From the northern end of the parking area, head north along the right edge of a grassy area. In 75 feet, you’ll see a Patriots’ Path blaze (dark blue river-and-tree logo), and in another 100 feet, you’ll reach Signpost #26 (trail junctions in this park are marked by numbered signposts, which will be referred to in the hike description).
Following a sign for the Camp Road Trail, cross the stream on a wooden footbridge, then immediately turn left onto a narrow dirt path that heads north. You’re now following the route of the Blue Trail, with the stream on your left and the paved road on your right. Soon, the Blue Trail bears right and climbs above the stream, continuing to parallel the road on the right.
In about a third of a mile, you’ll reach Signpost #24. Turn left here and follow the paved road for about 200 feet, then turn right just before a circular restroom building. You’ll pass Signpost #23 and continue ahead on a woods road, designated the New York Brigade Trail. The trail descends gradually to reach Signpost #22, where it joins the white-blazed Grand Loop Trail, which comes in from the right. The joint white/blue trail follows a wide dirt road and passes a small pond on the right. A bench has been placed here, making it an attractive spot for a break.
A short distance ahead, you’ll reach a T-intersection, marked by Signpost #10. Here, the white trail leaves to the left, but you should turn right, following the blue blazes. The Blue Trail crosses a culvert over a stream and begins a gradual ascent. It bears right at the next Y-intersection (Signpost #11) and continues to climb. Then, at Signpost #12, the Blue Trail bears left, joining the Mt. Kemble Loop Trail. A short distance ahead, the trail passes a locked gate and reaches a T-intersection (Signpost #14).
The Blue Trail turns right, passing a private house on the left (the road you are now following runs close to the park boundary). Just ahead, follow the blue blazes carefully as the trail first bears left at a Y-intersection, then proceeds straight ahead at Signpost #15 (do not follow the road that descends to the left) and passes a locked gate.
The trail continues along a wide grassy road. In a third of a mile, you’ll pass on the right a stone monument and an interpretive sign which commemorate Stark’s Brigade. Just beyond, you’ll reach an expansive east-facing viewpoint, accompanied by an interpretive sign and a bench, on the left. This is another good spot to take a break.
Soon, the trail begins to descend. Continue ahead at Signpost #16, where an unmarked path goes off to the left, but when you reach Signpost #17, turn sharply left, following the blue blazes and a sign for the Camp Road Trail. At the next intersection, marked by Signpost #19, turn sharply right, joining the Camp Road Trail, which descends steadily. Then, at the base of the descent, you’ll reach Signpost #20, where the white-blazed Grand Loop Trail and the Patriots’ Path (marked by a distinctive river-and-tree logo) join from the left.
The joint trails continue ahead, crossing a stream on a wide wooden bridge. Just beyond, the white trail leaves to the right at Signpost #21. Continue ahead, following the blue blazes and the Patriots’ Path logo blazes, until you reach a locked gate (Signpost #27) by the paved road. Turn left and follow the road a short distance back to your car.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 03/20/2003 updated/verified on 07/07/2016
This loop hike follows rolling terrain, passing interpretive sites and an expansive east-facing viewpoint.
From the northern end of the parking area, head north along the right edge of a grassy area. In 75 feet, you’ll see a Patriots’ Path blaze (dark blue river-and-tree logo), and in another 100 feet, you’ll reach Signpost #26 (trail junctions in this park are marked by numbered signposts, which will be referred to in the hike description).
Following a sign for the Camp Road Trail, cross...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take I-287 to Exit 30B. At the first traffic light, turn right onto Route 202. Proceed north for 1.8 miles, and turn left onto Tempe Wick Road at a traffic light. Continue along Tempe Wick Road for 1.4 miles to the park entrance on the right side of the road. You’ll pass the visitor center parking area on the left (you may wish to stop at the visitor center to view the exhibits or obtain a map), but proceed ahead onto the Tour Road. Bear left at the parking area for the Wick House; bear right at the parking area for the Soldiers’ Huts. When you reach a stop sign near a circular building, turn right and continue to the Trail Center parking area, on the right side of the road.
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December 31, 1969
19:00 pm