Highlands Trail Guide Introduction

Trail Alert for Schunemunk State Park:

As of May 2, 2020, trail access across the railroad tracks has been closed. Hikers are not permitted to cross until a safer route can be established. This includes the Jessup Trail (Yellow) near its junction with the Otterkill Trail (Red), and the Sweet Clover Trail (White) near its junction with the Dark Hollow Trail (Black).

This parking lot on Taylor Road has been closed by NY State Parks. To access all trails on the other side of the railroad tracks, use either the Otterkill Road or Gonzaga Park parking lots (see map). Please do not attempt to cross the active railroad tracks anywhere in this area.

These closures are due to an increase in trespassing at the Moodna Viaduct trestle. Anyone crossing the railroad tracks will be charged with criminal trespass by MTA police, who are actively monitoring the area. A solution for re-opening access is being sought but it will take some time. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated.

The Highlands Trail Guide is your resource for planning hikes on the Highlands Trail. The Highlands Trail Overview map below is zoomable down to a detailed level and can give you an indication of the topography of a section you are planning to hike. You may need to click the map to enable the interactive functions. This 2018 GPS route of the trail is for general reference purposes only and should not be used as a complete trail map for areas traversed by the Highlands Trail. This map was last updated in 2018. Subsequent updates to the trail have been posted on the indivdual trail section pages. A complete new Avensa Map of the Highlands Trail should be available in late 2020.

Below the map are detailed individual trail segment descriptions.

Additional maps will be posted as they become available.

Hike reports, questions, comments, complaints, suggestions are welcomed.

Highlands Trail Chair: [email protected] Updated 5/11/20

Click the map to expose the interactive controls, or click here to view a full-screen version of this map.

Highlands Trail Guide