Orange County and the Shawangunks

These sections of the Long Path provide the bridge between the low mountains of the Hudson Highlands in the south and the beginnings of the Catskills in the north. In between lie many small villages and towns set in the gently rolling hills of Orange County. Although not as exciting as sections further north or south, walking the backroads of Orange County move one into an older time and a way of life different from the frenetic pace of city living. It is only by walking the roads ordinarily driven that one can appreciate the different pace of rural living and its dependence on the pace of nature rather than the pace of people. In addition to a large portion of the southern Shawangunk Ridge these sections pass the Basha Kill, a large and beautiful wetland, on their way to Sam's Point Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. These are one of the most beautiful and interesting areas of the Hudson Valley. Though certainly not the highest or the most exotic parks in New York, they are some of the most colorful in character with their rich and varied flora, fauna, and vistas.

 

sams-point

Sam's Point Preserve. 2008 [JAKOB FRANKE]

9. Heritage Trail (Orange County rail-trail)

Section 9: Heritage Trail (Orange County rail-trail)

Quick Facts

Distance: 11.4 miles
Parks: Heritage Trail
Maps: Interactive Map, Orange County Heritage Trail Map
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

This section follows the Heritage Trail — a 10-foot wide trail on the right-of-way of the former Erie Railroad. The trail currently extends for 11.85 miles from the Town of Monroe to Hartley Road in the Town of Goshen, near the City of Middletown, and it features sections of both asphalt and limestone surface. It winds through a bird/wildlife sanctuary and passes historic landmarks, murmuring streams, rolling meadows and friendly communities. Trail users may enjoy biking, walking, rollerblading and nature study, as well as shopping and dining in the local villages. Goshen is the picturesque county seat of Orange County, and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame (open seven days a week) is definitely worth a visit.  Access points to the trail are in Monroe, Chester and Goshen, all with convenient parking. There are bicycles for rent in Monroe and in Goshen, and there is a motel in Goshen. The Green Onion, located just off the Heritage Trail in Chester, hosts evening events and a farmers market every Saturday during growing seasons.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 16 (Harriman). Proceed west on NY Route17/Interstate 86 for three miles to Exit 129. Turn left on Museum Village Road and turn left again onto Orange and Rockland Road immediately after crossing over Route 17, into a commuter parking lot and Park & Ride.

Parking

0.00  Commuter parking lot in Monroe, off Exit 129 on Route 17. (41.34678°, -74.19807°)
4.15  At the Chester Depot Museum in the Village of Chester, off Exit 126 on Route 17. (41.36258°, -74.26969°)
8.30  Parking lot at the end of St. James Place in the Village of Goshen, off Exit 124 on Route 17. (41.40023°, -74.32294°)
11.40  Hartley Road, at the end of this there is aparking area 200 feet south of the trail. (41.40903°, -74.37190°)

Trail Description

0.00  The trail makes a sharp right onto the Heritage Trail, which is an Orange County paved (asphalt) rail-trail.

0.75  The trail crosses underneath Route 17. Just before the next bridge is a small cemetery (Tuthill Cemetery? Oxford Depot Cemetery?) on the right-hand side of the trail.

1.10  The Highlands Trail leaves the rail-trail immediately after passing the cemetery, and continues on Conty Route 51 (Craigville Road). The LP continues on the rail-trail. The trail passes through farmlands.

2.60  The Heritage Trail passes the old Camp LaGuardia. This used to be a New York City homeless shelter, but it is currently being redeveloped.

3.70  Near Chester, there is a black soil district north of the trail, known for its onion farms.

4.15  The trail passes through the Village of Chester, which has eateries and ice cream stores.

 

Goshen

Village of Goshen. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]


8.30  Reach the end of the paved section of the Heritage Trail in the Village of Goshen. There is a creamery right next to the trail, and there are restaurants, shops and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame (open seven days a week) in town. This museum is well worth a visit. The trail turns right onto St. James Place, then turns left onto South Church Street.

8.50  At the light, the trail crosses Route 207 and follows the second road left (West Main Street) for about 0.5 miles.

9.00  The trail turns sharply right onto a driveway, across from St. John's Cemetery.

9.05  The trail immediately turns sharp left onto the rail-trail, which is paved with crushed limestone at this end.

9.45  The trail crosses underneath Route 17, goes by a sewage treatment plant, then passes by attractive wetlands and ponds.

11.40  The trail reaches Hartley Road, to continue to the next section cross the road and continue on the Heritage Trail.

 

Heritage Trail

Heritage Trail west of Goshen. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

Previous Section: Section 8
Next Section: Section 10

10. Heritage Trail in Goshen to Mountain Road in Greenville

Section 10: Heritage Trail in Goshen to Mountain Road in Greenville

Quick Facts

Distance: 14.55 miles
Parks: Heritage Trail
Maps: Interactive Map, SRT Map 1, Orange County Heritage Trail Map
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

The Long Path follows several roads in south-western Orange County as it approaches the Shawangunks. This is still a fairly unpopulated area of the county, and the trail passes many farms and fields with expansive views. Some of the fields have disappeared though during the building boom of the last several decades. This section is suitable for bicycling since it is relatively free of truck traffic.

Access

Take New York State Thruway to Exit 16 (Harriman). Proceed west on NY Route17/Interstate 86 for about 12 miles to Exit 123 (US Route6/NY Route 17M). Proceed west on Route 6 for 1.9 miles to Hartley Road and turn right. The end of the Heritage Trail is in 0.8 mile on your right. Park on the side of the road.

Parking

0.00  There is a parking area 200 feet south of the trail on Hartley Road. (41.40903°, -74.37190°)
14.55  There is a parking area at the end of this section, there is also room for several cars a few hundred feet south of the main parking area on Mountain Road in Greenville. (41.39199°, -74.59952°)

Trail Description

 

Wallkill

Wallkill River. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

0.00  The Long Path reaches and crosses Hartley Road and continues to follow the Heritage Trail.

1.30  The trail tuns left onto County Route 50, across the road the Heritage Trail continues straight. Across the street to the right of the Heritage Trail is the old Wawayanda Inn (now Mason's Marketplace and tap room).

1.85  Cross Route 6/17M (where County Route 50 becomes County Route 12), and soon after cross Denton Hill Road.

 

Hampton

Wawayanda Inn in the Hamlet of Hampton. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]


2.05  The trail turns right onto Ridgebury Road.

4.90  Turn right onto Ridgebury Hill Road. There is a deli at the corner, and soon after the Town of Wawayanda town hall and DPW building are on the right.

5.20  The trail veers left onto Wilcox Road and passes by "The Pine Museum" (open on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, between April 1 and December 24, or by appointment — call Ed Horan @ 1-845-355-8342).

5.40  Wilcox Road joins Ridgebury Hill Road again.

5.75  The Long Path turns right onto Route 6.

6.00  The trail turns left onto McBride Road.

6.80  At the end of McBride Road, the Long Path turns left onto County Route 49.

6.90  Turn right onto R. Hunter Place.

7.15  The trail reaches Mount Orange Road. Continue straight.

8.15  Mount Orange Road makes a sharp right turn and passes in about one-tenth of a mile over Interstate 84.

9.15  The Long Path turns left onto Remey Road. 

9.30  The trail turns left onto South Centerville Road.

9.90  South Centerville Road turns left. The Long Path continues on Mullock Road (County Route 81) which it follows to Mountain Road.

 

Cemtery Mullock Road 

Cemetery on Mullock Road. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]
 

11.40  Cross Greenville Turnpike.

11.55  Pass a small cemetery on the left.

11.80  Cross Eatontown Road.

12.85  Cross Fort Van Tyle Road.

13.55  Turn left onto Mountain Road (County Route 35).

14.35  Pass Schoolhouse Road on the left.

14.55  The trail reaches the entrance to a parking area on the right  (across from No. 1032) into a detached state forest parcel, part of the Huckleberry Ridge State Forest. This is the start of the next section.

 

Previous Section: Section 9
Next Section: Section 11

11. Mountain Road in Greenville to the Basha Kill

Section 11: Mountain Road in Greenville to the Basha Kill

Alerts

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Quick Facts

Distance: 11.9 miles
Parks: Huckleberry Ridge State Forest, Graham Mountain State Forest, Gobbler's Knob State Forest, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area
Maps: Interactive Map, SRT Map 1, SRT Map 2
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

This section is a mixed bag of woods roads, abandoned rail beds, ridgetops and wetlands. The section begins with the trail passing through the 435-acre Ridgeview parcel which was acquired in 2012 by OSI, NYNJTC and OCLT, and in 2015 was transferred to the State. It is now part of Huckleberry Ridge State Forest. The trail follows woods roads across the ridge and passes by three secluded ponds. It then reaches an abandoned section of Shin Hollow Road, which is a nice woods walking section. Here the Long Path is joined by the SRT.* The trail soon leaves Shin Hollow Road and begins a gradual descent to Guymard Turnpike, paralleling the Conrail Port Jervis line in the woods. After crossing Guymard Turnpike at a bridge over the railroad, the trail descends to the abandoned Erie Port Jervis line. It continues north on the rail bed, which it follows to NY Route 211. The trail crosses Route 211 and heads north on Orange County Route 61 (Otisville Road), descending below steep cliffs on the right. The road passes over the top of the western portal of the Otisville tunnel of the Conrail Port Jervis line. The trail then turns right into the woods and climbs steeply to a viewpoint. It continues for nearly two miles through the woods before it descends and reaches Otisville Road again. The trail turns right, then right again onto Indian Orchard Road (which becomes South Road when it enters Sullivan County), and in a few hundred yards the trail turns left into the woods and reaches the Basha Kill Rail Trail. The trail follows the abandoned "Kingston Line" of the New York, Ontario and Western Railway (O&W). While the 5.5-mile walk along the Basha Kill** is straight and level, it is a wonderful area, with many fine views across the Basha Kill, one of the largest wetlands in southern New York. In the springtime the Basha Kill fills with runoff from the nearby Catskills and Shawangunks to form a giant lake. At that time of the year, sections of the trail may be flooded. If this is the case, South Road, which parallels the Basha Kill Rail Trail nearby, can be followed to bypass flooded areas. In the summer the Basha Kill is a large wetland with many channels that are perfect for canoeing, and because it is a stop-off point on the Shawangunk migration routes, it is a splendid area for bird watching.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 16 (Harriman). Take NY Route17/future Interstate 86 west to Interstate 84 in Middletown. Take Interstate 84 west to exit 2, Mountain Road. Turn right on Mountain Road and continue about 1.5 miles to no. 1032. The main gate of Ridgeview is opposite no. 1032.

Parking

0.00  Mountain Road, there is a parking area st the beginning of this section. Also a few hundred feet south of the parking are there is room for additional parking. (41.391987°, -74.599519°)
2.00  End of paved portion of Shin Hollow Road, just west of the railroad bridge, 0.35 miles south of the LP/SRT junction (41.40448°, -74.61631°)
3.45  Guymard Turnpike and rail bridge. (41.42695°, -74.59694°)
7.65  NY Route 211 and Otisville Road. (41.47619°, -74.55412°)
10.10  DEC parking area, Otisville Road and Indian Orchard Road. (41.49960°, -74.55219°)
10.35  DEC parking area. (41.50248°, -74.54892°)
10.85  DEC parking area. (41.50829°, -74.54424°)
11.90  DEC boat launch parking area. (41.51591°, -74.53713°)

Camping

The trail passes through DEC state forest parcels between between miles 0.00 and 2.00, and miles 2.4 and 3.15. At mile 5.25 more DEC land can be found to the east of the trail. Camping is also allowed in the Gobblers Knob section (mile 8.40), but the stream on this parcel is seasonal.

Trail Description

0.00  The Long Path passes through the parking area and around the trail crosses the field and then follows an old road.

0.25  The trail passes an gravel pit on the right, soon followed by an old spring house on the right. On the left are a couple of woods roads that go to and around two of the ponds on the property.

0.45  The Long Path crosses a gas pipeline and continues on a woods road. A couple of logging roads go right but the trail continues on the old road. A pond appears on the left.

1.05  Pass a woods road on the left that leads to a dam between two ponds. Proceed straight ahead.

1.30  At a split in the road the trail makes a left turn, passing a very nice viewpoint on a pond, then the trail turns right again. The trail now continues slowly  downhill all the way to Shin Hollow Road, passing several old roads on both sides.

 

Ridgeview-5s

Pond in Ridgeview estate.  2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]


2.00  The Long Path reaches Shin Hollow Road and the Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT), and turns right. Shin Hollow Road is a woods road that is passable to jeeps heading to hunting camps along the ridge. The SRT (blue blaze) and Long Path are co-aligned from here for the next 34 miles.

2.15  A gravel road leads right uphill. The Long Path continues on Shin Hollow Road for another 150 feet, when it turns left into the woods and parallels Shin Hollow Road. After another 300 feet, the trail descends gradually on a faint old logging road. The trail turns right and parallels the ridge north.

2.50  The trail crosses a stream at the head of a beautiful waterfall. Above the waterfall is a nice place for lunch in a deep hemlock grove. The trail continues north through the hemlocks, gradually descending to just above the railroad tracks. The trail is on state land in the section from mile 2.40 to 3.15.

3.05  The trail crosses a stream above a second waterfall and continues north in the woods, just above the railroad tracks.

3.45  The trail crosses Guymard Turnpike near a bridge and follows the tracks just inside the woods. After about 0.1 miles, the trail descends into a hollow, which was formerly a passing track for heavy freight trains. After crossing the hollow, the trail climbs up to an abandoned rail bed and continues north along it. The remnants of a lead smelter are nearby.

3.85  To the right is a short gravel road that connects to Guymard Turnpike and was once the tunnel portal for the freight siding. The trail continues north along the original Erie Railroad Port Jervis line, which was the original route through Otisville Notch. When the Otisville Tunnel was constructed, a new line was constructed at a lower elevation and the original line, which the trail follows, was abandoned. The original line intersects the new line just south of the Guymard Turnpike bridge. The trail continues north along the rail bed, which is passable to passenger cars, and is lined with trees on both sides.

4.75  The trail passes the remnants of some old structures.

5.25  To the right are two trails: the Graham Fire Tower Trail (red blazes) and the Ravine Trail (white blazes), which are both almost one mile long and lead to the top of the ridge where there is a fire tower. The trails form a figure eight and are in Graham Mountain State Forest.

6.45  The Marcy-South power lines follow the rail bed north. Where the power lines intersect the rail bed, there are views across the Neversink Valley.

6.90  The Marcy-South power lines turn left and descend off the ridge. The trail continues along the rail bed as it continues north through the woods.

7.65  The rail bed reaches NY Route 211 in Otisville Notch. The trail turns left, crosses Route 211, and continues on Otisville Road (Orange County Route 61) north, descending below steep cliffs on the right. The trail passes over the top of the western portal of the former Erie Railroad's Otisville Tunnel. This line is still used daily for both passenger and freight service.

7.95  Turn right off Otisville Road and begin the steep ascent to the top of the ridge (Gobblers Knob), first continuing north, then sharply turning right (south).

8.10  Reach the top of the ridge. There is a short side trail to the right with a view south and west over the valley of the Bashakill and Neversink. The trail turns sharply left and follows the ridge to the north, then starts to descend through a young forest and levels off as it passes through a boulder field. The trail turns left, and gradually descends again.

8.80  Cross an old woods road and continue through saplings.

8.90  Reach another woods road and follow it to the right, gradually ascending.

9.15  When the trail levels turn left off the woods road and start to descend. Cross a couple more woods roads while descending.

9.55  Reach a junction with a woods road and yellow-blazed side trail.  The Long Path turns right and follows the woods road, leaving the state land. The trail continues on 113 acre parcel preserved by the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. 

9.80  Turn left off the woods road and descend to Indian Orchard Road (to the right/north, this road becomes South Road in Sullivan County).

10.05  Reach Indian Orchard Road and turn left (south) for about 250 feet before turning right (north) on the trail.  A parking area is located another 300 feet further along Indian Orchard Road.

10.20  Reach the Basha Kill Rail Trail and turn right. The rail trail is the remnants of the Port Jervis to Kingston branch of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad (O&W). Built in direct competition to the D&H Canal, which was on the western side of the Basha Kill, it was abandoned when the O&W went bankrupt in the early 1950s. The trail is unmarked except for an occasional blue DEC disc, Long Path aqua blaze, or Long Path disc. The Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area is a huge wetland in the floodplain of the Basha Kill stream. The walk along the Basha Kill is a beautiful one. While the trail is level, there is much to see along the way. There are views across the Basha Kill toward the Catskills and east to the Shawangunks. The Basha Kill is home to many migratory birds and there are bird-feeding stations along the way. One can put a canoe into one of the many channels for a lazy trip through the wetland, or to find a location to fish. In the springtime, the Basha Kill fills up with the runoff from the mountains and becomes a large, shallow lake. In the summer, it is a green wetland, a rich home to aquatic life.

10.35  The trail passes a DEC parking area on the right.

10.85  The trail reaches another larger DEC parking area near a bridge. This area is prone to flooding and being overgrown. The trail turns left across a bridge, veers right, and crosses a bog bridge. The trail then reaches a woods road, turns left, and follows the woods road. The trail is marked with blue DEC discs.

 

Bashakill-16s

Basha Kill. 2008 [JAKOB FRANKE]


11.35  A viewing stand offers great views over the Basha Kill.

11.55  The trail reaches the rail trail again and turns left. The trail crosses a small bridge where there are views across the Basha Kill. Beyond here, the trail passes through a white birch forest.

11.90  The trail reaches a large parking area with a boat-launching site to the left. From here one can launch a canoe or other non-motorized boat in a side channel of the Basha Kill. From the side channel there are many interesting routes to either canoe or fish. Section 12 starts here.

 

Previous Section: Section 10
Next Section: Section 12


* The Shawangunk Ridge Trail (SRT) starts at the Appalachian Trail at High Point, NJ and heads north to Mohonk Preserve in New York, following the Shawangunk Ridge for 65 miles. The trail is blazed with blue discs on DEC land and blue 2"x3" blazes on private land. Where it is co-aligned with existing trails only an occasional circular SRT disc will be found. Use sections G1-G2 in reverse to head south from here to High Point where, at the intersection with the Appalachian Trail, you can then proceed to Harriman State Park to rejoin the main Long Path or continue south along the Kittatinnies.

** The Basha Kill is also spelled Basher Kill, Bashakill, and other variants with approximately the same pronunciation.

 

12. Basha Kill to Ferguson Road

Section 12: Basha Kill to Ferguson Road

Quick Facts

Distance: 10.5 miles
Parks: Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest
Maps: Interactive Map, SRT Map 2, SRT Map 3, Shawangunk Trails (map 106B)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

This section starts along the Basha Kill Rail Trail. The trail follows the abandoned "Kingston Line" of the New York, Ontario & Western (O&W) Railroad. While the walk along the Basha Kill is straight and level, it is a wonderful area, with many fine views across the Basha Kill, one of the largest wetlands in southern New York. In the springtime the Basha Kill fills with runoff from the nearby Catskills and Shawangunks to form a giant lake. At that time of the year, sections of the trail may be flooded. If this is the case, South Road, which parallels the Basha Kill Rail Trail nearby, can be followed to bypass flooded areas. In the summer the Basha Kill is a large wetland with many channels that are perfect for canoeing, and because it is a stop-off point on the Shawangunk migration routes, it is a splendid area for bird-watching. After leaving the Basha Kill the trail follows roads for about 2 miles through the Village of Wurtsboro on its way to the Wurtsboro Ridge. Upon leaving Old Route 17 (Sullivan County Route 171), the Long Path quickly gains the ridgetop. This ridgetop trail section is one of the most dramatic in southern New York, with many spectacular views in all directions. With the forest primarily scrub oak, blueberry and occasional pitch pine; the hiker is frequently above the trees with unlimited visibility. There are also sections of Shawangunk slab, though not as frequently as found in the northern Shawangunks.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 16 (Harriman). Take NY Route 17 (future Interstate 86) west 31 miles to Exit 113, US Route 209 south. Take US Route 209 south 5 miles to Westbrookville. Turn left on Otisville Road and follow it for 0.4 miles to the junction with Indian Orchard Road. Turn left and follow this road (which changes into South Road upon entering Sullivan County) for almost 2 miles to a parking area on the left.

Parking

0.00  DEC boat launch parking area. (41.51591°, -74.53713°)
2.00  Main Basha Kill parking lot. (41.53595°, -74.51161°)
2.55  DEC parking area; side trail 0.1 miles to Basha Kill. (41.54184°, -74.50161°)
2.90  Another DEC parking area; side trail 0.1 miles to Basha Kill. (41.54639°, -74.49690°)
4.25  South Road, just to the right of the trail. (41.56186°, -74.48499°)
6.20  Old Wurtsboro High Line O&W Rail Station. (41.57718°, -74.46488°). A trail with white blazes connects the parking lot with the Long Path.
10.20  DEC parking lot at the corner of Ferguson and Shawanga Lodge Road, 0.70 mi from the Long Path. A trail blazed with yellow DEC markers leads from the parking lot to the Long Path. (41.60627°, -74.42649°)
10.50  Ferguson Road (still called Roosa Gap Summitville Road on some maps), 0.7 miles west of Shawanga Lodge Road). There is limited parking just to the west of the trail crossing. (41.61105°, -74.43498°)

Camping

Camping is allowed in the DEC lands on the Wurtsboro Ridge (mile 6.20 to mile 10.20).

Trail Description

0.00  This section starts in a large parking area with a boat-launching site. From here one can launch a canoe or other non-motorized boat in a side channel of the Basha Kill. From the side channel there are many interesting routes to either canoe or fish. The trail proceeds north along the edge of the Basha Kill. In this section there are many views across the open expanse of water and marshlands, as well as many bird feeding stations on the Basha Kill, making it a good area for bird-watching.

1.75  The trail crosses Haven Road. Haven Road crosses the Basha Kill on a causeway and is the only road crossing along the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area. You will see many people fishing along the causeway. The trail continues straight ahead on the rail bed, which for this section is a gravel road that leads to the main parking area in the Basha Kill.

2.00  Reach the main parking area. The trail passes through a gate and reverts to the abandoned rail bed.

2.40  A nature trail leads left 0.1 mi to a raised platform with a spectacular view across the Basha Kill and the mountains beyond. Along this nature trail, markers identify the different trees along the way. Near the platform are several signboards that show pictures of the various flora and fauna found at this location. Unfortunately, the signs have been vandalized.

2.50  The trail passes the north end of the nature trail. In another 300 feet, an unmarked side trail of 0.1 mile leads right to a parking area.

 

Bashakill railtrailBasha Kill railway bed. 2001 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

2.90  The trail passes another side trail that leads in 0.1 miles to a parking lot.

3.20  The trail passes a private camp on the right along South Road. There are views to the Shawangunks from here. Beyond this point, the Basha Kill changes from open marshland to a stream with multiple channels that run through the forest. The trail crosses some of these channels on a series of bridges.

3.70  The trail crosses under NY Route 17 (Quickway) in a culvert and continues north.

4.25  At South Road the abandoned rail bed turns into a dead-end street with houses on both sides. The Long Path turns here left onto the road. South Road becomes Pennsylvania Avenue, which the trail follows into the Village of Wurtsboro. On the left is the Mamakating Little League Field, a charming small-town baseball stadium.

5.15  The trail turns right onto the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal Trail.

5.25  Turn right on Sullivan Street. To the left is the Village of Wurtsboro, with several stores and restaurants in this section. Sullivan Street was part of the original NY Route 17 before the Quickway was constructed.

5.60  On the right is the Wurtsboro train station on the Port Jervis-Kingston O&W branch. The trail continues uphill on Old Route 17 (Sullivan County Route 171).

6.20  The trail reaches the abandoned O&W High Line right-of-way just beyond VFW Road. The Long Path turns left and climbs the dirt bank, it's just past the concrete abutment of an old railroad bridge. The Long Path climbs up the embankment into the woods. From now on the blazes are blue DEC discs with occasional LP and SRT markers.

6.40  A white-blazed side trail leads to the VFW post parking area.

6.65  Past a stream crossing, the trail switches right and then left to gain the top of the ridge. As the trail approaches the ridgetop, the trail steepens, and the forest cover begins to thin. At the higher elevations the forest is predominantly scrub oak and blueberry. As the trail reaches this dwarf forest, views begin to open up.

7.20  The trail reaches the top of the ridge, turns north and comes to a section of rock slab where there are spectacular views up and down the ridge. To the south you can see the Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area. This is an excellent area to watch migratory birds. To the west you can see the Village of Wurtsboro below, with NY Route 17 in the distance crossing the mountains to the west. Just to the north you can see Wurtsboro Airport, where it is common to see airplanes towing gliders aloft to float above the updrafts created by the ridge. To the far north the Catskill Mountains can be seen. Beyond this vantage point, the trail follows the western slopes of the ridge. Unlike the northern Shawangunk's, where the most interesting topography is in the east, the southern Shawangunk's are much more interesting on the western side. Development reaches high up on the ridge on the east side. The Long Path proceeds straight ahead just to the left of the slab, into and through the scrub oak. For the next quarter mile or so, the trail alternates between scrub oak forest with views and denser woods. It then begins to descend, gradually at first, followed by a steeper descent to a col.

8.00  The trail reaches a gravel road that leads down to the abandoned O&W railway. After crossing the old road, the trail crosses a stream, water flows in this stream even in the driest times. The trail crosses an overgrown abandoned road and then begins climbing back to the ridgetop on a series of switchbacks. As the trail reaches the scrub oak, views again open up to Wurtsboro Airport and to the south.

8.65  The trail crosses another gravel road that leads down to an abandoned lead mine. It then reaches a rock outcropping with a spectacular view north and south across the valley to the west. This point is just south of Wurtsboro Airport. The large structure below is Kohl's warehouse.

9.20  The trail reaches another dramatic viewpoint. From here it is possible to see northwest to the Catskills and northeast to Roosa Gap and Sam's Point. Beyond here the trail begins a gradual descent toward Roosa Gap with many views along the way.

 

Wurtsboro Ridge

View south from the Wurtsboro Ridge with the Basha Kill visible. 2012 [JAKOB FRANKE]


9.60  The trail reaches a large overhanging boulder. Again, there are views into Roosa Gap and northwest to the Catskills. Below is the water-filled Summitville section of the old D&H Canal, now a county park. The towpath of the old canal has been restored here. On the ridgetop to the north is an old fire-lookout tower. The trail will pass by this tower; see next section. Beyond the boulder, the trail turns right and descends to a seasonal stream. At the seasonal stream, the trail turns left and descends more steeply along the left bank. At the bottom of the grade, the trail crosses the stream, passes through a stand of mountain laurel, and then reaches a larger stream at the bottom of Roosa Gap.

10.20  Immediately after the stream crossing the trail crosses a woods road, which to the right is blazed with yellow DEC markers and leads in about 0.7 miles to a parking area at the corner of Shawanga Lodge Road and Ferguson Road. This yellow trail passes a nice little waterfall in a ravine with slate walls. The Long Path turns left onto the woods road.

10.30  The trail turns right, off the woods road, and begins to ascend. Soon it enters private land, and the blazes change into the standard Long Path aqua blaze. Beyond the land boundary the trail climbs to Ferguson Road through a large switchback.

10.50  The trail reaches Ferguson Road, the end of Section 12. Just to the left of the trail there is room to park several cars. The trail crosses the road about 0.7 miles west of the height of land and a DEC parking lot at the corner of Shawanga Lodge Road and Ferguson Road.

 

Previous Section: Section 11
Next Section: Section 13

13. Ferguson Road to Sam’s Point

Section 13: Ferguson Road to Sam's Point

Quick Facts

Distance: 10.9 miles
Parks: Roosa Gap State Forest, Shawangunk Ridge State Forest, Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Maps: Interactive Map, SRT Map 3, Shawangunk Trails (maps 104 and 106B)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

The Long Path is co-aligned with the Shawangunk Ridge Trail north for the next eleven miles. This section is primarily ridgetop with many spectacular views in all directions. These are among the most dramatic in southern New York. The forest is primarily scrub oak, blueberry and occasional pitch pine. The low forest frequently places the hiker above the trees with unlimited visibility. There are also sections of Shawangunk slab, though not as common as found further north. The trail traverses the ridge to old Route 52, now a woods road, and follows this for a couple of miles until it reaches NY Route 52 and South Gully. The trail then enters Minnewaska State Park, and ascends through South Gully to Sam's Point Preserve.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 16, Harriman. Take NY Route 17/future Interstate 86 west 29 miles to Exit 114, Highview. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Old Route 17 (Sullivan County 171) and go uphill for 0.4 miles. Turn left on Shawanga Lodge Road and follow it for about 4 miles. Turn left onto Ferguson Road. The trail crosses the road about 0.7 miles west of Shawanga Lodge Road.

Parking

0.00  Ferguson Road (still called Roosa Gap Summitville Road on some maps), 0.7 miles west of Shawanga Lodge Road). There is limited roadside parking near the trail crossing. (41.61105°, -74.43498°)
0.00  DEC parking lot at the corner of Ferguson and Shawanga Lodge Road (41.60627°, -74.42649°). A trail marked with yellow DEC markers leads in 0.7 miles to the Long Path, just south of Ferguson Road. 
0.75  DEC parking lot near the fire tower. It is about 0.1 mile from the parking area to the fire tower. (41.61689°, -74.42567°)
3.50 and 4.70  DEC parking lot on Cox Road (41.64629°, -74.40142°). A red trail leaves the parking lot and connects in 0.85 mi with the Long Path at mile 3.50 when keeping left (west). When keeping right (north), the trail reaches the Long Path in about 1.2 mi at mile 4.70.
5.30  DEC parking lot on NY Route 52. (41.66694°, -74.40406°). From here it is about 0.5 mi to the Long Path, following the red-blazed woods road.
7.80  Route 52, where the Long Path crosses. Several cars can be parked at the woods road (old Route 52) and along Route 52. (41.69251°, -74.39387°)
10.90  Sam's Point Preserve visitor center (fee charged). (41.67012°, -74.36138°)

Camping

Camping on DEC land, which is from mile 0.00 to approximately mile 6.5.

Trail Description

0.00  This section starts at Ferguson Road. Just to the left (west) of the trail, there is room to park several cars. The trail crosses the road about 0.7 miles west of the height of land and parking lot at the corner of Shawanga Lodge Road and Ferguson Road. North of Ferguson Road, the blazes change back to the blue DEC disks. The trail ascends steeply back up to the ridgetop. As you climb, views open up to the south. The ridge north of Ferguson Road is higher and is thus more populated with scrub oak.

0.50  The trail levels out and reaches a spectacular view to the south. This vantage point is higher than any point since the New Jersey border, yielding a view all the way down the ridge to the High Point Monument in New Jersey. There are also views north to the Catskills. From here the trail continues north, remaining about 100 vertical feet below the ridgetop for about one-tenth of a mile, before turning right.

0.60  The trail turns right and reaches the ridge near a fire tower, which is open to the public.

0.75  The Long Path turns left on a road around the fire tower, and soon turns left again to follow the ridge north. The road continues to the right and downhill to the parking area at the end of Fire Tower Road, near the tall emergency tower of Sullivan County.

1.70  A woods road appears on the right. The trail continues north, comes to a boulder and descends east into a col between two ridges of the mountain.

2.15  After a short climb, the trail reaches the top of the lower eastern ridge and turns back north to descend to another col. There is another view from the eastern ridge northwards. The trail continues to descend from the scrub oak and enters the forest.

2.55  The trail descends through an interesting escarpment, and then turns right  to parallel it uphill to a height of land. At the height of land, the trail turns left and continues to a woods road. This road connects Cox Road on the east side of the ridge with US Route 209 on the west side of the ridge.

2.90  The trail crosses the woods road and goes through hardwood forest criss-crossed by stone walls, slowly heading uphill in a generally northerly direction. During the next 0.3 miles the trail crosses six stone walls.

3.50  The trail makes a sharp left turn and climbs up the ridge. A trail blazed with red DEC markers goes off to the right and reaches a DEC parking area on Cox Road in 0.85 miles. The Long Path goes through scrub oak with an occasional pine tree. Some of its markings are painted on the rocks. Once on the ridge, the first good views appear with the Shawangunk Ridge and Basha Kill south and the Catskill Mountains northwest. During the next mile the trail winds itself over the ridge, sometimes affording views to the west and northwest, other times northeast to southeast. On the east side of the ridge are steep ledges of 20-40 ft in height and beautiful loose-standing rock formations.

 

wurtsboro-ridge 2007-2009

Rhodora (wild azelea). 2007 [ELIZABETH AIVARS]
Wurtsboro Ridge looking north toward the Catskills. 2009 [JAKOB FRANKE]  

 

4.20  An old woods road becomes visible on the bottom of the ledges.

4.60  There are some fine last views of the Catskills, Ellenville, and Bear Hill.

4.70  Another red-blazed trail goes off to the right and reaches Cox Road in 1.2 miles. The Long Path starts heading down through a nice stand of laurel. The trail is quite steep at places.

5.30  Reach an old road blazed with red DEC markers. This road is the former connector between Route 52 in Cragsmoor and NY Route 209 in Spring Glen. The Long path turns left and follows the woods road. Although the first half of the woods road is on DEC land, the Long Path blazes are now LP aqua. (A trail blazed with yellow DEC disks goes right, then left, and in 0.7 mi reaches a DEC parking area on NY Route 52 after crossing a stream with a nice cascading fall, a short climb, and passing a couple of good viewpoints. When following the red-blazed woods road to the right, the same DEC parking area is reached in about half a mile.)

5.60  A red-blazed road leaves to the left and reaches in about a mile another DEC parking area on Old Mountain Road in Spring Glen, off Route 209. The Long Path continues straight ahead.

5.80  The road crosses a stone culvert across a stream in a ravine.

7.80  The woods road reaches NY Route 52. Cross Route 52, and turn left along the shoulder of the highway.

7.85  The Long Path now enters Minnewaska State Park. Turn right into South Gully, at the end of the guide rail, across from two houses. The trail follows an old woods road at the edge of a ravine, and steadily climbs. It comes close to a  nice stream with numerous small falls and crosses three side streams before it reaches Gully Road.

9.65  The Long Path turns left on Gully Road, crosses a stream, and immediately turns right  into the woods. The trail ascends, makes a switchback near a stream, and steadily keeps climbing.

10.55  Pass a berrypicker cabin.

10.65  The trail reaches the Sam's Point Preserve loop road and continues to the right.

10.90  Reach a split in the loop road. The Sam's Point Preserve parking lot and visitor center are to the right. A parking fee must be paid. The Long Path continues to the left.

 

south-gully2007

South Gully. 2007 [JAKOB FRANKE]
 

Previous Section: Section 12
Next Section: Section 14


14. Sam's Point to Port Ben Road

Section 14: Sam's Point to Port Ben Road

Alerts

  • This section includes several changes as of Fall 2023, including a change in the division point between sections 14 and 15 and a new route at the northern end of the section.

Quick Facts

Distance: 13.55 miles
Parks: Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Maps: Interactive Map, Shawangunk Trails (maps 104)
Print-Friendly Version: Link

General Description

The Long Path enters the northern Shawangunks near Lake Maratanza in the Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The northern Shawangunks are one of New York's most popular scenic destinations. Capped by a hard, white conglomerate, the Shawangunks form a long mountain ridge with gently dipping slopes along the surface of the conglomerate, that give way suddenly to great white cliffs. A favored spot for rock climbers from all over the northeastern US, the cliffs provide wonderful views of forested and farmed land in the valley below. In addition, the many miles of carriageways provide unparalleled mountain biking and cross-country skiing opportunities. The trail passes by one of the Shawangunk's finest waterfalls: Verkeerder Kill Falls. The trail follows the Verkeerder Kill Falls Footpath (LP Aqua), High Point Footpath (red) and Berrypicker Footpath (blue), all with numerous views, on its way north to the Mine Hole Footpath and spectacular views of the Catskills.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 17, Newburgh. Continue west on Interstate Route 84 to Exit 28. Follow NY Route 208 north to NY Route 52. Turn left onto Route 52 and follow it west to the top of the ridge at Cragsmoor. Turn right on Cragsmoor Road and follow it 1.3 miles to the middle of the Hamlet of Cragsmoor. At a three-way intersection, bear right and again make a right onto Sam's Point Road. Follow Sam's Point Road one mile to parking lot at end.

Parking

0.00  Sam's Point Area (Minnewaska State Park Preserve) entrance. Fee charged, and parking reservations are required weekends and holidays, spring through fall. (41.67003°, -74.36162°)
11.65  Parking area on Foordmore Road. (41.76001°, -74.32522°)
13.55  Parking area on state land on the north side of the bridge. (41.75082°, -74.35076°)

Camping

There is no camping allowed in this section, but at mile 8.05 it is only 0.6 mile west to DEC land (Witch’s Hole Multiple Use Area), where camping is allowed.

Trail Description

0.00  The Long Path turns left near the Sam's Point visitor center parking lot and follows Loop Road East toward Lake Maratanza. (From the parking lot, turn right onto the loop road).

0.50  Pass the Lenape Steps and cliffs of Sam's Point on the left and come to a spectacular view to the right. From here you can see south along the ridge to High Point, New Jersey. You can also see across the Wallkill Valley to the Hudson Highlands to the south and east. After the view, the trail turns left and ascends along the road to the top of the cliffs.

0.60  To the left is a road that leads a short distance to Sam's Point. It is worth the detour as the view is even better than along the road. Here you are high enough to see above the high point of Cragsmoor and can see west as well as south and east. Just to the west of the ridge and ten miles south is Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area. On a clear day, you can see all the way into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Long Path continues straight ahead on the road, passing through a dense pitch pine forest.

1.05  Reach junction with Ice Caves Road.  Lake Maratanza is another 0.25 mile along Loop Road East, but the Long Path turns right and follows the road toward the ice caves for a short distance.

1.10  Turn left off Ice Caves Road onto Verkeerder Kill Falls Footpath (a side trip to explore the ice caves and return to this junction takes less than an hour and is well worth the time). The trail ascends through the blueberry bushes for a short distance and then descends gradually through a mixed blueberry-pitch pine forest.

1.25  The trail gradually turns left and goes through an open area covered with blueberry bushes. There are continuous views north toward Mud Pond, with Gertrude's Nose and Castle Point prominent on the skyline.

1.45  Enter a denser forest of pitch pine and blueberry.

1.65  Enter a hardwood forest with a stream running through the middle. A highly unusual stand of birch is found in the middle of the pitch pine and blueberry woods.

1.75  Exit the hardwood forest and reemerge in the pitch pine and blueberry scrub. Again, there are views to the north.

2.00  The Long Path intersects the old trail that once ran from Lake Maratanza to Verkeerder Kill Falls. The trail left to Lake Maratanza is now closed and may not be obvious. The Long Path turns right and follows the other branch of the old trail as it descends toward the falls. The forest gradually changes from pitch pine and blueberry to a hardwood forest.

2.60  Enter a hemlock forest, now on private property. Please remain on trail and respect private property.

2.85  Cross Verkeerder Kill. There are several channels and the crossing may be difficult in times of high water.

 

Verkeerder Kill Falls. 2011 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

2.90  Reach an intersection with a path on the right that leads in one hundred feet to a spectacular overlook above Verkeerder Kill Falls. Be careful here, as a misstep will send you plunging to the base of the falls 100 feet below. Please do not proceed past the overlook as the landowner has closed the trail beyond this point. The falls and the overlook are on private property. The landowner has graciously allowed us access to the falls, so please respect his rights and keep the area as you found it. The Long Path turns left (north) back at the intersection and begins to climb to the top of another ridge. The climb is gradual at first, but soon turns steep.

3.10  The climb becomes gentler as it gains the ridge crest. After a viewpoint to the left on a conglomerate shelf, the trail turns away from the edge and passes through an area covered with blueberry bushes and small trees.

3.20  The Long Path reaches open slab and an intersection with the High Point Footpath (red) and Scenic Trail Footpath (purple). The Scenic Trail Footpath, co-blazed with blue SRT markers, follows the previous Long Path route to Mud Pond, 0.6 mile away. The Long Path turns left onto the High Point Footpath, which is co-blazed with aqua LP disks.

3.55  Reach the first of several fine viewpoints, as the trail continues north along the rim of a ravine, passing alternatingly over slab rock and through blueberry and pine pitch scrub.

4.40  Cross the first of several small seasonal streams and continue along the rim of the bowl.

5.15  An unmarked trail (Cut-off Trail) on the left leads to the High Point Carriage Road.

5.35  Reach High Point, which affords a panoramic view of the Catskills, Mohonk, Minnewaska, and the Hudson Highlands, with the southern Shawangunks hidden behind Sam's Point.

5.70  Reach junction with the Berrypicker Footpath (blue), which is co-blazed with LP disks. The red-blazed High Point Footpath turns left and descends to reach the High Point Carriage Road in about a tenth of a mile. The Berrypicker Footpath and Long Path continue straight ahead for about 150 feet to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Rondout Valley and all of the Catskills north of there. This was the site of a fire tower of which the anchors are still visible. The Berrypicker Footpath and Long Path turn right at the view point. This section passes through typical pine barren forest, over slab rock, and along many fine viewpoints.

5.95  Great view of Minnewaska and Mohonk.

6.45  A spectacular panoramic view of the Shawangunks and the Catskills.

6.80  Approach the rim of a giant bowl. In a while, the forest becomes more deciduous.

7.75  Reach the end of the Berrypicker Footpath and turn left on Smiley Carriage Road. From here on, the trail is marked with 2x4" LP Aqua blazes. To the right (north) of this junction about a couple hundred feet, the remnants of 4-Mile Post, one of the old berrypicker settlements, can be found.

8.05  Turn right onto the Mine Hole Footpath, which primarily follows an old fire road down to Foordmore Road. The trail descends almost 1600 feet over the next 3.5 miles. (About 0.6 mile west of this junction, following Smiley Carriage Road, are DEC lands where camping is allowed).

8.10  An unmarked trail to the left leads to a nearby cabin. In the next mile or so, the trail crosses several slickrock sections where cairns are used to show the way.

8.50  Cross a stream.

8.70  A short side trail on the right (white blazes) leads to Panther Rock, one of the more outstanding viewpoints along this trail.

8.90  Two large cairns mark an unmaintained trail to the left that leads to Jacob's Ladder. The trail continues downward with several views north of the Catskills and crosses several patches of bare rock that can be very slippery when wet. Slowly, the size of the trees increases. The old road can be quite steep at times.

 

View of the Catskills from the Mine Hole Footpath. 2011 [JAKOB FRANKE]

 

10.70  Cross a seasonal stream.

10.85  Reach the former junction of Upper Mine Hole Footpath and Lower Mine Hole Footpath, where the Long Path previously turned west to descend toward Berme Road. The Long Path now continues straight along Mine Hole Footpath.

11.65  Reach the end of Mine Hole Footpath at a parking area on Foordmore Road.  Turn left onto Foordmore Road.

11.95  Turn left onto Berme Road.

12.10  Just prior to a curve in the road, turn right off the road onto a trail. The trail crosses the canal bed of the old D&H Canal* and soon reaches an old railroad bed on lands protected by the Open Space Institute.  Follow the railroad bed southward, which soon runs parallel to Berme Road.

13.25  Reach the end of Towpath Road and continue along the road. The third house on the right is across from the site of Lock 26 of the D&H Canal and is the improved locktender house.

13.40  Cross Port Ben Road and continue on Towpath Road, which turns sharply right (north) in a few hundred feet. On your left is the historical Port Ben railroad station.

13.55  Reach a junction with Port Ben Road again and turn left, reaching the Port Ben Road bridge across the Rondout Creek, which is now closed to vehicles but is open for pedestrians. A parking area is at the northern end of the bridge.

 

Previous Section: Section 13
Next Section: Section 15


*The Delaware & Hudson Canal was in operation from 1828 until 1899. Following its demise the O&W used the canal right-of-way, and its railroad bed is in some places on the towpah or in the canal prism.