Hook Mountain Over Rockland Lake

Hook Mountain State Park
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Long Path: Green blaze

Total Time: 0:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.2 Miles

Pros: Good climb, excellent river views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CtT9tykhMVaahN1v7

This is a short and sweet hike, with a good climb, great view, and short lollipop loop. I took the opportunity to do this hike after work in the evening at the end of the day. I parked at Rockland Lake Landing at the small trailhead parking area the Long Path, and then took the Long Path up the side of the mountain, snaking up Hook Mountain. I then took the unmarked spur path near the top to the view, which is directly above the large quarry, a sheer rock face dropping vertically several hundred feet with the Hudson River right nearby. I continued along this trail along the ledge where it meets with the Long Path, and took the Long Path back down to my car to conclude the hike.

Map of the Route

Informational Plaque on the site of the Historic Knickerbocker Ice Company

Deer in a Fallen Tree on the Trail

Ascending Hook Mountain on the Long Path

Greenery on the Ascent

Me at the View on Top

Tappan Zee Bridge from Hook Mountain

Hudson River and Ossining

View of Hi Tor and the Northern Palisades

View of Sing Sing Prison in Ossining

View Above the Quarry

Kaaterskill Falls Upper View

Catskills Park Preserve
Greene Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Kaaterskill Falls Trail

Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.8 Miles

Pros: Famous Waterfall
Cons: Very busy area
Hike Type: Back and out
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://goo.gl/maps/iaZPR65Q3r4Q6Nxr9

Hiking Partner:
Rayzi Friedman

We were staying at North South Lake Campground, and these falls are right nearby. We parked at the upper parking area at the end of Laurel House Road, and took the trail that cuts through the switchback directly over to the Kaaterskill Falls viewing platform. We then walked along the ledge to the top of the falls, and then in Spruce Creek, until the trail bridge crossing Spruce Creek. We then took the trail back to our car.

Map of the Route

Top of Kaaterskill Falls

View Above Kaaterskill Falls

Top of the Falls

Bridge Above Spruce Creek

Sunset Rock at the Catskills

Catskills Park Preserve
Greene Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Connector Trail: Yellow blaze
Escarpment Trail: Yellow blaze

Total Time: 1:15 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.8 Miles

Pros: Short and sweet hike with excellent views and crevice scramble
Cons: None
Hike Type: Back and out
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7AMtKNXW2U3NbL9A

Hiking Partner:
Rayzi Friedman

I had gone to North South Lake on an overnight camping trip, and while camping we did this short but incredible hike. We got in later in the day and after setting up the tent in the late afternoon we didn't have time for a longer hike. We parked at the North Lake Beach, and took the Escarpment Trail north along the ridge, passing Artist's Rock, and then heading up to Sunset Rock. We took the narrow crevice up to the top for an amazing Catskills view. We then the Escarpment Trail back down towards North Lake.

Map of the Route

Signage at the Head of the Trail

Blooming Mountain Laurels

Cliff Ledge with Overhang

Interesting Rock Formations

Tree Overhanging at Artist's Rock

View from the Escarpment from Artist's Rock

Approaching the Crevice at Sunset Rock

In the Crevice at Sunset Rock

North South Lake from Sunset Rock

Back to Artist Rock on the Return