Popolopen Torne

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 information board right where the blue trail starts its way up. The trail makes for a loop, and you'll be on blue the entire time. If you catch the section that heads left so you can do the loop in a clockwise manner, the rock scrambles tend to be a little easier going up. But the markers can be a little tricky, so if you miss it fear not! If you take the left, you'll hit a somewhat steep incline with a little scrambling and be to the top with the benches and memorial quite quickly. If not, just continue around the mountain and ascent the northern side.

The top is mostly bald, with a handful of evergreens to provide a little shade on a summer day. The 360 degree views will allow you to look down onto the Hudson and the Bear Mountain bridge, across to Bear Mountain itself, and across the West Point valley property lovingly known as the "Hell Hole."