|
Hiking Adventures At
Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Fahnestock State Park is one of the undiscovered “gems” in the New York State Park System. Located a few miles east of Cold Spring Village on Rt. 301 (Main Street), the park jurisdiction was recently expanded to include almost 10,000 acres of undeveloped land with an extensive network of trails maintained by the state and the New York/New Jersey trail conference.
Ridges running from southwest to northeast dominate the terrain. Between them are several lakes and ponds and numerous wetlands and streams. Although there are occasional steep sections, there are no long or difficult climbs, and for the most part grades are moderate.
The network of trails in the park makes it possible to plan a great variety of outings, ranging from easy rambles for families with children to strenuous all day hikes. Stop by one of our quality delis or restaurants, pick up a box lunch and enjoy the back country experience less than 60 miles from one of the largest cities in the world. Just remember to pack out what you pack in so others may enjoy the unblemished scenery.
Trails are blazed with round plastic discs of various colors or rectangular painted marks. A double blaze, one above the other, indicates a turn with the upper blaze offset in the direction of the turn. A triple blaze in a triangle pattern indicates the start or end of a trail.
Click the map for a larger view
Three Lakes.
Across Route 301 from Canopus Lake, follow the Three Lakes Trail (blue) south along a woods road. The trail passes the old Philips Mine, crosses Canopus Creek, climbs a ridge to the Appalachian Trail crossing and then descends to a junction, where a woods road leads right to the dam at the foot of Hidden Lake. Those preferring a shorter walk can cut the total distance of this hike almost in half by crossing the dam, turning right on the Old Mine Railroad Trail (yellow), and returning to Canopus Lake as described below. For the longer hike, continue southwest on the Three Lakes Trail. The trail passes the southern end of the Charcoal Burners Trail (red) before reaching John Allen Pond, where side trails lead to good picnic and fishing spots. After crossing the old railroad route and the outlet stream, the trail joins Sunk Mine Road. After the Three Lakes Trail turns off, continue on the road to the beginning of the Old Mine Railroad Trail on the right. It leads northeast to where the old railbed disappears into the west side of John Allen Pond. From there, the trail follows the railroad embankment away from the Pond to a junction with a woods road. It then goes northeast, crossing the Charcoal Burners Trail (red) reaching a junction where the trail across the Hidden Lake dam comes in. It then goes along the west shore of Hidden Lake, across wetlands and through a dense laurel thicket, to meet the Appalachian Trail (white). Passing over extensive stone work supporting the old rail bed, the AT leads north to Route 301 and Canopus Lake, for a hike of either 3.2 or 5.9 miles.
Dennytown Loop. From the parking field next to the stone building on Dennytown Road, 1.2 miles south of Route 301, follow the Three Lakes Trail (blue) southwest through open woods to the western end of the Catfish Loop (red). Follow the Catfish Loop southwest over rocks and through thickets of mountain laurel to a 180-degree turn near the park boundary. From a large rock formation to the side of the trail there is a view of the Hudson Highlands and a glimpse of Catfish Pond outside the park. The trail continues northeast past the end of the Three Lakes Trail (blue), crossing a horse trail and the Appalachian Trail (white) before reaching the Dennytown Road, After crossing the road, the Catfish Loop soon ends as it meets the Appalachian Trail again; Turn left on the AT to return to the parking field, having hiked 4.9 miles.
Cross-Boundary Circuit. Including traits in both Fahnestock Park and the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area, this 6-mile hike begins on Route 301 at the south end of Canopus Lake and proceeds north on the Appalachian Trail (white). Turn left onto the Fahnestock Trail (blue) which leads west, across the park boundary, to a junction with the Charcoal Burners Trail (red). A short side trip to the right leads to Beaver Pond. Turning left, follow the Charcoal Burners Trail south to where the Cabot Trail (white) turns off to the right. It leads west on a woods road. Just before the woods road enters a posted area which should be avoided, the trail turns off sharply to the left. Continuing south, there is an unmarked side trail just after crossing a stream that leads to a large rock outcropping overlooking Jordan Pond. Farther south, the Cabot Trail enters a field and ends at the Perkins Trail (yellow), where a left turn leads over several small ridges back to the Charcoal Burners Trail. Turn right on this trail, which crosses Route 301 back into Fahnestock Park. Continuing south, it crosses the Old Mine Railroad Trail (yellow), then a stream before ending at the Three Lakes Trail (blue). Turn left on the Three Lakes Trail, then left on the Appalachian Trail and continue back to Canopus Lake.
Hubbard-Perkins Central. This 7.1 mile hike begins where the Charcoal Burners Trail (red) crosses Route 301, 1.5 miles west of Canopus Lake. Follow this trail north to the dam at Beaver Pond. Just before reaching the pond, the Fahnestock Trail (blue) comes in from the right and the two trails run together. Where they diverge just beyond the pond, continue on the Fahnestock Trail, which follows a woods road to the west. After leaving this road and crossing a hollow, the trail meets another woods road, turns left and continues southwest to a bridge across Clove Creek where the stream enters a lake. The trail follows the west side of the lake to a junction with the Perkins Trail (yellow). Turn left on the Perkins Trail, which crosses the Glynwood Farm road and Clove Creek and follows the creek downstream. It then makes a 180-degree turn away from the creek and climbs to the top of a ridge. It continues, first northeast, then east, leaving the woods and crossing several open fields with views of Glynwood Farm, the lake, Jordan Pond and surrounding hills. After crossing a dirt road and meeting the Cabot Trail, it reenters woods and soon reaches the Charcoal Burners Trail, where a right turn leads back to Route 301.
East Mountain Round Hill. From the parking area just north of the intersection of Route 301 and US 9, walk north along US 9 and turn right on the road leading into the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area. School Mountain Road (white) and the Fahnestock Trail (blue) begin on a broad woods road at a gate with a signboard. The road crosses two steel-decked bridges in quick succession, then a third, after which the Fahnestock Trail turns off to the right. Continue straight ahead on School Mountain Road, which follows a stream. Turn left on the East Mountain Loop (red), which leads over East Mountain with a view of Fishkill and Scofield ridges. The loop rejoins School Mountain Road at a bridge. Turn right, cross the bridge, and then turn left immediately onto the Perkins Trail (yellow), which leads eastward, up to the top of a ridge, where it meets the Fahnestock Trail. Turn right and follow this trail southwest through open woods along the top of a ridge. It then descends into a pass before beginning a climb to the top of Round Hill. After passing the summit, there is a good view to the southwest before the trail descends steeply into the valley. It then turns sharply to the right, skirts a wetland, and follows a steam back to School Mountain Road. A left turn leads back over the Fahnestock Trail and School Mountain Road to the trailhead, completing a hike of 7.9 miles.
This information is excerpted from the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference brochure, “Hiking Trails in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park.” Hikers should not embark on any of these trails without the proper preparations, i.e. maps, water, proper clothing, etc. Maps of these trails may be obtained from the Conference at:
232 Madison Ave., #802
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-9699
Email: nynjtc@aol.com
Web site: http://www.nynjtc.org
Trail Use
Stay
on the trails to minimize the impact on the forest environment. Shortcuts
across switchbacks, which lead to erosion problems, are especially
damaging.
Maintaining
a quality hiking experience requires keeping the trails free of litter and
the environment undisturbed. Carry out and take home everything you bring
in.
Wear
sturdy shoes or boots with non-slip soles. Dress in layers of clothing so
you can adjust for changing conditions.
Blazed
trails sometimes traverse private property, the result of carefully
negotiated agreements. Exercise care so the trail status is not
endangered. If unmarked trails or woods roads extend into private
property, respect the privacy of the owners and do not trespass.
Health and Safety
Be
conscious of your risks. An injury on the trail, where there is no quick
access to medical help, is always a serious matter, especially in winter,
or on a seldom-used trail where assistance in an emergency cannot be
counted on. Leaving the route you plan to hike and the time you expect to
return with a responsible person is a sensible precaution if you hike
alone.
No
water found on the trails is safe to drink. Carry an adequate supply of
water with you.
The
deer tick, which transmits Lyme Disease, is common in this area. In its
nymph stage, it is no larger than a pinhead. Light colored clothing will
make ticks easier to detect. Long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks
will help, but there is no sure defense. Check yourself thoroughly after
every hike.
Rabies
is prevalent in raccoons, skunks and bats. Avoid any direct contact with
wildlife.
Poison
ivy is widespread in some sections. Keeping to the center of trails will
help avoid it, as well as minimize exposure to ticks.
Restrictions
The
trails are restricted to day use only. Camping or making fires is not
permitted.
No
vehicles are permitted on any hiking trails. This includes mountain bikes
as well as all terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Hunting
is limited to deer (archery only) and wild turkey in their respective
seasons. Call the park manager's office, (845) 225-7207, for more detailed
information. Other than shotguns used for turkey hunting, firearms are not
permitted within the park boundaries. Collection of plants is also
prohibited. |
