There are several different access points to this park depending on the activity you want. Even if you are hiking there are several differnt ways to approach the hike. One parking area is on Pennsylvania Route 118 west of Wilkes-Barre. The trail is on the north side of the road. Walk northeast on the trail and enjoy the wide, clear trail. Notice that there are many very large evergreen and hardwood trees still standing along the path. You will cross over the creek on small bridges until a larger bridge crossing at about .4 miles. At .85 miles the trail splits. The more difficult route goes down to follow the creek bed while the more moderate trail goes up and avoids the rough rocks. The trails meet at the first falls, Murray Reynolds at about 1.45 miles. There are three falls in quick succession before you arrive at Waters Meet at 1.7 miles. This is where the two glens, Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh meet. You can go either way. Turn left and start up Canoga Glen.

The trail starts to ascend now with many beautiful waterfalls occurring one after another. Each has its own character and is interesting in its own right. Take care as you walk on the trail. Springs in the hillsides make the trail muddy and slippery in many places. The trail passes close to the top of some of the falls and some of the drops are considerable. At 2.33 miles you will be at Ganoga Falls which is the highest in the park at just under 100 feet. After walking by these falls there will be several more before you reach the top of the glen. At 2.63 miles turn right onto the Highlands Trail to cut across to Glen Leigh. At 3.1 miles you will be at Midway Crevasse where the trail passes between several large outcroppings of sandstone. At 3.5 miles turn right to walk down the Glen Leigh Trail.

At 3.95 miles you will be at Huron falls which is the highest in Glen Leigh. This is followed by Ozone which is one of the nicest. Although the falls in Glen Leigh are not as high as the ones in Ganoga Glen, Glen Leigh gives you more of the feeling you are in a glen or gorge. The rock walls on either side seem to rise more sharply. At 4.35 miles you will be back at Waters Meet. From here you can retrace your steps until you are back at the road at 5.9 miles. Cross Route 118 and find a path to the right of the parking lot. Follow this path, the Evergreen Trail down to Adams Falls which has cut extensively through the bedrock. At this point you can return to your car to complete the 6.5 mile hike. You can also complete the Evergreen Trail which is only about a mile long. One this trail you will find some trees that were growing when Columbus discovered America.

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

Take the Palisades Parkway to Exit 13 and turn onto Route 202 East. At the first traffic light turn south on Route 45. Just up the hill is a parking lot on the right or east side of the road. Park here. Note the signs warning about ticks and Lyme Disease and be sure to take appropriate precautions. The hike is a relatively straight forward out and back route that follows the Long Path for its entire length. The trail meanders up and down some and back and forth only slightly as it follows the ridge line the entire way. You may cut off the first part of the hike by parking on Route 33 where the Long Path crosses the road. There is room for several cars. Little Tor and High Tor are both east of this parking area and the "trail" is over wide woods roads for the mots part.

From the Route 45 parking area walk east on the Long Path following the aqua blazes. Walk off the trail to the left or right occasionally to enjoy the view. North or left is heavily populated while south or right seems more wild. After 1.75 miles, you will descend to Route 33. Be careful when crossing since both north and south have blind curves and the drivers are always going too fast. At this point the trail becomes a wide road which is often covered with stone chips. The walking is easy and your pace can increase. After only .3 miles a power line crosses the trail and a path leads up and to the left. This is a good lookout to the north but nothing like what is to come. In a little more than 1 mile from Route 33 a wide path turns to the left away from the main trail and leads to Little Tor.

As you walk up the path stop on the edge of the cliff and look at the views laid out below. Now turn back to the path and follow it to the top of Little Tor for the really remarkable 360 degree panorama. The Hudson River is to the east and the jutting rock formation is part of High Tor. When you have taken in all you can, retrace your route to the main trail and walk another 1.25 miles to High Tor. The trail breaks up a little and may be wet in places but this is not really a problem. As you approach High Tor you may wonder how you can climb such a massive piece of rock. Do not fear! The LOng Path bends to the right hear and then turns sharply left up the "back" of the tor. This part of the trail is steep in places with some rock scrambling but it is also short and well worth the effort.

After the brief climb, the trail levels some and then ascends to the top of the tor. To the left is a large, flat, open rock outcropping which offers unhindered views of the populated area below. There are also views of the Hudson River and the more forested areas west and south. Immediately to the east rises another prominent rock outcropping which is the top of the tor. Head for this area and ascend over the bare rock face which can be slippery when wet. Near the top you will see four anchors which are all that remaim of a tower which housed and airplane beacon. You will now have an unhindered 360 degree view of all that is near and far. On a clear day the view is one of the nicest in the lower Hudson Valley. After getting a drink and a snack, take some pictures and then retrace your route back to the car.

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a roughly counterclockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

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

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

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

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

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a counterclockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

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

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

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

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

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

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a counterclockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

The trailhead for this hike is on Massachusetts State Route 41 about 1.5 miles south of the Berkshire School. Park at the trailhead and go into the woods passed the kiosk and onto the blue marked Race Brook Falls Trail. The trail starts out moderately through some hardwood forests which alternate with evergreens along the way. The first brook crossing might be tricky in high water but otherwise is no problem. After only half a mile of moderate incline a side trail leads off to the left. This trail leads to the lower tier of Race Brook Falls. It is well worth the detour and places you at the foot of a 90 foot cataract. The trail is steep in places and blocked by some blowdown which has been there for a while. You can stand at the bottom of the falls and admire both the power and the beauty of the falling water. When you are done, retrace your steps back to the main trail and continue on.

The trail begins to ascend more steeply now through evergreen forest and leads to the upper tier of Race Brook Falls. After only about a quarter mile you are there. This tier is similar to the lower one. It is not quite as high but perhaps more delicate. The trail crosses at the base of the falls. This is no problem in times of low water but can be dangerous or impossible when the water is high. The trail now ascends more sharply up to a more level area. Glimpses of the surrounding hills suggest the views that will be much clearer from the summits! In less than a mile, the platforms of race Brook Primitive Campsite appear. There is one stream crossing that is no problem but does have a two-log bridge! Walk through the campsite and up a set of stone steps. You will soon be at the junction with the white marked South Taconic Trail which is also part of the Appalachian Trail. Turning left leads to Mount Race and right to Mount Everett. The trail is POORLY MARKED in places so be careful to watch where you are going.

Turn right toward Mount Everett. As you walk along the relatively flat trail the first views of Mount Everett appear and although the mountain is not very high it does seem imposing. After only a quarter mile the climb up Everett begins. This is a no-nonsense approach that heads straight up the mountain with few switchbacks to moderate the climb. The trail passes over some open rock outcroppings which can be slippery although it is possible in some cases to pass to one side or the other. None of these areas could be classified as difficult or approaching a rock scramble but they are not easy either. Near the top the trail begins to level out and pass through some interesting ecosystems. Dwarf pines alternate with scrub oak and warm climate species like sassafras can be seen. You will suddenly realize that you are out of the forest and the open views of the surrounding mountains and valley will take your breath away. Immediately behind you on the climb is Mount Race as well as several other mountains and hills.

Near the summit of Everett are the remains of the Mount Washington Observation Tower. All that is left are the cement pylons that anchored the base. You can turn around at this point and retrace your path but walking to the other side if the summit is well worth it. As you walk down the trail a large rock outcropping on the left affords another set of breathtaking views. The trail continues down the north side of the mountain and intersects a fire road. Both the fire road and the trail descend to Guilder Pond. The descent is about 600 feet but only about three quarters of a mile. The pond is very pretty with a loop trail. After a visit to the pond use the trail or the road to climb back to the summit. Follow the trail back down the other side to the junction with the blue trail. Continue straight ahead on the South Taconic Trail that leads to the summit of Mount Race. The initial part of this trail has several steep but short spots. It then ascends continuously to the ridge line that leads to the summit of the mountain. From the trail junction to the summit is a little less than a mile.

As you near the summit the trail opens up and the first thing you notice is Mount Everett directly behind you! Other hills and valleys are also laid out below. After the summit continue southward on the trail. There is a slight descent and a large rock cairn will come into view. At the same time you see the cairn you will notice that there are open views to the south. Walk around this area before returning to the summit. Follow the trail back to the Race Brook Trail where you will make a right and walk back to your car.

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

Near the parking area is a LARGE outcropping of rock that overlooks the falls and the gorge. The climb up onto this outcropping can be interesting but is well worth the time and effort. The views down the gorge and out to the surrounding area are beautiful. You can follow the guide rails and cables around to look down into the gorge to the stream below. Some foolish people have obviously gone beyond the fencing but you will stay where it is safe. After taking in the views, return to the parking area to begin the hike to Slander Mountain.

From the parking area take the fire road that is at the opposite end of the lot from the Falls Trail. This is the Bash Bish Gorge Trail and is marked with blue paint. You will have to bear right at the end of the road and then find a way to cross over the stream. Depending on the water level, this may be easy or dangerous. The trail markings on both sides are not very clear. Once on the other side ascend the STEEP trail out of the gorge. You may need to use the available tree roots and branches combined with the guide rails and cables. Stop at several points to take in the view including the one down the gorge and the one directly down into the gorge. Continue on the trail but pay attention to where you are going. There are MANY blowdowns along the way which obscure the trail and hikers have taken several different routes around them. Very shortly signs will indicate that you may turn left or right onto the South Taconic Trail. Make sure you turn left and ascend! The trail makes a steep but short ascent to the Alander Mountain Ridge. From here the trail undulates some but most of the climbing is done.

Once you are on the ridge the summit of Lander is about two miles away. The trail passes through hardwood forest. At some spots there is a canopy of mountain laurel and in others you are surrounded by dwarf pines. As you walk it is obvious that the trail drops off on either side. At points the parallel ridges on either side are visible. In the fall, when the leaves are off the trees, views down into the valleys and across the hills are available. Take a quick peek but don't waste too much time since the best views are yet to come. As you approach Alander the trail starts a very moderate climb and begins to open up to low bushes. Views from here are available In all directions except to the south since this direction is still blocked by the mountain. As you ascend the views just keep getting better. Near the top a rock cairn and signs show the various trail options including the Alander Mountain Trail to the Mount Washington State Forest Headquarters. This trail is the shorter, easier way to get to the top!. At the summit are the cement pilings that once anchored a long gone tower.

Continue on the trail and look south to see wonderful views of Mount Ashley, Brace Mountain and Mount Frissell. There are also views to both the east and west. Just down the trail you will see another rocky outcropping. Head down the trail making this outcropping your goal. There is slight descent and then ascent to this area. Along the way you can walk back and forth on the mountain to make sure you get every view possible. From the outcropping the mountain drops away making the views even better. Just below this area there is a small granite marker on the trail. This marks the New York-Massachusetts boundary. When you are on the other side of the marker, you are at the highest point in Columbia County, New York. Head back to the summit. You can now simply return to the car or take a side trip.

Turn right onto the Alander Mountain Trail. Within several hundred feet you will see a small cabin. This is an Appalachian Mountain Club cabin which can be used on a first come first served basis. It has a wood stove and several bunk beds. Once you have seen the cabin follow the trail back up to the South Taconic Trail. Follow the South Taconic Trail back to the Bash Bish Gorge Trail across the stream and back to the parking area.

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

The white marked South Taconic Trail starts out through a field and then enters a hardwood forest. The initial, gentle hiking belies what is to come! Within a quarter mile the trail begins to parallel a stream. The sights and sounds of the stream are relaxing but the trail begins to climb steeply along the banks of the gulley cut by the stream. The trail is poorly marked and you should pay careful attention to where you are going. Other hikers have taken various routes so the actual path of the trail can be obscured. Some of these detours do make the climb easier but some do not. As you near the half mile point the trail gets even more serious with a climb up over sheer rock faces with some tough "ups" particularly for those who are "vertically challenged"! Fortunately, this does not last for long and you are on a much flatter area of the trail. On the way up be sure to carefully look over your shoulder. The views that are revealed of the valley below hint at what can be seen from the top of the mountains.

As the trail levels off there are several areas where you can safely enjoy the views before moving on. The trail from this point on is much flatter with a slight incline as you climb toward South Brace Mountain. Watch the trail markings since it is easy to head the wrong way. The trail does pass over some rocky spines and outcroppings but the incline is not steep enough to be much of a problem. As you ascend South Brace the views become even more magnificent. As you turn around Riga Lake and South Pond will be in front of you on the right. They form an interesting break in the hill and valley terrain that is so common. The summit of South Brace is just ahead at about 1.2 miles.

Continue on the trail for less than half a mile to the summit of Brace. There is a short descent into a col between the two mountains but you will hardly notice it. As you climb up to the top of Brace the most prominent feature on the mountain is a LARGE pile of stones with a permanent windsock attached. Brace Mountain is one of the primary launch points fro the Connecticut Hang Gliding Association and other enthusiasts. You may expect to see launches any time you are on the summit. The view to the east, west and north are wonderful so take them in before you start back to the car.

Simply turn around and follow the trail back the way you came up the mountain. Be careful since the descent can be dangerous especially when there are leaves, water, ice or snow on the trail.

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

The options at this point are many. The shortest is probably back to the car the way you came but this misses some other spectacular views. Perhaps the longest route is the one described in detail here which includes trekking the Orange, Stillman, Bypass, Howell, Stillman Springs, Crossover, and Bluebird Trails! Some of these are use more than once!!

Continue onthe Stillman Trail as it travels east and slightly south. At the junction with the white marked Bypass Trail turn onto the white trail. The Stillman Trail hooks sharply left and heads back north and west. Continue west on the bypass trail for less than half a mile where it meets the blue blazed Howell Trail. Turn left onto the Howell Trail which you will be on for several miles. The trail descends into The Clove througha series of switchbacks and then climbs out of The Clove to higher ground. The trail widens into a woods road as it winds its way toward North Point passing the junction with the Bobcat Trail. North Point has been burned over at least once and shows it by the being relatively open with many dead trees. There is a large rock near the top which marks the best viewpoint. From here there are wonderful views north toward the bridge and beyond. From North Point you can also lok down on Storm King Highway, Bannermann Castle and across the river to Breakneck Ridge. From North Point the Howell Trail continues on around this elevated area. The views change so that you can see south toward West Point with good views down onto the river. The trail near the end descends rather sharply to Pitching Point which looks directly down to the river. The slop then moderates as you descend through open forest to the lowest point on the hike, Storm King Highway.

At the Stillman Springs Rock, picked up the white blazed Stillman Springs Trail which heads north and west. You may continue on this trail until it meets the Howell Trail again or you may look for the Crossover Trail. The markings for the Crossover Trail WERE red but have been painted over in gray signifying that the trail is no longer maintained. I decided to try to follow it just for something different to do. After a short walk up from STorm King Highway, the marks of the Crossover Trail appear on the right. The trail is a little hard to follow and you may find yourself staring intently through the forest at times. A short distance along the trail is an open, grassy clearing on the right. This appears to be a pond in wetter weather. The Crossover Trail is short. When you get to the Howell Trail turn right. The Howeel Trail will again take you through The Clove and back up to the Bypass Trail. Turn right on the Bypass Trail and continue to the Stillman Trail.

At the Stillman Trail you may want to go BACK to the top of STorm King by turning left. Sometimes the views laterin the day are clearer as the haze burns off. Whether you take this side trip or not get back on the STillman Trail as it makes a sharp turn around Storm King and heads north and west. The trail at this point passes through some evergreen trees giving the walk a differnet ffel. There are some viewpoints along the way and many switchbacks as the trail skirts and then descends the north slope of the mountain. Along the way is a bridge attached to a rock face to get across a small ravine. Watch for the Bluebird Trail on the left marked with red and blue paint. You can turn left on teh Bluebird Trail or right on an old woods road. Down the road are some ruins of moderate interest. The Bluebird Trail ascends back to near the top of Storm King and the ascent is steep at times.

When the Bluebird Trail ends, turn right on the Stillman Trail and retrace your path from earlier in the day. Be sure to stop at the various lookouts as the light will be different. These views can look MUCH different in the afternoon than in the morning! Descend the yellow Stillman Trail and watch for the orange trail back to the parking area on Route 9W. The orange trail turnsto the left. Be careful as you descends since some areas are VERY steep and accidents more often occur on descents! The entire route is about 8 miles but your time can vary greatly depending on the number of stops and their length.

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a clockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

Continue on the Howell Trail and enjoy the various views as they come your way. Look over to Storm King Mountain and down to the highway which appears to hang on its very edge. A little further west and closer is an almost bald, burned over area. This is North Point and the Howell Trail will take you there soon enough. Watch on your left for more views down the Hudson. The quality of the views depends largely on the amount of humidity and haze in the air. Soon the Howell Trail which was headed west takes a sharp turn right and heads north. You will notice more open areas and many dead trees as you ascend to North Point. From North Point you can look northeast toward Storm King Mountain, directly north to Butter Hill or a little west of north and see Route 9W. On 9W is another parking area which allows easier access to trails that ascend Storm King.

The Howell Trail now descends the other side of North Point and joins a woods road for some distance. be sure to STAY ON the blue blazed trail as other trails and unmarked woods roads intersect the Howell trail at several points. One of the trails is the Stillman Springs Trail which you will use on the way back. You will descend into The Clove rather gently but then ascend out of The Clove rather more steeply. The Howell Trail makes an abrupt right near the top of the ascent, joins a woods road and moderates some. After a very short walk, the Howell Trail heads north again. At this point the Bypass Trail, your route on the way back, goes straight ahead. Continue on the blue trail until it meets the yellow blazed Stillman Trail. This is the main trail that accesses Storm King Mountain. Turning right at the junction takes you directly around Storm King. Turn left and head toward Butter Hill for some nice views of the Hudson and Route 9W. You will get to an open rock faces where these views are very obvious. At this point turn around and retrace your steps back to the junction with the Howell Trail. Turn left to continue on the Stillman Trail around Storm King Mountain.

As you hike along the Stillman Trail there are numerous lookouts and viewpoints each more amazing than the next. Most of these views are to the north and east. On a clear day you can see well passed the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to the north. The fire tower on South Beacon Mountain is clearly visible as is the summit of North Beacon Mountain. THe climbers working their way up Breakneck Ridge are an interesting site! As you head south on the trail you will arrive at a point where the Stillman Trail abruptly turns east and then hooks back north and west. The views here are to the east and south toward West Point. As the yellow blazed STillman Trail makes its turn, the white marks of the Bypass Trail appear on the right. Turn here to head back toward the Howell Trail which will be your way back to your car. The Bypass Trail passes between two low rock ridges as it makes its way back to the Howell Trail. There are views primarily to the south and east but you may have to walk up onto the rock ridge on your left to see them.

After a short walk, turn left on the blue blazed Howell Trail and descend into The Clove. This is the ascent you made earlier so things SHOULD look familiar. The blazes on the red marked Crossover Trail have been painted over to indicate it is no longer available. Continue on the Howell Trail until the white blazes of the Stillman Springs Trail appear on the left. This is mostly an old woods road and the pitch is not too steep. In less than a mile you will be back on Storm King Highway just north of where you are parked. The total distance is under 6 miles and will and will vary based on how many side trips you take. The time can be relatively quick but most people stop for pictures and to marvel at the views.

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a clockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

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

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

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

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a counterclockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

Park at trail head parking area on Otterkill Road just outside of Salisbury Mills in Orange County. The parking area is easily in sight of the Metro North train Trestle. Walk on the road toward the trestle. In less than .25 miles and just before the trestle, cross the road an enter the woods. The trail immediately begins to climb up a hill on a wide trail or woods road. At the first junction keep to the right to stay on the Trestle Trail which is marked with white blazes. After about 1.2 miles of steady climbing, you will arrive at the junction with the red-blazed Jessup Trail. You are on the western ridge. Turn left and be prepared to descend quickly across and over bare rock faces. CAUTION: These rocks can be very slippery when wet or when covered with snow or ice!] After about .15 miles of descent cross Baby Brook and ascend to the eastern ridge. The crossing of Baby Brook can be tricky for some at high water but usually poses no real impediment. The ascent is steep and again is over much exposed rock.

The Jessup Trail runs across the eastern ridge and altenates between areas of rock and forest. Most of the rocky areas are tilted and offer little or no vegetation to assist in your traverse. Some parts of the trail are routed up and over substantial boulders or outcroppings. Other parts take you along thin spines of conglomerate. If you have the time, look carefully at the rock. At first it looks similar to that in the Shawangunks. On closer inspection the conglomerate has a pink tingle from hematite deposits. It also has more defined and larger white quartz crystals and is "rougher" in appearance. Be careful as you are hiking to put your safety before your geological studies. The trail continues to ascend for about 1.5 miles. At this point it flattens somewhat and a spur trail with white markings goes off to the left. This trail leads to the Megaliths. These are larger blocks of rock which have broken off from the bedrock and have fallen in place. They are worth the trip since the whole walk is less than a quarter mile!

Back on the main trail there is slight ascent to the highest point on Schunnemunk Mountain at 1664 feet. It seems much higher and like you have done more climbing. This may be because the trail head elevation is only 250 feet. within .35 miles the Western Ridge Trail turns right. Follow these blue marks down into Barton Swamp to the red blazed Barton Swamp Trail. Part of this area is on private land so stay on the trail as you negotiate your way through this swamp. Stay on the red and blue blazes for less than a quarter mile where the Western Ridge trail ascends directly up to the top of the western ridge. This ascent is short but very steep and the rocks seem smoother and slippery than on the eastern side.

At the top of the ridge turn right and look for the aqua blazes of the Long Path. Stay on the Long Path for about 1.25 miles. The Long Path is much like the Jessup Trail on the eastern ridge. It passes over areas of bare rock and through areas of forest. On this ridge there seems to be more forest and less rock which makes the hiking easier. The elevation change is also not as pronounced as on the eastern ridge. After 1.25 miles look for the red blazes of the Jessup Trail on the right. Turn onto the trail and follow it for about .2 miles. At this point you will see the white blazes of the Trestle Trail on the left and you will be at the junction where you turned at the beginning of the hike. Turn left on the Trestle Trail and descend back to the road and to your car at the parking area. Be careful on the descent since the trail is steeper than you might think. Descending the trail gives you a good idea of why ascending required so muvh effort at the beginning of the hike!

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a clockwise direction out-and-back.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

The Jessup Trail runs across the eastern ridge and altenates between areas of rock and forest. Most of the rocky areas are tilted and offer little or no vegetation to assist in your traverse. Some parts of the trail are routed up and over substantial boulders or outcroppings. Other parts take you along thin spines of conglomerate. If you have the time, look carefully at the rock. At first it looks similar to that in the Shawangunks. On closer inspection the conglomerate has a pink tingle from hematite deposits. It also has more defined and larger white quartz crystals and is "rougher" in appearance. Be careful as you are hiking to put your safety before your geological studies. The trail continues to ascend for about 1.5 miles. At this point it flattens somewhat and a spur trail with white markings goes off to the left. This trail leads to the Megaliths. These are larger blocks of rock which have broken off from the bedrock and have fallen in place. They are worth the trip since the whole walk is less than a quarter mile!

Back on the main trail there is slight ascent to the highest point on Schunnemunk Mountain at 1664 feet. It seems much higher and like you have done more climbing. This may be because the trail head elevation is only 250 feet. Within .35 miles the Western Ridge Trail turns right. Follow these blue marks down into Barton Swamp to the red blazed Barton Swamp Trail. Part of this area is on private land so stay on the trail as you negotiate your way through this swamp. Stay on the red and blue blazes for less than a quarter mile where the Western Ridge trail ascends directly up to the top of the western ridge. This ascent is short but very steep and the rocks seem smoother and slipperier than on the eastern side.

At the top of the ridge turn right and look for the aqua blazes of the Long Path. Stay on the Long Path for about 1.25 miles. The Long Path is much like the Jessup Trail on the eastern ridge. It passes over areas of bare rock and through areas of forest. On this ridge there seems to be more forest and less rock which makes the hiking easier. The elevation change is also not as pronounced as on the eastern ridge. After 1.25 miles look for the red blazes of the Jessup Trail on the right. Turn onto the trail and follow it for about .2 miles. At this point you will see the white blazes of the Trestle Trail on the left and you will be at the junction where you turned at the beginning of the hike. Turn left on the Trestle Trail and descend back to the road and to your car at the parking area. Be careful on the descent since the trail is steeper than you might think. Descending the trail gives you a good idea of why ascending required so muvh effort at the beginning of the hike!

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a clockwise direction out-and-back.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)

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

Start at the Indian Ladder Trail and descend the steps into the gorge. A fenced path runs along the limestone cliffs. Cracks are obvious in the limestone layers. Areas where the rock has been eroded away by water are clear. Small caves and underground streams riddle the rock face. Two different waterfalls cascade off the escarpment onto the trail below. Walk behind the falls but be careful since the limestone can be VERY slippery when wet. One area of the trail is almost obscured by overhanging rock. Climb out of the gorge to the escarpment rim. The trail continues along the rim in both directions. From the rim the views of the surrounding countryside and the other rim of the escarpment are magnificent!

(The map above shows the parking area and the hiking route in a clockwise direction.)

(The image at the left shows the profile of the hike. Remember that all vertical profiles are relative!)