Appalachian Trail: South Highland Rd to Canopus Hill Rd

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

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.1 Miles

Pros: Remote trail with no other people
Cons: No views

As the Coronavirus Pandemic spreads, the recommendation is to avoid being with other people. So I decided to a more remote trail far out and off the beaten path. In fact, I didn't meet a single person on the entire trail the entire hike. I also wanted to accomplish furthering my completion of all segments of the Appalachian Trail in the drivable area around my location. This segment is not a popular portion and is outside of any state parks, and doesn't have any memorable views.

This was the first hike of spring, and the trees and brush was just beginning to sprout, with the first hints of green. However, the unlike previous weekends, the weather was very cold despite bright sunny skies. I had to wear my heavy winter coat and winter hat.

I parked on South Highland Road in Putnam County, in a small pullout on the side of the road at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. I took the trail south, past many old stone walls, seasonal ponds, and sprouting brush. I walked until Canopus Hill Road. At Canopus Hill Road there is the remains of an old inoculation station, which was used during a smallpox epidemic by George Washington's army in 1776. I provided a photo of the plaque of this on a rock, as well as the historical marker nearby which describes the nearby ruin as well of a small farm site. It was quite strange to be hiking at a historical inoculation site during the time of a pandemic. At this point I turned around and went back the same route back to my car.

Map of the Route

Steps at the Start of the Hike

Appalachian Trail going Through an Old Stone Wall

Stone Wall with Trail along the Hike

Me at a Stone Wall Along the Route

Small Seasonal Pond along the Trail

Trail Working through Newly Sprouted Brush

More Sprouting Greenery

Sprouting Green Thornbush

Remnants of the Old Inoculation Station

Another View of the Inoculation Station

Plaque on a Rock Describing the History of the Inoculation Station

Remnants of the Old Farmhouse

View of the Inoculation Station and AT Federal Park Boundary from the Road

Appalachian Trail from Canopus Hill Road

Plaque Describing the Hempstead Huts from the Canopus Hill Road

Trail at the End of the Hike Approaching South Highland Road.