South Mountain County Park
Rockland Co, NY
Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze
New South Mountain Trail: Red blaze
Total Time: 1:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.0 Miles
Pros: Quiet area, good views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HKnBh7kmErDxJm6L6
I had intended to take the Long Path at South Mountain along the ridge, but after parking and reaching the overlook over the quarry, I noticed a new trail blazed in red. I didn't see any documentation on this trail, but decided to take it and see where it leads me. I took the trail and noticed that it goes parallel to the Long Path on the southern section of the ridge.
I took the trail to see how far it went, and when I reached the communications tower I had to head back and didn't see the end of the trail. (Little did I know that I was very close to the end at the point.) I then took the Long Path back, stopping at the Cactus grove where there was a great view of the Manhattan skyline, and then continued on the Long Path back to my car.
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| Map of the Route |
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| Overlooking the Gurnee Park Ampitheater |
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| View of Cheescoate Mountain |
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| View at the Quarry Overlook |
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| Start of the New Trail on South Mountain |
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| The New Trail Along the Southern Part of the Ridge |
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| Trail Marker Indicating the Terminus of the Trail, Although the Trail Kept on Going |
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| Split Rock Along the Trail |
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| Small Ribbon Snake on the Trail |
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| Communications Tower |
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| Scenes Along South Mountain |
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| View from South Mountain at the Cactus Grove |
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| View of the Manhattan Skyline |
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| Glacial Rock on the Long Path |
