Hike Reviews
June 23, 2019
Great but tough hike!
We did this hike yesterday, except took the jessup trail directly down to otterkill trail to return to the viaduct and our truck.
I heard many reports of rattlesnakes on dark hollow trail, and thought we had a slim chance of meeting one. We were wrong! Surprised one directly on the path to the megaliths! We were both quick to give eachother space and all was well.
It may be worth mentioning on the ridge to ridge trail, the difficulty of navigating a narrow, slippery ledge. I'm assuming there is a spring or constant rain runoff on these rocks. They are very slick and we stayed as close to the laurels as we could. Also we were surprised by large cracks in the rocks where you really needed to watch your step or leap to avoid a nasty fall. Luckilly, I'm slow and careful!
Overall, this mountain is one of my favorites. Its difficult to climb especially for people like me who only get to hike once a month or so due to its steep climbs but the bare rock, dwarfed pine and beautiful views are so worth it. Happy hiking everyone :)
November 06, 2015
Fence Installed at Moodna Viaduct at Otterkill/Trestle Trails
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">The MTA has installed a fence at the intersection of the Otterkill and Trestle trails to prevent hikers from accessing the trestle. Please do not cross the fence! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Walking along the Moodna Viaduct is extremely dangerous and considered trespassing.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Violators will be fined. </span></p>
May 31, 2010
Beautiful hike, great views of the Moodna Viaduct
<p>Hiked this on May 15, 2010, just with this description, no map. The trails are very well blazed, with easy-to-follow cairns and rock lines in the treeless spaces. I could not find the trail to the Megaliths, tho.</p><p>The directions seem to read that you will reach the blue dot Western Trail very soon after the deep fissure, but this is not the case. You will pass over a woods road first, into someone's private tree farm for a while before you get to the Western Trail.</p><p>If the trailhead parking is full, drive up to the viaduct and see if there is parking available right underneath it.</p><p>Also consider driving over to Orrs Kill Road and Jackson Road for a full-length east-facing view of the viaduct. It is the tallest, highest railroad trestle east of the Mississippi.</p><p>Photos from this hike are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kleepet/tags/schunemunkmountainloophike/</p>