Allamuchy Mountain State Park North, NJ - Cranberry Lake/Highlands Trail Loop

ABOUT THE PARK:  Allamuchy Mountain State Park - Village of Allamuchy

DIRECTIONS:
GPS coordinates 40.955553, -74.736748

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Heading north on Route 206 makes for a very awkward left turn into the parking lot.  A better approach might be to continue just past the parking lot, turn left on North Shore Road, use the gravel pull-out on the right to make a U-turn, turn right on Route 206, then use the right exit lane to smoothly enter the Cranberry Lake park and ride area. 

Park & Ride Lot between Route 206 and Cranberry Lake

TRAIL MAPS:
Jersey Highlands Trails, Trail Map 126 - NY/NJ Trail Conference
Allamuchy Mountain State Park - North - JORBA

HIKE DISTANCE:  9.8 miles

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
Although it does not look like it, the Sussex Branch Trail (a rail trail) goes right through the parking lot between Route 206 and Cranberry lake.  Facing the lake, turn left and walk beyond the barrier at the end of the parking lot.

Continue through the gravel lot of the Cranberry Lake Community Club passing the foot bridge on the right.

At the far end of this parking lot, the trail will become more defined and follow along Cranberry Lake.

The trail crosses a dam, turns left, crosses a paved road then the gravel overflow boat trailer parking lot before "officially" entering Allamuchy Mountain State Park as the Sussex Branch Trail .6 mile into the hike.  (The overflow boat trailer parking lot can also be used for this hike.)

Follow the rail trail about another half mile, then turn right on the blue-blazed Iron Mine Trail just after crossing a bridge.

A short, 1/10ths of a mile unmarked trail connects over to the red-blazed trail.

The red-blazed trail joins up with the more rugged and strenuous teal-blazed Highlands Trail which leads to a rock outcrop overlook with views 4 miles into the hike.

The loop completes by following yellow to white to green then a short section of the Sussex Branch Trail back to the parking lot.

The green trail, named the Waving Willie Trail after a man who waved at commuters on Route 206 for 40 years, terminates behind his house at the Sussex Branch Trail.  Click here for the Weird NJ story of Waving Willie.

Waving Willie sat in front of the white house in the background waving at traffic on Route 206.

Turn right on the Sussex Branch Trail which will run parallel to Route 206 a short distance back to the parking lot.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[  0.00]  Facing Cranberry Lake, turn left and proceed through parking lot, wooden barrier, gravel Cranberry Lake Club parking lot, continue along Cranberry Lake
[  0.35]  Cross dam
[  0.40]  Trail turns left as mowed grass trail
[  0.45]  Cross paved road at Overflow Boat Trailer Parking sign staying on gravel road
[  0.60]  Cross barrier at far end of the overflow boat trailer parking lot; keep straight on Sussex Branch Railtrail
[  1.05]  Immediately after crossing bridge, turn right on the blue-blazed Iron Mine Trail
[  1.35]  At rusty wood chipper, keep straight when unmarked comes in from right (unmarked trail not on map)
[  1.40]  Blue trail turns sharply to left when unmarked comes in from right (unmarked trail not on map)
[  1.50]  Blue trail turns right when unmarked goes straight
[  1.80]  After switchbacks blue trail turns left when unmarked comes in from right, trail straightens out
[  1.90]  Turn right on blue trail when unmarked goes left
[  2.05]  After trail snakes briefly, turn right on unmarked trail at T intersection when blue goes right (shown on map but not as a T intersection)
[  2.10]  Turn left on red-blazed trail when unmarked ends at the red trail
[  2.50]  Teal-blazed Highlands Trail merges in from the left, after 10 steps, turn right on the teal-blazed trail leaving red trail
[  3.10]  Teal trail turns left merging with other side of red loop trail
[  3.20]  Turn right on teal trail leaving the red trail
[  3.25]  Straight on teal as it crosses over yellow/white trail
[  3.90]  Straight on teal as it crosses over yellow trail
[  4.10]  Straight on teal to overlook as unmarked comes in from right; after overlook retrace and turn left on unmarked when teal goes right
[  4.30]  Unmarked trail ends at bend of yellow trail; keep straight/left on yellow trail
[  5.00]  Right on yellow when unmarked comes in from the left
[  5.30]  Left on white when yellow/white goes right
[  5.40]  Left on white when unmarked goes right, shortly thereafter unmarked comes in from left
[  5.50]  Keep right on white when unmarked goes left
[  5.65]  Keep straight on white when unmarked goes left
[  5.85]  Keep left on white at fork when unmarked goes right
[  5.90]  Cross wooden bridge
[  5.95]  Left at fork on white when unmarked goes right
[  6.45]  Left on what as unmarked comes in from right
[  6.60]  Shortly after crossing smooth rock section, right on white when unmarked (with old white circle blaze on tree) comes in from left
[  6.70]  Keep right on white when unmarked trail goes left marked with "Ice Cream Trail" sign
[  6.85]  Keep straight on right when unmarked comes in from right
[  7.00]  At intersection where many trails come together, green goes right but head straight towards tree with white blazes turning left AND green blazes turning right, follow these green blazes to the right
[  7.20]  At the next multi-trail intersection, keep straight turning right on the second to last trail on the right (green marker hard to see from intersection but it is a short distance ahead on tree on left)
[  7.70]  Keep left on green when unmarked goes right; at top of hill keep right on green when unmarked comes in from left
[  7.85]  Keep straight on green when crossing unmarked trail
[  8.60]  Keep left on green when unmarked comes in from right (unmarked trail not on map)
[  8.80]  Keep right on green when umarked comes in from left (trail not well defined at intersection)
[  8.95]  Keep straight on green trail over smooth rock section; at unmarked fork keep left (not on map); at next fork either right over rocks or left around rocks
[  9.10]  Trails merge back together and green markers continue
[  9.55]  Green trail ends as Sussex Branch railtrail; turn right on Sussex Branch trail
[  9.75]  Cross North Shore Road
[  9.80]  Arrive at parking lot

Fishkill Ridge Conservation Area, Beacon, NY

ABOUT THE PARK:  Fishkill Ridge Conservation Area - Scenic Hudson

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates to Pocket Road Parking 41.496824, -73.948988

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There is room for about 6 cars, 3 on either side of the dead end road.  There was only one other car parked here in the afternoon when I returned after the hike.

TRAIL MAP:
East Hudson Highlands Trails, Trail Map 102 - NY/NJ Trail Conference

HIKE DISTANCE:  9.4 miles with shorter 6.7 mile option

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
The hike starts by walking beyond the gate with the "NO TRESPASSING" sign.  Per the City of Beacon's website (scroll down to "The Hemlock Gorge" hike):

"Walk through the gate, and pass the City of Beacon water tank on your left. (Don’t worry about the no trespassing signs, hikers are allowed to pass through these gates)."

You'll be following the white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail (round white discs) all the way for 4.5 miles.  The trail starts out along Dry Creek and ascends to a beautiful multi-level waterfall.

The trail turns left over a bridge on a dirt road briefly then enters the woods to the right.  The return route of this hike comes in from the right on the dirt road so remember this intersection for later.

The Fishkill Ridge Trail continues up to views of the Hudson Valley and City of Beacon with the Shawangunks and Catskills in the distance.

A little farther along, the summit of Lambs Hill makes a nice break spot:

The intersection with the blue-blazed trail is affectionately named "Dozer Junction" for the old abandoned bulldozer that sits off to the side.  Remember this intersection for later if you decide to do the shortened version of this hike.

The Fishkill Ridge Trail now continues up to follow along the ridge with an assortment of views in all directions.

At the end of the white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail, continue on the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail along the Scofield Ridge. (Shortly along the yellow-blazed trail, the blue-blazed trail will come in from the right.  Turn right here back to the bulldozer, then left on the white-blazed trail to backtrack to the parking lot for the shorter 6.7 mile version of this hike.)

The yellow-blazed trail leads to multiple views along the way.  One of the last views, shortly before leaving the yellow-blazed trail, will include the fire tower and City of Beacon mountaintop water reservoir where this hike leads to next.

I did not climb the fire tower because of that little fear of heights thing, but another hiker who did go up told me the views from the top of the fire tower are the same as at the base, so nothing lost by not going up.  Word of caution for hikers with dogs:  There is a lot of broken glass around the base of the fire tower.

New York City skyline views from the base of the fire tower. (Click picture to enlarge)

At the City of Beacon water reservoir, skirt along rocky roads and paths to the right of the water. 

Beyond the dam turn right on the dirt road that leads back to where the white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail crossed over at the beginning of the hike.  Watch for the stone bridge beyond which the dirt road makes a sharp left turn.  Turn left on the trail before the bridge - you have to turn around to see the trail markers on the tree as they face the other way.  Alternately, if you don't feel like going steeply downhill along the creek you can stay on the dirt road which offers a gentler descent back to the parking area.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[  0.00]  Cross metal barrier, a power cut, pass a small reservoir on the left then enter the woods meeting up with Dry Creek on the left
[  0.45]  Keep straight when the yellow-blazed trail comes in from the right (no yellow blazes at intersection)
[  0.65]  Veer left towards creek at fork and rock hop over creek to waterfalls short distance ahead
[  0.85]  Go over small steep rise, turn left on dirt road, cross bridge, turn right into woods on white-blazed trail
[  0.90]  Keep straight at intersection with unmarked woods road
[  1.00]  Trail swithbacks up to views
[  1.15]  Keep right on white when red comes in from left
[  1.40]  Keep left on white at fork when unmarked goes right
[  1.50]  Lambs Hill
[  1.80]  Dozer Junction with bulldozer on right at intersection with blue trail
[  4.50]  White trail ends; keep straight on the yellow trail that comes in from the left
[  4.65]  Keep straight on yellow trail when unmarked trail goes right
[  4.70]  Left on yellow when blue goes right (OR right on blue to left on white for shorter version)
[  5.05]  Yellow trail turns left at intersection but first turn right on unmarked trail up the hill a short distance to views; retrace
[  5.25]  Back at intersection, keep straight on yellow
[  5.55]  Enter Hudson Highlands State Park at boundary marker
[  5.65]  Rock scramble up to view and scramble down other side
[  6.00]  Proceed across smooth rock surface following cairns and blazes painted on rock surface
[  6.15]  Rock hop across wet area
[  6.25]  360 degree views at top of rock scramble; views of fire tower and reservoir
[  6.30]  Cross unmarked trail
[  6.40]  View
[  6.65]  At intersection turn right on red trail; disregard various colors/shapes of old blazes painted on trees - follow the red discs
[  6.80]  Keep left on red but note grassy trail to right which will be route to reservoir after visiting fire tower; after short distance turn left on white trail to fire tower
[  7.00]  Fire tower; retrace steps on white trail
[  7.35]  White trail ends, turn right on red trail briefly then left on grassy road with various colors and shapes of old blazes on trees
[  7.60]  Follow rocky trail/road along right side of reservoir
[  7.90]  Continue on rocky road passing the back of the dam on the left
[  8.00]  Turn right on wide, well-defined dirt/gravel road
[  8.40]  Left on white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail before bridge where dirt road makes sharp left turn (or continue on dirt road for smoother descent back to parking area)
[  8.90]  Keep right on white when yellow trail goes left (no yellow blazes at intersection)
[  9.40]  Water tower and parking area

James River State Park, Gladstone, VA (Buckingham County)

ABOUT THE PARK:  James River State Park - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 37.623840, -78.799675

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See bottom of post for trail access parking areas if not staying in cabins.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

The cabins at this park are excellent and most importantly for me, are pet-friendly!  I stayed in Cabin 8.  Click here for more information on cabin rentals.

TRAIL MAP: James River State Park Trail Guide

HIKE DISTANCE:
James River State Park - 7.75 miles

Other hikes from base camp at James River State Park:

• Apple Orchard Falls - Jefferson National Forest - 5.6 miles
• Apple Orchard Mountain - Blue Ridge Parkway/Jefferson National Forest - 4.25 miles
• Appomattox Court House - National Park Service - 6 miles
• Cold (or Cole) Mountain - Mount Pleasant Scenic Area - 5.8 miles
• Flat Top - Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway - 5.65 miles
• Holliday Lake State Park - Virginia State Parks - 5.2 miles
• Mt. Pleasant Loop - Mount Pleasant Scenic Area - 6.15 miles
• Sharp Top - Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway - 3 miles

Hikes along the drive from New Jersey to Virginia and back:

• Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland - National Park Service - 8 miles
• Big Schloss, George Washington National Forest Wolf Gap, Virginia -4.4 miles

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
This 7.75 mile hike forms a loop around the entire park.  The official way to access the Taylor Trail from the cabins is from Cabin Road just beyond where the circle comes together, before the trash dumpsters, where the trail crosses Cabin Road.  The unofficial way is from between cabins 5 and 6 where you can see a faint trail from where others have accessed that way.   This trail brings you down to James River for a very scenic hike along the river.  (For those not staying in cabins, see the hike summary below for parking options along this hike.)

The River Trail ends at Dixon Landing where you walk up the road a short distance to pick up the Dixon Landing Overlook Trail next to Picnic Shelter 6.

There is a bench at Dixon Landing Overlook but the view is obstructed by trees.  Not to worry, the best is yet to come so continue on to the Tye River Overlook.

The hike now continues on to Branch Pond where a short distance off of the trail you can find a nice break spot with picnic areas and restrooms.

You'll cross Park Road at the park office on your way back to the cabins.

An old fence along the Taylor Trail marks an "unofficial" trail which comes out behind Cabin 6.

HIKE DETAILS:
These details are outlined starting from the cabins.  There is no public parking in the cabin area so I have noted where this hike can be started from public parking along the way.
[  0.00]  Find unofficial path between cabins 5 and 6 to Taylor Trail; left on Taylor Trail
[  0.20]  Right at fork towards Cabell Trail
[  0.35]  Turn right at unmarked intersection
[  0.50]  Cross bridge; turn left on blue River Trail at intersection when Cabell Tail goes to the right and a trail goes straight
[  1.25]  Turn left on River Trail when Cabell Trail goes right; after few steps turn left on River Trail when Cabell Trail goes right; cross bridge
[  1.35]  Keep to the right of the picnic area to continue on the River Trail
[  1.50]  Cross bridge
[  1.60]  Cross bridge
[  1.75]  Dixon Landing; turn right and walk along road briefly to Picnic Shelter 6
[  1.90]  Turn left on Dixon Landing Overlook Trail to the right of Picnic Shelter 6
[  2.00]  Bench at top of hill marks seasonal overlook; continue straight
[  2.20]  At gravel road which is the Cabell Trail (no sign) turn left
[  2.70]  Turn left through gate to Tye River Overlook
[  2.80]  Tye River Overlook; retrace steps
[  2.90]  Continue left on gravel road Cabell Trail (no sign)
[  3.00]  At clearing covered with gravel, Cabell Trail turns right on woods road (orange Cabell Trail sign straight ahead at clearing)
[  3.20]  At intersection Cabell Trail turns right, unmarked trail not on map goes left, keep straight on green connector trail; few steps ahead at fork keep left on green Branch Trail
[  3.50]  Branch Pond on the right, continue straight steeply uphill on tree root surface
[  3.75]  For restrooms or picnic area for break, turn right across bridge; otherwise keep straight

FOR PARKING AT BRANCH POND ROAD START AT 

GREEN BRANCH POND TRAIL ON RIGHT OPPOSITE RESTROOMS;

TURN RIGHT AFTER CROSSING BRIDGE

[  4.50]  Trail with intermittent green painted blazes continues through clearing
[  4.65]  Keep left at fork
[  4.85]  At intersection turn left on yellow/green-blazed trail
[  4.90]  Cross over paved Park Road with park office to the right
[  5.00]  At intersection turn left on yellow Running Creek Trail (unmarked - blazes will be painted on trees short distance ahead) where it also goes straight
[  5.40]  At barrier trail turns right and goes downhill
[  5.55]  Cross over bridge
[  5.70]  Turn left on Running Creek Trail when Running Creek Trail Short Loop goes right
[  5.80]  Cross over bridge
[  6.20]  At bottom of switchback jog left briefly then turn right and cross two bridges (yellow blazes on trees); cross paved Canoe Landing Road; parking lot and info board to the right of the trail

FOR PARKING AT CANOE LANDING ROAD

START AT YELLOW RUNNING CREEK TRAIL TO LEFT OF PARKING LOT

[  6.40]  Stay right on the Running Creek Trail when the River trail goes left if returning to cabins

LEFT ON RIVER TRAIL IF PARKED AT LOTS 

AND CONTINUE LOOP BACK TO WHERE YOU PARKED

[  6.45]  At fork keep left; overgrown trail to right; at fork at Taylor Trail sign, keep right
[  6.90]  At intersection keep straight as the trail to the Cabell Trail makes sharp left
[  6.95]  Left at old piece of fence on unofficial trail to cabins; follow treeline behind Cabin 6
[  7.00]  Arrive back at cabin road

PARKING AT BRANCH POND ROAD:  Turn right on Branch Pond Road from Park Road beyond the park office.

PARKING AT CANOE LANDING ROAD:  Turn left on Canoe Landing Road from Park Road after passing Branch Pond Road on the right.