Claudius Smith Den and Black Ash Mountain

Harriman State Park
Orange Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail: Red blaze
Blue Disc Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 2:15
Estimated Distance: 4.2 Miles

Pros: Cool formations and nice views
Cons: None
Hike Type: Lollipop Loop
Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TP8za439RDLqwM3L7

Hiking Partner:
Yehudah Koblick

I've been to Claudius Smith Den many times but hadn't extended the hike to Black Ash Mountain, which is also very scenic with good views and a nice climb. We parked at the Ramapo River fishing access and walked along the road, under the Thruway, and then up the mountain from the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trailhead. We climbed up to the Tuxedo view, and then continued to Claudius Smith Den. On the top of the mountain we saw the Jennings Creek Fire near Greenwood Lake in the distance making a large plume of smoke.

We continued along the Blue Disc Trail on Black Ash Mountain and then headed down the mountain. The swamp below was all dry due to the drought conditions. We then took the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail along the side of the mountain, past the Black Ash Mine, and then back to the trailhead and back to our car.

Map of the Route

View of Tuxedo at Smith Rock. Note the smoke in the distance.

View at the Gas Line

Claudius Smith Den Rock Formation

Claudius Smith Den View, and Jennings Creek Fire

Zoomed into the Fire

Black Ash Mountain

Black Ash Mine

Black Ash Mine and Swamp to Claudius Smith Den

Harriman State Park,
Orange County,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail: Red blaze
Victory Trail: Blue blaze
White Cross Trail: White blaze
Tuxedo-Mt Ivy Trail: Red blaze

Total Time: 2:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 5.33 miles
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult, especially in the snow and mud
Level of Recommendation: Recommended
Points Of Interest: Good views, old mine, waterfall in wet season, very tranquil

Google Map of Parking:

View 2013 Hiking Locations in a larger map

Much of the snow on the ground had already melted, and it was a relatively warm day for winter. Some parts of this hike had no snow at all, while some parts in the valleys still had full snow. The conditions for hiking were not good at all. There was a thick fog the entire time, and it was very muddy and wet. I had not brought my ski pants, and ended up coming home muddy and wet.

I parked at the parking area right under the Thruway in Tuxedo, near the Ramapo-Dunderberg trailhead. I went up the Ramapo-Dunderberg, and was surprised how poor the visibility was when the view was entirely obscured by the fog. I continued along past the Black Ash Mine, observing both the upper and lower pits and dumps. From there I continued to the outlet of the Black Ash Swamp, which is very interesting. There is a natural rock dam formation which drains the swamp in a most fascinating way, with a small hidden waterfall inside the rock. About 100 feet downstream from the outlet are also a series of beautiful waterfall cascades in the wet season. Being that everything was wet from all the melting snow, this afforded great waterfall viewing.

From the swamp outlet I took the Victory Trail, which is a wide and muddy trail which is mostly uninteresting, and the tire marks throughout took away from its serenity. All along this trail there are downed tress from Hurricane Sandy. I then took the White Cross trail south back towards the Claudius Smith Den. This trail is very remote and serene, and even a bit overgrown. It is rare to meet anyone else on this trail. From the Claudius Smith Den I took the Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trail back towards Tuxedo, and then back to the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail and back to my car.

Map of the Route

Dense Fog. At the beginning of the Hike right before the
Trail goes off the  road into the Mountain.

The View of Tuxedo.
Nothing to see Today.

The smaller pit of the Black Ash Mine

Larger Pit of the Black Ash Mine

Waterfalls near the outlet of the Black Ash Swamp.

A fuller view of the Waterfall Cascades

Another Waterfall about 30 feet Above the First One

Outlet of the Black Ash Swamp

Extensive Fallen Trees From Hurricane Sandy
Along the Victory Trail

Rhododendrons in the Snow and Fog on the
White Cross Trail

Rock Formation in the Claudius Smith Den