On our Spring camping trip we broke the hike into two parts. We set up camp Friday so we could get an early start hiking the next day. The camping area is adjacent to the public camping, but is far enough away to afford a bit of privacy. The area is grassy, but the ground is rock hard. You'll manage to get stakes in the ground with a little work. The boys will enjoy the large campfire circle.
The first leg of our hike was south on the newly completed section of the Hyde Park Trail. We passed the rental cabins and took a steep trail down to the road to the marina. Make sure you walk out to the back of the Environmental Center to enjoy the broad view down river. The River Pilots boat is often moored here and this is a favorite spot of fisherman.
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| Environmental Center View |
Reversing your steps pass the trail that took you down to the road. In a couple of steps, you'll notice a wood road on your right. This will take your under the railroad tracks. In a couple of minutes you will come to the open field that once was the home of a CCC camp. Keep an eye out for the signs that indicate the new southbound trail.
The new trail is a pleasant departure from some of the overused trails around Mt. Beacon. The gently rolling terrain eventually parallels the railroad track. The occasional passing of a train is the only thing that will break your reverie as you move quickly on flat ground. Eventually you will come up to a wonderful viewpoint that showcased Esopus Island and the hills on the other side of the Hudson. Take a minute to read the historical marker and learn about the old Dominican Boys Camp that once made this their home.
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| View from the Old Dominican Boy's Camp |
Don't stop here, continue southbound along the old camp road until your reach the southern trailhead. Check out the old chapel and the subtle remains of the old camp. Reverse direction and head back to your campsite for a well earned lunch. You'll need to recharge for the afternoons adventure.
After a bit of a siesta, it's time to hit the trail. You'll pick up the blue trail that will take you north through beautiful open woodlands. Much of the trail follows old wood roads that allow you to make good time. You'll often get glimpses of the Hudson to your left. Eventually you'll come out to a paved road. Bear right until you reach the Monument for Lewis Gordon Norrie. Norrie was a star hockey player at Princeton when his life was cut short in a tragic automobile accident. The surrounding "park" was created in his memory.
Staatsburgh's River Park is a Beauty Spot
What happened in that merry all night party which brought almost instant death to Norrie the Princeton Polo Star.....
After pondering the death of such a young man, proceed across the road and into the woods. After a short time you will come upon the ruins of the old "ice house" Take care when exploring the decaying building. Don't dally, there is much more to see. The trail is clearly the remnant of a carriage road and eventually will take you to the fenced off remains of the Hoyt House and it's outbuildings. Look around, stay clear of the buildings.
A short downhill stroll will take you out to view a wide expanse of the Hudson. The Catskill Mountains dominate the view as you follow the road to the Mills Mansion. Take a monument to enjoy the view down the main lawn to the water. Historical markers around the mansion tell the story of the Mills family and the Gilded Age.
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| Mill's Mansion |
The return trip to the campsite is follows the Hudson shoreline closely. In some places the trail hovers at the edge of the river. The flat walking and beautiful views make the remaining miles seem effortless. The boys will enjoy a visit to the old pump house that sits adjacent to the trail.
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| Pump House |
Links
New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Mills-Norre State Park
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