The North and South Redoubts, the destinations of this hike, were part of a system of fortifications established during the Revolutionary War to protect West Point and the Hudson Highlands. Both redoubts offer panoramic views over the Hudson River.
From a brown wand at the rear of the parking area, head into the woods, following a trail blazed with red markers of the Taconic Region. (The first part of the hike, up to the North Redoubt, is on state park lands.) The trail parallels the road for about a quarter mile, then bears right and heads into the woods, climbing gradually. It briefly parallels a stream in the ravine on the left.
After climbing some more on switchbacks, you’ll reach a junction, marked by signs for the North Redoubt and the South Redoubt. Turn right, following the sign for the North Redoubt, and continue to climb, rather steeply in places. After reaching the crest of the rise, the trail descends a little, then levels off. It soon bears right and heads north for a short distance, parallel to the river below.
The marked trail ends at a triple-red blaze. This spot affords a panoramic north-facing view over the Hudson River, with Constitution Island jutting into the river in the foreground, and Storm King Mountain (identified by the gash on the side of the mountain, where the Storm King Highway was built in 1922) on the west side of the river in the distance.
After taking in the view, retrace your steps to the junction and turn right, following the sign to the South Redoubt. The trail now leaves state park lands and enters the lands of the Garrison School Forest, owned by the Garrison Union Free School District. The next section of the trail is marked only by occasional red paint blazes or spotches, but for the most part, the route of the trail is fairly clear.
The trail first heads south, then bears left and begins to descend. It soon reaches the edge of a meadow, where it bears left at a fallen tree and heads across the meadow. As of this writing, this section of the trail is poorly blazed and difficult to follow. If you cannot find the continuation of the trail, head diagonally across the meadow to a small wooden shack at the eastern edge of the meadow. This shack, in a deteriorated condition, contains the rusted remnants of a iron stove, wheelbarrow and barrel.
From the shack, the trail heads east on a woods road. Although the blazing is spotty, the road itself is wide and clear. You’ll soon reach a grassy parking area, where the trail bears right. The red-blazed Cannon Road Trail of the Garrison School Forest begins here, and for the rest of the way you’ll be following the diamond red markers of this trail.
A short distance ahead, the trail goes through a gap in a stone wall and passes a sign for the Garrison School Forest on the right and a kiosk on the left. The trail continues along an old woods road, climbing gradually.
In about half a mile, you’ll arrive at the South Redoubt, marked by a kiosk with signs giving the history of the area and biographies of members of the Sloan and Osborn families, who donated this land to the Garrison Union Free School District. After reading these interesting signs, turn left and follow an unmarked path that heads south. You’ll pass a stone foundation on the left and, in 150 feet, reach a clearing with a picnic table that affords a panoramic east-facing view. The United States Military Academy at West Point is visible directly across the river, and Constitution Island and Storm King Mountain may be seen to its right.
After enjoying the panoramic view, return to the kiosk, then retrace your steps on the red-blazed trail back to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 11/23/2017
This hike climbs to the North and South Redoubts, built to defend West Point during the Revolutionary War, with panoramic views.
The North and South Redoubts, the destinations of this hike, were part of a system of fortifications established during the Revolutionary War to protect West Point and the Hudson Highlands. Both redoubts offer panoramic views over the Hudson River.
From a brown wand at the rear of the parking area, head into the woods, following a trail blazed with red markers of the Taconic Region. (...
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.
From the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge, proceed north on N.Y. 9D for 5.4 miles to an intersection with Snake Hill Road. Turn right onto Snake Hill Road and follow it for 0.3 mile to a parking area for the North Redoubt, on the right side of the road.
Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Garrison station. From the station, head north on Lower Station Road. At the next intersection, turn sharply right onto Upper Station Road and follow it uphill to N.Y. Route 9D. Turn left onto Route 9D and follow it for 0.4 mile to Snake Hill Road. Turn right onto Snake Hill Road and follow it for 0.3 mile to the parking area for the North Redoubt, on the right. The total distance from the station to the trailhead is about 1.3 miles.
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