Winter Over-nighter On The Appalachian Trail In Pawling

Starting at the AT entrance on RT 22, directly adjacent to the Metro North Appalachian Trail stop, the trail begins along a wooden plank path across a flooded field. Beaver activity can be observed along this walkway, as the forest comes into view and the first minor incline begins.

Follow the white trail blazes, as the trail winds along a few rocky hills, there is an opportunity to collect dry tinder like old birch bark or dead pine branches, before the forest opens into a large, open field.

The view is quite beautiful, and deer, rabbit and coyote tracks can be spotted along the trailside. Before long, another planked walkway will appear as the trail cuts through a grassy marsh (these planks are very slippery when wet). Upon walking through the marsh and down a hill, a small road crossing will come into view.

On the other side of the road, addition white trail blazes will guide you up a few short but rocky inclines. Use caution when scrambling up the rocks, especially if they are wet or icy. Blue blazes will appear about a mile down the trail, which will indicate the location of a campground.

There will be a wooden lean-to, a fire pit and an outhouse at the campground. It is customary to leave dry tinder, kindling and fuel underneath the lean-to, in order to help campers make fire in the future.

Additional details can be found here:

• http://berkshirehiking.com/hikes/pawling_nature.html

• http://www.pawlingnaturereserve.org/