The Best Backpacking in Essex

Day 1The trail begins about a mile past the intersection of Rt. 73 and Rt. 9 just east of a bridge over the North Fork Boquet River. Note: this trail is unmarked, so be sure to have an accurate map of the area. I recommend going to The Mountaineer store in Keene Valley and asking one of the cler...

Dix Mountain via Dix Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Keene Valley, New York.

Roaring Brook and Washbowl Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Keene Valley, New York.

Roaring Brook Lookout, Giant Mountain, Giant Washbowl Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Keene Valley, New York.

HG Leach Trail to Colvin Trail to Lake Road Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Keene Valley, New York.

We completed this loop over the course of 3 days in late June, however for those who pack extraordinarily light and/or travel extraordinarily fast, this loop could be completed in 2 days. There are also a plethora of trail intersections to either extend or shorten your loop to different preferenc...

Upper and Lower Wolfjaw Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Keene Valley, New York.

Armstrong Mountain via Weld Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Keene Valley, New York.

Sawteeth via the Scenic Route is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Keene Valley, New York.

Bear Den Trail to Dial Mountain and Nippletop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Keene Valley, New York.

Cascade-Porter-Blueberry Hiking Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Keene Valley, New York.

The Wolfjaws via Range Trail and John's Brook Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Keene Valley, New York.

Basin Mountain Saddleback Mountain Loop via Phelps Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Keene Valley, New York.

Saddleback Mountain Via the Orebed Brook Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Keene Valley, New York.

The Long Trail / Monroe Skyline (Gap to Gap) is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Waitsfield, Vermont.

You'll begin your Monroe Trail hike at approximately 1500', parking in one of three designated gravel lots along Camel's Hump Road in Duxbury. This trail is 6.8 miles round trip, and gains approximately 2583' in elevation. It is located on the east side of the mountain. Much of your hike will ...