Get DirectionsFacing the kiosk and map box, the yellow-blazed Perimeter Trail to the immediate left will be the return route. Turn right and look for the continuation of the yellow trail, which enters the woods on a footpath at the park sign.
In one tenth of a mile keep straight when a woods road crosses over and cross a wooden footbridge in another tenth of a mile. The yellow trail ends .35...
Hike Description:
Facing the kiosk and map box, the yellow-blazed Perimeter Trail to the immediate left will be the return route. Turn right and look for the continuation of the yellow trail, which enters the woods on a footpath at the park sign.
In one tenth of a mile keep straight when a woods road crosses over and cross a wooden footbridge in another tenth of a mile. The yellow trail ends .35 mile into the hike at an intersection with the aqua-blazed Long Path. Turn left on the Long Path.
In .7 mile white connector trail W1 goes straight. Connector trails are identified by a number preceded by “W”, marked at intersections. At this intersection turn right to stay on the aqua-blazed Long Path.
In one tenth of a mile come to a 4-way intersection with the red-blazed Hang Glider Road. As the name indicates, this road leads to the spot where hang gliders and paragliders take off. You have a few of options here. If you are not comfortable following unmarked trails, you can proceed straight on Hang Glider Road to the views at the end and return to this intersection adding .6 mile total to this hike, then continue on the Long Path to High Point following the signs. You can simply skip the Hang Glider view and turn left to continue on the Long Path to High Point. Or keep straight on the red-blazed Hang Glider Road, enjoy the views, then look for a footpath into the woods on the left near the clearing at the edge of the cliff. Although this trail is not blazed, it is very well defined and relatively easy to follow along the rim of the escarpment. Watch your footing as the trail sometimes runs close to the edge and you need to step over fissures in the limestone rock surface. The more popular southern part of this park has fences and warning signs along the rim. None of that exists on this more rugged trail, so be careful!
Once on the unmarked footpath, keep left at the fork a short distance into the woods, then turn right at the T-intersection. In .3 mile keep right at a fork and keep right again at the next fork in another .3 mile. You will then soon emerge at an intersection with the aqua-blazed Long Path at High Point. Turn right to the High Point overlook where some large, flat rocks make nice seating for a break spot.
Retrace from the overlook back to the Long Path, which is combined with a red-blazed trail. Keep right on aqua/red when aqua/red also goes left. (The left side is where you would have arrived from had you opted to take the Long Path instead of the unmarked trail from Hang Glider overlook.)
Almost 2.5 miles into the hike leave the Long Path by turning left on white connector trail W3. When W3 ends at an intersection with the red-blazed Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail and connector trail W4, continue straight on red. Come up on an intersection with a cairn and directional arrows. Turn left here on connector trail W2 although you won’t know that is what the trail is until you turn around to see the signs behind you. (Connector trail W2 is shown as an unmarked woods road on the map instead of a white-blazed trail.) Keep left at an unmarked fork, then left on the yellow Perimeter Trail when white W2 ends.
The Perimeter Trail is a woods road that appears to be paved until you look closer and see that it is a rock slab surface you are walking on. The walking surface will alternate between smooth rock and gravel. Keep left at an unmarked fork, then continue straight uphill on yellow at the intersection with Hang Glider Road. Again continue on yellow when white connector W1 crosses over.
Four miles into the hike, a “Junction Ahead” sign signals an upcoming intersection that is not blazed. Keep right and you will soon find the yellow markers once more. In just a tenth of a mile from this intersection arrive at a pretty pond on the left with a bench on the right. Sit quietly on the bench for a few minutes and watch the pond come to life.
From the pond continue straight on the woods road. A footpath, also blazed in yellow, leaves to the right. This trail is not on the map. Continue straight on the woods road and yellow markers will come back into view. Keep left at an unmarked fork and arrive back at the parking area .15 mile from that last fork.
Click here for more pictures and a longer version of this hike.
Turn By Turn Description:
[ 0.00] From parking on Ryan Road, facing the kiosk and map box, turn right and follow yellow markers into woods on footpath at the park sign.
[ 0.10] Keep straight on yellow when a woods road crosses over
[ 0.20] Cross wooden footbridge
[ 0.35] At end of yellow turn left on aqua Long Path
[ 1.05] Turn right on aqua Long Path when white connector W1 goes straight
[ 1.15] At 4-way intersection, keep straight on red-blazed Hang Glider Road when unmarked goes right and Long Path goes left
[ 1.45] Hang Glider clearing with views; left on unmarked footpath into woods - after few steps keep left at fork then turn right at T-intersection
[ 1.75] Keep right at fork
[ 2.05] Keep right at fork along edge of escarpment
[ 2.20] Come out at intersection with Long Path coming in from left; right a few steps to High Point Overlook; retrace on Long Path; few steps ahead keep right on red/aqua when red/aqua also goes left
[ 2.45] Left on white connector W3 when aqua/red goes straight
[ 2.80] Straight on red at end of white connector W3 when white W4 goes right and red goes left
[ 2.95] At cairn with red arrow, turn left on white connector trail W2 (you need to turn around to see the sign)
[ 3.15] Keep left at unmarked fork
[ 3.25] Left on yellow at end of white W2
[ 3.55] Keep left at unmarked fork
[ 3.60] Keep straight uphill when the red Hang Glider Road goes left
[ 3.75] Straight on yellow when white connector W1 crosses over
[ 4.00] "Junction Ahead" sign; junction unmarked, keep right - yellow blazes continue ahead
[ 4.10] Pond on left, bench on right; continue straight on yellow
[ 4.15] At end of pond keep straight on woods road then straight when a yellow-blazed footpath (not on map) goes right
[ 4.30] Keep left at unmarked fork
[ 4.45] Back at parking on Ryan Road
Hike to outstanding views equal to those at the more popular southern section of the park but with no crowds and more solitude.
42.666399, -74.030366
Albany Co., NY
4 mi
3 hrs
Hike Checklist:
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.
The Essentials
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.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
NY State Thruway I-87 North to exit 21B. Turn right on US-9W North towards Ravena. Continue on US-9W North for 6.9 miles then turn left on CR-101. In 3.6 miles turn left on Bridge Street. Proceed another 6.4 miles then turn right on Tarrytown Road. In 1.4 miles turn left on Delaware Turnpike then in 1.9 miles turn right on Highway 85. In 2.2 miles turn left on NY-157/Thacher Park Road. In 4.4 miles turn right on Ryan Road and follow .4 mile to parking at the end of the road.
Although the park charges a seasonal parking fee, parking at the end of Ryan Road is free.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Not available
Give $10 to support trails.
December 31, 1969
19:00 pm
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