SEcret Trails
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Billy
SEcret Trails
R there any secret trails or hidden wonders in the park. I have hiked here for years and wonder if there is a hidden place or special formation you could alert me about.
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Guest
Billy, It is wonderful that you have explored so much of Lake Minnewaska, but your question is a hard one to answer in that I don't know where you've been? Have you been past Sam's point, between Echo Rock and Pattersons Pellet in the valley at the lowest part of the phalmaghatt, followed the path of Gertrudes nose, Hamilton points trail, the crevices, Mud Pond, etc., etc., etc., - the possibilities are as infinite as anyones imagination. I lived at Minnewaska in a cabin for over a decade. I collected maps and spoke often with those who rode and hiked the property for decades and still never found all of the trails. I was always amazed how even the trails I traveled often never lost the magnifiscent beauty I encountered the first time I walked them; each step unfolded breath taking wonder. My favorite hikes were ones in which I would get somewhat lost, and make new discoveries;not only about where I was or where I had been, but about who I am; there aren't any maps for this kind of search! Nan
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Billy
I see where you are coming from. I used to go to a house near Slide Mountain in the Catskills. My friend and I would wake up and just walk into the woods. I wont say we never got lost but they sure were excellent adventures. We found many interesting things on our hikes on trailess mountains. (bears, old house foundations, old rusted equipment for taking down those huge hemlocks) What i am looking for is something that someone has found in Minnewaska that they can share with me. And I'll tell you some of my favorite places.
On the Beacon Hill Trail about half way to the old baseball field coming from the Beacon Hill Carrigeway you walk along the cliffs. If you look down you will see what appers to be natural steps going almost straight down. It is tricky to get down but about 20 feet lower than the trail is a small overhang where I always eat my lunch. I found it just exploring one day and i swear a hawk came within touching distance while i was eating there once. It was incredible.
On the Beacon Hill Trail about half way to the old baseball field coming from the Beacon Hill Carrigeway you walk along the cliffs. If you look down you will see what appers to be natural steps going almost straight down. It is tricky to get down but about 20 feet lower than the trail is a small overhang where I always eat my lunch. I found it just exploring one day and i swear a hawk came within touching distance while i was eating there once. It was incredible.
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Old timer
i think we could all write about a trail we found leading to an unknown area of the park and it's surrounding areas. after gertrudes nose going towards the ravine there is a small trail to the right leading down a natrual staircase some 15 feet down. This leads to a small ice cave that I think i found. NO one has ever told me that they have seen it. but the trail is clearly still there
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japbm1@msn.com
Nude Swimming and Sunbathing
Hi, I have been told that nude sunbathing and swimming are allowed in cetain areas of the park? Is this true? Wife and I are planning to go this week. Would appreicate any info? Thanks. 
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Geko
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petercbenson
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:17 am
- Are you human?: 0
- Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
the Tunnel/ Old Quarry/ Wolf Jaw
Not sure if this counts as "secret", since it's still part of the turquoise blazed "Long Trail" but maybe some folks haven't heard of it. This could be a supplement to a Castle Point Carriageway hike (adding a few extra miles).
Attraction #1: a perilous descent
From the Castle Point overlook, note the turquoise blazes on the rocks seeming to lead straight off the cliff face. Gather up your courage and follow the markings (it's less precarious than it seems) to a rock ledge below and around the left side of the cliff face. A short descent will drop you on the Hamilton Point Carriageway.
Attraction #2: the Tunnel
Go right, towards Lake Awosting until you come to a trail junction with the Castle Point Carriageway. A short distance on the left, you'll see the turquiose blazes again going off into the hucklberry to the left. follow the path, noting cairns that mark changes in direction. After a great view of Lake Awosting, you'll come to a narrow passageway between two large rocks, then a deep rock overhang, and finally a cave with a crawlspace chute exit tunnel. (watch yer head!)
Attraction #3: abandoned quarry and Wolf Jaw
Soon afterwards, you'll cross a small stream and reach the abandoned shale quarry woods road. Unmaintained, there are some fallen trees blocking parts of the road, but it's still easily passable. If you go left a short dstance, you'll see the quarry. Go right, and you'll pass the Wolf Jaw, a rock overhang that resembles the fanged mouth of a hungry wolf. Soon you'll reach a trail junction-- turn right to end up back at the Hamilton / Castle Point Carriageway junction.
Not sure if this counts as "secret", since it's still part of the turquoise blazed "Long Trail" but maybe some folks haven't heard of it. This could be a supplement to a Castle Point Carriageway hike (adding a few extra miles).
Attraction #1: a perilous descent
From the Castle Point overlook, note the turquoise blazes on the rocks seeming to lead straight off the cliff face. Gather up your courage and follow the markings (it's less precarious than it seems) to a rock ledge below and around the left side of the cliff face. A short descent will drop you on the Hamilton Point Carriageway.
Attraction #2: the Tunnel
Go right, towards Lake Awosting until you come to a trail junction with the Castle Point Carriageway. A short distance on the left, you'll see the turquiose blazes again going off into the hucklberry to the left. follow the path, noting cairns that mark changes in direction. After a great view of Lake Awosting, you'll come to a narrow passageway between two large rocks, then a deep rock overhang, and finally a cave with a crawlspace chute exit tunnel. (watch yer head!)
Attraction #3: abandoned quarry and Wolf Jaw
Soon afterwards, you'll cross a small stream and reach the abandoned shale quarry woods road. Unmaintained, there are some fallen trees blocking parts of the road, but it's still easily passable. If you go left a short dstance, you'll see the quarry. Go right, and you'll pass the Wolf Jaw, a rock overhang that resembles the fanged mouth of a hungry wolf. Soon you'll reach a trail junction-- turn right to end up back at the Hamilton / Castle Point Carriageway junction.
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Hiddentreasures0620
Re: SEcret Trails
You should check out my blog, its all about hidden places.
http://hiddentreasures0620.wordpress.com/
http://hiddentreasures0620.wordpress.com/