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Hike The Millbrook Mountain Ridge Trail

Gardiner, New York

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

7 miles

Elevation Gain

1400 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Michael Martineau

Hike along the mountain ridge to the summit with multiple viewpoints of the Catskills. The summit is an open ledge, so you'll have a great opportunity for photos if you bring your camera.

Want to walk on the edge? visit Millbrook Mountain in the Catskills of NY. This loops hike follows the mountains ridge line most of the way to the summit with multiple viewpoints and cliff ledges to walk out on. This hike is recommended those in the area.

Park at West Trapps Parking Lot and head all the way to the end to pick up the trail. You are going to follow this small trail up to the pedestrian bridge that crosses over route 44/55. Once across the bridge look for the sign for the Millbrook Ridge Trail (light blue blazed). After about a minute walk the trail will "officially" begin on your left where you will start off with a steep uphill. 5-10 minutes in you are rewarded with some great views.

You will follow the light blue blazed trail the entire way to the summit so no need to worry about switching trails at the two junctions you will come to along this hike. I would say 85% of this hike you are walking along the ridge but there are sections where you dive inland which provide some cool open spaces. When you get near the top (you will know when you are close) the blue trail splits it seemed, one route you climb up some rocks to your left that are marked light blue, while to the right you continue along the flatter trail. I went left and scaled the rocks. The blue markers here are a bit faded, almost as if this was an older route that is not taken very often anymore.

Just before reaching the top make note of the Red Trail (called Millbrook Mountain Trail) as this is what you will be taking back down the mountain. At the top sit back and relax, there are plenty of ledges to sit on and have a snack or lunch. The summit can be a bit busy at times but there are so many different sections that you can find a nice area all to yourself.

When ready, head back to the junction at the top and take the red trail heading down. In about 5 minutes you will come to a junction with the Coxing Trail (light blue blazed as well). Take the Coxing trail to the right all the way back down the inland side of the mountain. You will pass through some really cool areas like the swampy/stream section that has wooden planks to walk across so your feet stay nice and dry. The end of the Coxing Trail drops you onto Trapps Road. Turn right and follow Trapps Road for about a mile back to the pedestrian bridge crossing route 44/55.

Trail Route: Millbrook Ridge Trail (Light Blue) to the summit, Millbrook Mountain trail (Red) to Coxing Trail (Light Blue) on the way back down the mountain, Right turn onto Trapps Road which brings you back to the beginning.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike The Millbrook Mountain Ridge Trail Reviews

Hey Liam, while yes this is in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve (next to The Gunks) it is still considered to be the Catskills. The Official Catskills Tourism office (visitthecatskills.com) classifies the Catskills as Greene County, Sullivan County, Delaware County, and Ulster County (which is home to The Gunks and Minnewaska State Park). Nevertheless, it is an awesome hike with a great draw of being able to walk up the ridge to the summit. Happy hiking!

It's In The Gunks, Not The Catskills ❤️

This is a great hike. Parking at the West Trapps parking lot will require a $12 hiking permit per person! However, you can drive further up 44/55 (5 minutes) to Lake Minnewaska State Park and pay $10 per car. A great savings if you are hiking with several friends. Arrive very early in peak seasons. These parking areas fill up fast!

Fantastic hike with beautiful views!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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