Gone Hikin'

Harriman State Park: Island Pond and Lemon Squeezer

2012-02-10T16:28:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Harriman State Park - The Palisades Parks Conservancy
Harriman State Park - New York State Parks

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.264792,-74.15426

NOTE: My GPS did not recognize the turn on Arden Valley Road from Route 17 and took me to Arden Road so you might have to watch for it. You want to turn off Route 17 at the Harriman State Park sign on Arden Valley Road, not Arden Road which leads to private property with no park access.

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Elk Pen Parking

TRAIL MAP:
Northern Harriman Bear Mountain Trails Map #119 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE:
10.7 miles
7.5 miles - Island Pond/Lemon Squeezer Loop - NY/NJ Trail Conference
4 mile and 8.5 mile options - Lemon Squeezer Loop - NJ Hiking

PEAK BAGGING:
Green Pond Mountain - Peakery.com
Island Pond Mountain - Peakery.com
Hogencamp Mountain - Peakery.com

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:
TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1366.0 to 1369.9

THE HIKE:

Starting on the Appalachian Trail after crossing field from parking lot.

The Appalachian Trail climbs to the top of Green Mountain.

Limited view to the west on top of rock to left of trail at summit of Green Mountain.

Descending the other side of Green Mountain to Island Pond.

Island Pond Road, built in 1905, through hemlock grove.

Stone spillway construted by the CCC in the 1930's, part of a dam that was never completed.

Island Pond

Entrance to the Lemon Squeezer

Looking back after going through the Lemon Squeezer - it's a tight squeeze at an angle.

After going through the Lemon Squeezer you have a choice of the "Easy Way" to the left or up a rock wall to the right. My dog was VERY clear on which way she wanted to go.

The "Easy Way" is a rock scramble, too, but doable for a dog.

Island Pond from the top of the Lemon Squeezer.

Intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Long Path.

Surebridge Brook

Watch for the red dot on white turn painted on the rock on Fingerboard Mountain. If you start seeing white blazes with red dot on white blazes together, you just missed the turn.

Red dot on white Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail

Times Square at the Ramapo-Dunderberg and Arden-Surebridge intersection.

360 degree views from Hogencamp Mountain

Ship Rock

Goldthwaite Memorial

Boston Mine

The red triangle on white Arden-Surebridge Trail follows along a ledge high up before following a switchback down.

Elk from Yellowstone Park were kept in a huge pen in the 1920's but they failed to thrive.

Path through field back to parking lot.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Take path through field from about the middle of the parking lot
[ 0.15] Turn right on red triangle on white trail a few steps then turn left on white-blazed Appalachian Trail when red triangle on white goes straight
[ 1.55] Cross gavel road leading to Island Pond
[ 1.65] Cross footbridge at old partially constructed dam
[ 1.70] Views of Island Pond to right off trail
[ 2.15] Red triangle on white comes in from right, few steps ahead red triangle on white leaves to the right; keep left on AT through Lemon Squeezer
[ 3.00] Keep straight when aqua-blazed Long Path crosses over
[ 3.80] Cross Surebridge Brook
[ 4.50] Make sharp right turn on red dot on white (Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail) where turn blaze is painted on rock surface
[ 6.00] Times Square; veer left staying on red dot on white
[ 6.30] 360 degree views at top of Hogencamp Mountain
[ 6.80] Keep straight on red dot on white when blue L on white (Lichen Trail) goes right
[ 6.90] Goldthwaite Memorial
[ 7.30] Turn right on yellow-blazed trail at cairn
[ 7.70] Just before creek turn left on yellow when the white bar trail joins in from the right
[ 8.00] Turn right on yellow at cairn when white bar goes straight
[ 8.60] Boston Mine on right
[ 8.65] Turn right on unmarked woods road when yellow goes left on woods road
[ 8.95] Turn left on red triangle on white (Arden-Surebridge Trail) when woods road goes straight
[ 9.10] Keep left on red triangle on white at cairn when unmarked Island Pond Road goes right
[ 9.50] Short side trail on right to view as trails starts to descend
[10.25] Red triangle on white turn right on woods road at elk pen when red bar on white (Nurian Trail) starts to the left
[10.55] Keep straight when white-blazed AT goes right; at end of red triangle on white trail turn left on path through field to parking lot
[10.70] Back at parking lot

Delaware Water Gap NRA - Blue Mountain Lakes

2012-02-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK: Blue Mountain Lakes - National Park Service

DIRECTIONS:

Note that the official parking lot at 41.098289,-74.93503 is not accessible at this time due to the closure of Blue Mountain Lakes Road (shown at Flatbrookville-Stillwater Road on Google Maps). Click here for information.

Alternatively, although there is no vehicle access to Blue Mountain Lakes from the Stillwater, NJ side, it is possible to park a few cars where Fairview Lake Road dead ends and walk up to Blue Mountain Lakes, about 2 miles away.

GPS Coordinates 41.087842, -74.909042

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In this picture, taken from the other side of the gated part of Fairview Lakes Road, Fairview Lakes Road comes in from the right and ends. Directly across (to the right driving in) is a clearing that is posted "No Trespassing/No Parking"

Sign on the gate - be sure not to park in front of the gate. Walk beyond this gate and up the road to start the hike.

TRAIL MAP:
Southern Kittatinny Trails Map 121 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCES:
Loop to Buttermilk Falls Trail - 11.25 miles
Loop to Hemlock Pond and Crater Lake - 8.75 miles

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:
TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1295.5 to 1298.4

THE HIKE:

Ascending the fire road which is the gated continuation of Fairview Lake Road.

A lot of storm damage along this old road.

Looking back at the gate at the top of the incline.

Paved Blue Mountain Lakes Road crosses over Van Campens Brook shortly before the parking lot.

Blue Mountain Lake

Indian Rocks

View to the west from Indian Rocks

A Blue Mountain Lakes woods road.

Hemlock Pond

Turn around for view to the west while ascending the blue-blazed Buttermilk Falls trail.

Appalachian Trail

Crater Lake

Nice views to the east while descending the old, mostly paved, fire road.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Continue beyond the barrier up the fire road
[ 0.40] At the top of the ascent, continue beyond a second barrier; keep left at the fork on the paved road when the right fork goes to Crater Lake; Appalachian Trail crosses over
[ 0.50] Keep straight on paved road when road to right goes to Camp Ken-Etiwa-Pec
[ 0.60] Woods road on left
[ 0.65] Woods road on left
[ 1.15] Short road on right
[ 1.40] Woods road on left with kiosk to Pool Colony; road starts to descend
[ 1.55] Continue beyond gate (closed in winter), Van Campens Brook flows under road
[ 1.60] Woods road on left (not on map)
[ 1.70] Creek flows under road, many old stone walls in woods
[ 1.85] Woods road on right (can be taken to access Blue Mountain Lakes)
[ 1.90] Blue Mountain Lakes parking lot on right, turn through lot to trail; at fork in trail keep left where woods road from mile 1.85 comes in from the right; continue to Blue Mountain Lake and follow trail around lake
[ 3.70] On the other side of the lake, watch for an old power cut, turn right and ascend up power cut all the way to the top crossing over 2 woods roads
[ 4.20] At the top of the power cut veer right and watch for view on left; continue on woods road
[ 4.80] Indian Rocks on left, continue on woods road
[ 5.00] Veer left at fork to Hemlock Pond
[ 5.10] Woods road on left
[ 5.60] Side trail on left (doesn't go anywhere just a trashy littered area)
[ 5.95] At intersection keep left, after a few steps veer right at fork to Hemlock Pond
[ 6.05] Continue left at end of Hemlock Pond to woods road and turn right
[ 6.10] Keep straight at intersection (or turn right to Crater Lake to shorten loop coming out at 8.60 mile point below)
[ 6.35] Swamp on right then rock hop over creek
[ 7.15] Turn right on blue-blazed trail at "Woods Trail" sign
[ 7.55] Turn around for view west nearing top of ascent
[ 7.65] Turn right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail
[ 8.60] Appalachian Trail veers left when orange-blazed trail goes right to Hemlock Pond
[ 8.65] Short trail to left for view of Crater Lake; retrace
[ 8.75] Short trail to left for view of Crater Lake; retrace
[ 9.00] Veer right on AT as woods road comes in from the left
[ 9.10] Short trail to left for view of Crater Lake; retrace
[ 9.15] AT leaves woods road to the right over rock slab with views to west
[ 9.20] AT crosses woods road
[ 9.30] AT joins orange-blazed woods road to the right briefly then leaves to the left
[10.80] AT trail register on right, veer left to gravel road when AT turns right
[10.85] Come out at intersection with Blue Mountain Lakes Road, turn left beyond gate to descend
[11.25] Back at car

Skyline Preserve, NJ

2012-01-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Skyline Preserve - New Jersey Conservation Foundation

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.04609,-74.368631

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Pull off parking for 2 cars north side of Weaver Road by bridge.

TRAIL MAP:
Jersey Highlands Trails Map 125 - New York New Jersey Trail Conference
North Jersey Trails Map 115 - New York New Jersey Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE: 3.45 miles

THE HIKE:
From the parking pull off, walk west across the bridge for .2 miles. Turn left just before the black mail box with number 139 at the Trail Access sign. Go through a ditch and proceed straight ahead to the 3 yellow markers designating the beginning of the yellow-blazed trail.

Yellow-blazed trail starts after Trail Access sign.

Pass an old wrecked car just before crossing a small creek on logs at a second triple blaze.

At the .5 mile point the trail veers left on to a woods road. Make note of this turn as there is no turn blaze in the opposite direction for the return trip. You can see one yellow marker on the tree going the other way and a nail where the second marker used to be so this turn is hard to find on the return trip unless you note where it is.

At .9 miles the trail comes out on a rock slab with Van Nostrand Lake visible ahead. No markers in this area but look for the back side of a marker for the opposite direction to the left before the boulder on the left.

A pretty pine tree growing out of the rock slab.

Trail goes uphill along Van Nostrand Lake

New York City skyline view from Table Rock

Trail veers left at pretty creek with small waterfalls.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Walk west over bridge from pull off parking
[ 0.20] Turn left at Trail Access sign just before mail box with number 139
[ 0.50] Trail turns left following woods road
[ 0.55] Trail leaves woods road to right as footpath
[ 0.90] Trail comes out at clearing heading towards Van Nostrand Lake
[ 1.05] Trail comes out at Van Nostrand Lake and veers left uphill along the lake
[ 1.15] Trail veers away from lake on woods road after brief downhill rock scramble
[ 1.30] Trail leaves wider path to the right on a more narrow path (start of lollipop loop)
[ 1.60] View of New York City skyline from Table Rock Overlook on right
[ 1.70] Area of heavy blow down to climb over and crawl under; sparse blazing
[ 1.85] Trail clears as it turns left before creek with small waterfalls
[ 2.10] Trail comes out on mossy, rocky woods road
[ 2.15] Keep straight on woods road having completed lollipop loop when yellow goes left from beginning of hike; now retracing first part
[ 2.25] Just before lake trail leaves woods road to right as footpath
[ 2.30] Brief rock scramble up then trail follows along upper level with lake below to the left
[ 2.50] Cross open rock slab with pretty pine growing out of rock
[ 2.80] Trail turns left on woods road
[ 2.90] Trail leaves woods road to right before woods road forks left uphill (this is where turn blaze is missing)
[ 3.20] Cross small creek on logs at wrecked car
[ 3.25] Turn right on Weaver Road
[ 3.45] Back at parking pull out

Tohickon Valley, PA: Ralph Stover State Park and Tohickon Valley Park

2012-01-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARKS:
Ralph Stover State Park - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
Tohickon Valley Park - Bucks County, PA
The Doan Gang (cave used as hideout in the park)- Orr's Ford (Lots of good info about the area CLICK HERE then "Bucks County History" in the menu.)

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.434401, -75.097524

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Parking at Ralph Stover State Park

TRAIL MAPS:
Ralph Stover State Park - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
Tohickon Valley Park - Bucks County, PA
Neither map is of much use. No map exists showing the trails available. There are many informal trails that shoot off of the more defined trails. Between High Rocks Vista and the campground at Tohickon Valley Park there are 3 trails that run parallel on different levels: Yellow (highest level), Red dot on white (middle level), unmarked (lower level). Knowing this helps make more sense of the layout of the trails.

Most of the trails are accessed by crossing the red bridge from the parking lot and following the paved road uphill through a residential area. The trails start in about .4 miles from the parking lot. If you reach Tory Road, you missed the trails but not by much. Alternatively, parking with trail access is available at High Rocks Vista (40.44127, -75.10060) and Tohickon Valley Park (40.43819, -75.07700).

40.44127, -75.10060

YELLOW TRAIL: Starts on the right side of the paved road about half way up the guardrail which is on the left side of the paved road. This trail seems to be very well blazed (fresh blazes) the entire length. The yellow trail follows the highest level along the rim of the valley and seems to be the most heavily used. It runs for about 2.4 miles to the campground at Tohickon Valley Park.
WHITE TRAIL: Starts on the right of the paved road a short distance from the start of the yellow trail. Not well blazed and blazes are old and faded. This trail meets up with and joins together with yellow trail in under 1/10th of a mile. Terminates at High Rocks Vista parking area when yellow continues on as yellow only before joining with red dot on white.
UNMARKED LOOP TRAIL: Starts to the left directly opposite the start of the white trail on the paved road. This is a 1.5 mile loop trail. The trail forks a few steps in. Right follows the higher contour then descends to creek level and meets back up at the fork to complete the loop.
UNMARKED FENCE TRAIL: At High Rocks Vista an unmarked trail follows along the safety fencing a level lower than and somewhat parallel to the yellow-blazed trail. This trail ends merging back with the yellow trail when the safety fencing ends.
UNMARKED LOWER LEVEL TRAIL: Beyond High Rocks Vista after safety fencing has ended watch for a fork where a double yellow blaze indicates a left turn of the yellow trail. It is the only yellow double turn blaze I saw in that direction. At this fork the red dot on white trail veers right. A few steps before this fork, watch for an unmarked trail leaving to the right. This trail descends to a lower level and continues for about 1.3 miles terminating at the red dot on white trail. Several unmarked trails branch off of this trail but keep to the right following along the contour of the creek to stay on the trail. This trail seems to be the most lightly used but is the most scenic.
RED DOT ON WHITE TRAIL: Starts at the Cedar Overlook sign and runs with the yellow-blazed trail (although only yellow blazes visible after the Cedar Overlook sign) until the double blazes indicating the yellow trail is turning left. Turn right at this fork and eventually there will be a red dot on white blaze but they are faded and very infrequent initially. Blazing becomes better towards the end of the trail. This trail runs about 1.8 miles and ends at the campground at Tohickon Valley Park. The red dot on white trail runs between the lower unmarked trail and the higher yellow trail.
UNMARKED TOHICKON VALLEY PARK TRAIL: From behind the park pool an unmarked trail to the left comes out at Cafferty Road in .3 miles. Turn right on another unmarked trail before Cafferty Road and this trail leads back to the narrow paved park road to park cabins in .25 miles. Continue beyond cabin 3 then cabin 4 following an unmarked trail that ascends and terminates at the red dot on white trail at the campground in .6 miles for a total loop of about 1.15 miles.

From the parking lot before crossing the bridge:

UNMARKED TRAIL TO DOAN'S CAVE: Turn right before the bridge and walk towards picnic pavilion with the restroom building beyond. Unmarked trail starts behind pavilion and crosses a bridge. Rustic trail loops around following creek through rocky area where Doan's Cave is located. After steep incline, trail terminates at gravel road which is private property but best to retrace from Doan's Cave and before steep incline for total of about .6 miles out and back.

CLICK HERE for my notes where I have referenced the voice recorder track number with the corresponding pictures below if this is of any help in planning a hike without a proper map.

HIKE DISTANCE:
I hiked 12 miles exploring the trails but it is definitely possible to put together loops of various lengths.

THE HIKE:
The pictures do not do this hike justice at all. I was shooting into the sun so the pictures are not the best. The scenery is FABULOUS and it's definitely a hike worth doing. Ralph Stover State Park and Tohickon Valley Park are next to each other and sort of intermingle - hard to tell where the boundaries are.

TRACK #1: Access trails by crossing the bridge with the covered sides from the parking lot.

TRACK #2: Paved State Park Road from bridge ascends with Tohickon Creek to the left through residential area to trails.

TRACK #8: Unmarked loop trail that starts to the left of paved road opposite white-blazed trail.

TRACK #19: Unmarked trails follows along left bank of Tohickon Creek.

TRACK #26: White-blazed trail starts on right from paved road opposite unmarked loop trail.

TRACK #27: Yellow merges in from right; trail continues as white/yellow to High Rock Vista.

High Rocks Vista parking lot with porta potty left before bridge; yellow continues across bridge or right goes to unmarked trail along safety fence at views.

The yellow-blazed trail branches off to the High Rocks Vista parking lot. This is a view coming from the parking lot. Turn left on yellow to cross small bridge, keep straight to unmarked trail at safety fence for views, came in from the right on white/yellow.

TRACK #32: Chain link safety fence at views.

TRACK #34: Argillite Overlook. There supposedly 4 named overlooks but the only signs I saw were for the Argillite and Cedar Overlooks.

TRACK #36: Wrought iron safety fence.

People walking on unmarked trail along safety fence as seen from the yellow trail.

One of the valley views at High Rock Vista.

TRACK #37: At Cedar Overlook, a red dot on white blaze with a yellow blaze indicating from this point both trails run together but red dot on white blazes will be sporadic along this section.

At the overlooks, turkey vultures fly by at eye level. This is how close they come and the level of detail visible. You almost look each other in the eye.

If you get there early before other visitors have scared them off, the turkey vultures might even put on a show for you. They let me get closer than I have ever been to a turkey vulture. Maybe they know that safety fence was keeping me and my dog (who could have cared less about them) from getting too close.

It was incredibly awesome to be able to hang out with them for a while and take pictures!

Turkey vultures hanging out on the cliffs by the chains the rock climbers use.

To give you a better idea just how high up those chains are.

A rock climber going down the cliff face.

TRACK #39: Turned right on an unmarked trail just before the double left turn blazes for the yellow trail at a fork where the red dot on white trail goes right. This unmarked trail starts high but descends gently to a lower level running parallel to Tohickon Creek.

TRACK #47: In a hemlock grove, a trail goes downhill to the right for a short out and back to the bank of Tohickon Creek.

TRACK #56: Lower level unmarked trail follows along the bottom of rock walls.

TRACK #59: One of the many rock hops over a feeder creek.

TRACK #60: The unmarked lower level trail terminates at the red dot on white middle level trail.

TRACK #63: The red dot on white trail terminates at two posts with blazes on each at a camping/picnic area. Pit toilet on right open in winter. From this point if you look to the left, you see where the yellow trail terminates at the campground.

TRACKS #73 and #85: If you take the loop that starts behind the pool in Tohickon Valley Park, watch for the turn just before paved Cafferty Road where my dog is standing. This brings you down to a bend in the paved park road at the cabin area - turn left following the park road as it curves to the right towards cabins 3 and 4. A trail continues beyond cabin 4 and ascends to meet up with the red dot on white trail for the return trip.

TRACK #91: Looking back at Cabin #4 right at Tohickon Creek.

Heading back on the red dot on white trail.

TRACK #114: Rock ledge along red dot on white trail with unmarked lower level trail from earlier visible below.

TRACK #120: Blazes become very faded and less frequent.

TRACK #124: Rock hop over feeder creek with a small waterfall.

After crossing back over bridge with covered sides to parking lot, turn left to find unblazed trail to Doan's Cave behind the picnic pavilion. Trail crosses a foot bridge, goes through swampy section, then becomes rocky. The trail is not all that well defined but it is possible to follow it.

When you come to this memorial for Sullivan James Burd who apparently died here at the age of 20 on 9/9/2010, retrace a bit and go down to the lower level beneath the memorial to find Doan's Cave. To continue on, the trail becomes more difficult to follow and ends at a gravel road on private property so best to retrace from this point.

Doan's Cave

HIKE SUMMARY:
CLICK HERE for transcribed trail notes.

Franklin Parker Preserve, NJ

2012-01-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Franklin Parker Preserve - New Jersey Conservation Foundation
NJCF Wins Award for Bog Restoration - PhillyBurbs.com

DIRECTIONS:
Franklin Parker Preserve
GPS Coordinates 39.813677, -74.547471

View Larger Map

TRAIL MAPS:
Franklin Parker Preserve Trail Map (Black and White) - NJCF
Franklin Parker Preserve Trail Map (Color) - NJCF

HIKE DISTANCE:
10.45 miles
Trail network allows for many shorter loops - see trail maps

THE HIKE:
The red trail and part of the yellow trail are very scenic footpaths through cedar swamps, pine forests and along the Wading River. All other trails are packed sand roads through forests, blueberry fields and cranberry bogs. The trails traverse many swampy areas and there are several water crossings on branches piled across so waterproof hiking shoes are most definitely needed.

Facing the gate, look for the red-blazed trail on the right that goes into the pine forest.

The red-blazed trail follows along Bertha's Canal.

The trail crosses over abandoned railroad tracks.

The combined red and green trails on sand roads through the cranberry bogs.

Observation deck at the cranberry bogs.

Swans in flight.

Swans in the water.

The white-blazed trail leads to Bald Eagle Reservoir.

Bald Eagle Reservoir

An interesting crossing at Bald Eagle Reservoir.

Bald Eagle Reservoir Observation Deck

A blue-blazed connector trail.

Yellow-blazed foot traffic only trail section to and along the West Branch Wading River.

West Branch Wading River

Busy Beavers

The yellow trail meets back up with the red trail via a blue connector trail.

Bridge on the red trail.

The red trail leads back to the parking lot at the opposite side of the gate from where the hike began.

Tracks in the snow.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Facing the gate, turn right on the red-blazed trail
[ 0.35] Red-blazed trail begins to parallel Bertha's Canal
[ 0.70] Just after conservation easement sign watch for red trail to make sharp left turn before reaching the dam (turn not marked)
[ 1.10] Cross unmarked woods road then abandoned railroad tracks then enters cranberry bogs
[ 1.35] Red trail veers away from bogs back into forest
[ 1.55] Cross foot bridge back towards cranberry bogs then turn right merging with green trail on sand road
[ 1.80] Observation deck
[ 2.00] Pass bench on right
[ 2.20] Turn right on red leaving green as green continues straight
[ 2.30] Turn left at old cinder block building on unmarked, cross over canal then turn right on green (Note: To continue straight on red would involve a canal crossing which is not doable; red meets back up with green the other side of that crossing.)
[ 2.45] Watch for red to come in from the right at canal crossing merge briefly with green then leave to the left - turn left on red here through pygmy pines
[ 2.70] Cross over canal
[ 2.85] Stay on red as it turns left merging with green on sand road then turn right on red as it leaves green as a foot path
[ 3.00] When red crosses over green (sand road) at bird house #13, turn right on green
[ 3.05] Keep left on green at fork when unmarked goes right
[ 3.30] When green turns left over canal, keep straight towards Northgate Road sign so woods are on the left, bogs on the right.
[ 3.45] Green turns right and leads to a cinder block building - keep straight passing by building and two sand roads immediately after the building to the left, one right after the another. There is no blazing in this section but it is the correct route.
[ 3.60] At next intersection turn left and green blazes resume
[ 3.90] Green trail turns right and crosses canal then turns right again
[ 4.05] Keep straight on white (sand road) when white/green goes left
[ 4.25] Keep straight on white when blue goes left at a bench
[ 4.75] White trail turns left at a bench
[ 4.80] Cross reservoir on concrete squares
[ 4.90] Turn right then left to observation deck; retrace and continue right on white
[ 5.05] Turn right on white after passing observation deck
[ 5.45] White turns left and parallels paved Route 563
[ 5.60] At kiosk turn right on yellow, cross paved Route 563 and continue straight on yellow
[ 5.70] Pass another kiosk and walk around gate, continue briefly then turn left on blue into pine forest
[ 6.10] Blue trail turns right on to a sand road
[ 6.30] Blue trail leaves sand road to the left
[ 6.40] Blue trail ends at the yellow trail, turn left on yellow
[ 6.85] Cross straight over paved Route 563 and continue on yellow
[ 7.20] Yellow trail begins to parallel Wading River
[ 7.30] At clearing keep left (no blazes)
[ 7.35] Yellow blaze visible in opposite direction, at fork veer right - blaze not immediately visible but after a few steps comes into view on right
[ 7.95] At T-intersection yellow turns left away from Wading River; a few steps later yellow turns left again
[ 8.10] At clearing turn right on blue connector trail (sand road) when yellow turns left on sand road
[ 8.35] Turn right on red (foot path) when red crosses over blue
[ 8.65] Cross water on sticks and twigs
[ 8.75] Cross water on sticks and twigs
[ 8.80] Suspension bridge
[ 8.95] Two benches on left
[ 9.00] Hilly section
[ 9.10] Stay on red as it turns right on sand road merging with green briefly then leaves to left downhill as green continues straight on sand road
[ 9.30] Cross water on board
[ 9.45] Red trail skirts clearings
[10.25] Cross abandoned railroad tracks
[10.45] Back at parking lot

Morristown National Historical Park, NJ - Jockey Hollow Area

2012-01-16T18:44:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Morristown National Historical Park - National Park Service

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.772242, -74.527680

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In the winter the restroom in this lot is closed but the one in the visitor center is open. The trail starts to the left of the restroom building.

TRAIL MAPS:
Morristown National Historical Park/Jockey Hollow Area - National Park Service

HIKE DISTANCE: 9.1 miles

PEAK BAGGING:
Mount Kemble - Peakery.com

THE HIKE:

A pond and bench along the combined blue/white trail.

The white-blazed Grand Loop Trail.

The Patriots Path joins in from Lewis Morris Park.

Reconstructed Revolutionary War soldier huts.

Along the Aqueduct Trail

A cold day on the Aqueduct Trail.

Wick Farm

Wick Farm Garden

Hut behind Wick Farm where hiking trails are accessed.

Along the Primrose Brook Trail

Blue-blazed Old Camp Road/Patriots Path

Views from the blue-blazed Mount Kemble Loop Trail

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Start on blue-blazed NY Brigade Trail at kiosk next to restroom building
[ 0.30] Turn left on blue/white when white comes in from the right; pond on right
[ 0.40] Turn left on the white-blazed Grand Loop Trail when blue goes right
[ 0.85] Cross over paved Jockey Hollow Road staying on white
[ 0.95] Keep right on white when unmarked trail goes left to soldiers huts
[ 1.75] Cross paved Sugarloaf Road
[ 1.80] Keep left on white/Patriots Path when Patriots Path comes in from left
[ 2.00] Turn left on Patriots Path towards soldiers huts when white goes straight
[ 2.10] Cross parking lot then turn left up path to soldiers huts
[ 2.30] At the single soldiers hut to the right up the hill, turn right on yellow; at sign post 41 keep right on yellow; keep right on yellow at next intersection when left goes to the Grand Loop Trail
[ 2.45] At T-intersection turn right on the yellow-blazed Grand Parade Trail
[ 2.90] At parking lot keep right on yellow towards the Aqueduct Trail; at the Aqueduct information board keep right across bridge when yellow goes left; keep right at fork when Aqueduct Stop B goes left; at fork at sign post #54 keep right and cross foot bridge straight ahead when green/Patriots Path comes in from larger bridge on the left
[ 3.15] At fork keep left when Patriots Path goes right up steps; Aqueduct Trail is unblazed but is well-defined and easy to follow
[ 3.30] At Aqueduct Stop N keep right on foot path when woods road is to the left
[ 3.40] After crossing foot bridge, trail makes sharp left turn and follows bank of creek; cross several more foot bridges and boardwalks
[ 3.75] At end of trail at stone well (?) turn left, cross bridge, proceed up to intersection at clearing and turn around to see three trails converge - the far right is the Aqueduct Trail you just came off of, take the far left trail that says "To Grand Loop Trail .1 mile"
[ 3.80] Cross over paved Sugarloaf Road
[ 3.85] Turn left on white-blazed Grand Loop Trail
[ 4.25] Turn left at sign towards park office when the white Grand Loop Trail continues straight towards the New Jersey Brigade
[ 4.30] Cross wide bridge, paved road, wide bridge and continue on unmarked horse trail
[ 4.60] Cross through Visitor Center parking lot, walk around Visitor Center and follow red paved path towards Wick Farm; continue through Wick Farm past barn towards old hut
[ 5.05] Turn right on yellow-blazed trail at old hut
[ 5.20] Keep right on yellow when unmarked goes left
[ 5.30] Keep left on yellow Grand Parade Trail when right goes to Jockey Hollow Road
[ 5.70] When the yellow trail comes up on paved Jockey Hollow Road at a trail intersection, turn right and cross over Jockey Hollow Road to the red-blazed Primrose Brook Trail slightly to the left before the bridge
[ 5.90] Turn right for "Long Loop" when "Short Loop" goes left
[ 6.25] Straight on red when white/Patriots Path cross over
[ 6.50] Straight on red when white crosses over; rock up over creek - a few steps later there is another rock hop back to the other side but the rocks were too far under the water - if you keep straight along the left bank, you can pick up the trail when crosses back over again a short distance ahead
[ 6.85] Turn right on paved Jockey Hollow Road a short distance then right on the blue-blazed Old Camp Road Trail/Patriots Path
[ 7.15] Keep straight on blue when the white-blazed Grand Loop Trail comes in from left; cross bridge, white-blazed trail leaves to the right
[ 7.45] Keep left on blue trail just before a yellow house (trail now called Mount Kemble Loop Trail)
[ 7.55] Keep right on blue as unmarked goes straight
[ 7.80] Keep left on blue when unmarked goes right
[ 8.00] View to right at open field at Stark's Brigade
[ 8.20] Straight at black metal gate when unmarked crosses over
[ 8.35] Turn left through black metal gate to stay on blue-blazed Mount Kimble Loop Trail as unmarked goes straight
[ 8.50] Stay right on blue when unmarked goes left
[ 8.60] Stay left on blue when unmarked comes in from right
[ 8.70] Left on blue/white when white goes right
[ 8.75] Pond and bench on left
[ 8.80] Right on blue towards NY Brigade Parking Lot when white goes left
[ 9.10] Back at parking lot

Hook Mountain and Nyack Beach State Park, NY

2012-01-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARKS:
Hook Mountain/Nyack Beach Bikeway - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Nyack Beach State Park - Palisades Parks Conservancy
Hook Mountain State Park - Palisades Parks Conservancy
The Long Path, Nyack to Long Clove Section - NY/NJ Trail Conference
So there is no confusion regarding hunting, as of 1/13/2011 the Rockland County Parks Department confirmed that there is no hunting allowed in any parks in Rockland County. In some of the pictures my dog has her blaze orange vest on because it is insulated and it was a very cold and windy day, not because we were hiking where hunting is allowed.

DIRECTIONS:

GPS Coordinates 41.120856, -73.910937

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Nyack Beach Parking - seasonal fee charged. No fee in winter but per sign on gate, road to parking lot can be gated in the winter since road is not plowed.

TRAIL MAPS:
Hudson Palisades Trails Maps 110 and 111 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE: 12.55 miles
Click here for NY/NJ Trail Conference 6 miles option from Rockland Lake State Park.

PEAK BAGGING:
Hook Mountain - Peakery.com

THE HIKE:

Start on the bike path at the far end of the parking lot.

The bike path follows along the Hudson River.

Looking back towards the Tappan Zee Bridge

Cliffs along the bike path.

Keep right when the trail splits 1.5 miles into the hike. The trail will become more hilly and rockier. This section was closed after Hurricane Irene but has reopened and is in good shape. (For the 6 mile version, veer left towards Rockland Lake.)

A memorial bench for Colleen Murphy and her dog Jemma who fell off the cliff to their deaths in February 2011.

Click here for the news coverage.

Watch for bald eagles flying over and scan the tops of the trees up on the cliffs to maybe spot one watching you.

At the old stone building, watch for the beginning of the white-blazed Treason Trail which leads up to the Long Path for the return trip along the tops of the cliffs.

The white-blazed trail switchbacks up steeply on loose rocks.

A train coming out of the tunnel under the mountain.

The Hudson and the bike path below come into view.

The aqua-blazed long path leads back along the top of the mountains. Expect to ascend and descend several times over the rolling mountaintops.

The Long Path passes the Wells Family Burial Ground from the mid 1800's.

Several views along the way.

The Tappan Zee Bridge

Looking south down the Hudson River

Rockland Lake from up above.

New York City

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Begin on bike trail at end of parking lot
[ 1.20] Trail becomes paved and ascends
[ 1.45] Keep right on Haverstraw Trail when trail to Rockland Lake goes left
[ 1.80] Unmarked trail merges in from left
[ 2.30] Memorial bench on left
[ 4.25] Trail turns to pavement, old stone building on right, turn left on white at end of stone building
[ 4.65] At end of white trail, turn left on aqua-blazed Long Path
[ 4.90] Long Path follows along ridge
[ 7.05] At stone wall, Rockland Lake on right, cliff above memorial bench to left
[ 8.00] Wells Family Burial Grounds on left; trail descends to Rockland Lake State Park parking lot; keep straight through parking lot
[ 8.30] At fork, veer left on unmarked to view when aqua goes right
[ 8.45] View; retrace
[ 8.60] Back at intersection, left on aqua
[ 8.90] Unmarked trail not on map merges in from left
[ 9.75] Keep left on aqua as unmarked woods road forks to the right
[10.00] Short unmarked side trail to left to overlook
[10.30] Open, rocky summit of Hook Mountain
[10.80] Keep left when unmarked goes right (yellow on map but did not see blazes)
[11.50] Left on white when aqua continues straight
[11.85] Cross small creek on boards
[11.95] Left on paved road
[12.00] Right on Larchdale Road
[12.20] Left at stop sign when road ends; right at park tollbooth
[12.55] Back at parking lot

Silas Condict Park, Morris County, NJ

2012-01-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Silas Condict Park - Morris County Park Commission

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.003998, -74.384424

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Park in the second marking lot. I made a U-turn before parking putting the trail head just beyond my car right before the gravel road.

TRAIL MAPS:
Silas Condict Park - Morris County Park Commission
Silas Condict County Park Trail Map - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE: 3 miles

THE HIKE:
This hike is simply then entire white-blazed trail, which is very well marked, then connecting back to the beginning by walking around Canty's Lake and the Casino. The hike in the opposite direction starting at the other trail head is written up here.

View of Canty's Lake and the Casino from bench at beginning of the white-blazed trail.

Trout Brook

Hike by several huge rock formations.

Kakeout Reservoir?

The trail passes through a rock tunnel.

View to the west.

An attractive pine grove at the top of a mountain.

Nice seasonal views all along the higher elevations.

View to the east.

End of the trail (or beginning if going in the opposite direction). Go right for short paths to lake or left towards Casino to return to car.

Walking around Canty's Lake and the Casino back to the parking lot.

Shohola Falls, PA in State Game Lands 180

2012-01-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Shohola Recreation Area - Discover Pike PA

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.390598, -74.969041

View Larger Map

Although there are many parking lots, this one was open on a Sunday in winter when others were gated. Trails for the falls are accessed directly from this parking lot.

TRAIL MAPS:
I found it helpful to have both of these maps as they differ slightly. Trails are not marked or maintained. Expect to have to maneuver through some blow downs. Even though maps show trail names, no signs exist with these names. The trails along the falls are not shown on the maps and several paths branch off. It is pretty obvious where to go once there and hard to get lost since the lake is always nearby and makes a great reference point.
State Game Lands 180 - Pike County, PA
State Game Lands 180 - Pennsylvania Game Commission

HIKE DISTANCE:
Shohola Falls - Overlook Tower - Chucks Trail and Horseshoe Trail: 8 miles
Shohola Falls - Overlook Tower: about 4 miles
Shohola Falls only: about 1.5 miles

THE HIKE:
For orientation purposes:

Heading west, turn left before the Route 6 bridge towards Shohola Falls Inn (A) to paved the parking lot; Come out from the falls/gorge trail in the small gravel lot (b); Cross to the other side of Shohola Creek via the Route 6 bridge (c)

From the parking lot, facing the dam, take the trail at the right corner of the lot where my dog is to get to the lower falls.

Descend on a series of wooden steps.

Shohola Falls after descending steps.

Retrace from this point back to the parking lot. (From what I read, the icy section is slippery even when there is no ice but the trail does not continue on the other side so you have to go back to get to the upper level.

Back at the parking lot, walk a few steps along the left side (with your back to the dam) and look for paths going into the woods that will run parallel to Shohola Creek up above the gorge.

A view of the lower level steps from the upper level trail.

The trail will follow on a ledge with a steep drop down into the gorge through a beautiful hemlock forest.

Come out into a small gravel parking area, walk around the guardrail and turn left to cross over Shohola Creek on the Route 6 bridge.

A view of the gorge from the Route 6 bridge.

Keep walking along Route 6 a short distance to the end of the guardrail and turn left. You might see faint paths in this area but if not, it's a short distance before coming out on a wide grassy clearing with an overlook to the left. On your way to the overlook, note where to access the trail for the other side of the falls on your way:

The overlook is at the split rail fencing to the far left, my dog is sitting at the entrance of the trail which is about half way between the overlook and the utility pole. It is obstructed by a blow down. I broke away as many branches as I could to make it a little more obvious.

The trail will follow a fence along the other side of the gorge heading upstream back towards the falls and dam.

Another series of steps lead to a stone walled overlook at the other side of the falls.

Beyond the dam trails, the service road and woods roads lead to an observation deck.

View from the observation deck.

Entrance to Chucks Trail (not marked) from the gravel service road.

The named paths on the maps which are not signed by name in the game lands, are grassy woods road, sometimes very swampy.

A nice view of Shohola Lake and the countryside descending on the Horseshoe Trail.

Shohola Lake

Return to the parking lot by crossing the bridge on Route 6, turning right into the gravel parking lot, then accessing the trail at the left side of the fence.

Follow the trail along the upper rim of the gorge through the hemlock forest.

Shohola Falls from the upper trail.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Take the trail from the right corner of the parking lot facing the dam; descend step to bottom of falls, at end of trail retrace back to parking lot. Take path into woods from parking lot to left and follow upper trail along ridge above gorge through hemlock forest
[ 0.35] Trail ends at gravel parking lot, turn right to end of guardrail, turn left on Route 6 and cross over bridge continuing to end of guardrail
[ 0.50] Turn left at end of guardrail and continue briefly through woods to clearing then veer left to overlook at fence; retrace a few steps and turn left on path before utility pole
[ 0.60] Keep to the right along fence and down steps to falls overlook
[ 0.75] Falls overlook; retrace a few steps then go up steps to the left continuing towards dam; at dam veer right across open area on mowed path
[ 1.00] At paved parking lot, turn left and walk along pavement
[ 1.10] Turn left at picnic and trail sign opposite parking lot entrance on right; at clearing turn right on path into woods at "boating" sign
[ 1.30] Turn left at T-intersection (right goes back to paved road); at paved boat ramp, turn right, proceed a few steps then turn left on path into woods
[ 1.50] Left at fork
[ 1.75] Trail veers slightly away from lake, come out at clearing behind yellow game commission building, continue right on gravel road passing the yellow building, at the gravel service road, turn left
[ 2.20] Turn left at the woods road (Hill Trail on Game Commission map) - if you miss this, the next woods road has a "observation tower" sign and you can turn left there also
[ 2.40] Observation tower; descending tower steps, continue straight then turn left on the woods road; turn left at next woods road
[ 2.65] Continue through clearing to gravel service road; turn left on gravel road (turn right if only hiking out to observation tower)
[ 2.80] Gravel parking lot on right and boat launch on left (shown on map); continue on gravel road through gates
[ 3.20] Gravel road crosses creek (shown on Pike County map, not game lands map)
[ 3.45] At top of hill as gravel road levels out, turn right on grassy woods road (Chucks Trail on both maps)
[ 3.85] Trail veers left and becomes somewhat more narrow
[ 4.05] Turn left at T-intersection (Horseshoe Trail) (shown as 4-way intersection on maps)
[ 4.30] At next T-intersection turn left; as trail descends view of Shohola Lake ahead
[ 4.70] Turn left on gravel service road
[ 4.80] Parking lot on right (shown on map)
[ 4.85] Pass Chucks Trail on left
[ 5.10] Gravel road crosses creek
[ 5.70] Continue through gates with gravel parking lot on left and boat launch on right
[ 6.10] Straight on gravel road at observation trail sign on right
[ 6.70] Continue as gravel road becomes paved at yellow building on right
[ 6.95] Turn right on paved road at Shohola Falls sign
[ 7.00] As pavement widens into parking lot watch on left for trail into woods; turn left and follow trail through picnic tables - trail branches off, keep along contour of lake
[ 7.30] Continue right around dam on mowed grass path towards falls trails
[ 7.45] Falls overlook; turn around and go up steps to right
[ 7.60] Go through clearing then through woods briefly towards guardrail and turn right on Route 6 and cross bridge; turn right at other end of guardrail then right again into gravel parking lot; take trail to left of wooden fence along hemlock gorge
[ 8.00] Back at parking lot

Appalachian Trail: Tom Lowe Trail, Eagle's Nest, Sand Spring

2012-01-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
The BMECC Section of The Appalachian Trail - Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club
Out on the Trail - The Reading Eagle

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.537671, -76.123345

View Larger Map

Parking on either side of road just before gate.

TRAIL MAPS:
PA Appalachian Trail Map Sec. 1-6: Delaware Water Gap to Swatara Gap - Keystone Trails Association
Pennsylvania State Game Lands 110A - Pennsylvania Game Commission (does not show trail to Eagle Nest shelter)

HIKE DISTANCES:
Tom Lowe Trail - AT - Eagle's Nest - Eagle's Nest Shelter - Sand Spring: 11 miles
Tom Lowe Trail - AT - Eagle's Nest - Sand Spring: 9 miles
Tom Lowe Trail - Sand Spring: 5 miles

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:
TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1191.9 to 1193.6

THE HIKE:

First rock hop crossing over Northkill Creek.

Several more creek crossings along the way.

The orange-blazed Tom Lowe Trail ascends a gorge through hemlock forests.

A tricky creek crossing in the gorge - the logs are slippery so finding a rock hop a little up stream seems to work better.

Climb up out of the gorge steeply on rocks.

At the top, the last part of the Tom Lowe Trail is flat.

The Tom Lowe Trail ends at Sand Spring. Left on the blue-blazed Sand Spring Trail leads to the Appalachian Trail. Right on the Sand Spring Trail returns to the parking lot.

The Appalachian Trail leads to the Eagle's Nest Trail which is almost flat until the end just before the overlook.

Rock scramble to Eagle's Nest Overlook.

View south from Eagle's Nest Overlook.

A service road which is used for snowmobiling from January 15 through April 1and runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail can be taken as an alternate route to the Eagle's Nest Shelter.

Blue-blazed side trail off the Appalachian Trail towards the Eagle's Nest Shelter and a view north.

Eagle's Nest Shelter

Continue a short distance beyond the shelter to the end of the blue trail for a view north.

The Sand Spring Trail is very rocky and full of roots for a while.

The Sand Spring Trail follows along the spring-fed creek and crosses over several times.

Waterfalls along the Sand Spring Trail.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Walk back along the road the way you drove in to the start of the orange-blazed Tom Lowe Memorial Trail. If trailhead is inaccessible due to blow down, continue along the road until you can cut over as trail runs between road and Northkill Creek
[ 0.20] Rock hop over Northkill Creek
[ 1.30] Trail turn right on woods road
[ 1.35] Keep straight towards clearing (old gravel quarry) when woods road goes right
[ 1.50] Cross creek and be careful to follow orange trail to left when, faded white blaze trail goes straight
[ 1.60] Trail makes sharp right turn at old Tom Lowe sign on tree (If you keep straight here, trail becomes difficult to follow even though there are orange blazes but they are sloppy orange blazes, not the neatly painted blazes of the correct trail.)
[ 2.00] Trail goes slightly uphill through gorge
[ 2.30] Cross over creek either on logs or find rock hop
[ 2.60] Trail veers to right away from gorge and begins to ascend steeply on rocks
[ 2.80] Trail flattens out at top of climb
[ 3.10] Tom Lowe Trail ends at Sand Spring; turn right on blue-blazed Sand Spring Trail
[ 3.30] Left on white-blazed Appalachian Trail when blue Sand Spring Trail goes straight
[ 4.15] Stretch of very rocky trail
[ 4.40] Turn left on blue-blazed Eagles Nest Trail
[ 5.40] Rock scramble to Eagles Nest Overlook; retrace
[ 6.40] Straight on blue Eagles Nest Trail when white-blazed Appalachian Trail crosses over
[ 6.70] Turn right on gravel service road with sporadic orange diamond blazes
[ 7.20] Keep straight on gravel service road when blue-blazed Sand Spring Trail goes right
[ 7.70] Turn left on white-blazed Appalachian Trail
[ 7.80] Left on blue-blazed trail to Eagles Nest Shelter
[ 8.00] Trail turn sharply left downhill to cross stream then turns right uphill
[ 8.10] Continue beyond Eagles Nest Shelter following blue blazes downhill to view; retrace
[ 8.50] Turn right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail
[ 8.60] Keep straight on Appalachian Trail crossing over gravel service road
[ 9.20] Left on blue-blazed Sand Spring Trail
[ 9.35] At Sand Spring keep straight on the blue-blazed Sand Spring Trail when orange-blazed Tom Lowe Trail goes right
[ 9.60] Keep left on blue when unmarked goes right, several creek crossings
[ 9.80] Trail veers away from creek and becomes less rocky, gradually descends
[10.85] Turn right on gravel service road
[ 11.00] Back at parking

Bear Mountain State Park, NY - Appalachian Trail to Hessian Lake

2011-12-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Bear Mountain State Park - Palisades Park Conservancy
Bear Mountain State Park - NY State Office of Parks and Recreation
Rebuilt Section of Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain - NY/NJ Trail Conference

DIRECTIONS:

GPS Coordinates 41.304258, -74.01571

View Larger Map

A narrow paved drive leads from Seven Lakes Drive to a hiker parking lot with room for about 10 cars. This is a no fee parking lot where fees are charged for other Bear Mountain State Park lots.

TRAIL MAP:
Northern Harriman Bear Mountain Trails Map #119 - NY/NJ Trail Conference
Bear Mountain Day Hikes Map (free map) - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE: 8 miles

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:
TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1379.7 to 1383.4

PEAK BAGGING:
Bear Mountain - Peakery.com

THE HIKE:
During the winter Perkins Memorial Drive to the top of Bear Mountain is closed so there is no traffic and no crowds.

Facing the barrier at the end of the parking lot, turn left on the 1777W Trail which will merge with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and left just before the Appalachian Trail crosses over Seven Lakes Drive.

The Appalachian Trail ascends Bear Mountain on foot paths, old paved roads and steps.

The mountains of Harriman State Park from the Appalachian Trail.

The Hudson Valley from Bear Mountain.

The Appalachian Trail is handicapped accessible at the top of Bear Mountain.

Perkins Tower

The New York City skyline from in front of Perkins Tower.

A deer on Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain Bridge seen descending on the Appalachian Trail.

Hessian Lake

A Pileated Woodpecker near Hessian Lake.

The ice skating rink is visible from the yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Facing barrier at end of lot, turn left on 1777W trail
[ 0.10] White-blazed AT joins in from right
[ 0.20] Left on white-blazed AT when 1777W trail leaves to the right
[ 0.25] Cross Seven Lakes Drive
[ 0.80] Cross paved Perkins Memorial Drive (closed in winter)
[ 0.85] AT changes from woods road to old paved road
[ 1.10] AT leaves old paved road to left up steps
[ 1.65] Keep straight when the blue-blazed short cut trail goes right
[ 2.00] AT becomes handicapped accessible; keep straight on AT when shortcut to Major Welch trail goes left
[ 2.30] Perkins Tower
[ 2.65] Cross paved Perkins Memorial Drive
[ 2.95] Turn right at Perkins Memorial Drive and follow road
[ 3.20] At circle, AT leaves to the right
[ 4.20] At bottom of steps, AT follows old gravel/paved road to the left
[ 4.35] Yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail comes in from right; turn left on red circle on white Major Welch Trail
[ 4.70] Major Welch Trail leaves paved path to the left, keep straight on paved path around Hessian Lake
[ 5.55] Appalachian Trail comes in from the left and continues on paved lake path
[ 5.75] Left on yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail when white-blazed AT goes right
[ 6.05] Rock hop over creek
[ 6.60] Cross Seven Lakes Drive
[ 7.20] Yellow trail turns right at Doodletown map sign; few steps ahead keep right on 1777W when yellow goes left
[ 7.75] Appalachian Trail joins 1777W from the right
[ 7.90] Appalachian Trail leaves 1777W to the left
[ 8.00] Back at parking lot

Mountainside Park, Pequannock, NJ

2011-12-26T17:54:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Pequannock Received Grants for Mountainside Park Improvements - NorthJersey.com

Although the park sign says no dogs are allowed, the township web site says dogs are allowed. The Director of Parks and Recreation did confirm via email that leashed dogs are allowed in the park.

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 40.971152, -74.325497

View Larger Map

Parking for about 7 cars.

TRAIL MAP:
Mountainside Park Free Trail Map - NY/NJ Trail Conference
Jersey Highlands Central North Region Trail Map 125 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE: 3.7 miles

THE HIKE:

The blue-blazed trail starts up the steps next to the kiosk at the far end of the parking lot.

I-287 below provides traffic noise which eventually decreases in volume.

The blue trail leads to the mountaintop in the distance.

Bridge crossing at boy scout shelter.

A bench off to the side along the way overlooking I-287.

At the top of the mountain where white, yellow and blue trails come together, 360 degree views.

Looking back at the mountaintop overlook after descending.

Just before the parking lot the red trail follows along a creek as a woods road.

The end of the red trail at the parking lot and I-287.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Take the blue trail up the wooden steps next to the kiosk at the far end of parking lot
[ 0.20] Keep right on blue/red when red joins in from the left
[ 0.25] Keep left on blue when red leaves to the right
[ 0.65] Left on orange when blue goes right (random blue blazes along this trail also)
[ 0.80] Cross bridge towards shelter on orange/blue when blue joins in from the right; keep left on blue when orange continues straight
[ 0.95] Straight on blue as orange crosses over at gravel road
[ 1.20] Keep left on blue where bench sits off to the right
[ 1.40] Kiosk and benches at 360 degree overlook; continue on yellow trail at opposite side of kiosk
[ 1.80] Keep straight on yellow as orange crosses over as woods road
[ 1.90] Keep left on yellow/orange as orange comes in from the right
[ 2.00] Stay on yellow/orange across bridge over creek
[ 2.25] Turn right on orange when yellow leaves to the left; red joins in from left
[ 2.30] Continue on orange/red crossing pipline
[ 2.45] At bench turn left on red when orange goes straight towards boardwalk
[ 3.05] At bench turn left on orange when red/orange goes right
[ 3.35] Bench on left
[ 3.55] At woods road turn left on red along creek
[ 3.70] Cross metal gate back to parking lot

Ringwood State Park, NJ - Cooper Union and Manor Trails

2011-12-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Ringwood State Park - NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Ringwood Manor - The Forges and Manor of Ringwood

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.130536, -74.241810

View Larger Map

Paved parking lot by bridge with room for about 5 cars. This is a free parking area - seasonal fees are charged to park in most other lots.

TRAIL MAP:
North Jersey Trails Map 115 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCES:
Cooper Union Trail - 5.9 miles
Manor Trail Loop - 6.3 miles
Cooper Union Trail and Manor Trail Loop - 11.4 miles

THE HIKE:

Start on the white-blazed Crossover Trail at the other side of the bridge from the parking area.

At the beginning of the white trail there were huge blowdowns with berries and a ton of birds that stayed to be photographed. (White-throated Sparrow and female Cardinal)

Another find on the yellow-blazed Cooper Union Trail

The Cooper Union Trail splits and loops back around in 1.6 miles. To the left is steeper than straight.

The Cooper Union Trail ascends Governor Mountain.

View from the Cooper Union Trail.

On the combined white/red rectangle on white trail, cross Sloatsburg Road, hop guardrail then proceed across two bridges over Ringwood River towards the parking lot.

Walk along the park road towards Ringwood Manor

Ringwood Manor

Although there are no yellow trail blazes for a while, the trail continues beyond Ringwood Manor between the free standing gates.

Old cemetery on the left off of the blue-blazed Manor Trail.

The blue-blazed Manor Trail starts out as an unattractive gravel road but turns into a pleasant foot trail with several creek crossings.

Seasonal views from Cupsaw Mountain

HIKE SUMMARIES:

Cooper Union and Manor Combined
0.00    From parking lot walk along road across bridge; turn right on white-blazed Crossover Trail just after bridge
0.30    Left on white/yellow when the yellow-blazed Cooper Union Trail comes in from the right
0.40    Keep left on yellow when right leaves to the right
0.45    Cross paved Morris Road
0.55    Keep straight when unmarked trail not on map comes in from left
0.80    Cross pipeline
0.85    Keep right on yellow when unmarked comes in from left (make note of this intersection for return route - very easy to miss going the other way)
   Be sure to stay on yellow as it intersects with several unmarked trails along the way
1.00    Cross small creek on a log
1.70    Rock hop over creek
1.85    Cross paved Carletondale Road
2.00    Cross creek on small bridge, building on left
2.10    Turn left at trail split (left side is steeper than right side if you prefer steeper ascent and more gradual descent)
2.80    Short side trail to left to view
2.95    View to left at top of steep ascent
3.70    Keep straight on yellow at completion of loop
3.80    Cross creek on small bridge, building on right
3.95    Cross paved Carletondale Road
4.85    Cross small creek on a log
5.00    Yellow trail turns left at blowdown - easy to miss
5.10    Cross pipeline
5.45    Cross paved Morris Road
5.50    Left on white when white/yellow goes right
6.00    Left on white/red rectangle on white as red rectangle on white comes in from left; cross Sloatsburg Road, hop guardrail, cross two bridges
6.05    Turn left on paved road and walk on road parallel to creek
6.15    Keep left on pavement at yield sign
6.30    At DO NOT ENTER sign straight ahead, turn right between 2 pillars towards parking lot and large tree with 3 yellow blazes; turn left at tree towards mansion
           No yellow blazes in mansion area but continue straight beyond mansion between 2 free standing iron gates; blazes pick up again after crossing creek on gravel road; after crossing creek turn left on blue when yellow goes right
6.65    Old cemetery on left
7.00    Blue trail turn right on gravel road other side of gate
7.30    At house on left, blue trail leaves gravel road to the right on woods road
7.80    Blue trail turns right and crosses woods road just to the right of a power cut
8.10    Blue trail turn right at creek and follows creek
8.15    Rock hop to left over creek
8.20    Straight on blue when yellow crosses over
8.60    Cross swampy area on log then rock hop over creek
8.70    Rock hop over 2 creeks
9.00    At woods road turn left on white when blue goes right
9.25    White trail rejoins woods road
9.45    White trail leaves woods road to the right
10.05    White trail ends at parking lot, take white/red rectangle on white trail across 2 bridges, hop guardrail, cross Sloatsburg Road
10.20    Turn left on red rectangle on white as white goes right
10.45    At top of ascent, turn right on yellow when red rectangle on white goes left
10.75    Rock outcrop with seasonal view to left as yellow trail turns right
10.95    Keep right at large boy scout sign when blue goes left
11.00    Left on white when white/yellow goes right
11.40    Back at parking

Cooper Union Trail Only:
0.00    From parking lot walk along road across bridge; turn right on white-blazed Crossover Trail just after bridge
0.30    Left on white/yellow when the yellow-blazed Cooper Union Trail comes in from the right
0.40    Keep left on yellow when right leaves to the right
0.45    Cross paved Morris Road
0.55    Keep straight when unmarked trail not on map comes in from left
0.80    Cross pipeline
0.85    Keep right on yellow when unmarked comes in from left (make note of this intersection for return route - very easy to miss going the other way)
           Be sure to stay on yellow as it intersects with several unmarked trails along the way
1.00    Cross small creek on a log
1.70    Rock hop over creek
1.85    Cross paved Carletondale Road
2.00    Cross creek on small bridge, building on left
2.10    Turn left at trail split (left side is steeper than right side if you prefer steeper ascent and more gradual descent)
2.80    Short side trail to left to view
2.95    View to left at top of steep ascent
3.70    Keep straight on yellow at completion of loop
3.80    Cross creek on small bridge, building on right
3.95    Cross paved Carletondale Road
4.85    Cross small creek on a log
5.00    Yellow trail turns left at blowdown - easy to miss
5.10    Cross pipeline
5.45    Cross paved Morris Road
5.50    Right on yellow/white when white goes left
5.60    Right on white when yellow leaves to the left
5.90    Back at parking lot

Manor Trail Loop Only:
0.00    From parking lot walk along road across bridge; turn right on white-blazed Crossover Trail just after bridge
0.30    Left on white/yellow when the yellow-blazed Cooper Union Trail comes in from the right
0.40    Right on white when yellow goes left
0.90    Left on white/red rectangle on white as red rectangle on white comes in from left; cross Sloatsburg Road, hop guardrail, cross two bridges
0.95    Turn left on paved road and walk on road parallel to creek
1.05    Keep left on pavement at yield sign
1.20    At DO NOT ENTER sign straight ahead, turn right between 2 pillars towards parking lot and large tree with 3 yellow blazes; turn left at tree towards mansion
           No yellow blazes in mansion area but continue straight beyond mansion between 2 free standing iron gates; blazes pick up again after crossing creek on gravel road; after crossing creek turn left on blue when yellow goes right
1.55    Old cemetery on left
1.90    Blue trail turn right on gravel road other side of gate
2.10    At house on left, blue trail leaves gravel road to the right on woods road
2.70    Blue trail turns right and crosses woods road just to the right of a power cut
3.00    Blue trail turn right at creek and follows creek
3.05    Rock hop to left over creek
3.10    Straight on blue when yellow crosses over
3.50    Cross swampy area on log then rock hop over creek
3.60    Rock hop over 2 creeks
3.90    At woods road turn left on white when blue goes right
4.15    White trail rejoins woods road
4.35    White trail leaves woods road to the right
4.95    White trail ends at parking lot, take white/red rectangle on white trail across 2 bridges, hop guardrail, cross Sloatsburg Road
5.10    Turn left on red rectangle on white as white goes right
5.35    At top of ascent, turn right on yellow when red rectangle on white goes left
5.65    Rock outcrop with seasonal view to left as yellow trail turns right
5.85    Keep right at large boy scout sign when blue goes left
5.90    Left on white when white/yellow goes right
6.30    Back at parking

Wells Mills Park, Ocean County, NJ

2011-12-23T16:03:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Wells Mills Park - Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 39.795622, -74.276569

View Larger Map

TRAIL MAP:
Wells Mills County Park Trail Map - Ocean County Parks Department

HIKE DISTANCE: 8.4 miles

THE HIKE:

The park requires hikers to sign the trail register. The latch is up underneath the top of the trail register box - the door with the handle comes down

Although hunting is not allowed in this park, the trails are closed certain days due to hunting on neighboring properties. Call 609-971-3085 to check. This picture shows 2011 dates.

Beginning of the Penns Hill Trail between the Visitor Center and Wells Mills Lake.

Wells Mills Lake

The Penns Hill Trail winds along Wells Mills Lake through cedar forests.

Many bridges and boardwalks lead over swampy areas and they can be very slippery when wet or icy.

Hilly terrain in the otherwise flat Pine Barrens.

Pine trees of the Pine Barrens.

Bench at Penns Hill summit.

Fence crossing where yellow/green/white trails merge together.

Combined white/green/yellow trails.

Bridge over Oyster Creek.

Oyster Creek

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Start white-blazed Penns Hill Trail other side of Visitor's Center
[ 0.30] Straight on white over foot bridge when blue goes right
[ 0.40] Keep straight on white when yellow/green crossed over
[ 0.45] Cross unmarked sand road
[ 1.15] Cross unmarked trail
[ 1.85] Two mile marker
[ 2.00] Cross unmarked sand road
[ 2.50] Summit of Penns Hill at bench
[ 2.80] Laurel Hill
[ 3.50] White joins green and yellow to the right on sand road other side of fence
[ 3.60] White/yellow/green turns sharply left at scout reservation
[ 3.80] Cross Oyster Creek on bridge
[ 3.85] Trails veer left when woods road comes in from right
[ 4.00] White leaves as foot path to left when green/yellow continue on sand road between park signs
[ 4.70] Five mile marker
[ 6.00] Cross over yellow/green
[ 6.40] Cross woods road
[ 6.70] Seven mile marker
[ 7.60] Cross woods road
[ 8.20] White turn right on woods road joining green/yellow
[ 8.30] Cross wide bridge over Oyster Creek
[ 8.35] Keep straight on white/yellow/green as pink Cold Brook Trail goes right; Wells Mill Lake on left
[ 8.40] Visitor Center

Millers Pond State Park, CT

2011-12-18T18:20:00.001-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Millers Pond State Park - Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Mettabasset Trail - Connecticut Forest & Park Assn. Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.480454, -72.629223

View Larger Map

TRAIL MAP:
Millers Pond State Park Trail Map - Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

HIKE DISTANCE: 10 miles - shorter or longer loops possible

THE HIKE:

This hike starts on the red-blazed trail at the right side of the parking lot. This is an 8+ mile multi-use loop trail around the park with a lot of mountain bike ramps and several stream crossings

This was not an issue on a Sunday but something to keep in mind. This sign was along the northwestern section of the red-blazed trail.

Millers Pond comes into view shortly before turning on the blue-blazed Mattabasset Trail.

The blue-blazed Messabasset Trail has some steep sections with rock scrambles.

Just before Bear Rock overlook, a sign for the Bear Rock Bypass Trail.

View from Bear Rock on the Mattabasset Trail.

As an alternative to finishing the loop on the red-blazed trail, other trails lead to Millers Pond for a change of scenery.

Millers Pond

The white-blazed trail, joined with the blue-blazed Mattabasset Trail before it veers off, follows around Millers Pond.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Start on red trail right side of parking lot
[ 0.50] Straight on red when red/white goes left
[ 0.80] Straight on red when red/white goes left; left on unmarked briefly
[ 0.90] Red picks back up to the right
[ 4.60] Right on the blue Messabasset Trail when red goes straight
[ 5.20] Cross over woods road
[ 5.70] Bear Rock overlook uphill just after bypass trail on the left; retrace
[ 6.20] Cross over woods road
[ 6.80] Right on red when blue goes straight
for 7.75 mile hike keep straight on blue to right on blue/white to white
[ 8.60] Left on red/white when red goes straight
[ 9.40] Right on blue/white at Millers Pond
[ 9.80] Keep straight on white when blue leaves to the right
[10.00] Back at parking lot

Hickory Run State Park, PA - Shades of Death to Lehigh Gorge Overlook (Southern Section)

2011-12-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Hickory Run State Park - Pennsylvania DCNR
The History of Hickory Run - Pennsylvania DCNR (see "Boom Time" for history of this section)

DIRECTIONS:
Parking at Park Office: GPS Coordinates 41.024565, -75.709790

View Larger Map

TRAIL MAPS:
Hickory Run State Park Trail Map - Pennsylvania DCNR
Hickory Run State Park Campground Map - needed to navigate through campground on Beach Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 10.5 miles

THE HIKE:

The Shades of Death Trail begins from the parking lot opposite the park office and follows along scenic Hickory Run.

A dam along Hickory Run.

Steam was rising from the cascades and freezing on the tree branches above since the temperature was in the teens and the water was still warmer than the air temperature.

Scenic Hickory Run

The Shades of Death Trail is blazed in yellow but in this park blazes are not used to distinguish trails, rather to distinguish uses. Yellow is for hikers only and blue is for cross country skiing. Orange is for snowmobiles but there are no orange trails in this section. Signs at intersections identify trails by names.

Use the campground map to navigate the Beach Trail which is not blazed at all but references camp site numbers.

A rock hop on the Sand Spring Trail.

A blue blaze indicating this trail may be used for cross country skiing.

Sometimes the blue blazes are plastic diamonds.

The Pine Hill Trail starts out as a blue-blazed woods road...

... then becomes a hiker only yellow-blazed foot path.

The Pine Hill Trail ends at the Fireline Trail at the gazebo and railroad tracks; turn right here to continue on the FIreline Trail. But almost immediately turn right on the Sand Spring Trail because...

... to continue on the Fireline Trail you would need to cross Hickory Run. The water is deep, cold, and there simply is no way to safely cross over. The log to the left does not reach the bank and was covered with snow and ice.

The Sand Spring Trail parallels Hickory Run and lets you cross over on a footbridge.

After crossing the bridge take the Skyline Trail which switchbacks up the side of the mountain.

At the top of the mountain along the Skyline Trail, a HUGE ancient pine tree with a diameter the length of my trekking pole, a good 36+ inches. How did it survive the logging of the 1800's?

Part 2 of the tree since it won't all fit in one picture.

Glimpses of the Lehigh Gorge from the Skyline Trail

At the very tip of the park where the trail sharply turns in the opposite direction, a nice open field with a view of the Lehigh River.

Loop around the Skyline Trail back down the switchback to the Hickory Run Trail following next to Hickory Run.

As a short side trip continue a short distance beyond the park office on Route 534 towards a stone wall on the left. Turn into the woods before the stone wall and climb to the top of the hill to a tranquil and peaceful cemetery with graves of the victims of the October 30, 1849 flood.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Take the Shades of Death Trail over the bridge from parking lot
[ 0.35] Stametz Dam
[ 0.75] Trail veers right over small creek where it looks like it might continue straight
[ 0.80] Trail veers left up wood beam steps up to clearing, continue right then left at fork
[ 0.90] C.C.C. Dam
[ 1.15] Hop guardrail at Route 534, turn right and cross bridge, turn right on Beach Trail just after bridge (no sign)
[ 1.35] Turn right at camp site 152
[ 1.45] Turn right at camp site 158 and proceed between to posts on trail
[ 1.50] Turn right between camp sites 52 and 53 with playground on right
[ 1.55] Turn right at camp site 60
[ 1.65] Turn left at camp site 16 and cross paved road on to Sand Spring Trail (sign at beginning of trail)
[ 1.70] Rock hop over creek
[ 1.80] Left at fork
[ 1.90] Left on Blue Trail
[ 2.35] Long wet section on trail
[ 2.80] Turn right on Pine Hill Trail
[ 3.40] Pine Hill Trail turns right when umarked woods road goes left (not on map)
[ 3.80] Pine Hill Trail turns right uphill along no trespassing area
[ 3.90] Just over rise Pine Hill Trail leaves woods road as hiking only foot path
[ 4.20] Trail crosses over small boulder field
[ 4.35] Rock hop over small creek
[ 5.00] Right on Fireline trail at railroad tracks towards gazebo; right on Sand Spring Trail
[ 5.60] Turn left on Hickory Run Trail when Sand Spring Trail continues straight
[ 5.65] Cross bridge over Hickory Run and turn right
[ 5.75] Turn left on Skyline Trail and switchback up
[ 6.45] Rock hop over Gould's Run and take left fork of Skyline Trail (returning via right fork)
[ 6.60] Cross over Gould Trail staying on Skyline Trail
[ 6.85] Huge pine tree
[ 7.10] Rock hop over wet area and small creek
[ 7.15] Turn right briefly on Fireline Trail then continue left on Skyline Trail
[ 7.50] Left on Skyline Trail as it joins with Fireline Trail as woods road
[ 7.65] View of Lehigh Gorge; continue on trail around bend to the right
[ 7.80] Turn right on Skyline Trail as Fireline Trail continues straight
[ 8.40] Skyline Trail crosses over unmarked trail (not on map)
[ 8.55] Rock hop through we area
[ 8.85] Cross over Gould Trail
[ 8.90] Rock hop over Gould's run to left to retrace first part of Skyline Trail
[ 9.35] Skyline Trail switchbacks down
[ 9.65] At bottom of Skyline Trail, turn left on Hickory Run Trail (no sign)
[10.20] Turn right on Route 534
[10.50] Parking lot at park office

Appalachian Trail: Warwick Turnpike, NJ to Prospect Rock, NY with Cascade Lake Park, NY

2011-12-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Cascade Lake Park - Town of Warwick, NY
Appalachian Trail - NY/NJ Trail Conference

DIRECTIONS:
GPS coordinates for parking on Warwick Turnpike: 41.201500, -74.391610

View Larger Map

Roadside parking on both sides of Warwick Turnpike where the Appalachian Trail crosses over. (room for 8-10 cars)

GPS coordinates for parking on Long House Drive (parking not shown on NY/NJ Trail Conference map): 41.195653, -74.371032

View Larger Map

Roadside parking for about 3-4 cars on east side of Long House Drive where AT follows road before crossing over.

TRAIL MAPS:
North Jersey Trail Map #116 - NY/NJ Trail Conference
Warwick Trail Map (Cascade Lake Park) - Town of Warwick, NY
Some notes about the Cascade Lake Park trail map: This park makes a very nice loop in conjunction with the AT but the map appears to be outdated and not very accurate. The red trail on the map is a woods road with old red blazes. A newer red-blazed trail is a much more attractive footpath that runs along the banks of Long House Creek on both sides. At the southern end of the park red blazes are confusing as they lead to a footbridge as well as through a washed out section of woods road at a creek crossing. Stay with the footbridge in that area and ignore the red blazes to the creek as it is not necessary to climb down into the creek and rock hop over. The orange trail also has yellow blazes initially. When starting on the loop of the orange trail, make note of where you are as multiple intersections along the loop make it confusing remember which one to take back to the red trail. Never did see the yellow, green or aqua trails. The pink trail appears earlier than it should, then meets back up with the blue trail for a while, disappears, then shows up again farther along the blue trail as a woods road crossing over so it appears to run differently than what is shown on the map.

HIKE DISTANCES:
8.5 miles - park on Warwick Turnpike
6.0 miles - park on Long House Drive
Note: My hike was 11.8 miles with exploring other trails in Cascade Park Lake so additional mileage can easily be added.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:
TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1345.2 to 1349.3 (for Warwick Turnpike start)

THE HIKE:

From Warwick Turnpike to Long House Drive, the Appalachian Trail crosses many swamp sections with boards and rock hops.

A creek between Warwick Pike and Long House Drive.

A white blaze of the Appalachian Trail.

A detour of the Appalachian Trail due to the bridge over Long House Creek destroyed by Hurricane Irene.

From the the detour point it would be about 1.2 miles to where the bridge is gone at the creek crossing if you were to stay on the original AT. However, it is only .05 mile from where the detour meets back up with the AT on the other side. So I suggest doing what I did - at this point, follow the detour and on the return trip, go on down to where the AT crosses Long House Creek and determine then if you can get across to follow the original AT back at the end of the hike. If not, you have only gone .05 mile out of your way and can take the detour route back.

Detour along Long House Drive

Detour along paved part of Riverside Drive - residential on right with Long House Creek on left.

Ducks in Long House Creek off of Riverside Drive

Lots of Downy Woodpeckers along Riverside Drive

Riverside Drive becomes a gravel road and continues into Cascade Park beyond where it meets back up with the AT.

Red-blazed trail in Cascade Lake Park following the banks of Long House Creek.

The dam which forms Cascade Lake on Long House Creek.

Cascades spill over the dam at Cascade Lake.

Blue/pink-blazed woods road in Cascade Lake Park.

The blue-blazed trail splits off as a foot path called the Zig Zag Trail and ascends to the Appalachian Trail.

Turn right on the Appalachian Trail to Prospect Rock straight ahead.

From Prospect Rock views of Greenwood Lake, Sterling Forest, NY to the left and NJ to the right.

The AT brings you from New York into New Jersey or you can be in both states at the same time.

A short but steep rock scramble on the AT which some dogs might not find amusing. (She made it down with lots of coaxing and assistance.)

When you reach the detour point keep straight on the AT if you want to take a peak at the creek crossing just over the rise. This is where the bridge was supposed to be.

A short distance to the right are a couple of stable logs across the creek. I did not feel comfortable walking over them (I would have ended up in the creek for sure) so I straddled the logs and scooted over inch by inch.

From the other side, the broken bridge along the bank of the creek.

The AT will come out at the parking spots on Long House Drive. If continuing on to Warwick Turnpike, turn left and walk along Long House Drive for .1 mile watching carefully for the AT going into the woods to the right as blazes will keep going straight along the road for the detour portion. The right turn into the woods will be before the 30 mph curve sign.

HIKE SUMMARY:
8.5 Mile Hike From Warwick Turnpike:
0.00    Head north (east) on AT from Warwick Turnpike roadside parking
0.50    Rock hop over swampy area, boards, bridge over creek
0.65    Cross woods road (not on map)
0.75    Swamp on right, rock hop through wet area, boardwalks
1.15    Boardwalks, rock hop over creek, boardwalks, keep right at fork
1.25    Right on Long House Road
1.80    Turn left on Riverside Drive
2.30    Continue straight when Riverside Drive turns to gravel
2.70    Cross feeder creek with small waterfalls
2.75    Keep straight when AT crosses over
3.05    Turn right on red-blazed trail in Cascade Lake Park; keep straight at footbridge following red-blazed trail along creek bank
3.55    Cascade Lake and waterfalls at dam; left on blue trail beyond waterfalls
3.60    Left on pink, also old green blazes at intersection, blue goes straight, red now gone
3.70    Keep left at intersection
3.75    Cross woods road
3.85    Keep straight when blue joins in from right, not blazed blue/pink
4.10    At fork keep left on blue/pink then keep right when woods road goes left
4.20    At intersection with two woods road, follow blue to left on footpath (well marked)
4.25    Cross woods road blazed pink to the right
4.50    Turn right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail to views at Prospect Rock
4.90    NY/NJ state line and trail register
4.95    Keep straight on AT when blue trail goes left
5.15    Surprise Lake to left as AT turns sharply right
5.20    Keep right on AT when yellow goes left
5.60    Rock hop over creek
5.70    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
5.80    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
5.85    Back at Riverside Drive gravel road detour, cross over and continue on AT
5.90    If bridge out turn right along bank of Long House Creek to logs that can be used to cross creek then left on other side back to AT
6.45    Cross bridge over creek
6.65    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
6.85    AT right right on woods road that comes in from left
6.90    AT leaves woods road to the left
7.05    Turn left on Long House Road at roadside parking
7.15    Cross Long House Road to the right and continue on AT into the woods
7.25    Boardwalks, rock hop over creek, boardwalks
7.35    Keep right on AT at fork
7.85    Cross woods road
8.00    Cross creek on footbridge, cross swamp on boards then rock hop
8.50    Back at car

6.0 Mile Hike from Long House Drive:
0.00    Right on Long House Road
0.10    AT comes in from woods on right
0.75    Turn left on Riverside Drive
1.25    Continue straight when Riverside Drive turns to gravel
1.65    Cross feeder creek with small waterfalls
1.70    Keep straight when AT crosses over
2.00    Turn right on red-blazed trail in Cascade Lake Park; keep straight at footbridge following red-blazed trail along creek bank
2.50    Cascade Lake and waterfalls at dam; turn right on blue-blazed trail (woods road) beyond waterfalls
2.55    Left on pink, also old green blazes at intersection, blue goes straight, red now gone
2.65    Keep left at intersection
2.70    Cross woods road
2.80    Keep straight when blue joins in from right, not blazed blue/pink
3.05    At fork keep left on blue/pink then keep right when woods road goes left
3.15    At intersection with two woods road, follow blue to left on footpath (well marked)
3.20    Cross woods road blazed pink to the right
3.45    Turn right on white-blazed Appalachian Trail to views at Prospect Rock
3.85    NY/NJ state line and trail register
3.90    Keep straight on AT when blue trail goes left
4.10    Surprise Lake to left as AT turns sharply right
4.15    Keep right on AT when yellow goes left
4.55    Rock hop over creek
1.65    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
4.75    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
4.80    Back at Riverside Drive gravel road detour, cross over and continue on AT
4.85    If bridge out turn right along bank of Long House Creek to logs that can be used to cross creek then left on other side back to AT
5.40    Cross bridge over creek
5.60    Cross unmarked woods road (not on map)
5.80    AT right right on woods road that comes in from left
5.85    AT leaves woods road to the left
6.00    Back at car on Long House Road

Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh County, PA

2011-11-27T21:19:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Trexler Nature Preserve - Lehigh County, PA
Texler Nature Preserve - Texler Nature Preserve website
Schlichers Covered Bridge - The Morning Call
Lehigh Valley Zoo - lvzoo.org

DIRECTIONS:
Trexler Environmental Center Parking
GPS Coordinates 40.655541, -75.614718

View Larger Map

TRAIL MAP:
Trexler Nature Preserve Map
This is a PDF file of the map in GoogleDocs. Click the "Download Original" button in the upper right corner to save to your PC so you can enlarge and print. There are many kiosks throughout the park but most map holders are empty.

HIKE DISTANCE: 8 miles

PEAK BAGGING:
Mill Hill - Peakery.com
Schantz Hill - Peakery.com

THE HIKE:
Click here for a written description.

Head towards the Trexler Environmental Center with views of the rolling hills of Pennsylvania along the way.

Even if the Environmental Center is closed, an outside ramp leads to a rooftop deck for more views.

Roof top views from the Trexler Environmental Center.

Expect similar views throughout most of this hike.

The teal-blazed Trexler Nature Trail to Jordan Creek Ford.

The double blue-blazed Elk Viewing trail at kiosk #15.

Elk in the field to the right of the blue-blazed Elk Viewing Trail.

At the top of the blue-blazed Elk Viewing Trail at a picnic table, a view of the Lehigh Valley Zoo below.

The original Schlichers Covered Bridge built in 1882 to be replaced with a replica in 2013.

Inside Schlichers Covered Bridge, closed to traffic since 2009.

Rock hop over a feeder stream to the white-blazed Fireman's Trail from Schlichers Covered Bridge - rocks are about an inch under water so be sure to wear waterproof hiking shoes!

A view of Jordan Creek from above after ascending the white-blazed trail.

Hiking over hilltop meadows.

The green-blazed Teardrop Trail

Hiking along turnip (?) fields.

The yellow-blazed Hunsicker Valley Trail along an old roadbed.

The red-blazed Trexler Border Trail.

Panoramic views on the red-blazed trail in the northwestern corner of the preserve with the Blue Mountain on the horizon, atop which runs the Appalachian Trail.

Horses on the red-blazed Trexler Border Trail.

The red-blazed Trexler border trail touches on the corner of the bison area but you will most likely need to leave the trail and walk paved park roads to where the bison are.

They don't budge when people (or dogs) pass by.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00]    Follow gravel road to Environmental Center crossing over red-blazed Border Trail
[ 0.15]    Rooftop views at Environmental Center; retrace to red-blazed Trexler Border Trail
[ 0.25] Turn right on the red-blazed Trexler Border Trail and keep straight when double teal-blazed trail comes in from right
[ 0.30]    Turn right on teal-blazed trail at bottom of hill as the red trail bends to the right
[ 0.65]    Cross paved road, rock hop over creek, veer left
[ 0.75]    At paved area at Jordan Creek and bridge, turn right on double blue blazed trail keeping right uphill beyond kiosk #15
[ 1.05]    Watch for various unmarked side trails to the right for elk viewing depending on where elk are
[ 1.45]    Keep left on double blue before wooden fence at park road to picnic table and bench with view of zoo below; continue on double blue to left at kiosk #13
[ 1.60]    Keep straight on double blue when pink (not on map) goes right
[ 2.05]    Double blue trail switchbacks down to covered bridge on right and pedestrian bridge on left; turn right leaving double blue trail, cross road in front of covered bridge, hop guardrail and rock hop over creek; continue left on white-blazed trail at kiosk #9
[ 2.35]    Turn left on orange-blazed trail when the white-blazed trail ends at T-intersection
[ 2.60]    Turn left on green at kiosk
[ 2.65]    View to the left
[ 2.70]    Make sharp right turn on green at kiosk #4 when green also goes to the left
[ 2.85]    Keep straight on green at kiosk #5 when blue goes left
[ 2.90]    Come out on mountaintop meadow keeping straight on green with the other side of the green trail comes in from the right
[ 3.10]    Keep straight on green at kiosk #2 when orange comes in from the right
[ 3.35]    Keep straight on green when green/white (on map, only a green blaze on trail) goes left at kiosk #1
[ 3.75]    Turn left on red at kiosk #7 when green ends
[ 3.80]    Turn left on yellow as red goes right
[ 3.85]    Keep left at unmarked fork (not on map)
[ 4.25]    Turn right on red at kiosk #6; rock hop over creek
[ 4.95]    Panoramic view at top of ascent at bench
[ 5.25]    Keep left on red when yellow goes right
[ 5.30]    Keep straight on red at kiosk #7 when green goes right
[ 6.05]    Keep straight on red when white comes in from right; cross paved road and continue on trail parallel to road
[ 6.20]    Follow red trail on paved park road to the right between two pillars at kiosk #11
[ 6.40]    Red trail leaves paved road to the left
[ 6.75]    Red trail comes out on paved road at corner of bison area, turn right on paved road continuing beyond camping area to view bison; retrace to red trail
[ 7.30]    From paved road continue back on red trail as it veers left at a small brown building
[ 7.35]    Keep left on red at unmarked fork (not on map)
[ 7.70]    Keep straight on red as unmarked woods road goes right (not on map)
[ 7.95]    Keep straight on red as double teal trail goes right; at gravel road turn left to parking lot
[ 8.00]    Back at parking lot

NOTE:
I had intended to do this hike a little differently but ran into a snag and had to reroute so you might want to avoid this section of trail. The red-blazed Trexler Border Trail crosses over Jordan Creek below kiosks #4 and #3 on the left side of the map. Although the trail continues on the other side, it is not possible to ford the creek. The water looked to be at least waist deep, if not deeper in the middle.

Harriman State Park, NY - Cranberry Mountain and ORAK Ruins

2011-11-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:
Harriman State Park - The Palisades Parks Conservancy

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 41.229714, -74.060327

View Larger Map

Parking on Route 106

TRAIL MAP:
Southern Harriman Bear Mountain Trails Map #118 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE:
9.6 miles
Click here for a shorter 4.5 mile version.

PEAK BAGGING:
Cranberry Mountain - Peakery.com
Big Hill - Peakery.com
Jackie Jones Mountain - Peakery.com
Breakneck Mountain - Peakery.com

THE HIKE:

Facing the road from the parking lot, turn left, walk up Route 106 briefly, cross bridge then turn left on the paved roads and go beyond the gates at the yellow blazes.

ORAK Manion Ruins - Summer home of a former VP of the company that makes Karo Syrup built in 1923 (ORAK = KARO spelled backwards)

The aqua-blazed Long Path approaching Big Hill.

Big Hill Shelter built in 1927.

New York City skyline from the Big Hill shelter.

Camp Lanowa cabins at Breackneck Pond. Camp Lanowa is a summer camp for inner city kids.

Breakneck Pond dock at Lake Lanowa

Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail connecting to the yellow-blazed Buck Trail.

Cranberry Mountain Trail

Top of Cranberry Mountain off of unmarked side trail

Breakneck Pond from Cranberry Mountain. The white-blazed Breakneck Mountain trail runs along the ridge on the other side of Breakneck Pond.

Turn left on an unmarked trail before this intersection to connect to the aqua-blazed Long Path.

Yellow-blazed Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail to Jackie Jones Mountain.

Jackie Jones fire tower built in 1928.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00] Left on Rt. 106 over bridge, left on paved road beyond gates on yellow-blazed trail
[ 0.20] The yellow trail veers left on the fork of a more narrow paved drive beyond boulders
[ 0.35] ORAK mansion ruins
[ 0.80] Turn left on unmarked woods road when the yellow trail turns right on the woods road
[ 1.05] At T-intersection with #712 on sign turn left
[ 1.15] As the woods road veers right at bottom of hill, turn right on aqua-blazed Long Path
[ 1.20] Rock hop over creek
[ 1.90] Yellow joins in from the right; follow aqua and yellow combined
[ 2.00] Big Hill Shelter with views; continue on yellow only on the other side of the shelter
[ 2.70] Third reservoir visible on left
[ 2.85] After long bare rock surface, yellow scrambles down to the left, at bottom when yellow turns left, turn right on white-blazed trail which then follows the left fork (white blazes may be faded and hard to see)
[ 2.90] Turn right on unmarked trail then left at fork
[ 3.05] Camp Lanowa and Breakneck Pond; retrace
[ 3.25] Watch for unmarked trail on right to reconnect to white trail, turn right on white
[ 4.50] At end of white trail, turn right on white with red line trail
[ 4.55] Right on woods road at two cairns
[ 4.65] Woods road comes out at clearing after swampy area, turn left on yellow-blazed trail
[ 5.10] Turn right on yellow with black diagonal line-blazed trail when yellow goes left
[ 5.40] Rock hop over creek
[ 5.50] Turn left on woods road when yellow with black diagonal line trail ends
[ 5.70] When woods road turns left, turn right on woods road lined with boulders on left which is Cranberry MountainTrail
[ 6.45] Just before paved trail comes in on left, turn right on unmarked trail
[ 6.65] Top of Cranberry Mountain to right of large white containers with seasonal view of Breakneck Pond below; retrace
[ 6.85] Right on Cranberry Mountain Trail woods road coming off of unmarked trail, veer right as Cranberry Mountain Trail becomes paved as paved road joins in from left
[ 7.10] Paved trail crosses creek
[ 7.15] Power cut
[ 7.20] Turn left on unmarked trail just before pavement veers right and unpaved woods road goes straight; after a few steps, turn right on aqua-blazed Long Path (hard to see in that direction - as soon as you see an aqua blaze, turn around and follow the trail blazes to the left)
[ 7.90] When the aqua-blazed Long Path crosses a woods road, turn left on woods road
[ 8.15] Turn left on the yellow-blazed trail leaving woods road
[ 8.25] Rock hop over creek
[ 8.45] Rock hop over creek
[ 8.70] Fire tower on top of Jackie Jones Mountain; views near communications tower
[ 9.40] ORAK mansion ruins
[ 9.80] Turn right on Rt. 106 back to parking

Appalachian Trail: Auburn Overlook to Port Clinton, PA with Schuylkill River Trail

2011-11-20T21:48:00.000-08:00

ABOUT THE PARK:

Appalachian Trail - Keystone Trails Association

Schuylkill RIver Trail - Schuylkill River Trail Association

DIRECTIONS:

GPS Coordinates 40.5521 -76.0542

View Larger Map

Turn on the gravel road at the State Game Lands sign then proceed to a large parking lot on the left.

If the gates are open you can drive all the way to the top and shave 2.4 miles and a huge climb up off the hike but this is one-way so you will be driving out a different way and missing a great view.

Parking at the top just before the Appalachian Trail and Auburn Overlook a short distance to the left before the barrier.

TRAIL MAPS:

PA Appalachian Trail Map Sec. 1-6: Delaware Water Gap to Swatara Gap - Keystone Trails Association (3rd item down to purchase map)

PA State Game Lands 110 - Pennsylvania Game Commission (Auburn Overlook in wrong place on map)

Schuylkill River Trail Hamburg to Pottsville Section - Schuylkill River Trail Association

HIKE DISTANCE:

Full hike with additional section of Schuylkill River trail: 13.6 miles

Full hike: 10.8 miles

Hike from upper parking lot: 8.4 miles

Deduct .9 mile if not detouring into Port Clinton

APPALACHIAN TRAIL SECTION HIKING:

TrailHeadFinder.com - AT section miles 1200.2 to 1202.7

THE HIKE:

NOTE: Most of this hike is on state game lands and should only be hiked on Sundays from September through February. Hunting is currently not allowed on Sundays in Pennsylvania.

From the parking lot walk up the gravel road which will start to switchback up more steeply.

Near the top, nice views to the east. The view is better on the way down when the sun is not directly ahead.

At the top turn right towards a wooden barrier (alternate parking) then just before the barrier turn left on a short unmarked trail which will cross over the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and go directly to the Auburn Overlook.

Auburn Overlook with views of Weiser State Forest, Stony Creek and the Schuylkill River.

From the overlook, turn around back to the AT, turn left and make note of the sign on the right which will remind you where to turn on the unmarked trail coming back at the end of the hike.

The Appalachian Trail follows the ridge of the Blue Mountain with views all around when foliage is not present.

The small town of Port Clinton comes into view as the AT descends, very steeply at times.

The AT comes out on the multi-use Schuylkill River trail. Continue to the left on this cinder trail or follow the AT to the right for a .9 mile loop of Port Clinton.

Continuing right on the AT, a very short but very steep set of stone steps lead down to the railroad tracks.

Carefully cross live railroad tracks over to picnic tables along the Schuylkill River.

View of the Schuylkill River at the picnic tables.

Watching trains from the picnic tables at the river.

Continue on the AT into town following arrows and blazes.

When the AT turns right just beyond the fire station, keep straight to busy Route 61 and turn left.

Walk 1 block along Route 61 to the Clinton Peanut Shop, an old-fashioned candy store...

... with a ton of snack choices.

Loop around the block from the candy store to avoid Route 61 and meet back up with the Appalachian Trail. Follow over the railroad tracks and up the steep stone steps back to the Schuylkill River Trail.

Follow the Schuylkill River Trail to the right where the live tracks run a level below and the Schuylkill River a level below that.

After a little over 2 miles turn left into the Stony Creek Parking Lot.

Or continue straight on the rail trail for 1.4 miles to the end of the trail as it exists today with a break spot and the river flowing below. From this point retrace back to the Stony Creek parking lot.

Walk straight through the parking lot to a short footpath then left on a woods road which will start to ascend, steeply at times

When the woods road ends at a pipeline cut, turn left and ascend very steeply but be sure to stop and turn around for great views in the opposite direction nearing the top.

After the pipeline cut turns left and flattens out along a ridge, the ridge of the Appalachian Trail is visible to the right.

After just a little incline, the pipeline cut meets up with the AT just before descending steeply. Turn right on the AT and when meeting up with the woods road, that can be taken the rest of the way to give weary feet a break from the jagged rocks of the AT.

Take the gravel road back down the switchbacks to the lower parking lot. The views are clearer now with the sun out of the way.

HIKE SUMMARY:

[ 0.00] Continue up gravel road beyond gate

[ 0.80]    View to the east along switchback
[ 1.20]    Veer right towards upper parking; turn left before wooden barrier on path, cross AT to Auburn Overlook
[ 1.30]    From Auburn Overlook retrace to AT, turn left on AT
[ 1.35]    AT joins woods road briefly before leaving to the left
[ 1.65]    AT crosses over woods road
[ 2.20]    First pipeline cut (will be coming in from the left at end of hike)
[ 2.60]    Second pipline cut
[ 3.30]    Cross unmarked trail
[ 3.40]    Turn left briefly on cinder trail then follow AT to the right down steep steps; cross live tracks and follow AT over two bridges
[ 3.70]    AT turns right after fire station; continue straight to end and turn left to follow along the left side of Route 61
[ 4.90]    Port Clinton Peanut Shop; continue to end of block, turn left 1 block, turn left back to AT, right on AT over bridges then railraod tracks
[ 4.25]    Ascend steep steps and turn right on Schuylkill River Trail
[ 6.60]    Turn left into Stony Creek parking lot, walk straight through to path then left on woods road
               (Continue straight for 2.8 mile out and back to end of Schuylkill River Trail)
[ 7.20]    Woods road ends at pipeline cut, turn left and go uphill very steeply
[ 7.30]    Pipeline cut turns left and levels out following ridge
[ 8.60]    After short incline turn right on AT at top before pipeline descends
[ 9.20]    Turn left on woods road for smoother walking surface (or continue on AT to Auburn Overlook Sign)
[ 9.50]    AT joins woods road briefly before leaving to the right
[ 9.60]    Walk through upper parking then turn left on gravel road to switchback down
[10.00]    View to the east along switchback
[10.80]    Back at lower parking lot