Trip Schedule - April 2019
Date: 4/6 (SAT)

Location: HOOK MOUNTAIN – Hook Mountain State Park & Nyack Beach State Park (New York).

Level:  MODERATE HIKE (12 miles)

For years we've offered a scenic loop-hike over rugged Hook Mountain, on the west side of the Hudson River about 25 miles north of NYC, which is what we'll be doing today. Included are some splendid views overlooking the river. The highest elevation is only 728 feet, but the mountain features vertical cliffs and rock walls, and the trail, while not precipitous, has many ups and downs. Our final few miles will be on an easy path by the river.
 Date:  4/7 (SUN)

Location: SHEPAUG RIVER - Steep Rock Reservation (Connecticut).

​Level: EASY HIKE (5 miles)​
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Steep Rock Reservation is a lovely "unknown" preserve in western Connecticut, and through it runs the wild and scenic Shepaug River. We'll be following an easy (but occasionally rough and rocky) hiking trail alongside the river, with one short, steep climb to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the area.
Date: 4/13 (SAT)

Location: GREAT LEDGE / DEVIL'S DEN PRESERVE (Connecticut).
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​Level: EASY HIKE (7 miles)
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For today’s hike we’ll be returning to the Nature Conservancy’s beautiful 1,700-acre Devil’s Den Preserve, said to be the largest undeveloped area in southwestern Connecticut. Today’s itinerary will take us to the Great Ledge, a rock formation that offers a wonderfully scenic vista. We’ll also stop at a couple of lovely mountain streams. The terrain is hilly but elevation changes are minor. Note that the distance is a bit longer than on most of our easy hikes.​
Date: 4/14 (SUN)

Location: INDIAN LADDERS FALLS / TUMBLING WATERS - Delaware Waster Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania).
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Level: MODERATE HIKE (10-11 miles)

​Several years ago we premiered a new hike along Hornbeck's Creek (which we’re offering this year in May), on an unmarked trail through a mountain gorge featuring a number of lovely waterfalls. Today’s hike is a longer version of that hike that includes even more waterfalls in the “Tumbling Waters” area. There are no long climbs, but a great many hills and a few stretches of narrow, precipitous trail (not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights).
 Date: 4/20 (SAT)

Location: SHELDON FALLS / PETERS KILL CREEK - Minnewaska State Park (New York).     

Level: EASY HIKE (5+ miles)

​Peters Kill is a spectacular mountain creek with small waterfalls and cascades -- and several larger ones -- running through a rugged Shawangunk mountain gorge. Elevation changes are minor, aside from a couple of steep inclines, but some of the trail is quite rough and rocky, and today's hiking itinerary includes some bushwhacking (off-trail travel).
Date: 4/21 (SUN)

Location: TEN MILE RIVER / HOUSATONIC RIVER (Connecticut).
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Level: MODERATE HIKE (8 miles)

This hike features a splendid stretch of the Appalachian Trail alongside the Housatonic and Ten Mile rivers, where the two scenic rivers meet near the New York border. We’ll have lunch by the Housatonic, which includes some rough rapids, and get there by traversing steep Ten Mile Hill, where we’ll enjoy a couple of nice vistas. Total elevation gain and loss today is around 2000 feet.
Date: 4/27 (SAT)

Location: RAYMONDSKILL FALLS / HACKERS FALLS - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Pennsylvania).

Level: EASY-MODERATE HIKE (6-7 miles)
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​​This is a shorter, easier version of our moderate hike to Raymondskill Falls, which we've been offering for years (and it's on our schedule again next month, on 5/19). We'll be visiting PA's highest waterfall, spectacular 165-foot Raymondskill Falls, plus stopping at beautiful Hackers Falls and enjoying some fine cliff vistas. Along with easy stretches of hilly trail there are a couple of steep ascents and descents.
Date: 4/28 (SUN)

Location: RACE BROOK FALLS / SAGES RAVINE (Massachusetts / Connecticut).
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Level: MODERATE-STRENUOUS HIKE (9 miles)

In the unusually beautiful and unspoiled Taconic Mountains (MA/CT border), this hike starts with a very steep but extremely scenic climb up past Race Brook Falls (5 separate high falls), and continues to the top of Mt. Race (2,365 ft.) for some great views. Recommended for experienced and especially fit hikers who are capable of maintaining a reasonably fast pace (when appropriate).