Appalachian Trail to Denning Hill View

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

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze
Denning Hill Spur Trail: Blue blaze
Little Fort Hill Spur Trail: Blue blaze

Total Time: 1:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.8 Miles

Pros: Very remote trail with few people
Cons: Lacks good views, too many houses nearby

I had been on this trail back in December, but due to poor weather conditions I didn't get all the way to my destination to the top of Denning Hill. Now with the warmer weather and better conditions, I intended to complete the hike to Denning Hill on the Appalachian Trail. I am currently aiming to complete all sections of the Appalachian Trail within driving distance from my home, and this quiet stretch in Putnam County was on my crosshairs.

Instead of parking on Cross Road, which I did on my previous visit to the area, I parked on Old West Point Road E., in a small pullout on this narrow dirt road about 150 south of the trail intersection with the road. I took the Appalachian Trail north, past Little Fort Hill, and then passed an area with many downed trees that looked like it was hit with a tornado recently. I continued north, climbing up until the Little Fort Hill Spur Trail, which I took up to the top of the ridge, overlooking the Hudson River and West Point. The view was a bit disappointing, with too much tree cover. I then turned around and went back the same route, but I took a detour bushwacking for a short distance up Little Fort Hill from the north to the top, and then taking the Little Fort Hill Spur Trail down back to the Appalachian Trail and then back down to my car.

Map of the Route

View to the Southwest Approaching Little Fort Hill 

Zoomed In from the Approach from Little Fort Hill

Many Downed Trees in an Area Presumably Hit by a Recent Tornado

More Downed Trees Along the Trail

Appalachian Trail and Denning Hill Spur Trail Intersection

View from Denning Hill, Facing North

Bull Hill in the Distance from Denning Hill

Rock Wall Surrounding Little Fort Hill

Little Fort Hill

Little Fort Hill at Appalachian Trail

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

Hiking Trails:
Appalachian Trail: White blaze

Total Time: 1:45 hour
Estimated Distance: 3.8 Miles

Pros: Few people on the trail
Cons: Lacks good views, may houses in view in first part of hike

The weather was raw and very windy. In fact, the wind was so strong on the higher elevations that I was concerned for my safety, and made this hike shorter than my intended route. It was also cloudy, cold, and wet, making this an uncomfortable hike.

This was my furthest venture on the Appalachian Trail in my home territory on the northern front. This part of the trail is not part of any park system and is just protected by the Federal Land of the Appalachian Trail corridor. The first part of the hike crosses several roads and goes behind backyards. It then climbs up the ridge, with an offshoot trail to the view on the Eastern end on Little Fort Hill. The view is somewhat overgrown and was not impressive. After the view I continued further north, but with the strong winds, lack of seeing any people, and just general raw conditions, I decided it was time to head back rather than continuing further to the Denning Hill view. I'll have to revisit that area when the weather is warmer.

Small Boardwalk at the Beginning of the Hike

Really Old Warning Sign on the Trail

Little Fort Hill

View at Little Fort Hill, Facing South to the Hudson River & Palisades

Zoomed Out at Little Fort Hill View

Little Fort Hill, Facing East

Rocks at Little Fort Hill

View While Descending, Facing West