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-November 2019
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Huckleberry Point

Huckleberry Point 

Saturday, September 1st, 2018

10:30 am

4.5 miles, ~4 hours

Elka Park, NY

GPS: 42.13378, -74.08201

 

I cannot overstate how special and beautiful this hike is! Huckleberry Point offers all of the glories of the Catskills without all of the steepness. The trail has a gentle grade throughout, and you'll see all kinds of forests (hardwoods, pitch pine, mountain laurel), cross a creek, and finish the trail by watching turkey vultures zoom around from one of the best views in upstate NY. 

 

Difficulty: This trail alternates between flat stretches and rolling hills. There are no rock scrambles nor steep ascents or descents. Depending on how much rain there has been, the creek crossing might require some balancing on rocks or getting a little wet. We'll definitely cross as a team. You can also read more details about the hike here. If you have any questions about what the trail is like, please don't hesitate to email us! 

 

Directions: Plug 42.13378, -74.08201 into your GPS. We found this brings you about 100 feet from the actual parking lot entrance, so just keep going another 30 seconds if you don't see it. You'll see us with our flags at the entrance of the lot. If you'd like more specific directions, the check out the amazing Hike the Hudson Valley writeup. 

 

Please RSVP, and email with any questions!

 

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@hvqueeroutdoors) for updates! 

 

Hope to see you on September 1st!

 

- Toni and Athena 

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

  • Instragram @hvqueeroutdoors 

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Next hike: Put our next hikes on your calendar OCT 6th, locations TBD. 

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Previous Outings

Storm King Mountain

Saturday, August 4, 2018 

10:30 am

2.5 Miles loop, ~3 hours

Cornwall, NY

GPS: 41.42312,-74.00101

 

Come hike the gorgeous Storm King Mountain with QT friends and fam! The Storm King trail is a 2.5 mile loop with more spectacular views than you can count, rock scrambles, some ruins, and a bonus summit of something called Butter Hill. 

 

Difficulty: This hike is a short but sometimes steep one. The first 30 minutes or so include several steep rock scrambles before leveling out as we circle Butter Hill and then around the top of Storm King Mountain. We'll definitely take our time on the scrambles. The total elevation gain for this hike is about 900 feet. You can also read more details about the hike here. 

 

As always, know that we sometimes break into 2 groups - 1 for those who'd like to take their time, and 1 for those who'd like to scramble on up, with leaders in each group. We also reconvene the groups at regular intervals. If you have any questions about what the trail is like, please don't hesitate to email us! 

 

Directions: Plug 41.42312,-74.00101 into your GPS. The parking lot can be easy to whiz by on Rte 9W, so please be sure to read the directions below courtesy of the amazing Hike the Hudson Valley person: 

 

"From Newburgh, head south on Rt 9W.  Shortly after you cross under the overpass for Angola Road, you’ll begin climbing a large hill.  At the crest of the hill, on your left, you’ll see the trailhead for Storm King Mountain, which looks like a scenic pulloff with room for about 20 cars.  Unfortunately, it’s illegal to turn left here, and you’d be taking your life (and maybe some other people’s lives, too) in your hands if you tried it.  So you have to drive three miles past the trailhead to the cloverleaf at the exit for Rt 218/ Rt 293, then drive three miles back.  This is supremely annoying, but it’s the only safe way to do it.  Park in the pulloff, check out the educational signage and get ready to rock."

 

Make sure to get our cell #s by RSVP-ing in case you can't find us!

 

You can also check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@hvqueeroutdoors).

 

Hope to see you on August 4th!

 

- Toni and Athena

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

  • Instragram @hvqueeroutdoors 

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Next hike: Put our next hikes on your calendar Sep 1st, locations TBD. 

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Windham High Peak
 

Windham High Peak

from Peck Road

East Windham, NY

GPS: N42.3147 W74.1439

Saturday June 2, 2018

10:30am

6.5 Mi, ~ 4-5 hours

 

June means it's Pride month aka time to get deep into the Catskills! We'll be hitting our first high peak of the season, the gorgeous Windham Mountain. Expect a gradual climb through lush Catskills forest to an amazing summit view - on a clear day you can see all the way to Albany.

 

Difficulty: This trail is a long one - 6.5 miles - but it climbs very gradually - about 1500 ft elevation gain total. For reference, if you've ever climbed Mt Beacon, that trail has about 1000 elevation gain over just 1 mile. So it'll be a long day and we'll take lots of breaks but be sure to pack snacks, water, etc. Please just email if you have any other questions about what the trail is like.

 

Directions: Plug N42.3147 W74.1439 into your GPS. From Rte 23C take Maplecrest Rd North to Maplecrest, and then turn right onto Big Hollow Road. After a short distance take a left onto Peck Road. At the end of Peck Road you'll see a small parking area where you'll see us with a rainbow flag - park there!

 

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

​​​

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

  • Instragram @hvqueeroutdoors 

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Next hike: Put our next hikes on your calendar July 7th, locations TBD. 

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Pocket Road to Lambs Hill

Saturday, March, 3, 2018- 10:30am 

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We'll start our hike on the beautiful Pocket Road trail, which begins with a gentle grade paralleling a small stream with a waterfall. Once we hit the fire road, we'll take a left, where the white trail becomes steeper as we ascend to some glorious views at Lamb's hill. 

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Distance: 3.5 miles, ~4 hours tops

 

Directions: Plug "Pocket Road, Beacon, NY" into your GPS. It'll bring you to the dead ended Pocket Road, just to the right of E Main in Beacon. At the end of the road, you'll see a pull off area with room for 3-4 cars. HOWEVER, if that is full you can back down the hill and park on Shea Lane, which is to the right at the base of Pocket road, then walk back 2 min up Pocket road to the trailhead. Athena and Toni will be wandering around to find you wherever you park.

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Please RSVP

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

​​​

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

  • Instragram @hvqueeroutdoors 

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Next hike: Put our next hikes on your calendar April 14th, locations TBD. 

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Melzingah Reservoir Loop

Saturday, February, 3, 2018- 10:30am 

 

This month, we'll be bringing back a cold weather favorite from last winter: the Melzingah Reservoir Loop! We'll start on the Blue Notch trail off of 9D in Cold Spring, walk through glorious snowy forest over several brooks, then pop into the Yellow trail before looping down past the Melzingah Reservoir. Pretty gentle but beautiful trail, and very dog friendly. 

 

Directions: Set your GPS to 180-196 Breakneck Rd, Beacon, NY 12508. You'll see room for 3-4 cars in front of a post with blue trail markers, as well as another small pull off across the street. 

Distance: 3 miles, or we can extend the hike to 4 miles if it's not too cold! 2 hours? 

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Please RSVP

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

​​​

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

  • Instragram @hvqueeroutdoors 

​

Next hike: Put our next hikes on your calendar March 3rd, locations TBD. 

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Tanbark Trail

Saturday, December, 2, 2017- 10:30am 

 

The Tanbark Trail is a beautiful 2.5 mile forest loop with great views of the Catskills, all starting just behind Phoenicia's Main Street. The trail has a couple moderate climbs, then opens up to a sweeping overlook of the Catskills, then levels out to a lovely forest walk before descending back to Main Street. ~2 hours round trip. Very dog friendly. 

All who're interested are also welcome to join us for lunch afterwards at the nearby Phoenicia Diner!

 

Directions:  Meet at 10:30 am at trail parking lot, Use the address for the Phoenicia Post Office 8 Ava Maria Dr, Phoenicia, NY 12464 for your GPS. You can park beside the wooden fence in front of a park with some play structures in it, or just look for our rainbow flag. 

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Please RSVP

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Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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Next hike: midday Saturday January 6th, location tbd

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Sam's Point

Saturday, November 4, 2017 - 10 am

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You know what I want to see this time of year? Great leaf views. And this hike has some of the best views I know of in the whole Hudson Valley. The best views start just a short bit down the trail, and we can choose how far of a loop to take based on group interest. I'm thinking the 3 mile loop around Lake Maratanza would be good. It's a fairly easy hike, on wide well-maintained trails, with a slow easy ascent at the beginning and then flat as we walk around the top of the plateau. Bring your cameras and a sun hat!

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At 10 am, meet at the Sam's Point Preserve parking lot at 400 Sams Point Rd, Cragsmoor, NY 12420. There's a $10/car fee, so I recommend carpooling. Unfortunately, I'm not the only one to know about the great views here. The lot fills up on weekend days, so getting there earlier will guarantee your spot. There's a cute nature center there where you can learn about blueberries and vultures while you wait. If the lot is full, you can park at the Post Office 1.5 miles down the road and walk/hitch a ride (carefully!) - All the more reason to get there early!

 

Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For more information on the trail, see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • For more information on the park, see its official page.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

 

Bear Hill Preserve

Saturday, October 14, 2017 - 11 am

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I'm really excited about this one! I haven't been here before, but the guy at Hike the Hudson Valley raves about it, and it includes lots of fun chasms of tumbley rocks to scramble on/through (always my fav!) as well as stellar views across the valley. Meet at 11 am at the parking lot at 258 Hartshorn Rd, Pine Bush, NY 12566, aka GPS coordinates 41.67214, -74.39196

 

1.5 miles up and back, scrambling around on rocks. Total estimated time, 2.5 hrs?

 

RSVP!

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Farm Party

After the hike, come join us at Out At The Farm, a party at Sprout Creek Farm hosted by the Hudson Valley LGBTQ center. 3-9 pm, should be a good time! More info and tickets here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-on-the-farm-tickets-37341917681 

 

Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For more information on the trail, see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

 

Storm King Mountain

Saturday, September 2, 2017 - 11 am

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Come hike the mountain with the best name ever, for some sweet visas and a fun little climb! One of my favorite strolls-with-views in the area.

 

Meet at 11 am at the parking lot for the Storm King trailhead on Rt 9W in Cornwall, east of where 9W intersects Mountain Rd. GPS coordinates 41.42312,-74.00101, and you can click here for a map. (If you haven't been there before, give yourself a little extra time to get there, since the parking lot's easy to accidentally overshoot, and backtracking takes a little while.)

 

A warren of trails squiggle their way up the western side of Storm King, with various views along the way. It's a bit uphill at times, but a short 1.2 miles to the top, so we can just take it easy. Vistas from the best spots include a straight view north up the Hudson, looking out over the Newburgh-Beacon bridge, across to Breakneck Ridge and Mt Beacon, and all of Orange and Dutchess counties beyond.

 

2.5 miles loop, 3 hrs est, so we should be back to our cars by 2 pm. 

 

 

Fahnestock State Park: Jordan Pond

Saturday, August 12, 2017

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An easy one! Stroll through lovely woods, through some picturesque fields, along the edge of a pretty pond, and admire the more subtle gorgeousness that is the Hudson Valley. For those in the know of the area, this will be near Stonecrop and Glynwood.

 

Meet at 10 am at the trailhead on the edge of Rt 301 where the trail sign says "Charcoal Burners". This will be before the main park entrance, if you're coming from from Cold Spring. Point your GPS to 41.44383, -73.86089. 

 

4.5 mile loop, gentle terrain. Total estimated time, 2.5 hrs?

 

RSVP!

 

Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For more information on the trail, see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • The park's webpage.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

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Next hike: midday Saturday Sept 222, location tbd

 

Harriman State Park: Lemon Squeezer to Lichen Trail

Saturday, July 8, 2017

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A long, lovely hike through varied landscapes, some good rocky ascents, a section of the Appalachian Trail, a beautiful pond, a squeeze through a rocky crevasse, ridgeline views, and more! 

 

Meet at 10 am at the Elk Pen lot off of Arden Valley Rd near 1004 Arden Valley Rd in Southfields, NY. Point your GPS to 41.26476, -74.15432. 

 

7.4 mile loop. Total estimated time, 4.5 hrs?

 

RSVP!

 

Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For more information on the trail, see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • For nerdy info on the mountain, see Wikipedia.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

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Next hike: midday Saturday Aug 5, location tbd

 

Schunemunk Mountain

Sunday, May 7, 2017

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This hike goes through more varied landscapes and ecological zones than most other trails in the region, and has pretty spectacular views west and north to the Gunks and Catskills. It's the highest peak in Orange County, and many of you have watched the sun set behind it if you stood on top of Mt Beacon.

 

Meet at 10:30 am at the Schunemunk Mtn Trailhead Parking, 17 Taylor Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, near where Taylor Rd crosses Rt 87. Point your GPS to 41.40753, -74.08164.

 

From there we'll hike across some fields and cross some railroad tracks (be forewarned, this is hazardous, as these are active tracks!), then up and along the ridge through changing forests including great scrub pine and lichens. We'll go as far as the Mega Jct and scramble around on the huge granite cliff chunks (megaliths!) that afford this peak such fantastic views. (Note, because of these cliffy rocks, and the overall trail length, kiddos are discouraged on this hike.) Then a loop down a slightly different part of the ridge back to the cars. 6.4 mi loop. Total estimated time, 4.5 hours? 

 

Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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  • For more information on the trail, see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • For nerdy info on the mountain, see Wikipedia.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

 

Kaaterskill Escarpment & Falls

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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As all this snow starts to melt, it's waterfall season! We'll be going to one of the best falls around - but visiting it from the top of the ridge, rather than the typical scramble up from below.

 

Meet at noon at the Scutt Rd Trailhead Parking, 818,820 N Lake Rd, Palenville, NY 12463, just before the gate on Rt 18. Point your GPS to 42.200662, -74.058473. If you get to North/South Lake, you've gone too far.

 

From there we'll hike along a carriage rd around South Mtn, then along the escarpment trail at the edge of the ridge line, with multiple views out over Kaaterskill Clove and the valleys and mountains around. Then the part I'm most excited about, peering down over the top of Kaaterskill Falls, one of the most fabooo 2-tiered waterfalls around. From there it's a quick jaunt back to the cars. 4.7 mi loop. Total estimated time, 4 hours? 

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Safety note: We will not be hiking up or down to the middle tier of the waterfall, or doing any photos or exploring at the edges of the falls and cliffs. For serious. People really-actually die at this location every year doing just that. If you're hiking with this group, you're agreeing not to do anything life-endangering. We'll have a great time and get beautiful photos without being idiots.

 

There might be a few drizzles, but this should be a fine hike to do even if it's a little wet. If it's quite rainy, we might just hike up to the bottom of the falls instead, from the trailhead on 23A - Follow us on Facebook for trip updates.

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Next hike: Sunday (break in the regular Saturday schedule!), May 7, location tbd

 

Mt Tremper

Saturday, March 4, 2017

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Looping in our northern neighbors on this one, and stretching out our spring legs for a good mountain stroll! Fire tower at the top for excellent Catskills views. Steep and rocky at times, combos of old shale jeep roads and goat tracks will keep the footing interesting. 5.7 mi up and back. Meet at noon at the Mt Tremper trail head. Set your GPS to guide you to the DEC parking lot near 434 Co Rd 40, Phoenicia, NY 12464. Total estimated time: 4.5 hrs?

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Depending on the weather, it might be cold at the top, so wear warm layers, gloves, hat, etc., and avoid cotton and other water-absorbing fabrics. I also recommend bringing microspikes, crampons, or yack traks in case there's still ice on the trail - You can rent microspikes for $5 a day at Mountain Top Outfitters on Main St in Beacon among other places.

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BONUS BEST PART: This trailhead is just minutes from the Phoenicia Diner, probably the best diner in the whole world. Y'all should join me for post-hike feast.

 

 

 

Melzingah Resevoir

Saturday, February 4, 2017

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This month's gotta be a small outing, since a few of our core crew are under doctor's orders to take it easy, and I've been curious about this one for a while. Following up on last month's great fun on the lesser-traveled trails around Mt. Taurus, this Saturday we'll continue our exploration of the Hudson Highlands' unbeaten paths, starting where Melzingah/Gordon's Brook crosses 9D, hiking up to the mysterious Melzingah Reservoir, and then loop down on the blue notch trail. Only about 2 miles total, should be pretty easy. Do bring microspikes/yak traks, though, since the trails are likely to be slippery. You can rent microspikes for $5 a day at Mountain Top Outfitters on Main St in Beacon.

 

In addition to the always-great company and the chance to be outdoors, this hike's a good one for anyone curious about our water sources.


Meet at 10:30 am. Park on the side of Rt 9D near the Beacon Hermitage - Point your GPS to 376 NY-9D, Beacon, NY. Total estimated time: 1.5 hrs (with dawdling).

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Cornish Estate & Mt Taurus

Saturday, January 7, 2017

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I haven't done this full loop, but have done most sections on other hikes, and am excited to piece them together. We'll start at the Little Stony Point parking lot, go north on the Cornish Estate trail, pop into the ruins for a sec, then connect up with the Breakneck Ridge trail for a hot second before turning east/southeast on the Notch trail, then southwest up the back side of Mt Taurus on the Washburn trail to the summit. Soak in the views, then continuing down the Washburn trail towards the river, passing the abandoned quarry, and back to the cars! Main takeaways: we can expect a medium-difficulty hike with a steeper bit getting up to the summit, nice views across Cold Spring and down the Hudson, and shouldn't be in the wind too much. ~5 mi loop.

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Note that with the weather forecast, it shouldn't rain or snow, but it will be COLD (lower 20s), so wear warm layers, gloves, hat, etc., and avoid cotton and other water-absorbing fabrics. I also STRONGLY recommend bringing microspikes, crampons, or yack traks - I haven't been on this specific trail but other trails on the same ridge are solid ice at the higher elevations, and so are impassable unless you have extra traction on your shoes. I don't want to have to leave anyone behind once it starts getting slippery! You can rent microspikes for $5 a day at Mountain Top Outfitters on Main St in Beacon.

 

Meet at 11:30 am at the Little Stony Point parking lot. Set your GPS to guide you to 41.42659, -73.96534. Total estimated time: Really not sure. 3 hrs?

 

  • For more information on the summit and better directions to the parking area, see Hike the Hudson Valley (but we're taking a different loop).

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

 

 

Gertrude's Nose

Saturday, November 5, 2016

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Another hike that I haven't done before, but am excited to explore!! Rather than me going on in ignorance, just skip ahead and read the Hike the Hudson Valley hike description. Main takeaways: we can expect lots of walking, some steep bits, exceptional views, and a fairly difficult hike. 7.5 mi loop.

 

Meet at 10:30 am at the main Minnewaska parking lot (the upper one by the lake, not the lower one by Awosting Falls). Set your GPS to guide you to 41.72877, -74.2373. There's a per-car parking fee of $10, so carpooling's encouraged. Total estimated time: 5 hrs.

 

 

 

Huckleberry Point

Saturday, October 1, 2016

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Another hike that I haven't done before, but am excited to explore!! Rather than me going on in ignorance, just skip ahead and read the Hike the Hudson Valley hike description. Main takeaways: we can expect great views, and a medium-difficulty hike. 4.5 mi up and back.

 

Meet at 11 am at the Huckleberry Point Trail trailhead on Platte Clove Rd in Elka Park. Set your GPS to guide you to 42.13378, -74.08201. Total estimated time: 3 hrs.

 

 

 

Bonticou Crag and Table Rocks

Saturday, September 3, 2016

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I haven't done this hike before, but I'm excited! Rather than me going on in ignorance, just skip ahead and read the Hike the Hudson Valley hike description. Main takeaways: we can expect great views, and some really scrambley rock scrambles. 6 mile loop. Proper footwear seriously encouraged.

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The trailhead's part of the Mohonk Preseve, so there's a $12 fee for each hiker. There are also limited spots for parking, so let's try to carpool - I'll be driving up from Campbell Hall that day and can give folks between there and High Falls a lift.

 

Meet at 10:30 am at the Spring Farm trailhead on Upper 27 Knolls Rd in High Falls. Set your GPS to guide you to 41.7959, -74.12706. Total estimated time: 4.5 hrs.

 

 

 

Anthony's Nose via Camp Smith Trail

Saturday,August 6 2016

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Short, steep, and sweet, with stellar views of the river, Bear Mtn Bridge, and the surrounding mountains! This trail promises some fun rock scrambles, nice views of the woods, and of course the good company we always enjoy! :) 2.6 miles, up and back.

 

Meet at noon at the trailhead on Rt 6/202/Highland Rd where it crosses Broccy Creek. GPS coordinates 41.31227, -73.96485 (Note, this is not at the standard trail head on the bridge side of the mtn). Total estimated time: 2.5 hrs. 

 

 

 

Mohonk Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze to Sky Top

Saturday, June 4, 2016, 11:00 am

 

There are only so many summer months, so we might as well hit all the highlights of the region while we can! This is one of my favorite hikes for sheer fun. Stroll up to the grounds from the parking lot, then "wow" at the Mountain House and gardens, then dive into the rocky warren that is the Labyrinth, wending through the tumbled cliffside (yes, through!) along and up to the top of the ridge for awe-inspiring views.

 

Not a hike for the claustrophobic, those with a fear of heights, or those of very wide girth: ladders and caves including the aptly named Lemon Squeeze are involved. And did I mention the views (views views views). There's a $26-per-person fee to enter the park (yes, it's stupidly expensive - All $ goes to preserving the park, at least). No pups allowed (sorry, Finn!). 

 

5.5 mile loop, 4 hours. Start at 11 am at the parking lot just to the right of the Mountain House entrance booth, and we should be back to cars by 3 pm - or you might want to stay and enjoy the grounds on your own, since you'll have paid for the day's access. More info via links below, or contact me with questions. RSVP!

 

Lamb's Hill (Fishkill Ridge)

Saturday, July 9, 2016, 11:00 am

 

Breaking the "first Saturday" trend because many of us will be away for the July 4th weekend.

 

A new perspective on familiar ground! This harder-than-expected hike wends a longish and fairly steep path up from the valley. I agree with other reviewers that there's nothing Lamb-y or Hill-y about this hike - "Sheep Mountain," at the very least. Or "Stairmaster." No particularly vertical or scary bits, just a lot of up. Bring lots of water.

 

Along the ridge top we'll see the northernmost part of the Hudson Highlands, letting us look back south on Mt Beacon, west across the river, north up the valley and east over to CT. In addition to views, nice scrub pines and oaks at the top, and some good streams and stone walls along the way. And my favorite part - the whole walk feels surprisingly remote.

 

4.4 mile loop, 4 hours. Start at 11 am at the parking lot at the Scenic Hudson Fishkill Ridge trail parking lot at the dead end of Sunnyside Rd in Beacon, and we should be back to cars by 3 pm. More info via links below, or contact me with questions. RSVP!

 

Breakneck to Beacon!

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 10:30 am

 

A longer and gorgeous hike, starting at Breackneck Ridge in Cold Spring, walking north along the ridge line and a number of other peaks in between (white trail), visiting the Mt Beacon fire tower, and ending by coming down the casino trail at Mt Beacon (red trail). It's the whole ridge line in the picture here.

 

This is one of my all-time favorite hikes, with some legitimately tough scrambles (not for the faint of heights, though I believe you can do it! climbing up the rocky bit in the right of the picture here), stellar views, nice long leg-stretching miles, usually some great wildlife, and did I mention views? The best views in the whole area, stiched together into one hike, and some delightfully isolated quiet miles along the ridge in the middle. Total distance: ~6 miles, the first mile of which is very steep. Total estimated time: 5 hrs.

 

If it's raining more than the slightest drizzle or quite windy, we'll cancel or choose a different hike, since this one's not safe in bad weather. As of now the forecast is good.

 

NOTE: Since parking at Breakneck is crazy, and this is not a loop trail, we'll meet at the Mt Beacon Rt 9D trailhead to plant our cars, and caravan south to Breakneck to start hiking. Also, since this is a longer hike, we'll meet at 10:30 am, not the usual noon.

 

  • Description of the hike here.

  • Hike the Hudson Valley's description of the first part of the hike here.

  • Trail maps, park description, etc. here.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page.

  • Sign up here!

Anthony's Nose via Camp Smith Trail

Saturday, April 2, 2016

 

Short, steep, and sweet, with stellar views of the river, Bear Mtn Bridge, and the surrounding mountains! This trail promises some fun rock scrambles, nice views of the spring woods, and of course the good company we always enjoy! :) 2.6 miles, up and back.

 

Meet at noon at the trailhead on Rt 6/202/Highland Rd where it crosses Broccy Creek. GPS coordinates 41.31227, -73.96485 (Note, this is not at the standard trail head on the bridge side of the mtn). Total estimated time: 2.5 hrs. 

 

 

 

Verkeerderkill Falls via Sam's Point

Saturday, March 5, 2016

 

Let's trek up through the Sam's Point preserve to see Verkeerderkill Falls! I haven't seen it with my own two eyes, but rumor has it this is one of the most spectacular views in the whole area, and if the stream that feeds it is still a quarter as flooded as the rest of the area is this week, we'll get a great view of the falls. Even if the falls are just trickling, the views from the ridge and the unusual pines are apparently worth it all on their own. 5 miles, up and back. And if we're all feeling adventurous, bring crampons/Yak Trax and a headlamp in case we want to make a go at the ice caves too, if they're open by then!

 

Meet at noon at Sam's Point Preserve Conservation Office, Sams Point Rd, Cragsmoor, NY. GPS coordinates 41.67015, -74.36167.  It's part of Minnewaska State Park, so there's a fee of $10 per car - extra incentive to carpool! 

 

Total estimated time: 3 hrs (4 if we do the ice caves), so we should be back to our cars at 3 (or 4).

 

 

 

Mount Beacon via Pocket Rd

Saturday, February 6, 2016

 

It's going to be a beautiful day for hiking! Keeping it simple, let's go for one of everyone's favorites again, with a different approach - Up the northwestern side of the mountain, via the stream path, to the resevoir and then the 360 views at the fire tower!
 
Meet at noon at the end of Pocket Road (off of East Main St.) in Beacon. It might be muddy, so shod accordingly.

 

This hike up Mt Beacon starts at the large water tank at the top of the road, following a dirt service road for a few minutes until transitioning to the narrow white-blazed trail that parallels a beautiful stream of waterfalls in a steep wooded valley most of the way up the mountain. Near the top the trail connects with another dirt service road, which we'll follow up to the resevoir, and then beyond to the fire tower for fantastic views out over the Hudson River, the town of Beacon, and the Hudson Highlands hills. If it's clear we can see Manhattan! Back down either the same way or via the service road the whole way down. It's about 5 mi round trip. Estimated round trip time is 3.5 hrs (allowing for a good bit of view-gazing time at the top), so we should be back at our cars by 3:30 pm.

 

  • For more information on the mountain via a different trail (don't use their driving directions!), see Hike the Hudson Valley.

  • For tips on what to wear, what to bring, etc., see the Hiking Readiness page.

  • For other questions, see the FAQs page!

  • Sign up for future outings here!

 

 

Lake Minnewaska and Awosting Falls

Saturday, January 2, 2016

 

A lazy easy day walking outside post New-Years. We'll walk around the gorgeous ridgetop lake and its unusual limestone cliffs, then meander down to see the lovely Awosting Falls, its base hemlock grove, and (my fav) the cascades of stream that feeds it, then walk back up to the cars. No exposed vistas on this route, so it shouldn't be too chilly, but do dress warmly, esp. since we likely won't be breaking a sweat on this walk.

 

Meet at noon at the inner parking lot right next to the lake, enter at 5281 Route 44-55 in Kerhonkson, GPS coordinates 41.729620, -74.236209 (not the parking lot you'll see when you first enter, but drive about 1/3 mile into the park). Walk is about 2 miles total, 2 hrs est. so we should be back to our cars by 2 pm, but it all depends on how much we dawdle or book it.

 

Storm King Mountain

Saturday, December 5, 2015

 

Come hike the mountain with the best name ever, for some sweet views and a fun little climb! Meet at noon at the Storm King trailhead on Rt 9W in Cornwall, east of where 9W intersects Mountain Rd. GPS coordinates 41.42312,-74.00101

 

A warren of trails squiggle their way up the western side of Storm King, with various views along the way. It's a bit steep at times, but very short (about 1.2 miles to the top), so we can just take it easy. Vistas from the best spots include a straight view north up the Hudson, looking out over the Newburgh-Beacon bridge, across to Breakneck Ridge and Mt Beacon, and all of Orange and Dutchess counties beyond. 2.5 miles loop, 3 hrs est, so we should be back to our cars by 3 pm. 

 

Overlook Mountain

Saturday, November 7, 2015

 

Convenient for our more northern neighbors! Many consider Overlook Mountain to be the best views in the Catskills. Let's enjoy that crisp fall air and see how far we can see!

 

Meet at noon at the parking lot across from the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra temple. Set your GPS to 335 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY.

 

The path follows a wide gravel former service road for a consistent uphill climb 2.5 miles past spooky old hotel ruins and sloping forests and more to the summit, where it opens up to a rocky cap with panoramic vistas and a bonus fire tower. 5 mi round trip, 3.5 hrs est., so we should be back to our cars a 3:30 (4 pm if we go slow or take loooots of pictures). 

 

 

 

Mount Beacon

Saturday, October 10, 2015

 

Come one, come all, and get your queer hike on!

 

For our first hike, we're already breaking the rules, not following the "First Saturday" timing we'll usually stick to, just so we don't have to wait until Nov to get started. :) 

 

Meet at noon at the Mount Beacon Scenic Hudson parking lot on Rt 9. Set your GPS to 788 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY.

 

The hike up Mt Beacon follows a rocky, wide path that takes long switchbacks up a short but steepish little mountain for fantastic views out over the Hudson River, the town of Beacon, and the Hudson Highlands hills. It's either 2.4 or 4.4 mi round trip: If after the first 1.2 miles you or the group want to stop at the Casino Overlook (site of an old mountaintop casino) and just chill there, that's cool. There's also the option to go another mile along the farily-flat ridge line to the fire tower for 360 panoramic views (including all the way to Manhattan if the air is clear!). We can gauge energy and interest to see if we do the shorter or longer trek. The foliage should be doing its most glorious colors by the 10th, plenty of great leaf peeping. Estimated round trip time is 3 hrs (allowing for a good bit of view-gazing time at the top), so we should be back at our cars by 3 pm, maybe 3:30 if we do the fire tower.

 

 

 

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