The southern end of the South Taconic Trail starts from the parking lot.
Creek crossing is dry this time of year.
Coming up on ...
Iron Mine Pond.
The red Rudd Pond Trail comes in from the left; we would be coming that way on the return route.
Iron Mine Pond down below to the right.
The South Taconic Trail follows a woods road gradually uphill.
Ruins along the way.
Passing the other end fo the red Rudd Pond Trail where we would be turning on the return route.
The first view of the Harlem Valley.
The Catskills in the distance.
All the creek crossings are dry.
The trail alternates from rocky creek beds ...
... to lush forest.
Crossing Kaye Road which leads to private property on the right.
Multiple views along the way.
The trail becomes steeper and more rugged just before ...
... the most spectacular viewpoint.
Heading back.
One little shriveled up blueberry left on the blueberry plants that were starting to turn red for autumn.
Turning right on red ...
... which is a woods road that descends steeply at times. With all of the acorns falling, it was like walking on marbles at times.
At the end of the woods road ...
... left on Rudd Drive where there are no red markers.
Rudd Pond
Continuing straight into the campground which was now closed. I was exhausted and it was all I could do not to park myself on one of those platforms and take a nap. But I was also hungry and wanted to make it to McEnroe Farm Market for a veggie wrap before they closed so on we went.
At the end of the campground road, the red trail continues to the left of the dumpsters at the far end of the circle.
This woods road ends at the white South Taconic Trail ...
... where a right turn leads back to ...
... Iron Mine Pond.
The parking lot was quite full. I had seen nobody they entire hike until the very end.
And on to McEnroe Farm Market on the way home about 10 minutes away from the hike.
Their produce prices were outrageously expensive so I did not buy anything except the vegan veggie wrap which was soooooo good and HUGE. Half went in the cooler for after the 2 1/2 hour drive home.
THE HIKE:
Took a day off work to go to Duke Farms with my daughter-in-law and grandkids. The last time I was here I rented a bike, this time it was via strollers for the kids.
Road Trip!
Ready for an adventure.
First to the orientation center for a map.
Then to the pedestrian entrance ...
... where there is a light and a crossing guard.
After crossing the road, it's only bicycle traffic you have to watch for.
There are paved paths, gravel paths and mowed grass paths. We mostly stayed with paved since it was easier with the strollers.
Water features along the way.
Sculptures and stone structures.
A bald eagle flew right over us.
Mermaid Pool
Taking one of the mowed paths that was pretty bumpy with the strollers ...
... but it put everyone to sleep for a nap.
Awake for a snack.
Coming up on Orchid Range which was very, very cool.
Leaving Orchid Range to retrieve the strollers parked at the bike rack.
Trying out a gravel path on the way back.
Crossing the road ...
... and back to the orientation center and parking lot.
