Appalachian Trail: Long Path to Elk Pen

While the first day is a bit longer and less exciting in terms of frequent landmarks, its a relaxing hike through rocky, wooded, forest among bountiful blueberry bushes and the occasional raspberry bush. Enjoy the isolation on this leg. The second day is packed with frequent and beautiful landmarks but it is a little more traveled.Begin parked at the Tuxedo Train station (where free parking is ...

This trails starts at a small park in Woodbury called Gonzaga Park.  Closed from mid-November to April, you are still able to park just outside the gate if that is the time of year you are hiking.  Three different trail names share this path.  The Jessup trail starts/end at Gonzaga Park and travels through all of Schunemunk State Park.  The Highlands Trail and the Long Path also share this trai...

Start out by turning right when you walk out of the visitor center onto Sterling Lake Loop (Blue Blazes). The visitor center is worth going in as they have a full diorama of the park with LED light to show trail routes. About .3 miles into the hike you will cross over a small bridge with a waterfall running under it. When the trail reaches a road, continue to the right and take in the views of ...

Popolopen Torne is a hidden gem in the Hudson Valley, a surprisingly unknown trail with a beautiful payoff and a far deeper meaning. A short hike to the top puts you at the foot of a memorial to those who have served their country, a pile of painted rocks carried up by those who want to pay their respects. The trailhead sits right on Mine Rd, with a little section for parking and an informatio...

From your starting point at the Bear Mountain Inn, go left along the Cornell Mine Trail. (This part can be a bit confusing, but go past the carousel to a shaded picnic area; that is where the trail starts.) You will go under a bridge and follow the trail until it takes a sharp left and descends to Route 9W, then it will cut back into the forest. Make sure to follow the blue markings. A small wa...

Parking for the trail runs along both sides of 9D right up until the Bear Mountain Bridge. It can be busy on the weekends so just make sure you're as far off the road as you can and be especially careful unloading kids and dogs. The trailhead is located at approximately 41.322571, -73.975949 and has an information board, though it's hit or miss if there is a stack of maps so best to be prepared...