Townsend Trail View at Sterling Forest

Sterling Forest State Park,
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Long Meadow Extension Trail: Green blaze
Townsend Trail: Orange blaze

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.9 Miles

Pros: Nice view, few people here
Cons: Trails more like roads, houses in area

Hiking Partner: Shimmy Rosenberg

This was the coldest day of the season, and perhaps even the year. The temperature was about 10 degrees when we left for the hike, and to make matters worse the winds were very strong, especially when we got to the top of the mountain. We were both well dressed with many layers, and no exposure. The sky was gray and dreary, and it has just snowed a few inches the day before, so there was a layer of fresh snow.

We parked off Route 17A by Clinton Road, and had a difficult time finding the Long Meadow Extension Trail as we expected to see blazes at the parking trailhead. In the end we walked back along the dead end road off Clinton Road and then found the trail off Clinton Road. We took the Long Meadow Extension Trail a short distance to the Townsend Trail, which climbs up slowly via a woods road. Near the top, the trail veers off the woods road and ascends towards a view of Indian Kill Reservoir, and the Sterling Forest Ski area. We took some photos at the view, then turned around and went back along the same route.

Map of the Route

Outdoor Temperature Prior to Leaving on the Hike

Me at the Hikers Trailhead Parking Sign

Me on the Townsend Trail

Approaching Near the Vista

Me Heading Over to the Vista

Selfie with Me and Shimmy

Snow Covered Summit

View of Sterling Forest

Same View, Zoomed In

Overlooking Indian Kill Reservoir

Snow Covered Rock

Shimmy at the View

Shimmy Overlooking the Scenery

Me in front of Indian Kill Reservoir

Me in Full Arctic Weather Gear

From the View Looking Behind