Features: The Cliffs of Middleburgh, Cotton Hill, Canady Hill
Distance: 10.60 miles
USGS Map Quads: Middleburgh, Schoharie, Rensselaerville
Trail Conference Maps: none

General Description

After leaving Middleburgh, the Long Path ascends the Cliffs. The trail route follows the edge of the cliffs, where there are spectacular views across and down the Schoharie Valley. Caution is required at all viewpoints, as they drop right off. Beyond the cliffs, the trail crosses the head of “The Gorge” and traverses through Cotton Hill State Forest and Dutch Settlement State Forest. The hike through Cotton Hill is a pleasant variety of trail and old woods roads. The forest varies from hemlock to red and white pine. As you enter each section of the forest, a climb to a high point is required. The Cotton Hill sections revolve around the northeast corner of Schoharie County. The section ends spectacularly after the trail crosses Canady Hill, with great open views to the Catskills and Partridge Run and Cole Hill in Albany County. The last mile of this section to the Albany county line is on Lawton Hollow Road. The eastern and western ends of this section follow private property, while the middle 5 miles are on state land.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 21 (Catskill). Take NY Route 23 west about 8 miles to NY Route 145. Take NY Route 145 west about 30 miles to the Village of Middleburgh. The trail section begins at the intersection of Route 145 and Route 30 in the Village of Middleburgh.

Parking

0.00 Village of Middleburgh (town park; elementary school). (Unlocated)
0.35 Straub Lane, at end of MT Path cul-de-sac. (Unlocated)
4.75 Durfee Road, in shale pit. (42.62752°, -74.28854°)
6.10 Treadlemire Road, at snowplow turn-around. (42.62352°, -74.27377°)
8.10 Cotton Hill Road (on shoulder). (42.62127°, -74.24890°)
10.50 Canady Hill Road (on shoulder). (Unlocated)

Camping

4.40 - 5.80 Cotton Hill State Forest is entered at mile 3.95, at first the the state land is thin strip of land. At around mile 4.4 the state land widens out to allow legal camping. Camping is allowed in the Cotton Hill State Forest 150 feet away from the trail, water and road.

6.30 Cotton Hill Lean-to, 0.2 mi east of Treadlemire Road.
Camping is allowed in the Dutch Settlement State Forest 150 feet away from the trail, water and road.

Trail Description

0.00 The trail turns east on NY Route 145 on the sidewalks through the Village of Middleburgh.

0.35 Past the blinking traffic light, the trail turns left from Main Street onto Straub Lane. Follow Straub Lane (which becomes MT Path) past the Cliffside Senior Apartments complex and several new homes toward the base of the Cliffs and cul-de-sac, where there is room to park a couple of cars.

0.75 From the cul-de-sac, the trail departs to the right on a dirt road to a shale pit on the left. The trail leaves the dirt road to the left for a steep ascent above the shale pit and enters a recently logged area, crosses several logging roads and continues to climb.  A lemon squeeze is encountered in the cliff to reach the top. (To avoid the squeeze, continue on the dirt road which swings around the cliffs and reconnects to the trail at the top.) Just below the lemon squeeze is an eastern cedar tree that has been dated to be about 500 years old, the oldest cedar in New York and maybe the whole Northeast.

1.10 Once at the top, the best views of the village, Vroman’s Nose and Vromansland are captured. Continue north along the cliffs on an all-purpose trail.

1.40 A four-way intersection is reached. The woods road to the right leads back down to the cul-de-sac via "The Gorge," making for a short loop hike. The LP follows on the level to the left and continues along the cliffs edge.

1.65 There are spectacular views across the Schoharie Valley all along the escarpment. The forest is mixed with hemlock, red and white pine, and some hardwoods.

2.05 The trail intersects a series of logging roads and turns right to “The Gorge” side on property owned by the Trail Conference.

2.15 At an oak tree with a carved arrow, the trail turns onto another woods road to the left and ascends.

2.40 The trail levels to reach a "T" intersection with an old snowmobile trail. Turn left and ascend the ridge. As it rises to the 1700 foot high point, the trail crosses an old logging road and connects with the main all-purpose ridge trail.

2.80 After some level ridge walking, the trail descends slightly passing an old flagstone quarry. Pass a logging road to the right and then one to the left. 

3.15 The LP turns right and leaves the ridge trail to descend to the head of "The Gorge." There is a quick right-left jog as the trail crosses an older woods road and continues to descend along a spring on the left and a recent logged area on the right.

3.50 The trail crosses three streams. Between the streams are views north through an open field.

3.75 Cross the third stream and ascend to the Cotton Hill State Forest through a logged area.

3.95 Reaching the state forest boundary corner, the trail turns left to follow a narrow strip of state land. On the left is an old “stump fence” that was constructed when the land was cleared many years ago.

4.30 Cross under power lines with a view left toward an old farmstead. The trail continues north through hemlocks.

4.75 The trail crosses Durfee Road. A shale pit parking area is to the right. Continue uphill through a red and white pine forest on the right and hardwoods on the left.

4.90 At the top of the hill, the trail bears right, connects with a woods road, and soon descends.

5.00 The trail “Ts” into another woods road and turns left. On the right is an old well that was built to be used by forest firefighters in the 1930's to fill their “Indian Fire Pumps” that they would carry on their backs. If the fire got out of control, the firefighters could seek refuge in the well.

5.10 The trail “Ts” into another woods road and turns right and descends to yet another “T”. Turn left and follow the road between stonewalls, passing a snowmobile trail to the right, to the state forest boundary and private property.

5.40 The trail turns right leaving the woods road and descends to a gorge. At the gorge edge, the trail bears left and follows the gorge through hemlocks ascending to Treadlemire Road.

5.80 Turn left and follow Treadlemire Road uphill passing several houses.

6.10 On the right is a small parking area and snowplow turn-around where the trail exits the back and enters the Dutch Settlement State Forest on a woods road.  In 300 feet, the LP turns left from the road to wind through a narrow crevice in a rock out-crop which resembles elephant skin. Linking back to the logging road, the trail turns left and ascends steeply. 

32.1 Cotton Hill lean-to. 2001 [ED WALSH]

6.30 The trail turns left from the logging road and follows a north-western escarpment to a lean-to with views to northern Schoharie County.

6.40 Cross Cotton Hill (a.k.a. Babcock 2) with an elevation of 2114 feet. To the left, about 52 paces, are the USGS survey monument and a radio/communications tower.

6.95 Descend along the north border of state land and turn left crossing a stone wall at the corner boundary. Soon the trail bears right, descends slightly, and then levels again.

7.40 Reach a woods road, turn right and emerge at an old farmstead clearing and a DEC access road. This road is the boundary between state land on the left and private land on the right.

7.80 A snowmobile trail comes in on the left. Continue straight and pass another firefighter well on the left; the road bears to the right to reach Cotton Hill Road.

8.10 Cross Cotton Hill Road and descend to the right and cross a foot bridge over a tributary of Fox Creek. Follow the stream down for a short distance and then climb the bank to reach an old woods road. Ascend to the right along this road through a white and red pine forest.

8.55 The trail leaves the road, turning right and climbing steeply. (Watch close for a big turn arrow.) At the top of the hill, the trail continues south along Cotton Hill’s eastern boundary. The trail soon begins to descend.

8.90 Before reaching another boundary corner, the trail crosses a DEC access road that leads out to Brooky Hollow Road. At the corner, the trail turns left and stays on the state land.

9.10 The Long Path bears right and descends along the state forest boundary. While descending the trail enters private land. Camping, fires, etc. are prohibited beyond this point.

9.30 Turn left. The trail crosses a small stream and levels out.

9.40 Cross another small stream and ascend steeply through the woods to a woods road, which is 100 feet below the top of Canady Hill. Turn right and follow this road.

9.90 The trail turns left off the woods road and climbs over the hill.

9.95 Continue downhill following the right side of a hedgerow, then crossing the hedgerow to reach a grassy field drive which leads out to Canady Hill Road.

10.30 This area is very wet during the spring, but unavoidable.

10.50 The Long Path turns right onto Canady Hill Road.

10.60 This section ends at the Intersection of Canady Hill and Lawton Hollow Roads. Continue south on Canady Hill Road to contiue on the trail. During hunting season this trail is closed, follow the old route below.

The below description is the route to be used when the trail is closed for hunting season.

0.00 Go left on Lawton Hollow Road and follow this road. There are views to the Catskills and Green Mountains of Vermont along the way.

1.05 Cross into Albany County, where this section ends. To continue, stay on Lawton Hollow Road.

Feature: Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area
Distance: 12.65 miles
USGS Map Quads: Rensselaerville, Westerlo
Trail Conference Maps: none

General Description

Section 33 of the Long Path mostly follows old ski trails and snowmobile trails through the Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area. The walking is not difficult and there is little elevation gain, just small ups and downs. The exceptions are at the beginning and end of the section, where the Long Path must climb up to the plateau of Partridge Run. The first 0.3 miles and the last 0.2 miles are on paved roads. The single foot-only trail section is at the very eastern part of Partridge Run. Some of the park trails are also accessible by vehicle, but are little used. The trail passes through many reforestation areas, primarily of Norway spruce and red pine. There are also several ponds and lakes along the way. Views are limited, but more numerous when the leaves are down. Because skiers and snowmobilers share the trails in the winter, there are a number of wet areas, particularly in the beginning of the section.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 22 in Selkirk. Turn right on NY Route 144 and go south to NY Route 396. Turn right on Route 396 and follow it 6 miles to South Bethlehem, where Route 396 ends. The road becomes Albany County Route 301 here. Follow Route 301 west another 6 miles to its terminus at NY Route 443 in Clarksville. Turn left on Route 443 and follow it 11 miles to the village of Berne. Continue on Route 443 another 3 miles to West Berne. In West Berne, turn left on Albany County Route 9. Follow Route 9 for about a mile until it makes a sharp left. Continue straight ahead on Bradt Hollow Road. Follow Bradt Hollow Road for about 3 miles, where it intersects Lawton Hollow Road. Turn right on Lawton Hollow Road and follow it for 1.55 miles to the intersection of of Canady Hill Road.

Parking

0.30 East shoulder of Canady Hill Road. (Unlocated)
2.30 Off Bradt Hollow Road. (42.58265°, -74.20622°)
6.35 Tubbs Pond. (42.56730°, -74.18128°)
7.10 Fawn Lake. (42.56185°, -74.16544°)
8.10 Partridge Run Road and Ravine Road (Albany County Route 6). (42.56118°, -74.15094°)
8.60 End of Partridge Run Road. (Unlocated)
9.70 Shale Forest Road. (Unlocated)
12.65 Switz Kill Road and Gifford Hollow Road. (42.57715°, -74.11854°)

Camping

Camping is allowed in Partridge Run, but only in the reforestation areas, not in the Wildlife Management Areas, and 150 feet away from the trail or water source. There is a new lean-to 150 yards straight ahead at the right turn to reach Gifford Hollow Road (11.45 mi).

Trail Description

The trail has been relocated and no longer follows the road in Albany County. Section 33 now starts on Canady Hill Road at the intersection with Lawton Hollow Road In .30 of a mile the trail turns left into the woods. Follow the aqua blazes which will lead you into the Patridge Run Wildlife Management Area. The beginning of this section is on private land and closed during hunting season. Please respect the landowners request. 

0.00 From the intersection of Lawton Hollow Road continue south on Canady Hill Road.

0.30 The Long Path turns left and enters the woods on private land. The trail follows a stone wall for a ways. (The trail turns into the woods before reaching Bassler Road)

0.50 The trail leaves the woods road, crosses a small drainage and then starts uphill through the woods.

0.85 Near the top of the hill the trail intersects a snowmobile trail and follows it for a short distance. The trail leaves the snowmobile trail and starts downhill.

1.40 The trail crosses a small drainage, turns left on an old road for a short distance, then turns right heading uphill.

2.10 The trail reaches the top of the hill and turns right.

2.30  The Long Path enters the Partridge Run Game Management Area, the boundary is marked with yellow paint. The trail turns comtinues straight on the Nordic ski trail, continuing straight ahead bordering an area that was clear-cut several years ago. Reach an intersecting trail and bear right. In a short distance another ski trail connects from the right. The LP leaves the ski trail on the left through a brushy area and into fairly open woods following stone walls and logging roads. The trail emerges back on the ski trail at the iron gate on High Point Road.

3.05 The trail crosses High Point Road, and then re-enters the forest following another Nordic ski trail. Shortly, the trail enters a 2010 clear-cut, swings east into a second reforestation area and then back south again. The LP avoids a wet area by leaving the ski trail to the left.  Cross an old stone wall to re-join the ski trail to continue.

3.55 The trail reaches a fork. The left fork heads uphill in the woods, while the Long Path continues to the right, following level ground. There is a beaver pond on the right in the distance. Shortly, the trail turns right, crosses the outlet of the beaver pond and enters a hemlock grove. The trail parallels the beaver pond through the hemlocks and then turns left, away from the beaver pond. The trail leaves the hemlocks and enters another spruce grove.

3.95 The trail leaves the spruce forest, crosses an open field, and then turns left on a gravel road that is marked jointly for snowmobilers and skiers. Pass a 2016 clear-cut to the right of the trail, then head generally downhill to the remnants of an old beaver pond, then heads uphill again.

4.20 The trail turns right on a snowmobile trail, continuing south along a stone wall and pass through another 2016 clear-cut area.

4.40 Intersect another snowmobile trail, turn left and follow the trail to Bradt Hollow Road.

4.50 Just before reaching the road, the LP turns right to stay off the road and descends slightly to a zig-zag crossing of the road to continue on a DEC access road.

4.60 Turn right on a snowmobile trail. The trail parallels Bradt Hollow Road for about a quarter of a mile, and then swings away toward the east, passing through a pine forest.

5.35 A snowmobile trail comes in from the right. The Long Path continues straight ahead. The LP avoids another wet area by skirting to higher ground to the right for a short distance and re-joins the ski trail again.

5.85 The trail turns left on gravel Beaver Road.

6.05 Turn right and follow a snowmobile trail downhill through a mature stand of spruce and pine.

6.35 Reach Tubbs Pond, turn right, cross the outlet of the pond to the right on a new foot bridge, and reach the Tubbs Pond parking area. The trail follows the cinder Tubbs Pond access road.

33.1 Tubbs Pond. 2001 [ED WALSH]

6.75 Intersect Fawn Lake Road, turn right and follow it as it parallels Fawn Lake on the right.

7.10 Reach the end of the road and Fawn Lake parking. The trail turns left on a woods road and descends along a gorge following Fawn Lake’s outlet stream. To the left are the remnants of a 1930s deer management area.

7.55 Reach a trail intersection. The trail to the left leads to White Birch Pond. The Long Path turns right, crosses a stream on a bridge, and heads east toward White Birch Pond Road.

7.80 Reach White Birch Pond Road and turn right.

8.00 The trail jogs left on Ravine Road (Albany County Route 6), then right on Partridge Run Road. There is room to park several cars.

8.30 A path leads right about 100 feet to a waterfall along the stream.

8.55 Partridge Run Road bears right and crosses the stream. The Long Path bears left away from the stream, reaches a parking and picnic area at the end of the road, then continues straight ahead through a gate on a gravel road. The trail passes a small pond on the right.

8.95 Intersect a snowmobile trail that goes left. Continue right on the gravel road, intersecting another trail in 500 feet. The trail left leads to Wood Duck Pond. The Long Path bears right.

9.35 Reach a shale road (Kingfisher Road), and turn right.

9.70 Turn left, reach a parking area and continue on a snowmobile trail.

9.90 Reach the crest of the hill and turn right to descend. There are views of the Blackhead Range here when the leaves are down. The trail swings left to reach the eastern escarpment, then left again to follow it.

10.25 Following Partridge Run’s eastern escarpment north, there is a view across Gifford Hollow to Cole Hill.

10.55 The trail bears left, switchbacks uphill beneath a rock ledge, then continues north on the escarpment.

10.80 Reach an old woods road and turn right.

11.10 The trail turns right on another woods road and descends down to a level area before climbing again.

11.30 Reach the bottom of the hill, turn right and enter a hemlock grove, gently climbing again.

11.45 Turn left on another faint woods road, leave Partridge Run and begin descending to the Switz Kill. The trail enters private property.

11.60 The trail turns right and descends through the woods. It emerges on an overgrown field and continues east, following a hedgerow. Watch for the blazes to be sure you are in the correct field. At the end of the first field, cross a stream in a hedgerow and follow the hedgerow across a second field.

12.25 The trail almost reaches the east edge of the field and turns right onto a field drive to reach Gifford Hollow Road. Straight ahead at the turn, about 150 yards, is a new lean-to built by Adam Forti from Boy Scout Troop 79 as an eagle scout project in 2011-2012. The fire place at the lean to was built by Eagle Scout Joe Staubach from Troop 79. The campsite is maintained by Troop 79 and the landowner.

12.45 Reach Gifford Hollow Road and turn left.

12.65 Gifford Hollow Road intersects Switz Kill Road (Albany County Route 1), where this section ends. Turn right on Switz Kill Road to continue.

The Long Path is closed through the private land during hunting season, Continue from the Albany County line as described below.

0.00 Turn left on Lawton Hollow Road and follow it to the Albany County line. 

1.05 There is a shale bank on the left, with room to park a couple of cars. This is the Albany county line. The trail heads east on Lawton Hollow Road.

1.55 The trail turns right on gravel Bradt Hollow Road and turns uphill. After about half a mile, the trail passes the Partridge Run boundary.

2.25 The Long Path turns right and enters Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area. There is room to park several cars here, but the parking area is accessible only during dry season. Just past the parking area, the Long Path follows a snowmobile trail over a knoll. The trail then descends into the woods following Partridge Run’s northern boundary. Continue left and follow the description from mile 2.30 above.

 

33.2 Lean-to at mile 11.45. 2012 [MARK TRAVER]

Feature: Cole Hill State Forest
Distance: 9.10 miles
USGS Map Quads: Westerlo
Trail Conference Maps: none

General Description

This section of the Long Path is a pleasant blend of ski trails in the state forest, road walking and woodland trails. The Long Path leaves the valley of the Switz Kill and goes along Willsie Road to the top of Cole Hill, where it follows a series of recently constructed ski trails through a mature forest. There are views from Cole Hill, and the trail passes several beaver ponds that have the feeling of the Adirondacks. Past Cole Hill, the Long Path goes along public roads, with a view of the Catskills in the distance. Upon reaching the Doppler weather tower for the Albany region, the trail reenters the woods and begins a gradual descent through land that was once farmed. The Long Path passes through a field, crosses Joslyn Schoolhouse Road, and descends through a pine forest. It then crosses Fox Creek and finally emerges on NY Route 443.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 22 (Selkirk). Turn right on NY Route 144, and continue south to NY Route 396. Turn right on Route 396 and follow it for 6 miles to South Bethlehem, where Route 396 ends and the road becomes Albany County Route 301. Continue on Route 301 west another 6 miles to its end at NY Route 443 in Clarksville. Turn left on Route 443 and follow it 11 miles to the village of Berne. About a mile west of Berne, turn left on Albany County Route 1 and follow it south about 4 miles to Gifford Hollow Road.

Parking

0.00 Switz Kill Road (Albany County Route 1) and Gifford Hollow Road. (42.57715°, -74.11854°)
3.10 Turnoff on right side of Irish Hill Road. (42.59720°, -74.11107°)
4.15 Willsie Road. (42.59349°, -74.10602°)
5.10 Cole Hill Road. (42.59456°, -74.09527°)
7.00 Woodstock Road at weather station. (42.58694°, -74.06354°)
8.50 Joslyn Schoolhouse Road (Albany County Route 14). (42.59818°, -74.051878°)
9.10 Stage Road, near the intersection with NY Route 443, about 0.1 mile east of the trail. ( 42.60218°, -74.04600°)

Camping

2.75 Camping is allowed in Cole Hill State Forest 150 feet away from the trail and from water.

Trail Description

0.00 The Long Path leaves the Switz Kill Valley at the intersection of Switz Kill Road and Gifford Hollow Road and begins to climb following Switz Kill Road.

0.65 Reach Willsie Road, turn left and head uphill, following paved Willsie Road. Near the top of the hill, there is a view back to Partridge Run and the Catskills.

2.10 The trail reaches the southern boundary of Cole Hill State Forest and enters the woods on the left across from a small parking area. It proceeds westward, descending to a small stream and crosses it on a bridge. Beyond the stream, the trail ascends, gradually swinging towards the northwest and then turning to the north at the top of the slope. It then enters a reforested area and passes through alternate fields of pine and spruce, each separated by mixed hardwoods and stone walls. After the fourth stone wall, the trail turns right (east) on a fire access road to join a cross country ski trail.

 

34.1 Bridge in Cole Hill State Forest. 2001 [ED WALSH]

 

3.10 The trail crosses Irish Hill Road. There is a parking area at the north side of this crossing. The trail is mostly marked in the standard aqua paint blazes, but there are also DEC ski trail markers and red trail markers.

3.25 The Long Path reaches a 2015 clear-cut area and turns left on an intersecting trail. After a short distance, it turns right, crosses a stone wall, and follows the top of an escarpment.

3.45 Reach an overlook over the escarpment, with views west over the Switz Kill Valley to Partridge Run. Just past the overlook, cross another stone wall and turn left on an old woods road.

3.75 Reach the boundary of the state forest, where the trail turns right. Remain within the forest, as a woods road to the left leads into private property.

4.05 Begin to descend. Turn left on yet another ski trail, then turn right and continue to descend to Willsie Road.

4.15 Cross Willsie Road and re-enter the woods. In another 500 feet, the trail turns left, and then turns right to begin a series of  corduroy, stepping stones and a foot bridge.The trail begins a gradual ascent and turns left.

4.50 The Long Path passes through a deep forest known locally as the  “Avenue of the Pines.” At the far end of this forest, there is an opening in the woods, with a view to an abandoned beaver pond. This old pond is now a wetland filled with marsh grass.

34.2 Avenue of the Pines. 2001 [ED WALSH]   

4.70 Reach another beaver pond in a beautiful pine forest, a wonderful lunch spot. Here, the Long Path turns left and crosses a substantial bridge. The scene here is quite reminiscent of the Adirondacks. Beyond the beaver pond, the trail climbs steeply to a hemlock grove, briefly turns left on an old woods road, and then ascends to Cole Hill Road.

5.05 Turn right and continue uphill on paved Cole Hill Road. There is a parking area here. In the future, it is anticipated that the Long Path will be rerouted through the woods in this area, but for the present, it follows public roads for about 2 miles.

5.45 Reach the crest of Cole Hill Road, with views south toward the Blackhead Range and Windham High Peak in the Catskills. As you continue on Cole Hill Road, the view opens up to include Mt. Hayden, Mt. Pisgah, Richmond Mountain, Ashland Pinnacle and Huntersfield Mountain, the route of the Long Path as it heads northwest from the Catskills to Schoharie County.

5.90 Turn left on Woodstock Road, with Woodstock Park, part of Camp Woodstock, a large private campground and RV park, to the right.

6.35 Pass the entrance to Camp Woodstock and Woodstock Lake on the right.

6.85 Filkins Hill Road goes off to the left. Continue straight ahead on Woodstock Road.

7.00 As Woodstock Road turns right, the Long Path continues straight ahead on a gravel road that leads to a weather station.

7.05 The trail passes the National Weather Service’s Albany Region Doppler radar tower on the right. This tower tracks and warns of severe storms. Vehicles may not be driven beyond this point. The Long Path descends from Stafford Hill on a narrow woods road, with a rock ledge on the left at the bottom of the hill.

7.35 Continue straight ahead on an older woods road, as the road that the Long Path has been following turns left. In 500 feet, bear right at a fork, and begin a gradual descent through dense foliage.

7.60 Reach an intersection, with a gravel road to the right, and a level ATV track to the extreme left. The Long Path crosses both roads and descends slightly to the left. If you are going in the opposite direction, continue straight ahead across the gravel roads. You will know that you are following the correct route if you pass between the “Posted” signs of two different landowners. After a slight descent, the trail bears right, following an old woods road.

7.75 The Long Path crosses a seasonal wet area on stepping-stones, and then turns left across level terrain. In 0.2 miles, the trail begins a gradual descent, and then intersects a stone wall that it follows downhill, descending more steeply.

8.30 Turn right on a gravel road that leads to the edge of a field. Cross the field and turn right, by an abandoned farmhouse, to reach Joslyn Schoolhouse Road.

8.50 Cross Joslyn Schoolhouse Road (Albany County Route 14) and re-enter the woods just below an open field. The Long Path sidehills through an old red pine forest, then turns left and descends sharply on an ATV trail.

8.70 The trail bears left off the ATV trail at the bottom of the hill and descends gradually in the woods along the edge of a field with an old stone wall on the left. The trail goes over the stone wall and continues to follow the edge of te field, with the stone wall now on the right.

8.80 The trail crosses back over the stone wall and continues to descend through a forested area with a slightly steeper slope.

8.90 The trail reaches a snowmobile bridge across Fox Creek and crosses the bridge, then turns left to skirt the edge of a field in a clockwise direction as it climbs upward toward NY Route 443.

9.05 At the top of the field the trail turns right for 300 feet to a field drive opening to reach NY Route 443. Once at Route 443 the trail turns left again and follows the road for about 100 yards along its shoulder, going northwest.

9.10 To continue, cross Route 443 and head uphill in a northeasterly direction along the left edge of a large field.

Features: Helderberg Escarpment and John Boyd Thacher State Park
Distance: 10.95 miles
USGS Map Quads: Westerlo, Altamont
Trail Conference Maps: None

General Description

This section of the Long Path starts pleasantly as it passes through farm country. The section begins where the Long Path crosses NY Route 443 and follows a grassy road past a farm house to reach Stage Road. For the next mile the trail continues though fields and forests until it reaches Sawmill Road. The trail then continues along local roads to John Boyd Thacher State Park. The Long Path follows a series of trails through the park, emerging on the cliffs of the Helderberg Escarpment at the overlook on the north side of NY Route 157. Here, there are spectacular views northeast into Vermont. This ridge is made up of a core of limestone in which were found many fossils during the early days of geology in the 1800s. These fossils are known worldwide for their sequence from the Silurian to the Devonian eras. Early studies in this area helped lay the foundations for modern paleontology and geology. The Long Path then turns north and descends on the historic Indian Ladder Trail under the base of the cliffs, then follows the western boundary of John Boyd Thacher State Park northward. It continues north through the park along a newly constructed ski trail, with the Helderberg Escarpment to the right. The Long Path climbs to the top of the escarpment and heads in a generally northwest direction through the woods. The section ends at the north end of the park in the parking lot off Old Stage Road.

Access

Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 22 (Selkirk). Turn right on NY Route 144 and continue south to NY Route 396. Turn right on Route 396 and follow it 6 miles to South Bethlehem, where Route 396 ends and the road becomes Albany County Route 301. Follow Route 301 west another 6 miles to its end at NY Route 443 in Clarksville. Turn left on Route 443 and follow it west about 5 miles to the second intersection with Stage Road, 1.5 miles from the intersection of NY 443/85.

Parking

0.00 Stage Road, near the intersection with NY Route 443, about 0.1 mile east of the trail. (42.60218°, -74.04600°)
3.75 John Boyd Thacher State Park Ski Area on Beaver Dam Road. (42.63826°, -74.01515°)
4.65 Lower Paint Mine Picnic Area (about 0.2 miles off the trail). (42.65111°, -74.01632°)
5.45 Helderberg Escarpment Overlook parking area. (42.65248°, -74.01204°)
6.45 North end of Indian Ladder Trail. (42.65481°, -74.01787°)
10.95 Old Stage Road (limited). (42.68158°, -74.05442°)

Trail Description

0.00 The Long Path crosses Route 443 just east of the driveway of a private residence and heads uphill in a northeasterly direction along the edge of a large field. Soon the trail turns left, then right, to follow a grassy road which parallels the edge of the field. The trail climbs gradually and passes a farm house on the left when it reaches Stage Road.

0.10 The trail turns left and follows Stage Road until it reaches a hedgerow bordering a field on the left.

0.40 At the hedgerow the trail turns left away from the road and descends gradually north along the west side of a hedgerow. There is an expansive view west, across open fields, toward Cole Hill and the Schoharie Valley.

0.80 Bearing right through a gap in the hedgerow, the trail enters a young hardwood forest and turns gradually east (right). At a logging trail, it turns north (left).

1.00 The trail reaches Sawmill Road and turns north (left) on Sawmill Road, near its intersection with Stempel Road.

1.35 At the intersection with Long Road, the trail turns right and follows Long Road east.

2.40 Turn left at Elm Drive.

2.60 Bear right onto Bush Drive.

3.35 Turn right onto Beaver Dam Road (Albany County Route 303).

3.75 Turn left into John Boyd Thacher State Park.

35.1 Panorama from Thacher Park lookout. 2001 [HERB CHONG]

3.90 The trail turns right and follows a gravel park road.

4.35 A nature trail comes in from the right at the head of a ravine. The Long Path continues ahead, gradually descending on the left side of the ravine.

4.65 Straight ahead, the Lower Paint Mine Picnic Area and pavilion are 0.2 miles ahead. The Long Path turns right, crosses the ravine on a bridge and follows the lower part of the nature trail. In 0.1 miles the nature trail forks to the right; the Long Path forks to the left and passes through a dense hemlock forest.

5.10 The Long Path turns left and follows a woods road that leads into the Upper Knowles Flat Picnic Area. The trail follows the north edge of the picnic area, and then descends right on a gravel path to the paved access road. The trail then turns right on the access road to intersect Route 157.

5.40 The Long Path crosses NY Route 157 and reaches the overlook parking area. The trail turns left and follows the overlook along the edge of the escarpment. There is a spectacular view across the upper Hudson Valley to the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York. At the end of the parking area, the trail continues to follow the escarpment fence through the woods.

5.90 The trail reaches a viewpoint over Mine Lot Falls, which plunges over the escarpment. Just past this viewpoint, the Indian Ladder Trail leaves to the right and descends to the bottom of the cliff. It follows the escarpment north under the cliffs and passes under Mine Lot Falls. The Indian Ladder Trail is only open from mid-May to late fall, as it is dangerous when there is ice. The Long Path follows the Indian Ladder Trail when it is open. If you follow the trail on top of the escarpment, the trail will pass another overlook and then pass over the head of the falls.

 

35.2 Mine Lot Falls in the winter. 2001 [HERB CHONG]      35.3 Base of the Indian Ladder Trail. 2001 [MICHAEL WARREN]

 

6.45 The Long Path reaches the northern end of the Indian Ladder Trail. Pass the Thacher Visitor Center to reach the parking lot. Go along the edge of the parking area to the park entrance gate  where it crosses the guardrail and goes through a field behind the administration building.

6.60 The trail enters the woods and follows a newly constructed ski trail, which parallels the park road heading north. The Helderberg Escarpment is visible to the east of the park road.

 

35.4 Wildflowers growing near the ranger station. 2001 [LOREN DOBERT]

7.15 The trail skirts a pavilion near the edge of the escarpment and turns right onto a gravel road to the Hailes Cave Picnic Area overlooking the escarpment. At two stone pillars, it turns left onto a grassy road, with the escarpment to the right, then again turns left and follows a ski trail along the edge of two fields.

7.35 Halfway northwards along the edge of the second field, the trail turns right into the woods. Many narrow fissures, some very deep, crisscrossing the woods mark this section of trail. The trail parallels and then crosses a stone wall to reach an old woods road.

7.55 The trail turns right on the old road and enters the OSI Thacher Park Nature Preserve.

7.75 The Long Path turns left off the woods road to climb along a switchback to the top of the ridge and a junction with another woods road.

7.85 The trail meets a yellow-blazed woods road leads left in 0.3 miles to Ryan Road and a small parking area. The trail turns right and follows the crest of the ridge through a mixed forest of pine, hardwoods and low-growing juniper.

8.25 After reaching a cairn that marks the highest point on this trail section, about 1,410 feet, the Long Path descends gradually from the escarpment, staying near its edge.

 

35.5 View from the escarpment in John Boyd Thacher State Park. 2010 [JAKOB FRANKE]

8.65 The Long Path reaches a junction with another trail (blazed white) and turns right, descending steeply to a gravel road used by hang-glider enhtusiasts to access a take-off pad at the edge of the escarpment. Turn left on the hang-glider road. (To reach the hang-glider launch site, continue straight ahead on the road at this point.)

8.85 The trail leaves the hang-glider road and bears right, circling a depression in the escarpment.

9.15 The trail crosses an old stone wall.

9.25 Reach the middle of an old juniper stand and turn right. The forest along the trail is laced with fascinating fissures caused by acidity eating away the escarpment’s limestone.

9.35 A red-blazed trail joins the Long Path from the left. Both Long Path and red blazes now mark the trail.  It is important to remain on the trail in this area, to avoid potential injury from stumbling into a fissure.

9.75 The trail reaches a point where it turns sharply left, heading west. Just ahead and to the right is an open 'High Point' viewpoint. To the right Mt. Everett in southern Massachusetts is seen peeking over the shoulder of the hang-glider opening. Panning north you will see Albany, Mt. Greylock, the Town of Altamont, and Vermont’s Green Mountains with Killington and Pico Peak prominent.

9.95 The Long Path crosses a white-blazed woods road. The Long Path continues past a stone wall to the left onto a segment of an old woods road, then bears left away from the woods road through mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, winding through several stands of hemlock.

10.25 The Long Path turns right, leaving the red-blazed trail, and skirts fields and stone walls on the left.

10.45 The Long Path crosses a woods road leading to a field on the left and then skirts the edge of the field.

10.65 The trail crosses a field and then re-enters the woods, passing through many stands of hawthorne bushes.

10.75 The Long Path parallels a stone wall, and then joins an old woods road that also leads to the ‘High Point’ overlook already encountered.

10.95 Reach a parking area off Old Stage Road marking the furthest extent of park property, and turn right.

This is currently the "End-to-End" end of the Long Path. The trail has been blazed across the Mohawk River to the Saratoga County line, and from there a route has been described to the Adirondacks blue line, but until more of that route is off-road those sections are not a requirement for the "End-to-End" certificate.

Features: Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s Wolf Creek Falls Preserve and The Nature Conservancy’s Christman Sanctuary
Distance: 9.55 miles
USGS Map Quads: Altamont, Gallupville
Trail Conference Maps: None

General Description

After leaving Thacher State Park, the Long Path follows paved roads to Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, where it follows trails for about one mile. The trail then goes back to local roads until it reaches Christman Sanctuary.

Access

From the NY Thruway North, merge onto I-87 N/I-90 E toward Albany/Montreal. Take Exit 1S toward US-20/Western Ave. Turn right onto US-20 W/Western Ave, and in about 4 miles turn left onto NY-146 W. Continue for 6 miles, and in Altamont continue on NY-156 W. In 1.3 mi turn left onto Old Stage Road. The trailhead parking is on the left.

Parking

0.00 Old Stage Road trailhead. (42.68158°, -74.05442°)
1.70 Lewis Road and NY Route 146 (limited). (unlocated)
5.10 Wolf Creek Falls Preserve parking area. (42.72155°, -74.08547°)
9.20 Christman Sanctuary parking area. (42.74317°, -74.12860°)

Camping

There is currently no camping available in this section.

Trail Description

0.00 From the parking area off Old Stage Road, marking the furthest extent north of park property, turn right. Descend gradually on Old Stage Road, with views across the valley of Altamont towards the hills just south of the Mohawk River.

1.00 Immediately after passing an old cemetery, turn right onto NY Route 156.

1.10 Turn left onto Lewis Road.

1.80 Reach NY Route 146 and turn left.

3.00 Turn right onto Bell Road (Albany County Route 261).

4.30 Reach Bozenkill Road (County Route 253) and turn left.

5.10 The LP reaches the boundary of the Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, which is owned by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.  After crossing a large culvert on the road, the LP turns right onto the preserve’s red trail. Several other unmarked paths intersect, but stay on the red trail. There are several small waterfalls in the stream on the right. The trail crosses Wolf Creek on a log bridge, with a rustic handrail. As you cross the stream, you will see, on the right, a culvert over which a railroad crosses. In another 250 feet, the red trail ends at a junction with the white trail. The LP turns left onto the white trail.  An interesting detour is to take the white trail to the right 150 feet to an old stone washing station where gravel was washed and loaded onto railroad cars on a siding.

 

36.1 Wolf Creek Falls. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]

5.40 The white trail ascends along Wolf Creek, passing several large waterfalls. The trail passes through a stone wall that marked the boundary between two “great lots” from the land grants of the 1700s.

5.60 Reach a four-way intersection. Here, the LP turns left onto the blue trail. Bear left at a Y-intersection, staying on the blue trail. 

5.80 Reach an intersection with the yellow trail. Turn left and follow the yellow trail south, crossing a “musical” bridge where you can tap out a tune on the foot treads. In 500 feet, reach Bozenkill Road and turn right to follow the road.

7.30 Turn right onto Colliton Road (also known as Ostrander Road) and then right onto Bozie Hollow Road. Pass the old Ostrander Cemetery on the left. There is little blazing from here to the Schoharie Turnpike.

8.40 Cross railroad tracks and the Albany/Schenectady County line, where the name of the road changes to Bozen Kill Road. The Bozenkill Falls can be heard through the fencing on the right.  A gristmill was once at its base. (DO NOT LEAVE THE ROADWAY  -  DO NOT TRESPASS OR YOU WILL BE ARRESTED)  The rail line was built by the Delaware & Hudson Railroad in 1863 and is now operated by SMS Rail Lines.

9.10 Reach the Schoharie Turnpike (Schenectady County Route 74) and turn left.

9.55 At the top of the hill, on the left, is the Christman Wildlife Sanctuary where a trail leads to the historic “Long Path Lean-to” at the base of a beautiful waterfall. It was built by the Mohawk Valley Hiking Club in the 1930s as a shelter for LP hikers. Mr. W.W. Christman, renowned as the “Poet of the Helderhills,” was highly  enthusiastic about the Long Path and owned the land which now comprises the sanctuary. Continue on the Schoharie Turnpike.

 

36.2 Christman Sanctuary. 2014 [JAKOB FRANKE] 

Features: Christman Sanctuary, Featherstonhaugh State Forest
Distance: 10.00
USGS Map Quads: Gallupville, Duanesburg
Trail Conference Maps: none

General Description

From Christman Sanctuary the Long Path follows local roads until it reaches Featherstonhaugh State Forest. Along the way it passes through the Hamlet of Duanesburg. In Featherstonhaugh State Forest the trail follows ski trails and snow mobile trails, until it reaches Judith Lane.

Access

From the NY State Thruway (I-87 N) merge onto I-90 W. In about 10 miles take exit 25A and merge onto I-88 W toward NY-7/Schenectady/ Binghamton. In 6 miles take exit 24 toward NY-7/US-20/Duanesburg, then turn left onto US-20 E. Continue about 2 miles and turn right onto Schoharie Turnpike. The Christman Sanctuary parking area is on the left in about 3 miles.

Parking 

0.00 Christman Sanctuary parking area. (42.74320°, -74.12875°)
5.80 Schenectady County Forest trailhead parking lot. (42.80174°, -74.15425°)
8.00 Featherstonhaugh State Forest parking area on Lake Road. (42.81069°, -74.13476°)
8.50 Featherstonhaugh State Forest parking area at Tidball Road. (42.80926°, -74.12870°)
10.00 Featherstonhaugh parking lot on Judith Lane (limited). (42.81148°, -74.11646°)

Camping

9.00 Frosty Acres Campground at 1560 Skyline Drive. Follow Tidball Road 0.8 miles to the end, then turn left on Skyline Drive for 0.65 miles.
Camping in Featherstonhaugh State Forest is allowed, but subject to the standard DEC rules and regulations.

Trail Description

0.00 From the Christman Sanctuary parking lot turn left onto Schoharie Turnpike.

0.80 Turn right on Weaver Road (Schenectady County Route 152). Cross under I-88 to reach New York State Route 7.

1.80 Go right on Route 7

2.70 Reach the intersection with New York State Route 20 in the Hamlet of Duanesburg. There is a diner at the corner. Turn left on Route 20 and pass under a railroad bridge to reach Duanesburg Churches Road (County Route 127) on the right. James Duane (1732-1797), the founder of Duanesburg, is buried here in a vault under the church.

  37.1 Duane's 1792 church. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]

3.95 Follow Churches Road north to Lake Road (County Route 88).

6.50 Turn right on Lake Road and continue east.

7.25 Pass a Schenectady County Forest parking area on the left.

7.65 Reach the western boundary ofFeatherstonhaughStateForest where the Long Path turns left into the woods. Reach a junction with a ski trail and turn right. Cross under a power line and at the next ski trail turn right.

8.25 Cross Lake Road. The Long Path follows the ski trail and bears left at the first trail junction. After crossing the third stream on a foot bridge, reach a second ski trail junction, then turn left to reach a snowmobile trail.

8.65 Turn right on the snowmobile trail that parallelsLake Road near a parking area. Before the snowmobile trail reaches a swamp, the Long Path heads left to reach Lake Road with a wide mowed bank. Follow the road bank to the junction of Lake Road and Tidball Road.

9.00 Cross Lake Road to the trail and state forest on the north side of the road. Reach a junction with a ski trail and turn left.

9.80 Reach another trail junction - left leads to a DEC dock with a view of the lake.

10.00 The Long Path turns right at the junction and ascends to reach small DEC parking area on Judith Lane. Canoes can be launched here.

 37.2 Featherstonhaugh Lake. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]

Features: Mostly road walking, Plotterkill Falls in the Plotter Kill Preserve, Lock #9 park on the Mohawk River
Distance: 9.7 miles
USGS Map Quads: Duanesburg, Rotterdam Junction, Pattersonville
Trail Conference Maps: none

General Description 

This section is mostly road walking through scenic farm country. In the beginning there are several vistas of the Rotterdam Hills and the Helderbergs. During the first half of this route there are great views to the south and east of the Catskills, Berkshires, and confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys. The only off-road section the trail passes through is in the Plotter Kill Nature Preserve in the Town of Rotterdam, where a short side trip will lead to some pretty falls. Toward the end of this section the trail follows the Mohawk-Hudson bike path along the old Erie Canal for a while. Section 38 ends in the Canal Park at Lock #9 (currently closed), immediately after crossing the Mohawk River. The blazing on this section is sporadic.

Access

 From I-87 N/NYS Thruway, keep straight onto I-90 W/NYS Thruway. In 4.7 mi take exit 25; take ramp on right for I-890 toward Schenectady. At exit 2A, take ramp on right for Route 337 toward Campbell Road, then bear right onto Route 337 (Rice Road). In 0.8 mi bear right onto Putnam Road (County Route 54), and in 1.8 mi turn right onto Route 159 (Mariaville Road). Continue 5.5 mi, then turn left onto Lake Road (County Route 88). In 0.3 mi bear right onto Judith Lane, and in 0.2 mi arrive at the parking area of Featherstonhaugh.

Parking 

0.00 Featherstonhaugh Boat Launch Parking lot on Judith Lane. (42.81148°, -74.11646°)
6.40 Plotter Kill Preserve parking lot off Gregg Road. (42.84646°, -74.02944°)
9.70 Lock #9CanalPark. (42.87962°, -74.04102°)

Camping

Camping in Featherstonhaugh State Forest is allowed, but subject to the standard DEC rules and regulations.

Trail Description

0.00 Continue straight (east) on Judith Lane.

0.20 Turn left on Lake Road.

0.50 Turn right on Route 159 (Mariaville Road), and continue east.

2.70 Turn left onto Rynex Corners Road and in 100 feet turn right onto Gifford Road and driveway (#132 Rynex Corners Road).

3.00 The blazed LP trail leaves the town maintained road/driveway to the right, by the unmaintained section of the old town road, and descends toward the creek.

3.20 A few feet before reaching the site where the road crossed on a bridge many years ago, the trail heads left through the woods and parallels the creek. Just upstream from the bridge there was once a grist mill on this side of the creek and a saw mill on the other.

38.1 Plotter Kill. 2014 [JAKOB FRANKE]

3.40 The LP leaves the creek bank and climb a side-hill slope to the left.

3.50 Emerge at a T intersection of a well maintained pathway and turn right.

3.60 Turn right from the pathway and descend to the creek again. The trail passes a small foundation hole which was the site of a “spinney”, a little shack where a spinster lived for many years back in the early 1800s. Follow along the creek, then turning to the left, climb up to the ridge and reconnect to the pathway.

3.70 Turn right and continue on this pathway.

3.80 Cross two foot bridges to reach a stone wall which is the Gifford-Plotter Kill Preserve’s boundary. (The LP blazes end here and we now follow preserve blazing which is maintained by Schenectady County.)

3.90  Continue straight ahead to the intersection with the preserve’s Highland Trail and continue straight on the yellow blazed trail.

4.00 Following a zigzag, the trail turns left to reach the end of the yellow-blazed at the junction with the red blazed North Rim Trail. Continue straight on this red trail, heading NNE.

4.10 Pass the large waterfalls on the right. Use extreme caution in this area as many visitors have been injured here.

4.30 Reach another junction with the yellow trail. Continue on the red trail which swings to the left and ascends the rim of Rynex Creek. Start to descend by way of switchbacks to the creek. Follow the creek downstream to a shallow crossing just above the waterfalls. (There is no bridge here and the crossing may be impassible during high water events, use extreme caution here.)

4.40 Cross Rynex Creek and climb steeply on old steps to the ridge top and then start a steady descent.

4.60 Reach a trail junction from the right. Stay straight on the rim trail.

4.80 After a quick left-right jog, the trail crosses under power lines.

5.00 Continue to descend, cross an access road and follow the trail along the rim again.

5.10 Pass by a trail junction from the right which crosses the gorge to the south rim.

5.20 Pass by a yellow blazed trail on the right.

5.30 The trail bears left and crosses two small streams.

5.70 Pass under another power line.

5.90 Reach a trail junction on the left where a #7 sign is nailed to a tree on the right; leave the red trail, turning left onto a trail marked with red disks over white paint.

6.10 The trail swings left and in 200 feet swings back right to cross a foot bridge.

38.2 Plotterkill Preserve trailhead on Gregg Road. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]

6.40  Reach another foot bridge and the Gregg Road trailhead parking area. Continue north by once again following LP blazes on Gregg Road past the intersection with Crawford Road, under the NYS Thruway and over the railroad tracks to a T intersection.

6.90 Turn left and continue west for a short distance on NYS Route 5S.

7.10 The trail turns left to join the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path, which runs just south of the Mohawk River along sections of the old Erie Canal.

38.3 Erie Canalway. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]

7.55 Turn right onto a paved road (Mabie Lane), which will lead the LP back to Route 5S.

7.75 Turn left onto Route 5S and cross railroad tracks.

8.20 On the right is the historic Jan Mabie House built in 1705, with two styles of early Dutch architecture. Enter the Hamlet of Rotterdam Junction.

9.10 Turn right on Spruce Street and left on Leonard Street to reach Bridge Street, NYS Rte. 103. Go right and cross over the Mohawk River/Erie Canal with the destroyed Lock 9 State Canal Park on the right.

9.25 Turn left on Riverside Drive.

9.35 Turn right onto Bridge Street (NY Route 103) and cross the Barge Canal Lock #9 Bridge over the Mohawk River.

9.70 Turn right into the parking lot and picnic area of Canal Park at Lock #9. This is the end of this section, and the starting point for the description of the Long Path in northern Schenectady County. It is also one of Vincent Schaefer’s original Long Path landmarks. (The park is currently closed because of construction. Instead proceed to the junction of Routes 3 and 5. On the other side of the junction is a Stewart's and the section temporarily ends there.)

 

38.4 Route 103 bridge across Mohawk River. 2013 [MARK TRAVER]