Hike Reviews

Did this hike of couple of weeks ago. Some of the comments below state Sackett Trail was quite overgrown. That is no longer the case. I had no problem walking this section of the hike. Some folks/volunteers have done a great job of clearing all the overgrown areas. Thank you! Also I did not see the cable barrier mentioned in the hike description before you get to the Sackett Trail. And a large sign pointing to Sackett Trail is also part of the scenery now (I surmise this sign was not there when Mr. Chazin did this hike for his write up). This is a great hike with outstanding views. I highly recommend it as we approach peak foliage in our neck of the woods.

<p>My wife and I did this hike on 8/29/15 using both the turn by turn guide given om this page, and the PDF map available on the Avenza app. &nbsp;It was the first time using that app and is such a great tool, although we tried to avoid pulling out the phone as much as possible.</p> <p>After the first view point over Sutherland pond (gorgeous!), it instructs to continue ahead northeast, past the split rock, and descend to Sutherland Road, where you make a right. &nbsp;But at this intersection with Sutherland Road, there are actually 3 options. &nbsp;A left turns, a slight right, and a hard right. &nbsp;We were able to figure out it was a hard right to head back towards the pond, and the abandoned mine along the way proved we were right, but still it could be confusing.</p> <p>Also, one of the commenters (GenieA1)<span style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px;">&nbsp;mentioned that the Rut trail blazes look red instead of orange as described here, and I agree. &nbsp;It is most certainly a deep red trail blaze marking the Rut trail.</span></p> <p>And lastly, we also had a bit of confusion at the Two Gates intersection, as it was not at all clear that going straight counted as "continue ahead along the road". &nbsp;We used the PDF app to figure it out, and then saw the triple yellow blaze quite quickly, but thawould not have been obvious given the description.</p>

<p>In response to your comment, I modified the hike desciption to make it clear that the Sackett Trail turns left onto Hall Road. &nbsp;As to the cable barrier, the cable might have been removed to permit passage of vehicles, but I believe that there is usually a cable across the road here, as the location ishown on the map as "Two Gates."</p>

<p>A bit of confusion for me: "...you'll reach a cable barrier across the road. &nbsp;Here, the yellow-square-blazed Stillman Trail &amp; the teal-diamond-blazed Highlands Trail join briefly. &nbsp;Continue ahead along the road." &nbsp;I think it would be more clear to say that one must <em>cross</em> the cable barrier and continue forward on<em> that</em> road, otherwise one might be prompted to continue on Continental Rd which turns left, as I did. &nbsp;Also, these roads (Continental, Hall, etc) are not labeled, furthermore what constitues a 'road' and a 'trail' can be deceptive. &nbsp;The last part of this hike, from the cable barrier onward, is quite over-grown and at times the blazes are difficult to find. &nbsp;Not a good position to be in when one is running out of daylight. &nbsp;One other comment: &nbsp;the word "soon" is relative and one should keep that in mind when gauging distance. &nbsp;Over-all, an incredible hike. &nbsp;There is a great place to swim in Sutherland pond slightly off the beaten path and I could have spent 2 hours hanging out on Eagle Cliff.</p>

<p>After printing out these directions on 12/28/13, i noticed that either they or my "West Hudson Trails" Map #113, Fifth Edition, 2009, must be wrong. At one point you say we should "bear right onto the orange-blazed Rut Trail," but the map clearly shows that we must bear LEFT onto the RED-blazed Rut Trail.&nbsp;</p> <p>Is my map out of date? Or are these turn-by-turn directions wrong? Please advise.&nbsp;</p>