This hike traverses the Shaupeneak Ridge Recreation Area, owned by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and managed in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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This hike traverses the Shaupeneak Ridge Recreation Area, owned by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and managed in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
From the kiosk at the end of the parking area, where maps are usually available, proceed uphill on the gravel path which curves to the left, then bears right and enters the woods. It runs along the base of a hill for about a third of a mile, then begins to climb. Here, the first white blazes appear. You'll be following the White Trail to the crest of the ridge.
After passing through a gap in a stone wall, the trail descends and continues along the base of the hill, but it soon bears left and begins a steady climb. A short distance up the slope, you'll notice a purple trail blaze on the right. Turn right onto the Purple Trail, which parallels a stone wall along a contour. In 500 feet, it reaches an attractive waterfall which cascades over a huge moss-covered boulder.
When you're ready to continue, retrace your steps to the White Trail and turn right, uphill, following a cascading stream that feeds the falls below. At the crest of the rise, the trail turns right, crosses the stream on a split-log bridge, and levels off. After passing a vernal pool on the right , the trail resumes its steady climb.
Soon after passing several rock outcrops on the left, the White Trail ends at a junction with the Red Trail. Bear right and follow the Red Trail, which almost immediately reaches the Hudson River Overlook – a large flat rock outcrop on the right. This is a good spot to rest from your 700-foot climb while enjoying the panoramic views.
When you're ready to continue, proceed ahead on the Red Trail, which undulates along the ridge and eventually reaches Poppletown Road. The trail crosses the road and, just beyond, ends at a junction with the Blue Trail, with Louisa Pond visible through the trees on the left. On this side, the pond is an emergent marsh.
Continue ahead, following the Blue Trail in a counterclockwise direction around the pond. The Blue Trail soon moves away from the pond and passes the trailhead of the Green Trail on the right. It crosses a boardwalk over a wet area and enters a hemlock grove, where the Orange Trail begins on the right
The Blue Trail now bears right and climbs high above the pond, then descends to just above the level of the pond and begins to parallel it. It climbs again to a junction with the other end of the Orange Trail, then descends to cross the outlet of the pond on rocks just below a beaver dam.
The Blue Trail climbs to a hemlock grove and continues along a grassy path and across puncheons to an open area, where steps on the left lead downhill to the pond. Just beyond, a wooden bench along the trail offers the opportunity to take a break, with a broad view over the pond. Proceed ahead on a wide gravel path, passing two more benches on the left, before reaching the Louisa Pond parking area, where there is a kiosk.
From the parking area, cross Poppletown Road and find the triple blaze that marks the start of the Red Trail. Continue ahead on the Red Trail, which climbs gently on a grassy woods road and continues on a rocky footpath to the crest of the ridge. The Red Trail descends on a wide path, crosses a boardwalk over a wet area, and continues along undulating terrain to a junction with the White Trail just before the Hudson River Overlook. Turn right onto the White Trail and follow it downhill back to the parking area where the hike began.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 05/02/2013 updated/verified on 04/28/2013This hike passes an attractive waterfall, climbs to a panoramic viewpoint over the Hudson River and loops around an interesting pond.
This hike traverses the Shaupeneak Ridge Recreation Area, owned by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and managed in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
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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.