Hike of the Week 9/9/2004

Appalachian Trail: Schenandoah Mountain

Location:  Town of East Fishkill

Length:  Three-quarters of a mile, 30-40 minutes roundtrip

Rating:  Easy

Dogs:  Allowed on leash

Map:  East Hudson Trails #103, published by NYNJTC. Map 2, Appalachian Trail Map Set

Features: Broad, sweeping views to the north, east and south. American flag painted as a memorial to Sept. 11, 2001.

Watch out for:

Background:

Hike Description:

This is a very short hike to a very dramatic open ridge, with great views. There is an AT parking area right at the very top of Long Hill Road. Follow the 2-by-6-inch white AT blazes on the side opposite the parking area. Ascend gradually on a fairly rocky, rough trail. Fortunately, this rough trail is not typical of most of the AT in Dutchess County. You will crest the ridge and follow the now mostly level trail to an open summit ridge. Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, someone painted a big American flag on the open rocks on the top of the ridge and dedicated it to the people that lost their lives on 9/11. Although it is technically not legal to paint unauthorized "signs" on the AT, the local trail committee deemed these circumstances to be exceptional and the flag has endured. I have personally visited it on every 9/11 since 2001. You can't miss the flag. Think appropriate, good thoughts and then enjoy the sweeping views. It must be mentioned that unfortunately not all visitors to this spot respect the flag, and the views, and the AT, and the ridge is often littered with broken glass and other garbage. However, this seems to have lessened somewhat since the flag was painted.

How to get there: 

Take the Taconic State Parkway south to the Miller Hill Road exit. Exit right down Miller Hill Road, and make a left on Hortontown Road, then a right on Long Hill Road. Long Hill Road soon becomes a steep dirt road. Take the road to the top. The AT crossing and parking area is at the very top of Long Hill Road. Follow the white 2-by-6-inch AT blazes across the road from the parking area.

About the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference : The NY-NJ Trail Conference is a federation of hiking clubs, environmental organizations and individual members who volunteer their time and resources to build and maintain hiking trails and protect related open space in the bi-state region.

Information : For a more detailed description of this hike including a map, visit www.nynjtc.org and click on Hike of the Week. For information on NYNJTC activities, call 201-512-9348 or email info@nynjtc.org.

Hike of the Week is a regular feature in the Poughkeepsie Journal Players section, call 845-437-4848. This hike is contributed by J Ralph Ferrusi of Stormville, an avid hiker and member of the NYNJTC.

V3 Last updated: September 10, 2004   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.