Hike of the Week 5/26/2005

Appalachian Trail: Shenandoah Mountain

Location:  extreme southern Dutchess County, town of East Fishkill

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

Rating:  Emotional

Dogs:  Allowed on leash

Map:  Map 2, Appalachian Trail Map Set

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

Watch out for: This short stretch of the AT is too rocky and could be an ankle-twister. Deer ticks in warm weather.

Background:

Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, someone painted a big American flat 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 iti every 9/11 and Memorial Day since 2001, excepting 2004 when I could only get part way to it on crutches.

Hike Description:

Editor's note: Each year on the Thursday preceding Memorial Day and Sept. 11, Ralph Ferrusi features this short hike to the painted American flag along the Appalachian Trail

Follow the 2-by-6 white AT blazes across the road opposite the parking area. Ascend gradually on a fairly rough, too-rocky trail. Crest the ridge after a short, steep climb and follow the now mostly level trail through scrub growth to an open summit ridge. You can't miss the flag. Bow your head for a while, be silent for a moment or two, and think appropriate thoughts. Gaze to the south, toward the city, and remember to never forget Sept. 11, 2001. Look up and around and enjoy the sweeping views, appreciate the beauty of this area and be thankful for the great nation we live in. Unfortunately, not all of the visitors to this spot respect the flag, the views and the AT. And the ridge is often littered with broken glass and other garbage, though this seems to have lessened somewhat since the flag was painted. Pick up some of this junk and carry it back out with you. Come back on Memorial Day or Sept. 11. I'll be there, with some candles.

How to get there: 

Taconic State Parkway south to Miller Hill Road exit. Turn right at the end of the exit, then left onto Shenandoah Road. Turn right onto Long Hill Road (dirt road) and park at the AT crossing and parking area at the very top of Long Hill Road. Follow the white, two-by-six-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 Ralph Ferrusi of Stormville, an avid hiker and member of the NYNJTC.

V3 Last updated: May 29, 2005   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.