Duck Pond – Photo by Daniel Chazin This gentle 3.5-mile loop explores the rare sinkhole pond landscape of northwest New Jersey. Beginning on the yellow-blazed Bear Claw Trail, you’ll pass through second-growth forest and remnants of old farmland before crossing to the Limestone Trail, which skirts the shore of Duck Pond. The route connects to…
View of Plattekill Falls – Catskill Park – Photo credit: Daniela Wagstaff This versatile route through Platte Clove Preserve and Overlook Mountain Wild Forest can be tailored for a day hike or overnight backpacking trip. Options include a moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back to Codfish Point, a scenic 8.8-mile round trip to Echo Lake, or a full…
Wawayanda Furnace – Photo by Daniel Chazin This diverse 7-mile loop in Wawayanda State Park connects multiple scenic trails and historic sites, traversing rhododendron tunnels, serene lakes, hardwood forests, and wetlands. Starting on Cherry Ridge Road, the hike visits Lake Lookout via the white-blazed Lookout Trail, then winds along the historic Laurel Pond Trail to…
Wetland along the Doris Duke Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin This moderate 4-mile loop hike explores the scenic and tranquil Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary in Sterling Forest, where hunting is prohibited. Following the yellow-on-white Doris Duke Trail, the route winds through forests, skirts marshes with views of beaver lodges, and climbs to a rocky…
Sunrise at the beaver lodge on Silvermine Lake, Harriman State Park – Photo Amy Comerford This 4.2-mile loop in Harriman State Park combines lakeside paths, historic roads, and ridgeline climbs for a moderate but rewarding adventure. Beginning at the Silvermine Boat Launch, the route follows the yellow-blazed Menomine Trail past the scenic shoreline of Silvermine…
Jordan Pond – Photo by Daniel Chazin This varied and rewarding 5.5-mile loop in Clarence Fahnestock State Park links the Charcoal Burners, Cabot, Perkins, and Fahnestock Trails, weaving through scenic woodlands, quiet ponds, wildflower-filled meadows, and active farmland. Starting on the red-blazed Charcoal Burners Trail, hikers traverse historic charcoal lands and mountain laurel tunnels before…
Narrow passage on the Catfish Loop Trail – Photo by Daniel Chazin The 4.6-mile Catfish Loop Trail explores the rugged, lesser-traveled southwest corner of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, offering a peaceful circuit through forested ridges, historic stone walls, laurel tunnels, and scattered viewpoints. Starting from Dennytown Road, the loop briefly follows the Appalachian Trail before…
Explore the rugged beauty of Fishkill Ridge on this challenging 7.6-mile loop from Beacon, NY. Hike the white-blazed trail past waterfalls, rock scrambles, and panoramic Hudson Valley views from Lambs Hill and Bald Hill. Featuring dramatic terrain, historic remnants, and multiple scenic overlooks, this route is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a rewarding day in…
