Kennedy Dells County Park

New City,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Service Path: Unblazed
White Trail: White blaze
Fitness Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.4 Miles

Pros: Many trails in suburban area
Cons: No views and many people present

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/747SFkw681nTEzz79

I had never been to Kennedy Dells Park before, and was looking for a short and easy hike that wasn't too dramatic. I parked in the main parking area by the trailhead, and took the Service Path for a short distance to the White Trail. The White Trail loops around most of the park, going north and then west along the northern edge of the park to the other entrance. I then continued south on the trail at the western edge of the park alongside the brook. I missed the famous dam and waterfall and was not familiar with where it was. I then continued along the trail to its terminus. I then took the path south towards the entrance, and then took the Fitness Trail to the parking area, and then walked from the other parking area to where I was parked.

Map of the Route

Service Path to the White Trail at the Beginning of the Hike

Beginning of the White Trail

Open Meadow near the White Trail

Eleaneor Burlingham Tree Nursery

White Trail Parallel to the Brook

Stream at the Western Perimeter of the Park

At the End of the White Trail

Another Meadow at the End of the White Trail

Trail with Early Season Foliage

More Early Season Foliage

Another Large Meadow Along the Fitness Trail

Trail Plaque at the End of the Fitness Trail

West Mountain Ridge and Loop

Harriman / Bear Mountain State Parks
Rockland / Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
1777 W Trail: Red blaze
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Timp-Torne Trail: Blue blaze
Suffern Bear-Mountain Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 2:55 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.8 Miles

Pros: Good climb and excellent views
Cons: None

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/hjGtLPZYP5kZHM1T7

I really like West Mountain. It features a very good climb up to a ridge with excellent views on all sides. I had not been here in some time, and the main parking area had been closed for the Coronavirus testing area at Anthony Wayne. I wanted a solid hike with a good hike and good views, as I hadn't done this mountain since the past summer. I also wanted to see the testing area from above.

I parked at the Appalachian Trail trailhead parking off Seven Lakes Drive at the valley between West Mountain and Bear Mountain. I took the 1777 W Trail very briefly from the parking lot to the Appalachian Trail. I then took the Appalachian Trail up West Mountain as it winds it's way up to join the Timp-Torne Trail, with some excellent views near the intersection and beyond it.

I continued along the ridge on the joint Appalachian Trail and, until where split, and then remained on the Timp-Torne Trail to the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail near the shelter. I took the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail down the northern flank of mountain, down some steep sections, until the mountain foot where I met the 1777 W Trail. Then took the 1777 W Trail back to my car.

Map of the Route

Plaque at the Appalachian Trail 

First View Ascending West Mountain

View of Bear Mountain from West Mountain

View to the East Towards the Hudson River and Iona Island

Zoomed into the Above Area

Me at the View on West Mountain with Bear Mountain Behind Me

View Looking Northeast Towards Anthony's Nose

Confluence of the Appalachian and the Timp-Torne Trail

View with the Appalachian and Timp-Torne Trail Markers on the Rock

View of the Anthony Wayne Parking Area with the COVID testing area

Another View of the Anthony Wayne Parking Lot with the COVID testing area

Me at the View on the Western Front of West Mountain

View Looking North from West Mountain

View Facing South from West Mountain

View Facing North from West Mountain

View Facing Northwest from West Mountain

Rocky Face Facing South on West Mountain

View of West Mountain Parking Areas at Anthony Wayne

View Facing Anthony's Nose from West Mountain

View Before the Descent on West Mountain

Scenery along the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail

Early Foliage Brush on West Mountain

Appalachian Trail at Fahnestock Park and Hidden Lake

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
Putnam Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
3 Lakes Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.9 Miles

Pros: Very quiet and peaceful area
Cons: No views

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/WZZYKX1jhczDoopi6

Furthering my northern reaches of the Appalachian Trail in my area, I opted for this hike in Fahnestock State Park. This was a very quiet area of the park with few landmarks and no views. Nevertheless it was very scenic and tranquil.

I parked on Sunken Mine Road near the Appalachian Trail intersection. Sunken Mine Road is a seasonal dirt road that is rough, narrow, and curvy. I took the Appalachian Trail north at the pond, climbing up a ridge alongside the valley, until reaching the 3 Lakes Trail. I then took the 3 Lakes Trail south, past Hidden Lake, and then cut across the path near John Allen Pond to the Hamilton Mine. I then walked for a short distance on Sunken Mine Road back to my car.

Map of the Route

Appalachian Trail Marker at the Beginning of the Hike

Natural Beaver Dam at the Outlet of the Pond

Another View of the Dam and Lake

Large Black Rat Snake I Encountered on the Appalachian Trail

Rock Pile at the Intersection of the Appalachian Trail and 3 Ponds Trail

Hidden Lake from the 3 Lakes Trail

Me at Hidden Lake

Hamilton Mine Main Adit ith Timbers Still Present

Another View of the Hamilton Mine