Melzingah Reservoir and Notch Trail

Hudson Highlands State Park
Dutchess Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Notch Trail: Blue blaze
Melzingah Reservoir Trail: Unblazed

Total Time: 1:30 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.3 Miles

Pros: Quiet area
Cons: No good views
Hike Type: Lollipop loop
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DekHhdLbX7BqNsjM9

I had wanted to check out the Breakneck Ridge development, where they are building an entire new trailhead and parking. The trail was closed for the construction all the way up to the Sugarloaf Trail, so I continued on further to the next trailhead, which is the Notch Trailhead before Beacon.

I parked in the small parking area and took the Notch Trail up the mountain. After reaching Gordon's Brook I took the unnamed path that goes to Melzingah Reservoir. Due to the dry conditions the water level in the Reservoir was very low. I continued back to the Notch Trail and took the old original Notch trail that goes parallel to to the current Notch Trail, and then went back to my car.

Map of the Route

Notch Trail Trailhead

Small Dam on Gordon's Brook that I Accidentally Found Off Trail

Notch Trail

View of the Hudson River and the Highlands Behind the Trees

Gordon's Brook

Melzingah Reservoir Dam

Melzingah Reservoir

Abandoned Concrete Structure near the Reservoir

Lantern Fly Infestation on a Tree near the Trailhead

Stony Man Mountain

Shenandoah National Park
Madison Co, VA &
Page Co, VA

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Stony Man Trail
Stony Man Horse Trail

Total Time: 1:20 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.5 Miles

Pros: Easy Shenandoah hike with great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yjNn3ubSvgsVSNpMA

I went on a family trip near Shenandoah National Park, and we did this family-friendly hike which is easy for young children but still affords a great view. We drove on Skyline Drive to the Stony Man parking area, and took the Appalachian Trail south to the Stony Man Trail. The trails climb in elevation but are relatively easy. There is a sweeping view at the end on a rocky promenade that makes for great views. We continued along the Stony Man Trail after the view after it loops around to the second view, and then took the Stony Man Horse Trail back down.

Map of the Route

RBBN Hike Bear Mountain Summit

Bear Mountain Park
Orange Co, NY &
Rockland Co, NY

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Appalachian Trail Spur: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:10 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.5 Miles

Pros: Great views and scenic area
Cons: Busy area
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZjRJTi6oJzfPcM4U9

Hiking Partners:
RBBN Hiking Partners

I took a group of people that were part of a networking group on a business networking hike on top of Bear Mountain in the evening. The group was part of the RBBN Networking group. The weather was perfect, at about 70 degrees and low humidity. 

We parked at the top of Perkins Drive, by the tower, and took the Appalachian Trail Spur to the Appalachian Trail down to the view from the southern part of Bear Mountain. We then went along the southern ridge side and descending on the steps to old road, which we took back to the other side of the Appalachian Trail. We then took the trail back up the mountain to the tower.

Map of the Route

Group at the Beginning of the Hike on Top of Bear Mountain