Appalachian Trail at Canopus Hill

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Area,
Putnam Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.2 Miles

Pros: Very quiet area
Cons: View isn't great

I had intended to hike on the Cedar Ridge Trail in Watergrass Sanctuary. I arrived at the area where parking sign is listed on the map on Route 9, but didn't say any trailhead in the area. I did see the Watergrass Sanctuary sign, pictured below, but there was no trailhead to be found. I then figured I would catch the trail from the other side at the end of Philips Brook Road. I parked on Old Albany Post Road at Philips Brook Road and looked for the other side of the Cedar Ridge Trail, but couldn't find that either! I wonder if they decommissioned this trail!

After not being able to find the trail for the above hike, I decided to head nearby to another trail area, and I ended up at the Appalachian Trail at Canopus Hill. I parked at Chapman Road right off Old Albany Post Road, and took the Appalachian Trail north up the mountain to the top of Canopus Hill. There is a view on the top but it's not great. I continued along the trail down the mountain, past the brook in the valley below, and then up to Canopus Hill Road. I then turned around and went back along the same route.

Map of the Route

Watergrass Sanctuary Sign on Route 9 but no Trail Present

Appalachian Trail Marker and Ruins near Homestead Huts on S. Highland Rd.

Historical Marker at Homestead Huts on S. Highland Rd.

Crossing the Brook on the Appalachian Trail

View Atop Canopus Hill on the AT

Another View Atop Canopus Hill on the AT

Another View atop Canopus Hill

Me atop Canopus Hill

View Looking West from Canopus Hill

Large Glacial Rock on Canopus Hill

Rock Fireplace along the Appalachian Trail