Eastern Pinnacles Cat Rocks at Bellvale Mountain

Appalachian National Scenic Trail Area
Orange Co.
New York

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail (AT): White blaze
Appalachian Trail Spur: Blue blaze

Total Time: 2:00
Estimated Distance: 3.5 Miles

Pros: Rocks formations, great views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmWyRsCoiZ5KSmDs9

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

This was a nice hike on a beautiful fall day. It had just rained for almost 3 days straight with an early season Noreaster, and the rain had finally cleared and the clouds were dissipating. We parked on Route 17A atop Bellvale Mountain, at the Appalachian Trail, and took the Appalachian Trail. The trail is unremarkable until reaching the Eastern Pinnacles, which affords a phenomenal view facing east and north a top a steep rock face.  We continued along the AT, as slopes downwards, until reaching Cat Rocks, which is another interesting formation where the rock juts above the surroundings with a steep drop-off and some interesting crevices. We took the blue-blazed Appalachian Trail Spur around the Cat Rocks for the return route, and then by the Eastern Pinnacles we once again too the blue-blazed Appalachian Trail Spur. We then continued back along the Appalachian Trail back to our car.

Map of the Route

Eastern Pinnacles View

Facing Towards Schunnemunk Mountain

Yehudah Koblick on Eastern Pinnacles

Me at Eastern Pinnacles

Ascending Cat Rocks

Me Atop Cat Rocks

Cat Rocks Crevice

Cat Rocks Bypass