Hike of the Week 01/16/2003

Description:

From the eastern end of the parking area, follow the West Trapps Connector Trail, which leads east, parallel to Route 44/55. This rather rough (for cross-country skiing) trail, which was constructed only recently to link the parking area with Trapps Bridge, is not typical of the well-graded carriage roads that you will be following for the remainder of the trip. In about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach the Trapps Bridge, where a stairway leads up to the Undercliff and Overcliff Roads. If you’re wearing skis, you’ll have to take them off to climb up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, turn left (do not cross the bridge), then immediately turn right at the junction ahead, passing between two huge fallen boulders. You’re now following the Undercliff Road, completed in 1903 by the Smiley family, who owned and operated the adjacent Mohonk and Minnewaska Mountain Houses. This road is part of an extensive network of gravel roads built by the Smileys for horse-drawn carriages, but used today for walking, skiing, snowshoeing and bicycling.

The road descends gently at first and then levels off. To the left are spectacular cliffs of Shawangunk Conglomerate – a world-famous site for rock climbers. (Rock climbing is allowed in the Mohonk Preserve by special permit.) To the right, there are broad views over the farmlands of the Wallkill River valley. Occasionally, huge blocks of conglomerate overhang the road or provide sheltered rest areas alongside the road.

When the ground is snow-covered, pedestrians not equipped with snowshoes or skis are not permitted on most carriage roads in the Mohonk Preserve, but walkers are allowed on Undercliff Road, so skiers may find that the ski tracks on the first part of this road have been obliterated by footprints. But the pedestrian traffic lessens considerably beyond a kiosk where the rules and regulations for rock climbing are posted, and the ski tracks improve beyond this point. (Snowshoers should take care to walk on the side of the ski tracks and not disturb them.)

Continue ahead along this level, relatively straight road. After about a mile and a three-quarters, the road enters denser woods and makes two switchback turns. Then, about two and one-half miles from the start, you’ll reach a complex junction at Rhododendron Bridge. Do not cross the stone bridge to the right; rather, turn left onto the Overcliff Road (marked by a sign).

The Overcliff Road climbs gently through a series of curves to reach the west side of the Trapps Ridge. The name “overcliff” is somewhat of a misnomer, as the trail does not run atop the cliffs, but once it levels off, it provides expansive views to the north over the Rondout Valley, with the peaks of the Catskills visible in the distance. The vegetation along Overcliff Road -- mostly pitch pines -- is more sparse than that along Undercliff Road, allowing for many open views.

About a mile and a half from the Rhododendron Bridge, the road begins a gentle descent – particularly welcome to skiers. The road enters denser woods, with only limited views through the trees. After a series of curves, the road reaches the Trapps Bridge junction. Turn right here, then turn right again, descend the steps, and follow the connector trail back to the parking area.

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