Hike Reviews
June 11, 2020
STUNNING VIEWS
I did this hike with a friend yesterday. Despite it being a hazy day the views were gorgeous and the megaliths were very cool! Because of Schunemunk's location in between other state parks you get some amazing 360* sightlines. I would recommend reversing the loop. There is a steep scramble on the Western Ridge trail that we both agreed would be more fun to climb up than to climb down. Parts of the Western Ridge trail were poorly blazed and we lost some time double checking that we were still on trail. There are a lot of blueberry bushes along the path throughout the hike! It would be a real treat to do this route in late June, when the berries are ripe. We encountered a black bear on the Jessup Trail, approximately 1 mile south of the megaliths. It appeared to be a young bear and was startled by us -- we made some noise until it retreated a safe distance for us to continue. We also had bear spray with us and I would recommend all hikers in this area carry a can.
August 07, 2017
rigorous hike, beautiful and difficult
this was a rigorous hike, beautiful and difficult. we did this hike in May 2016.
climbing up was a challenge, but coming down there was a lot of scrambling. when we went, most of the people we saw were doing the loop the opposite way than we did it. probably b/c scrambling up is easier than scrambling down. and the descent along the dirt would have been easier than our descent. i rolled my ankle at one point during the scramble in the descent and was hurting. i suppose next time i should be more careful.
we came to a point where we saw a black bear scurry across the rock. we stopped in our tracks until the bear was out of sight. later we saw the others wearing bear bells and told them, well, we did just see a bear. they said they hiked the area a lot and have never seen one but they know that others have. we also ran into the person who keeps the trail and he asked us what we thought of it and we told him we liked the condition of the trail a lot. he was happy with that and went on his way.
i would suggest doing the loop up the scrambles and would probably do that if we come again to this hike.
May 25, 2017
Nice Hike
<p>Did this hike on 6/9/16. This is a very nice hike with varied terrain. The rock and limb markers on the outcrops and megaliths are a HUGE help locating the paths as they re-enter the trees. Great workout, amazing views. Completed in about 5 hrs. Only ran into 1 person and her dog . Also saw 2 big snakes getting it on right on the trail. I was told they are Rat Snakes and not normally dangerous. None the less, I gave them a wide birth.</p>
<p> <img src="/sites/default/files/u22212/thumb_IMG_20160609_130706962.jpg" alt="2 snakes" width="90" height="90"></p>
May 03, 2015
Great hike!
<p>Loved this hike. The ridgeline is spectacular.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Difficult hike for dogs - even our very athletic dog had to be helped down a couple of the steep rock scrambles. Having a harness for your dog helps a ton. Also, lots of sun exposure, so bring plenty of water.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Some photos:</p>
<p><a href="http://agiletrekker.blogspot.com/2015/05/schunemunk-mountain-loop-from-taylor.html">http://agiletrekker.blogspot.com/2015/05/schunemunk-mountain-loop-from-taylor.html</a></p>
April 04, 2014
Fixed!
<p>This has been corrected.</p>
April 03, 2014
Trailhead
<p>The GPS coordinates and the parking map on this page seem link to the parking area on Otterkill Rd, not the Taylor Rd parking area.</p>
<p>Thanks - Dave</p>
September 27, 2013
Bus!
<p>Just a FYI to anyone who is thinking of using the bus for this hike- the bus that stops at Angola Road is the same bus that goes to Woodbury Commons. If the idea of being in a crowded bus of shoppers (with all their packages on the return trip) is off-putting to you, definitely reconsider using the bus. Also, it is starting to get dark early. The bus stop for the return to NYC was not lit at all when i used the bus, so i advise having a light to use for signaling the driver to pull over if you plan on taking a later bus when it may be dark.</p>
July 27, 2013
Hike description has been updated
<p>The hike description has been updated to reflect the fact that the former Long Path route on the western ridge of Schunemunk Mountain is now blazed orange and has been renamed the Western Ridge Trail, and the former Western Ridge Trail has been renamed the Ridge-to-Ridge Trail.</p>
July 26, 2013
Long Path rerouted @ 7/21/2013
<p>"<span style="background-color: #edefd9; color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.578125px;">When the trail begins to descend, look for a junction with the aqua-blazed Long Path. This intersection, which is just below a descent from a rock ledge, is marked only by paint blazes on the rocks. Turn right onto the Long Path..."</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: #edefd9; color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.578125px;">This formerly Long Path has been reblazed orange and is now the Western Ridge Trail, where you should make a right, and follow the remainder of the instructions. The Long Path has been re-routed and now follows the route of the Highlands Trail, and goes straight instead of making a right.</span></p>
October 01, 2012
Great hike
<p>Well marked, great views. Deer and snakes. Took 6hrs to completed on Sept 30, 2012. Hunting season starts today.</p>
April 10, 2010
Great hike with awesome
Great hike with awesome views! My pictures here: http://gonehikin.blogspot.com/2010/04/schunemunk-mountain-woodbury-ny.html