Hike Reviews
July 03, 2017
Decent hike, nothing to write home about
I did this hike today. Buttermilk falls were dried up for the most part. The views along the blue and red trails were nice, but I feel like they were obscured my the leaves on the trees. This would probably be a good hike for the spring thaw. More incredible views can be found at Hook Mountain State Park and High Tor, which are just short drives away from Mountainview Nature Park.
July 06, 2016
Views are still there; mileage is correct
<p> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: small;">Regarding the views from the trail, the directions state that, for the best views, you have to continue for 150 feet along the blue trail, then go back to the orange trail. The views are still there, and it seems that you may have just turned onto the orange trail without making the slight detour to the viewpoint. The same can be said about the next viewpoint (on the Long Path), where you have to continue beyond the red trail to a “graffitti-scarred rock” and then return to the red trail.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: small;">It also seems that you made a wrong turn, towards the end of the hike, when you reached the terminus of the red trail at the white trail. The directions clearly state to turn left here. It would seem that you continued straight ahead. I have added some additional white blazes near this junction, so that they are now more visible to anyone who looks for them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: small;">As for the mileage of the hike, our cartographer, Jeremy Apgar, has carefully calculated the length of the hike from very accurate GIS data and has determined that the distance of 4.0 miles is correct. We have found that some GPS units give inaccurate distances when used in the field, and that more accurate distances can be obtained once the tracks are downloaded to a computer and carefully measured. It is also possible that, due to the mistake you made in following the route, you hiked a longer distance.</span></p>
<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">We encourage all hikers to bring along a copy of our trail maps, which enable one to understand the hike route and not just blindly follow written directions. This hike is on Map 109 of our Hudson Palisades map set, and we would encourage you to take a copy of this map with you the next time you take this hike.</span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Glad to hear that you did enjoy your hike after all was said and done!</span></div>
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July 04, 2016
The trail for winter only!
<p>Three issues with this hike: There wasn't even one observation point throughout the hike. Maybe during the winter, when leafs are down, you can see something through the trees, otherwise the trees blocking everything. Another issue is bad marking on the trail. In the very end when it says to take the white-blazed trail to go back, it's a mistake. It's going to take you right into the loop where you started. Instead you have to continue on the orange/red trail till it meets blue, make right at the blue marked trail and then continue on the blue market trail the same way you came in to the parking lot. Third issue the hike came out to be about 6.2 miles insted of 4 as it says in the itinerary. Otherwise the nature and the forest were lively and beautiful.</p>
January 12, 2014
Update on item #1 above
<p>The white blazes have been re-established and are fairly obvious. The construction project was apparently related to stormwater management. There is a big section of land with fence around it and signs stating "Danger. Stormwater Area. Rapidly Rising Water". But whatever prior trail interruption had been there is no longer a problem. Orange will terminate at White and you go left on White.</p>
January 14, 2012
A couple of important things
<p>A couple of important things to note about the directions:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. At the part above where it says, "Turn left onto the white-blazed trail, which crosses a wet area and a stream on rocks..." -- the area that existed when this was written is now a construction zone (looks to be for more suburban homes, oh joy). You can't "turn left" onto the white blazed trail; there is no white-blazed trail there anymore. Instead, suggest you turn right and walk along the orange construction barrier to the corner, then turn left and follow it all the way to the end. Turn left, and you will soon see the white blazes. You can pick up the white-blazed trail from there. Also, note that while you are on this short detour, there is no real path. It's a bit rocky and full of brambles. Be cautious.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2. At the part above where it says, "About 100 feet after crossing Bradley Hill Road, the red-blazed trail ends at a junction with another white-blazed trail. Turn left onto the white-blazed trail.." BEWARE: it is very easy to miss that left onto the white-blazed trail. The white-blazed trail also goes off to the right, and those markers seem much more prominent (and thus alluring), but you don't want to make this mistake; DO make that left turn, and just keep a sharp eye out for the white blazes in that direction.</p>
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<p>All in all, not a bad hike, though there are too many vistas that include homes, commercial developments, etc. I did love the views from high above the Tappan Zee Bridge. They made this hike worth it.</p>
May 09, 2011
Buttermilk Falls/LP
<P>This trail is suitable for almost any time of the year, except when it's icy. Crampons are a must then in the area near the falls. The falls are most spectacular the day after heavy rain, but the remainder of the hike is pretty any time. LindaC's comments are right on. Enjoy the hike.</P>
<P>ps: there is no camping on this hike, and not a lot of going up or down.</P>
May 09, 2011
Time of the Year for Hiking
<P>To me, any time of the year is perfect for hiking, except possibly the hottest times of the summer. Winter hiking, particularly as we experienced it last year, does require specialized equipment (snowshoes, crampons or ice creepers) so that may not be the best time to start, but this time of year is perfect. Most trails are muddy at this time of year so waterproof boots are a great idea and you should always be prepared for downhills. And bugs are definitely out so insect repellant is necessary now. </P>
May 08, 2011
Best time of year?
<p>What is the earliest time of year that a good hike on this trail is most comfortable? I've been in the area in late March and it was still pretty cold, especially in the mornings, so I'm wondering if early or late April provides a better environment for hiking and camping? Also, is there a lot of downhill hiking on this trail? If so, I would want to and be sure and lace my boots for downhill hiking and wear waterproof hiking boots.</p>
July 04, 2010
Poor marking
I did this hike and found that at one point it said turn left, but there was no marker, so I went foward about a mile, and had to retrace my steps. Although very nice hike.