls of the Passaic River – March 7, 2015

We walked southwest along the sidewalk on McBride Avenue past the clock.

clock – McBride Avenue

Located near the base of the falls is the Great Falls Hydroelectric Station. When electricity replaced waterwheels, Paterson built a hydroelectric plant opposite the Great Falls.

Great Falls Hydroelectric Station

Above the door of the power plant are the initials “S.U.M.” and the dates 1791 and 1914. S.U.M. stands for the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures. The S.U.M. built the plant in 1914, but the S.U.M. was established in 1791 during George Washington’s presidency to develop the power potential of the Great Falls.

Great Falls Hydroelectric Station

After passing the Hydroelectric Station, we turned right into a small parking area for the plant. We then proceeded across a catwalk that spans a section of the Passaic River.

catwalk

The catwalk leads to a paved walkway that in turn leads to the Great Falls Bridge.

Great Falls Bridge

The Great Falls Bridge spans the gorge, providing a great view and allows one to witness the power of the Great Falls.

view from Great Falls Bridge

On the other side of the bridge is Mary Ellen Kramer Park. This park is named after Mary Ellen Kramer, preservation activist and wife of former Paterson mayor Pat Kramer. In the 1970’s she launched the campaign to protect and restore the city’s historic district.

Mary Ellen Kramer Park

In 2015, the city completed a $2 million renovation on the Mary Ellen Kramer Park section of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, that provides close-up views of the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

view of falls from Mary Ellen Kramer Park

On July 10, 1778, a young Alexander Hamilton picnicked on cold ham, tongue and biscuits here with General George Washington and the French General the Marquis de Lafayette. It was then that Hamilton became acquainted with the setting of his future industrial city, one that would be powered by water and churn out everything from textiles and paper to locomotives and guns.

view of falls from Mary Ellen Kramer Park

Although the land was used as a public park and for leisure visits to the waterfall since the 1770’s, it was closed during World War II for strategic reasons and remained closed until the 1970’s. Several brick structures in the park date back to the Passaic Water Company which was incorporated in 1849.

Mary Ellen Kramer Park

Adjacent to Mary Ellen Kramer Park is Hinchliffe Stadium, which was dedicated in 1932 and structurally completed in 1934. Hinchliffe Stadium served as the home field for the New York Black Yankees between 1933 and 1937, and then again from 1939 to 1945. Hinchliffe is possibly the sole surving regular home field for a Negro League baseball team in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The stadium was named after former Paterson City Mayor, John V. Hinchliffe, who served during planning and construction of the stadium between 1929 and 1932. The stadium was designated a National Historic Landmark in March 2013 and a Paterson Historic Landmark in May 2013. In December 2014 legislation passed in the United States Congress to include the stadium in the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

Hinchliffe Stadium

We walked around the perimeter of the stadium, down Maple Street and then a right on Liberty Street. A separate post about Hinchliffe Stadium with interior and exterior images can be seen here. We then walked past the community garden and turned right on Jasper Street, which is closed off to vehicular traffic.

Jasper Street

Since I wanted to make a loop of this hike, I was hoping that this road would lead us around and over the Passaic River.

Jasper Street

Developers intended to construct 13 buildings containing 156 housing units called “The Vistas at the Great Falls” on this property. The state stepped in and purchased the 8.5-acre site for $5.7 million and plan to add it to the Great Falls National Historical Park. This property sits on a ridge 100 feet above the Passaic River providing a breathtaking view of the Great Falls Historic District below. Just across the river are the ruins of the ATP site and the mountain in the distance is Garret Mountain Reservation.

view from Jasper Street

The New York City skyline is visible in the distance.

Manhattan skyline

As it turns out, there is no way down to the street from up there that doesn’t include a very steep descent or climbing fences. We retraced our steps back to Mary Ellen Kramer Park and turned left on a paved park road that heads northeast and parallels the Passaic River.

Mary Ellen Kramer Park

A short distance down the road, we turned right and descended some railroad tie steps that lead to the edge of the river.

Mary Ellen Kramer Park

Now down in the Valley of the Rocks, we found a nice spot to sit and took a short break.

Valley of the Rocks

From here the ATP site ruins are visible and that was where I wanted go.

ATP site ruins

We walked back up to the park road which at some point turns into Ryle Road. We then passed some impressive cliffs, which happen to be where we were standing a short time earlier with the Manhattan views.

cliffs overlooking Ryle Road

We then passed a dog pound and some ruined buildings alongside the road.

ruined building – Ryle Road

This road is desolate and I wouldn’t recommend walking this area alone. I saw some unsavory looking characters and evidence of squatters in the abandoned and ruined buildings.

Ryle Road

After passing several more abandoned buildings, we walked to the end of Ryle Road and turned right onto West Broadway. There we crossed the road bridge which spans the Passaic River.

West Broadway

After crossing the bridge, we turned right on Mulberry Street which is closed off to vehicular traffic.

Mulberry Street

We walked alongside a 3–story brick building that at one time housed massive electrical generators which harnessed the rushing waters of the Passaic River’s Great Falls. It was the source of power for the entire city and beyond. Today, that same building now houses the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).

Salvation Army

We then turned right on Van Houten Street looking for a way to gain access to the ATP site which was between us and the river. We came to a couple of unlocked gates and went in. We couldn’t go too far in as the pile of rubble made it unsafe to climb over.

ATP site ruins

We continued on the sidewalk and came to an open gate.

ATP site ruins

The ruins here are quite extensive and definitely not a safe place to be alone or at night. It is a haven for squatters and I saw quite a few people coming and going. I spoke to a man who lives there and he told me where the majority of the squatters live so we avoided that area.

ATP site ruins

We wandered around the maze of ruins and came to the Colt Gun Mill.

Colt Gun Mill

One of Paterson’s most famous industries was the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company, begun by Samuel Colt. In 1836, the Colt Gun Mill, a magnificent four-story brownstone building, was built on an area directly below the waterfalls. Here, Colt first manufactured his newly patented repeating firearm, the revolver, with mother of pearl handles, which were essential in securing the American frontier. Between 1836 and 1841, approximately 5,000 muskets rifles, and revolvers were made here.

Colt Gun Mill

The Gun Mill was a four-story brownstone structure, with a central projecting stair tower. A weathervane in the shape of a gun capped the bell tower, and encircling the factory was a picket fence, in which each picket was shaped like a wooden gun.

Colt Gun Mill

A series of fires began in 1983 devastating the area around the Colt Mill on the ATP site. These buildings have been reduced to decaying brick shells. Demolition by neglect has been a tragic theme in Paterson, and in particular, the Great Falls Historic District.

ATP site ruins

The ATP site ruins stretch out over 7-acres and some are in worse shape than others. I will include another post dedicated to these ruins.

ATP site ruins

After exploring the ruins for quite some time, we continued southwest through the ATP site and came to a locked gate. This gate leads to Overlook Park which is closed off during construction. Not wanting to backtrack, I decided to climb the steep hillside that leads to the parking lot where the vehicle was located. Once at the car, we took a short break. Just across from the parking lot is an old wooden water tower.

old wooden water tower

I then headed to Raceway Park which is located diagonally across the street from Overlook Park, at the intersection of McBride Avenue and Spruce Street. Raceway Park is where the raceway system begins and travels throughout the Great Falls Historic District. The raceway brought water to each of the mills that housed waterwheels and turbines. The gatehouse regulates the amount of water from the Passaic River into the raceway.

gatehouse – Raceway Park

The raceway is a three-tiered system that began in 1792 as a single canal and expanded into a complex system by 1838 as industry in the mill area grew. In the image below, the water would run to the right of the wall.

Upper Raceway

A king post truss bridge over the spillway on the Upper Raceway.

king post truss bridge – Raceway Park

Between the tiers there are spillways that allow water to travel to the next level. This spillway leads to the raceway that travels under Spruce Street.

spillway – Raceway Park

The Rogers Millwright Shop was built in 1869, partly with materials from its predecessor on the site, the Passaic Paper Mill. Millwright Shop built and maintained the machinery used in locomotive production. Originally built as almost a duplicate of the erecting shop, it took on its present appearance after a fire in 1879.

Rogers Millwright Shop

After crossing another king post truss bridge over the middle raceway, I headed towards Spruce Street and turned left. I then turned right on Market Street and stopped at the Paterson Museum. Since 1982 the museum has been housed in the Thomas Rogers Building on Market Street, the former erecting shop of Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works, a major 19th-century manufacturer of railroad steam locomotives.

Paterson Museum

Exhibits detail Paterson’s role as the nation’s first planned industrial city. A photograph collection of 200,000 negatives and prints, locomotive, rock and mineral specimens, art exhibits, the first practical submarine, Colt Firearms, silk. Paterson is remembered in history as the “Silk City.”

Paterson Museum

The museum opens at 12:30 on weekends and was not yet open when I was there.

Paterson Museum

From there, I walked back out to Spruce Street, turned right on McBride Avenue and crossed the street back to the parking lot where the hike began. It wasn’t a long hike, but as I stated at the beginning, there was a lot to see and photograph. It was a nice change of pace from the usual woods hike and packed with history.

Pros: Historical features, waterfall, baseball stadium, ruins, ruins, ruins.

Cons: Not the best part of town.

Now get out there and explore!

ATP site ruins

Sources:

Hinchliffe Stadium

Posted on April 9, 2018

April 8, 2018 – Paterson, New Jersey

Location: Maple Street, Paterson, NJ 07501

Hinchliffe Stadium, which was dedicated in 1932 and structurally completed in 1934, served as the home field for the New York Black Yankees between 1933 and 1937, and then again from 1939 to 1945. Hinchliffe is possibly the sole surviving regular home field for a Negro League baseball team in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The stadium was named after former Paterson City Mayor, John V. Hinchliffe, who served during planning and construction of the stadium between 1929 and 1932. The stadium was designated a National Historic Landmark in March 2013 and a Paterson Historic Landmark in May 2013. In December 2014 legislation was passed in the United States Congress to include the stadium in the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The stadium is situated on a bluff overlooking the Great Falls and in close proximity to Manhattan. Hinchliffe’s great location only added beauty to its magnetic pull in the 1930’s for a huge population of working-class fans, hungry for sports. It became the perfect venue for baseball invitationals and barnstorming games.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The cast-concrete, 10,000-seat Art Deco style stadium contains an athletic field and a running track. Hinchliffe has been used for sporting events such as exhibition, regular season, and champion baseball, football, boxing, track and field events and automotive and motorcycle racing. During the 1940’s, the Andrews Sisters and Abbott and Costello performed at Hinchliffe Stadium. Duke Ellington performed one of his last concerts here in 1971.

Hinchliffe Stadium

In September 1933 during their first Hinchliffe season, the New York Black Yankees played the Philadelphia Stars in the Colored Championship of the Nation. They lost the championship, but not their momentum. They opened the following season with an eight-game winning streak. The streak ending ninth game with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, came on July 28, 1934. A face-off that saw Hall of Famers Josh Gibson, Judy Johnson, James “Cool Papa” Bell, and Oscar Charleston all play in the regular season battle.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Paterson native and Hall-of-Fame baseball player Larry Doby was playing at Hinchliffe Stadium with the local high school team in 1942 when he was scouted for the Negro National League’s Newark Eagles. Later, when signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1947, Doby became the second black baseball player to break the major league color barrier, and first black player in the American League.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Doby, an all-around athlete at Eastside High School, had led his teammates to the Paterson baseball title in ’41 and ’42, all at Hinchliffe Stadium. And it was here in 1942 that he and his lifelong friend Monte Irvin, were scouted for the Newark Eagles, in what he himself recounted at his Hall-of-Fame induction in 1998, as one of the most memorable moments of his life.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The New York Cubans called Hinchliffe Stadium home in their second season in the Negro National League (1936). The team featured Cubans star Martin Dihigo (HOF 1977), a resourceful ballplayer who played all nine positions at various points in his career. He began as a second baseman, but found his true talents on the pitching mound. Paterson rooters came out on June 6, 1936 to marvel at his prowess as the Cubans faced their league rivals, the Newark Eagles, with two future Hall of Famers in the lineup: third baseman Ray Dandridge (HOF 1987) and shortstop Willie Wells (HOF 1997). The right-handed Dihigo struck out six Newark batters in the course of the game, and then proved he was a threat with the bat too by hitting a solo home run en route to a 12-5 victory for the Cubans.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Hinchliffe began a slow decline in the late ‘fifties, and was sold in 1963 for a single dollar to the Paterson Public Schools, which had managed it since 1932. After two overhauls (the first in ’63-’64 to enlarge the running track and outfield, the second in 1983 to put in itchy fiberglass seating and lay Astroturf) and many years of scrappy maintenance, it was officially closed in 1997.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Since then the city and the stadium’s friends have been working on a plan to bring back the stadium to its former glory. Work officially began in September 2017 on Phase 1 of the Hinchliffe Stadium Rehabilitation project.

Hinchliffe Stadium

The first phase will rehabilitate the stadium’s facade along Liberty Street, restore four ticket booths and replace decorative features such as the old terracotta tiles and metal gates.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Once home to the NY Black Yankees and the NY Cubans of the Negro League, this once proud stadium sits in ruins in the middle of a city block.

Hinchliffe Stadium

On the stadium’s 70th anniversary in 2002, the “Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium” was formed to advocate for the redevelopment of the stadium, as the owner, Paterson Public Schools, was threatening its demolition. The Friends group, partially funded by the Paterson Historic Preservation Commission, was instrumental in listing the stadium in the National Register.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Hinchliffe Stadium is one of three Negro League ball parks still in existence. It has been designated as a national historic landmark, the only baseball stadium in the country with such a designation.

Hinchliffe Stadium

Although this stadium will probably never be restored to its former glory, one can only hope that it will be preserved. It is so rich in history, not just in sports, but in American history as well. I had never heard of Hinchliffe Stadium until doing research for a hike in the area. I am glad that I got a chance to learn of its history and also pay it a visit. Now PLAY BALL!

Sources:

Gillette Castle State Park

Posted on March 31, 2018

March 31, 2018 – East Haddam, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 2.5 miles

Max elevation: 213 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 138 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Gillette Castle State Park Hiking Map

Trailhead parking: 67 River Rd, East Haddam, Connecticut 06423

Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, he is most famous for his portrayal on stage of Sherlock Holmes, built this one hundred and eighty-four acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.

Gillette Castle

Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Mr. Gillette’s will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Connecticut River

The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel on the actor’s three mile long narrow gauge railroad. Gillette’s own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette’s goldfish pond.

stone-arch bridge – Gillette Castle State Park

I have visited Gillette Castle State Park several times in the past, but had never hiked the trails. Warm weather for the weekend was in the forecast and after all the snow storms, I wanted to take advantage of it. While researching places to hike where we can also barbecue, I happened to find out that there is a trail on the property which passes through a train tunnel. That was enough for me to plan a nice leisurely hike and then relaxing with the first post hike barbecue of the season. We mostly walked the narrow gauge railroad bed and tried to hit all the points of interest before settling in for an afternoon of grillin’ and chillin’.

The trails are not blazed and the map is difficult to decipher at times, but we were able to manage our way through. Hopefully this description of the hike will help others find their way.

Gillette Castle State Park

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

After an almost two hour drive from Westchester County, NY, we parked in the main lot by the visitor center. The visitor center and castle are open seven days a week beginning Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, but the grounds are open year round. This place does get crowded during the season, but a worthwhile place to visit during the off season as well. We headed towards the castle along the paved walkway.

Gillette Castle State Park

Just to the right is a vegetable cellar built into the side of the hill.

vegetable cellar – Gillette Castle State Park

Walking along the park road, it immediately becomes evident the amount of labor involved in the stonework throughout the property.

Gillette Castle State Park

Since it was still somewhat early, there were only a few people around as we walked towards the castle.

Gillette Castle State Park

A beautiful stone arch provides entry to the woodlands and trails of the park.

stone arch – Gillette Castle State Park

Just to the right of the stone arch is a remnant of the track from his railroad.

tracks – Gillette Castle State Park

Across from the main entrance to the castle is “Grand Central Station,” the depot for Mr. Gillette’s narrow gauge railroad. It is now used as a picnic pavilion.

Grand Central Station – Gillette Castle State Park

Below is an image of Mr. Gillette posing with his train in Grand Central Station.

William Gillette – image courtesy of Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and Connecticut State Library

Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919), to complete the main structure.

Gillette Castle

Gillette was perturbed about the future of his estate, and in his will, he specifically charged executors of his will, “To see to it that the property did not fall into the hands of some blithering saphead who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded.” The estate was eventually sold to the state for a public park for $5,000.

Gillette Castle

The castle has 24 rooms, with puzzle locks, secret doors, and even hidden mirrors that allowed Gillette to spy on his guests (including Albert Einstein and Calvin Coolidge) in order to time dramatic entrances for their amusement. The estate, now called Gillette Castle, is owned and maintained by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Gillette Castle

From the terrace, a spectacular view of the Connecticut River as it flows south into the Long Island Sound.

view of the Connecticut River – Gillette Castle

Once our sightseeing was concluded, we proceeded through the stone arch to get started on our hike.

stone arch – Gillette Castle State Park

My intention for this hike was to walk a good portion if not all of the railbed of Mr. Gillette’s narrow gauge railroad. I also wanted to check out as many points of interest as possible. On our way to find the railbed, I saw what appears to be a covered bridge of sorts just down the hill. We walked towards it then across it.

covered bridge – Gillette Castle State Park

After crossing the bridge, we made our way back up the hillside to a trail that runs north to south along some shale-like Hebron rock formations.

Gillette Castle State Park

The trail comes to a junction where one trail makes a sharp right. We followed that trail uphill to a small bridge that the old railbed travels on.

Gillette Castle State Park

Now on the railbed of Mr. Gillette’s beloved railroad, we began following it to see where it took us.

Gillette Castle State Park

The trail continues over another longer wooden bridge that closely parallels the entrance road.

Gillette Castle State Park

At the end of the bridge there is what remains of an old stone water tower.

Gillette Castle State Park

The trail turns sharply left then turns right, sandwiched between some rock formations and the steep hillside.

Gillette Castle State Park

The trail then arrives at the 125th Street Station.

125th Street Station – Gillette Castle State Park

There were a few markers along the railbed signifying “Seventh Sister Railroad.”

Seven Sisters Railroad – Gillette Castle State Park

This is a nice touch along the trail, with the Connecticut River just below.

125th Street Station – Gillette Castle State Park

We stayed on the railbed, which travels north, then begins to curve to the east then heads southeast, crossing two small wooden bridges along the way.

wooden bridge – Gillette Castle

The trail reaches the park entrance road, just across from Mr. Gillette’s goldfish pond. There is a small parking area there, along with some picnic tables near the edge of the pond. That is where we ended up grilling at the conclusion of our hike. We crossed over and began walking through the parking area.

goldfish pond parking area – Gillette Castle

There is a kiosk at the far end of the parking area and several ways to go from there.

goldfish pond parking area – Gillette Castle

I consulted the map trying to figure out which way to go to get to the tunnel. One of the few things labeled on the map is the tunnel. There are five trails which are closely aligned in this area, so we stopped momentarily on the stone arch bridge to figure things out.

stone arch bridge – Gillette Castle

The trail we took is directly behind the kiosk when walking from the entrance to the parking area. The trail just to the left of it has a gate across it and a sign that reads “bridge closed.” I knew beforehand that there is a train trestle that is part of the railroad trail and surmised that the sign referred to that. We took the wide woods road that heads southeast.

wide woods road – Gillette Castle

In a short distance, the trestle comes into view on the left.

trestle – Gillette Castle State Park

The 40 ft. wooden trestle carried the tracks over rough terrain.

trestle – Gillette Castle State Park

Just after passing the trestle, we walked up the hill to reach the same level as the railbed. That’s when the tunnel came into view and we made a beeline towards it. The tracks of the railroad were removed long ago and scenic walking trails were created in their place.

train tunnel – Gillette Castle State Park

The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge Jr.; Albert Einstein; famed actress Helen Hayes and Yukio Ozaki, a mayor of Tokyo that brought the famed cherry trees to Washington, D.C., they all took a ride on the “Seventh Sister Short-line.”

train tunnel – Gillette Castle State Park

Mr. Gillette’s 3-mile narrow-gauge railroad operated around his 184-acre estate in the 1920’s and 1930’s.

train tunnel – Gillette Castle State Park

The 75-foot-long, slightly curved tunnel cuts through the hillside.

train tunnel – Gillette Castle State Park

The other side of the tunnel offers a different look.

train tunnel – Gillette Castle State Park

Mr. Gillette’s railroad, which he called the “Connecticut Nutmeg,” often whisked terrified guests from “Grand Central Station” along the winding 3-mile corridor of his wooded estate.

railbed – Gillette Castle State Park

The railbed comes to an abrupt end at a point where there seemed to be a bridge that is no longer there except for a couple of support beams.

railbed – Gillette Castle State Park

We climbed a few feet up the hill and jumped on a footpath that parallels the railbed. A little further down the trail, looking down at the railbed, is the roundabout. The place where the train would turn around and head back towards the tunnel. The roundabout is an interesting area to explore, with its huge stone walls.

roundabout – Gillette Castle State Park

Now heading west on the footpath, we came upon a stealth campsite and decided to take a break.

stealth campsite – Gillette Castle State Park

The trail we were on led us back to Mr. Gillette’s goldfish pond, where my colleagues stayed and saved a couple of tables for us. I headed back to the parking lot, crossing over the stone arch bridge.

stone arch bridge – Gillette Castle State Park

The view from the bridge, looking out at the goldfish pond.

goldfish pond – Gillette Castle State Park

After walking a short distance to the parking lot, I drove back to the parking area by the goldfish pond. We relaxed by the pond and grilled up some marinated Skirt Steak. That steak was delicious and the main reason why we kept the hike short. After enjoying some good eats, I took a walk around the pond to capture some images.

goldfish pond – Gillette Castle State Park

stone-arch bridge – Gillette Castle State Park

After a nice afternoon in the sun, it was time to head out. I wasn’t thrilled about the two hour drive, but it was totally worth it. We practically had the whole park to ourselves. This is a gorgeous place to spend a day and I would definitely visit again, just not during peak season. This is a great place to bring the kids or anyone as an introduction to hiking. The trails are easy to walk and it has enough points of interest to keep anyone engaged. And it has a castle and a tunnel!!

Pros: Gillette Castle, train tunnel, Connecticut River views, picnic tables and grills.

Cons: Two hour drive from Westchester County, big crowds in summer, map could be better detailed, trails not blazed.

Take a hike!

Gillette Castle State Park

Sources:

Gillette Castle State Park

ConnecticutHistory.org

Dover Stone Church – Full Loop

Posted on March 26, 2018

March 24, 2018 – Dover Plains, NY

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 4.2 miles

Max elevation: 841 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 770 ft.

Route type: Lollipop Loop

Map: Dover Stone Church Map

Map: Stone Church Trail Map

Trailhead parking: There is no public parking on property on or near the right-of-way off Route 22. Parking there may be subject to towing. Parking is allowable at Dover Elementary School (When School is NOT in Session) 9 School St, Dover Plains, NY 12522 or Freshco 22 Plaza (When School is IN Session) 3156 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522.

There is an updated write-up from May, 2023 here: Dover Stone Church Preserve

The “Stone Church” is an ancient cavern on the Stone Church Brook in Dover Plains, hewn by time in the formation similar to a church’s cathedral stained glass window. According to local legend, the site was a refuge for Pequot Sachem Sassacus and his warriors as they fled from the English Army in the 1600’s. In the 1800’s and early 1900’s, the Stone Church was a popular local attraction for New York City dwellers to visit and enjoy the recuperative fresh air and beauty of upstate New York. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

Dover Stone Church

A distinctive geological feature in eastern Dutchess County, it was a celebrated and much-visited tourist destination in New York State by the middle decades of the nineteenth century. The site was highlighted as a remarkable natural curiosity in published accounts as early as the 1830’s.

Dover Stone Church

In 2015 three new trails were added. The hike to and from the “Stone Church” is about 1.2 miles round-trip from the parking area. The stone path along the brook to the cavern is delightful enough on its own, but it makes for a really short hike, especially when travelling just over an hour to get there. I wanted to traverse all of the marked trails on this visit and I am glad that I did. While there will always be plenty of people down near the brook, we only encountered a man and his dog while we hiked the other three trails.

Dover Stone Church

Although it was a Saturday, we parked in the Freshco 22 Plaza, which is where I have always parked when I visit Dover Stone Church. I always park in the far corner of the lot, away from the business entrances and have never had any issues. We walked out to the traffic light on the corner of Route 22 and Mill Street and crossed the road. Turning left on the other side, we walked south a short distance until we came to the right-of-way, marked by the blue and gold historic marker. The entrance to Stone Church begins with a gravel driveway through private property. We proceeded to walk up the to the back of the driveway.

Dover Stone Church

To the right of the sign, there are granite steps and railings. They were installed to create passage along a man-made valley.

Dover Stone Church

granite steps and railings – Dover Stone Church

In 2010, the Town of Dover improved the right-of-way entrance with restoration of maple trees that lined the entrance for centuries.

maple trees – Dover Stone Church

This section is especially pretty during the fall season. The image below is from October 2014.

maple trees – Dover Stone Church – October 19, 2014

At the end of the row of maple trees, there is another set of granite steps.

granite steps – Dover Stone Church

The path continues west alongside Stone Church Brook, passes through two fence posts and approaches a large kiosk.

large kiosk – Dover Stone Church

The kiosk has a lot of good information about this place, including a historical timeline, features of Stone Church and the ravine habitat.

large kiosk – Dover Stone Church

Turning left at the kiosk takes us past another sign and on a wide path that heads back towards the brook.

Dover Stone Church

I found there to be an inordinate amount of signs here, but I guess that too many is better than not enough.

Dover Stone Church

In a short distance, the path arrives at a wooden footbridge that spans Stone Church Brook. This bridge has been recently upgraded with better railings installed.

wooden footbridge – Dover Stone Church

The old bridge had only three posts on each side and a rope top rail.

wooden footbridge – Dover Stone Church – May 14, 2016

I applaud their efforts for upgrading the bridge for safety reasons, but a little more care should have been taken, in my opinion. Since I have trust issues, I always check railings anywhere I go by giving them a shake and seeing what kind of hardware is employed. As I took a step up onto the bridge, I grabbed the left hand rail and gave it a little shake. As it turns out, it was never screwed in place. When I examined the rest of the railing, I noticed that only one screw was used in most places where several should have been. I removed the loose hand rail, fearing that someone unsuspectingly would fall and crack their skull, but on my way out, I saw that someone put it back unsecured. I removed it once again. This bridge sees a lot of foot traffic and I wouldn’t want anyone to take a tumble.

wooden footbridge – Dover Stone Church

After crossing the footbridge, to the left there is a small meadow with three spring-fed ponds. We turned right and stopped at the bench with the sign next to it. Sign, sign, everywhere a sign! We put on our microspikes here, anticipating the icy trail alongside the brook that leads to the cavern.

Dover Stone Church

The three newer trails all start to the left, but the Stone Church Cave Trail begins on the right. It travels southwest along the edge of the brook.

Stone Church Cave Trail

Stepping stones have been placed in strategic places to avoid having to getting wet.

Stone Church Cave Trail

The trail continues up the picturesque gorge, giving you the feeling of being in the deep woods.

picturesque gorge – Dover Stone Church

In no time at all, the opening of the cavern comes into view.

Dover Stone Church Trail

This place is very popular year round, even in winter. We were lucky this trip as there was no one around when we arrived. Large metamorphic rocks converge to form the entrance in the shape of a church’s cathedral window.

Dover Stone Church

With its natural beauty and unique geological formation, it is no wonder that people flock here. The gothic (pointed arch) formation of the stones gave rise to the moniker, “Stone Church.”

Dover Stone Church

The Stone Church Brook, a tributary of the Ten Mile River, flows through and out the cavern entrance.

Dover Stone Church

Inside the cavern, there is a waterfall cascading into a pool of water.

Dover Stone Church

The cavern can be entered, but caution should be taken on the wet and slippery rocks. The view from the inside, looking out.

Dover Stone Church

We stayed here for a little while, enjoying this glorious spot. It’s not often that one can visit here without encountering strangers, so we took advantage of it. I never get tired of this view.

Dover Stone Church

We retraced our steps along the brook, making our way back to the bench where we put on our spikes.

Dover Stone Church

Walking southeast past the sign, the three newer trails begin to climb the hillside.

start of the 3 newer trails – Dover Stone Church

The three trails are co-aligned at the start, as they climb the hill and pass through a fence. The three trails then come to a woods road with another sign. We turned right to begin on the blue-blazed Lookout Point Trail. Whichever way one chooses to go, all three trails return to this point.

Turn right at the sign for the Lookout Point Trail

The beauty of this place is that one can opt to just hike to the cavern or extend the hike by doing one, two or all three of the newer trails. At this point, I wasn’t sure how many trails we would do, but my goal was to do them all. Immediately we came to a large blowdown blocking the trail, but that is to be expected along most any trail after all the storms recently.

blowdown – Lookout Point Trail

The blue and yellow trails are co-aligned for about 0.3 mile from the sign as they ascend steadily on the woods road.

Lookout Point Trail

The co-aligned trail continues climbing and then levels off briefly, goes through a stone wall and skirts a meadow.

Lookout Point Trail

The two trails then reach a junction where they split and the blue-blazed Lookout Point Trail goes to the right, still following the woods road.

junction – Lookout Point Trail

After turning right to continue following the blue blazes, we encountered a couple of blowdowns which were easy to get over.

blowdowns – Lookout Point Trail

The Lookout Point Trail continues its ascent, now heading northwest. It veers left, leaves the woods road and continues on a footpath. A blue marker can be seen to the left on a tree in the distance along the trail.

Lookout Point Trail

After leaving the woods road, the trail now curves towards the left and begins heading south. This trail is by no means difficult, but it is more challenging than the red or the yellow trails. It was in this area that the blazes on the trees were few and far between, making the trail a little difficult to follow. There were footprints in the snow, but I am a little wary of following a previous hiker’s path through the snow because that person could have been off the trail or lost. Turning around, I saw that the trail was marked well in the opposite direction, so I turned around several times to check the blazes and stay on the trail.

Lookout Point Trail

The trail then leads to some slanted rock slabs dotted with dwarf pines, which I believe is Lookout Point. I didn’t see three blazes which is normally used to mark the end or beginning of a trail, but I didn’t see any more blazes beyond there. Nevertheless, this was a good place to stop and enjoy the best hilltop view of the entire hike. Looking southeast towards Connecticut, the Litchfield Hills are visible in the distance.

Lookout Point

We took a lengthy break here enjoying the sunny day. The view, looking a little more northeast.

Lookout Point

We retraced our steps on the blue-blazed Lookout Point Trail to the junction with the yellow-blazed Upper Loop Trail. Here we had to look into the woods for yellow blazes because the sign isn’t pointing in the right direction. With no leaves on the trees it was relatively easy to spot, but one more yellow blaze closer to the junction would be helpful.

junction with the yellow-blazed Upper Loop Trail

The Upper Loop Trail heads south into the woods towards a large rock formation.

Upper Loop Trail

The trail passes just to the right of the rock formation which is massive.

rock formation – Upper Loop Trail

The Upper Loop Trail then wraps around the rock formation and begins to climb.

Upper Loop Trail

The trail proceeds to the other side of the rock formation where it extends outward at an angle, creating a natural stone shelter.

natural stone shelter – Upper Loop Trail

The trail continues its ascent……

Upper Loop Trail

with limited views through the trees.

Upper Loop Trail

The trail climbs some more…..

Upper Loop Trail

with more limited views.

Upper Loop Trail

After a few ups and downs, the Upper Loop Trail begins a steady descent.

Upper Loop Trail

As the trail continues to descend, it rejoins the blue-blazed Lookout Point Trail. Just before reaching the sign where all three trails meet, there is a clearing with a large glacial erratic. We jumped off the trail and headed towards it to take a break.

glacial erratic – Upper Loop Trail

We sat down and relaxed for a bit while contemplating our next move. I wanted to hike the red-blazed Lower Loop trail in order to complete all the marked trails on the property. After a little debate and dissension, we embarked on the final remaining trail. It’s listed as 1 mile long on the map, but I think it’s just a little shorter. I did not realize it until we were ready to continue that we were sitting on the Lower Loop Trail and it passes between the two rock formations.

rock formation – Lower Loop Trail

I borrowed a hiking pole for the last descent on the Upper Loop Trail and leaned it on a rock while we rested. It wasn’t until we were almost halfway done with the Lower Loop Trail that we realized that I had left it behind. I decided to keep moving because the trail would lead us right back to that same spot. Luckily it was still there when we completed the loop.

We continued to the sign where the three trails meet and turned right on the woods road which descends as it heads southeast.

Lower Loop Trail

The trail continues to descend then turns right and leaves the woods road onto a footpath.

Lower Loop Trail

At the top of the rise, the trail levels off and there are limited viewpoints through the trees. To be honest, from the moment we realized that I had left the hiking pole back by that rock, we raced through this trail and really didn’t get to enjoy it.

Lower Loop Trail

The trail then descends and we were keeping up a good pace. We finally made it back to the rock and the hiking pole was still there. We sat there for a few minutes trying to catch our breath then headed out by retracing our steps past the sign where all three trails meet, through the fence, down the hill, over the footbridge, across the field, up the stairs and across Route 22 to the parking area where our hike began.

Dover Stone Church

This was a really good hike that got the blood pumping without being overly strenuous. I’m glad that we did all of the marked trails, but if I had to rate the three newer trails in order of enjoyment, I would pick the Upper Loop as the best because of the rock formations. The Lower Loop would be second with the Lookout Point Trail last. Don’t get me wrong, they are all worth hiking, but if I didn’t have enough time to hike all three, that would be my choice.

Pros: “Stone Church,” gorgeous gorge, rock formations, scenic views, little foot traffic above the gorge.

Cons: Crowds nearly year round to visit Stone Church, a few more blazes could be added in certain spots.
Now get out there and take a hike!

Dover Stone Church

Source: Dover Stone Church

Steep Rock Preserve Loop

Posted on March 18, 2018

March 17, 2018 – Washington Depot, Connecticut

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: Approximately 5.7 miles

Max elevation: 776 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 742 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Steep Rock Preserve Map

Trailhead parking: 2 Tunnel Road, Washington Depot, CT

Overview:

The 998-acre Steep Rock preserve offers hiking trails which follow the banks of the Shepaug River and provide access to the hillsides above. The Shepaug Valley Railroad which ran from 1872 to 1948, wound through the preserve alongside the river. After the railroad ceased operation, the 235-foot curved railroad tunnel became a section of a trail, a rough arch cut through a rock ledge.

I visited this place in January of 2016, prior to beginning this blog. I really enjoyed the area and decided to pay it a return visit. An 80 minute drive from Westchester County, but totally worth it. With over 20 miles of trails in the preserve, one can create any number of loop hikes. A map and a compass is strongly suggested since the vast network of trails and its numerous intersections can be confusing at times. I tried to incorporate as many points of interest as possible into this hike. We started by checking out the Holiday House ruins, which we missed on our prior visit, the train tunnel, the suspension bridge and the summit, in a clockwise fashion.

Steep Rock Preserve Loop

The Hike:

We parked in the riding ring parking area which is just over the the bridge that carries Tunnel Road over the Shepaug River. We began the hike by starting out on the orange-circle-blazed Northern Loop Trail. It starts out on a level woods road and parallels the Shepaug River as it heads northeast.

Northern Loop Trail

Soon the trail begins to climb and comes to a fork. The orange-circle-blazed Northern Loop Trail veers left and leaves the woods road, but we stayed to the right, now following the White Diamond Trail. The white-diamond-blazed trails are connector trails and are seen throughout the preserve.

take the right fork

The White Diamond Trail continues its steady ascent through a forest of pine trees.

White Diamond Trail

Near the top of the rise, the trail makes a sharp right turn and levels off. It then ends at a T-intersection with the blue-circle-blazed Holiday House Trail, which also travels on a woods road. We turned right, now following the blue circles and heading south.

Holiday House Trail

The trail descends gently and passes a stone foundation, cellar hole and stone walls on the left.

stone walls

A little further down the trail are the ruins of the Holiday House. According to the Steep Rock Association, the hotel was built in 1893 by Edward Van Ingen, a wool importer. Van Ingen built the hotel as a memorial to his daughter, who had recently died of scarlet fever.

Holiday House – From the Collection of the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum

Completed in 1893, Holiday House was conceived as a vacation retreat for working-class women. Since there were no labor laws or protection against exploitation, the Van Ingens wanted to provide a space for gracious and simple living for these women to enjoy life and leave their sweatshop jobs behind for a few weeks”

Holiday House ruins

After World War I, the family could no longer afford the upkeep of this summer getaway and closed the doors in 1918. Unable to sell or donate the building, the family chose to dismantle the house and donate the building parts and furnishings to the townspeople.

Holiday House ruins

All that now remains on-site is the foundation of the original building.

Holiday House ruins

The ruins of the Holiday House are quite extensive and we explored them for a while, visualizing this grand hotel that once stood on the hillside overlooking the Shepaug River.

Holiday House ruins

We then continued walking downhill and reached a 4-way junction with the white-circle-blazed Trail. We turned left, now following the white circles, heading south.

White Circle Trail

The trail continues to descend and just before reaching Kirby Brook Road, makes a right turn, now heading southwest. The trail passes a fireplace and what looked like some stone benches, where we took a brief rest.

White Circle Trail

The trail ends at the junction with the yellow-circle-blazed Steep Rock Loop Trail and Kirby Brook Road. We walked onto the Steep Rock Loop Trail and turned left, now heading south, with the Shepaug River to our right.

Steep Rock Loop Trail

The Steep Rock Loop Trail travels along the edge of the river on a mostly level grade. After just over 0.5 mile of walking alongside the Shepaug River, we left the Steep Rock Loop Trail and turned left onto the blue-square-blazed Pinney Loop Trail, a 2.4 mile loop trail that begins on a former rail bed.

Pinney Loop Trail

The Pinney Loop Trail veers away from the river at first, but then travels mostly parallel to the Steep Rock Loop Trail. It then curves slightly southwest as it approaches the train tunnel. The trail then begins a straight run towards the tunnel which becomes visible in the distance. It’s about 0.9 mile to the tunnel from the start of the Pinney Loop Trail.

Pinney Loop Trail

The tunnel was carved in 1871 to accommodate the Shepaug Valley Railroad. The Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad was a short independent railroad in western Connecticut that was chartered as the Shepaug Valley Railroad in 1868 and operated from 1872 to 1891 when it was taken over by the Housatonic Railroad.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

The Shepaug Valley Railroad was renowned for its labyrinthine route. It was said that the line took 32 miles of track to travel a distance of only 18 miles.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

As far as I’m concerned, this was the highlight of the hike. The Pinney Loop Trail travels right through the tunnel, which makes it even more interesting. We entered through the north end of the tunnel.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

The 235 ft. long curved tunnel was cut through rock southwest of Washington Depot and is now part of the Pinney Loop Trail. A crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania constructed it over nine months between 1871 and 1872. The crew often worked by hand using picks and also employed dynamite and nitroglycerin to blast through the ridge.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

In the winter time, large ice stalactites form on the ceiling, some reaching all the way to the floor creating thick ice columns.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

The light at the end of the tunnel.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

The view from the other end of the tunnel (southern end).

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

It was at this time that we saw two adult Bald Eagles through the trees, flying over the river.

railroad tunnel – Pinney Loop Trail

After exiting the tunnel, we had the option of continuing on the Pinney Loop Trail which proceeds straight ahead on the abandoned railbed then turns left and travels over the top of the tunnel or take the shorter route by turning right just past the tunnel and taking the orange-square-blazed Trail. We opted for the shorter route. The Orange Square Trail descends towards the river and the “clam shell” section (named for the land’s clam-like appearance). The trail parallels the river as it heads towards the clam shell section. It was in this area that we saw a large bear print in the snow.

Orange Square Trail

When we came to a junction with the White Diamond Trail, we made a hard right and ascended the hillside. We then came to a 5-way intersection which was confusing and I had to stop and consult both my map and compass to make sure we were on the correct route. Since the trails are near the double oxbows (where the river loops south, north, and then south again), using the river as a guide will not work here. We turned right, still following the White Diamond Trail which then ended at a T-intersection with the blue-square-blazed Pinney Loop Trail. We turned left and walked a short distance until we saw the yellow-circle-blazed Steep Rock Loop Trail on the left.

yellow-circle-blazed trail Steep Rock Loop Trail

The trail heads towards the river then turns right. In a short distance the Hauser footbridge comes into view.

Hauser footbridge

The Hauser footbridge, a wood and cable suspension bridge, was built in 1991 across the Shepaug River.

Hauser footbridge

The Steep Rock Loop Trail crosses the bridge.

Hauser footbridge

The suspension bridge shook slightly as we walked on it and it affords a delighful view from the center, of the Shepaug River. Deriving its name from the Mohegan word for “rocky water,” the Shepaug River extends for 26 miles across northwestern Connecticut.

Shepaug River

The Shepaug River, is a serpentine waterway that twists through on its way from the Mohawk State Forest and the Shepaug Reservoirs to the Housatonic River.

Shepaug River

After crossing the bridge, we turned left on the Green Circle Trail which heads west on a woods road along the river then turns right and heads north, just across the river from the clam shell section. This is a scenic section of trail with numerous spots along the river to relax.

Green Circle Trail

The Green Circle trail then leaves the woods road and continues on a footpath, which climbs gradually at first, then more steeply.

Green Circle Trail

In about 700 feet, which seemed longer, the Green Circle Trail joins the Steep Rock Loop Trail, on a woods road. We stopped briefly to catch our breath and resumed our ascent towards the summit.

joint Green Circle/Steep Rock Loop Trails

In a short distance, the two trails split, with the Steep Rock Loop Trail turning left to continue ascending the mountain. It is only 0.4 mile to the summit from here, but it felt like much longer. They don’t call it Steep Rock for nothing.

Steep Rock Loop Trail

As I was approaching the summit, several hikers were on their way down. When I got there, I had it all to myself for several minutes before I was joined by others.

Steep Rock summit

At an elevation of 776 feet, Steep Rock Summit provides visitors with a picturesque view of the Clam Shell section of the Shepaug River Valley. The Turkey Vultures use the valley and ride the thermals up into the sky.

view of clam shell from Steep Rock summit

The plaque at the summit, from 1930, commemorates the gift of this land. In 1925 architect Ehrick Rossiter donated the land, which included the Steep Rock overlook, to a carefully chosen group of trustees, thus ensuring its preservation. Four years later the trustees purchased the area known as the Clam Shell, and in doing so preserved the view from Steep Rock.

plaque – Steep Rock summit

There is another plaque from 1963, memorializing a child who lost his life from falling off the cliff.

plaque – Steep Rock summit

Since that accident, a fence has been erected at the summit, allowing hikers to get a great view while staying safe.

Steep Rock summit

Enjoying the view and a snack while contemplating the rest of the hike, I was extremely pleased that the rest of the hike was all downhill from here.

Steep Rock summit

We then retraced our steps on the Steep Rock Loop Trail for about 1,000 feet until we came to a fork. At this point the Steep Rock Loop Trail goes south (the way we came up) and also heads east and diagonally back towards the parking area (to the left). We veered left at the fork and began a steady descent.

Steep Rock Loop Trail

This trail runs along the western slope of the mountain as it descends through a pine forest. I found this trail to be very tranquil and pleasant to travel on. Near the base of the descent, we crossed a stream.

Steep Rock Loop Trail

The trail then levels off and travels on a woods road.

Steep Rock Loop Trail

We passed an entrance to a campsite and in a short distance we took a short spur trail that leads to the Green Circle Trail and closer to the river. I wanted to conclude the hike with a nice scenic walk along the edge of the Shepaug River. Turning left and now heading north, this trail runs on a section of the abandoned railbed.

Green Circle Trail

There are stone foundations for a pedestrian suspension bridge that allowed train passengers to disembark and make their way to the Holiday House just across the river.

stone foundations for a pedestrian suspension bridge

An old image of the Railroad stop and suspension bridge for passengers destined for the grand Holiday House.

Railroad stop and suspension bridge – From the Collection of the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum

After a nice leisurely walk along the river, the Green Circle Trail ends at a kiosk by the bridge on Tunnel Road, that we drove over when entering the preserve. We crossed the bridge and made our way back to the parking area where our hike began.

Tunnel Road

An excellent hike that had many points of interest and was scenic throughout. I highly recommend this hike to everyone. You can follow the route that we took or create your own. From what I read, this is a popular place in the warm weather so don’t expect solitude if visiting. We started our hike at about 10:30 am and ran into about a 1/2 dozen people or so. With no snow on the ground I could only imagine that it would have been considerably more.

Pros: Historical features, train tunnel, ruins, views, Shepaug River, suspension bridge, scenic area, wildlife.

Cons: Long drive from Westchester (80 minutes).

Take a hike!

Steep Rock Preserve Loop

Source:

Steep Rock Preserve

Kent Falls State Park

Posted on March 12, 2018

March 11, 2018 – Kent, Connecticut

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 1.2 miles

Max elevation: 668 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 256 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Map: Kent Falls State Park Map

Trailhead parking: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757

Kent Falls State Park is a public recreation area located in the town of Kent, Connecticut, within the Litchfield Hills region of the southern Berkshires. The state park is home to Kent Falls, a series of waterfalls on Falls Brook, a tributary of the Housatonic River. The falls drop 250 feet in under a quarter mile. The largest cascade drops more than 70 feet into a reflecting pool, before traveling over the lesser falls.

Kent Falls

Acquisition of the park began in 1919 with the gift of 200 acres by the White Memorial Foundation. Other parcels were donated or purchased until the present 295 acres were acquired. The area was developed in the 1930’s by the Civil Works Administration. In the mid 1970’s, considerable trail reconstruction was done by the Youth Conservation Corps of Connecticut. The covered bridge is an authentic reproduction built in 1974 by a park employee, Edmund Palmer.

Kent Falls Covered Bridge

I was looking to get out of New York for the day and decided to take a cruise into Connecticut. There are many great state parks in Connecticut and I have visited a few of them. With all the snow on the ground, I wanted to keep the hike short, but interesting. Kent Falls State Park has two short marked trails and a series of steps that climb steeply along the falls. On the way there I made a couple of stops to view two historic covered bridges. The first bridge I saw was Bull’s Bridge, which was built in 1842.

Bull’s Bridge

The 109 ft. bridge was built with a Town lattice design and has reinforced trusswork visible on the interior.

Bull’s Bridge

Bull’s Bridge spans the Housatonic River and the view through one of the portals shows the the waterfalls and rapids created by the hydro-electric power plant upstream.

waterfalls and rapids – Housatonic River

We then continued on our way, driving past Kent Falls State Park and visiting West Cornwall Covered Bridge, which after earlier versions were destroyed, was constructed circa 1864.

West Cornwall Covered Bridge

The bridge’s Town lattice truss is constructed of red-spruce timbers secured by treenails (a hard wooden pin used for fastening timbers together) and the span is made of native oak.

West Cornwall Covered Bridge

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge, which spans the Housatonic River, is 172 feet long, 15 feet wide and supports one lane of vehicle traffic for the Sharon-Goshen Turnpike (Connecticut Route 128).

West Cornwall Covered Bridge

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

The cool thing about these two bridges is that they are both open to vehicular traffic. After the slight detour, I then turned around, drove through the bridge again and made my way to Kent Falls State Park where I was greeted with yet another covered bridge.

covered bridge – Kent Falls State Park

The hike begins by walking through the bridge that spans Kent Falls Brook. The Kent Falls Covered Bridge is a one span Town Lattice Truss with a total length of 37 feet.

covered bridge – Kent Falls State Park

The covered bridge is an authentic reproduction, built in 1974 by a park employee, Edmund Palmer.

Kent Falls Covered Bridge

I proceeded ahead towards the falls on the freshly packed path. I was wearing Hillsound Trail Crampons for better traction since I knew I would be ascending steeply along the side of the falls. The spikes are just a little longer and much sharper than the Kahtoola MICROspikes, which I normally wear.

Kent Falls State Park

After a short walk, I arrived at the base of the falls which is quite stunning in any season. Like most waterfalls, the flow is normally heaviest in the spring when the winter snow is melting.

Kent Falls

After admiring the falls for a few minutes, I proceeded up the stone steps past a stone viewing platform.

stone steps – Kent Falls State Park

I then began to tackle the steep steps alongside the falls. It is steep, but the stairs and the railings make it less challenging.

Kent Falls Trail

In the next 0.3 mile, the elevation gain is just over 200 feet.

Kent Falls Trail

The well constructed viewing platforms along the way are a nice touch and also gave me an excuse to stop.

viewing platform – Kent Falls Trail

There are several platforms on the way up which afford a nice view of the different cascades as they drop into the different pools.

Kent Falls

A few of the pools look like great wading holes, in the warmer weather of course.

Kent Falls

As I neared the top, I found this snowman that someone had built, on one of the platforms.

snowman

The steep climb is definitely worth the payoff, as each cascade is different and the area along the falls very scenic.

Kent Falls

When I reached the top, there were two young ladies having a picnic on the viewing platform. I thought that it was pretty cool.

viewing platform – Kent Falls

Another nice cascade can be seen from the uppermost viewing platform.

Kent Falls

After enjoying every cascade that Kent Falls has to offer, I proceeded up the hill to find my way to the other side of the falls. There are no blazes to lead the way, but I followed the trail left behind by a previous hiker.

Kent Falls Trail

The trail travels around a large rock formation then leads back towards Kent Falls Brook (which feeds the waterfall) and to Dugan Road.

Kent Falls Trail

I continued towards the road and there is a wooden post indicating the direction of the North Ridge Trail. According to the map, the Kent Falls Trail ends here.

trail junction

I crossed over to the other side of the brook on a bridge on Dugan Road.

Dugan Road

I stopped on the bridge for a minute to check out Kent Falls Brook before it flows under the bridge and over the falls.

Kent Falls Brook

Immediately after crossing the bridge, there is a red blaze on a tree that marks the start of the red-blazed North Ridge Trail. The trail descends gradually along the north side of Kent Falls. There are no views of the falls from this trail.

red-blazed North Ridge Trail

The North Ridge Trail begins heading north through the woods then veers slightly to the west. There is a yellow-blazed trail that goes off to the right, but I didn’t see it. I wasn’t planning to hike that trail anyway. According to the map, the Yellow Trail heads northeast then veers to the left and heads southwest to meet up with the North Ridge Trail (red) as it nears the parking area.

North Ridge Trail

The blazes are rather sparse in this area and I got so caught up following the tracks through the snow that I lost sight of the blazes a couple of times. It appears that the previous hiker wandered off the trail several times and I followed right along. Nevertheless, I wasn’t worried and found my way back to the trail. The trail follows the edge of a steep drop off at times, but nothing severe.

North Ridge Trail

The trail then descends more steeply as it nears its terminus at the northeast end of the parking area.

North Ridge Trail

Although it was a short hike, it got my blood pumping. The extra effort that I had to put in walking in the snow was enough exercise for one day. I took a short rest enjoying my surroundings before I hit the road.

Kent Falls State Park

All in all it was just the hike I was looking for. The scenic ride on the way here made it that much more enjoyable. I love covered bridges and their historical past and always worth visiting, if in the area. On my way back to Westchester County, I stopped at an antique locomotive that was parked on the tracks by the side of the road.

Argent Lumber Co. Engine #4

Argent Lumber Co. Engine #4 is a narrow gauge (3-foot) steam engine built by Porter in 1909 for the Dennis-Simmons Lumber Co. in Wilson, NC, later sold to the Argent Lumber Co., in Hardeeville, SC. In 1960 it was sold to Edaville Corp. This locomotive was purchased from Edaville by Dr. Richard May in 1991 and later sold to Connecticut Antique Machinery Association (CAMA) in 1994.

Argent Lumber Co. Engine #4

As it turned out, this was basically a cruise in the country with a hike thrown in to stretch the old legs. I subscribe to the theory that if in the area, you might as well visit it because you never know when you’ll be back there, if at all. I accomplished that on this day. I hope that you enjoyed my journey in Connecticut and don’t forget to get out there and take a hike!

Pros: covered bridges, waterfall, antique train.

Cons: trails could be better blazed.

West Cornwall Covered Bridge

Mohegan Farm Ruins from Old Farm Trailhead

Posted on March 5, 2018

March 4, 2018 – Mohegan Lake, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Approximately 4 miles

Max elevation: 683 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 254 ft.

Route type: Out and back

Map: Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve Map (Only for the start of the hike)

Trailhead parking: 2749 Stoney St. Mohegan Lake, NY 10547

During the late 1800’s, the Mohegan Farm was a local landmark. Located at the South and East side of the lake, from Christine Road to Judy Road, to Sylvan Road, the farm covered 300 acres and produced dairy products, fruit and grains. According to the Yorktown Historical Society, it was owned and operated by William Baker, owner of Baker’s Chocolates, for whom Baker Street is named. Upon doing some research of the history of Baker’s Chocolates, I saw no mention of a William Baker or the Mohegan Dairy Farm. Baker’s Chocolates was founded in Dorchester Massachusetts. Nevertheless there are many old stone walls still standing, the remains of the once great farm are extensive and well worth the visit.

I wanted to check out these ruins last week prior to hiking Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve, but there is no place to park close to the farm ruins. I did a little research using some maps and discovered that by parking at the Stoney Street trailhead, I could use marked trails to get close and then bushwack the rest of the way. With the Nor’easter the previous day, there was still some snow on the trails and the felled trees from the storm had us climbing over and crouching under some huge blowdowns. A relatively easy out and back hike, but better done in the cooler months, when there is less foliage, due to the bushwacking.

Mohegan Farm Ruins from Old Farm Trailhead

We began our hike on the green-blazed Old Farm Trail, located just off Stoney Street. It is another entrance to the Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve, on its eastern boundary. There were no other cars there as we arrived just after 9:00 am. At the conclusion of the hike, there was one other car in the lot.

Old Farm Trail

Immediately after the kiosk, the trail travels over a wet area on wooden planks. There was a tree blocking the way, but it was easy to get over it.

Old Farm Trail – Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve

Following the Old Farm Trail in a westerly direction, it was mostly free of snow, but there were some blowdowns along the trail.

Old Farm Trail – Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve

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.

Old Farm Trail – Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve

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 – Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve

The trail continues in a westerly direction and crosses a wooden footbridge over a large ditch. We had to make our way around the large blowdown on the other side.

Old Farm Trail – Sylvan Glen Nature Preserve

Almost immediately after crossing the bridge, we crossed a small stream and came to a junction with the start of the pink-blazed Taconic Bridge Trail. This trail heads towards Granite Knolls Park and the bridge over the Taconic State Parkway.

Taconic Bridge Trail

The Taconic Bridge Trail travels north through stone walls then over a large wet area on wooden planks. We were the first to trek through here on this day except for some wildlife.

Taconic Bridge Trail

The mostly level trail passes a water-filled quarry.

water-filled quarry – Taconic Bridge Trail

The trail turns left at the northern end of the quarry where we encountered some serious blowdowns. We ducked under some and walked around others.

blowdown – Taconic Bridge Trail

A massive uprooted tree blocked our path, but we made our way around it.

uprooted tree – Taconic Bridge Trail

On the other side of the uprooted tree, the Taconic Bridge Trail turns right and joins the start of the white-blazed Seminary Ridge Trail.

co-aligned Seminary Ridge/Taconic Bridge trails

The ground in this area was saturated and the trail was swampy. Some fairly new wooden planks along some sections of the trail, made the going easier.

co-aligned Seminary Ridge/Taconic Bridge trails

We then came to a gas pipeline cut and the two trails split. The Taconic Bridge Trail turns right on the pipeline cut and heads east to Granite Knolls Park. The Seminary Ridge Trail continues straight and reenters the woods. We continued ahead, following the white blazes of the Seminary Ridge Trail.

pipeline cut

Seminary Ridge Trail

The Seminary Ridge Trail begins to veer slightly to the east and skirts the former Phoenix Academy. It then enters the property and ends.

terminus of the Seminary Ridge Trail

The trail ends by what appears to be a handball court. It was here that we saw the only other person on our hike, a guy on a mountain bike.

handball court – Phoenix Academy

After passing a vacant house and an abandoned inground pool, we then continued heading north on a paved campus road.

paved campus road – Phoenix Academy

We passed what might have been a staff residence and an outbuilding along the way.

staff residence – Phoenix Academy

outbuilding – Phoenix Academy

This 140-acre hilltop property was most recently the Shrub Oak campus of Phoenix Academy, a substance abuse rehabilitation program for teenagers. Phoenix House acquired it in an auction in 1983 for 3 million dollars. It has been closed since 2015 and it has remained vacant since that time. The campus includes a five-story, 270,000-square-foot building, six houses used for staff residences and several other outbuildings. The main building below, houses dormitories, classrooms, offices and a bomb shelter.

Phoenix Academy

The campus was built in 1954 as the site of Loyola Seminary, which was owned by the Jesuits. The property was later sold to a Bible college before Phoenix House acquired it in 1983.

Loyola Seminary

Shrub Oak International School, a private day school and boarding program for people with autism is scheduled to open here in the fall of 2018.

Loyola Seminary

We walked down behind the building to where there are some basketball courts. I noticed what appears to be an old unpaved road that descends to the west. We walked down that road to see if there were any trails that led north.

unpaved road

The road reaches a small level area, where through the trees, I saw an opening in a stone wall. That was as good a place as any to begin our bushwack north to the farm ruins. As far as bushwacks go, this wasn’t too bad. The occasional massive downed tree and thorn bushes made us change directions and detoured us several times, but it was manageable. We did see a Barred Owl flying through the woods. Much to our delight, it landed in a tree where we could photograph it, as it sat on its perch.

Barred Owl

A little further north, sitting on the hillside, are the ruins of a small stone house……

ruins of a small stone house

fireplace and chimney still intact.

fireplace

While sitting by these ruins, I looked to my right (north) and I could make out some stone walls in the near distance. The stone arch of the dairy building came into view as we approached the focus of our hike.

Dairy building – Mohegan Farm ruins

These farm ruins are quite impressive. The closer we got the more striking they became. We walked through the stone arch to get a peek at what remained of this 19th century dairy farm. The walls on either side of the Dairy building extend for a considerable distance.

Dairy building – Mohegan Farm ruins

We walked to the other end and found another ruined structure close by. I believe that this was a general purpose building as it sits near the road.

general purpose building – Mohegan Farm ruins

Although we didn’t see any signs, I am not sure if we were allowed to be there.

general purpose building – Mohegan Farm ruins

An odd sight was the way a tree grew up and around the arch.

general purpose building – Mohegan Farm ruins

Since this was our turnaround spot, when we were done exploring, we began to retrace our steps back through the ruins.

Dairy building – Mohegan Farm ruins

It was a quiet walk back through the woods and through the old Loyola Seminary grounds. Back at the handball court, we took the white-blazed Seminary Ridge Trail south to the pink-blazed Taconic Bridge Trail and turned left (east) on the green-blazed Old Farm Trail. We followed the green blazes back to the parking area on Stoney Street, where our hike began. Lucky for us, someone cleared the tree that blocked the trail when we began our hike.

Old Farm Trail

This turned out to be a pretty good hike considering I slapped it together at the last minute. It had plenty of interesting sights along the way and the sloppy trail conditions made it fun.

Pros: historical features, Mohegan Farm ruins, Barred Owl, bushwacking.

Cons: Thorn bushes.

Take a hike!

Mohegan Farm ruins

Scenes From The Trail

Detailed hike reports, complete with images.

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Mohegan Farm Ruins from Old Farm Trailhead

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