My Adventures – Take a Hike

Moxham Mountain

It was perfect hiking weather this past Labor Day weekend, I made a spontaneous trip to Minerva to hike Moxham Mountain. The drive took me around 2 hours which led me to a dirt road. The road lasted roughly .5 miles until you reach the trailhead and parking lot. The parking lot was very small and held 4-5 cars, however the road was lined with 10-15 cars.

The trail started out moderate and slowly gained incline, taking you through many different types of forest. There were root covered paths, small streams, and rock ledges that were covered in moss that from afar looked like snow.

I passed quite a few groups on my way to the summit, including a large group with a small dog that had enough. The trail to the top is roughly 2.5 miles and had many small overlooks that offered great views.

I kept an active pace and made it to the summit in roughly an hour. There was a family at the very top, so I chose a larger area next to the summit to sit and enjoy some breakfast and take in the views.

There were a few ponds and there was a fantastic view of all the surrounding mountains. The sun appeared for a few moments and mixed with the clouds it created the perfect backdrop.

I spent 30 minutes at the summit and as the groups I passed (including the small dog) started filtering in, I chose this as an opportunity to head down the mountain. I stopped at another overlook and took a great photo of the rock edge that leads to the summit. If you look at the very top of the ledge, this is where I ate my breakfast.

I also took time searching the sides of the trail for mushrooms. I found a few unique fungi, photos below. (view my Mushroom Montage https://hikinggypsy.home.blog/2020/11/22/mushroom-montage/ post for more photos from this hike and previous adventures)

As I made my way back to the parking area there were a few groups heading up the mountain. The weather was getting very windy and it was starting to rain, so I made it back in perfect timing.

I always love traveling to these small towns and seeing different trailheads along the way. I wrote down a few new hikes I am going to explore, such as Eleventh Mountain. There is also a new brewery in Speculator called Lemontree Brewery. I can’t wait to check it out when I do my yearly fall hike up Panther Mountain.

Kaaterskill Falls Rail Trail to Inspiration Point

I started the trail at Kaaterskill Falls Rail Trail. It was the site of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad Station, which was established in 1913. The trail was very wide and lined with old railroad ties. The original ad for this station stated it was “The Only All-Rail Route to the Catskill Mountains”. The station is still standing and seems in good condition, however it was not open for me to check out the inside.

The trail is roughly a mile and then you come to the other Kaaterskill Falls trail entrance. The trail is lined with huge trees and a gravel path. Following this path you can get to many other trail options. My first choice was Inspiration Point. My research I had done before this hike showed that this trail offered the best views, with many different overlook options.

The hike to Inspiration Point was 1.7 miles to the summit. The terrain was extremely muddy due to all the rain we have been having. The elevation went downhill before bringing you back up to climb to the summit. There were even a few areas that you needed to use your hands to lift yourself up.

Halfway to the summit I came across “Layman Monument”. This structure marks the spot the Frank Layman died, on August 10th 1900, while fighting a forest fire that was going to destroy the home and businesses in the surrounding area.

Overall the climb to the summit was moderate, and there were many places to stop and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. Once I reached the top I enjoyed a nice breakfast and rehydrated before heading back down to check out the falls.

To see the falls you can choose between three different options. The first trail I chose brought me to the bottom of the falls. To get to the bottom you need to climb down 181 stairs, that get extremely slippery and steep. There were so many people at the bottom of the falls. Some were swimming, some were enjoying lunch and some were admiring the views of the waterfall. I didn’t spend too much time at the bottom, due to all of the people. I next went back up stairs, and at about the half way point there is an option to see the upper falls.

At the upper falls there is also an area to swim, and this was packed with people, swimming, sunbathing and climbing up behind the waterfall. I took my shoes off and tested out the water, and did some people watching before heading back towards my car.

In total I hiked around 7 miles before I was back at my car. Once I got to the car I found a local brewery to enjoy lunch and a well deserved cold beer.

The place I chose was called Old Factory Brewing Company, located in Cairo NY. It took me around 25 mins to get to the brewery from the parking lot of the trail. The brewery had numerous draft options, I chose the Blonde and ordered some lunch.

I saw on their outside patio, which had tables and a bar type option that looked out onto the road. For lunch I had a grilled cheese sandwich with fries. Sandwich Contents: Brie, Apples, Arugula, Ham

I really enjoyed this trip, but I would avoid going in the afternoon due to the amount of “hikers” wearing jeans.

Echo Cliffs at Panther Mountain

May 7, 2020

From as far back as I can remember I have always loved the outdoors. My family would take week long camping trips each year to Moffitts Beach in Speculator, NY. Some of my favorite memories were made there, especially our annual hike up Panther Mountain. We would pick a morning to go, and we would load up the truck with 10-15 people to take the climb.

Although we do not take the camping trip any longer, I have been keeping the traditional hike alive. I have hiked the mountain in the middle of the summer, in the pitch black to see an early morning sunrise, I have brought friends to take in its’ beauty, and it was the first hike my boyfriend and I took our dog on.

My most recent trip was this past weekend. It was a hot day for early May and the sun was shinning.

The trail is only 1.6 miles, so it makes for a quick and easy climb. It took me roughly 25 minutes to reach the summit. Near the top it does get fairly steep, and using your hands is required. It was especially muddy and the winter snow had melted into running streams all down the mountain.

The trail has so many unique features, that seem to change every time I climb. There are numerous rock stairways, such as the one below.

Along with giant roots that other hikers have added some flair to.

One of my favorite trees on this hike, is what I call the “Tree of Life”. I have used the roots to hoist myself endless times, using a new path each time.

The top provides a gorgeous view of the many lakes surrounding Piseco and Speculator.

After a quick lunch I made my way back down the mountain. Enjoying yet again another perfect hike up Panther Mountain.

Autumn in the Catskills

Nothing beats the views in Upstate NY during Fall. I am centrally located near the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. In the past I have traveled to the Catskills and have completed all five of the firetowers. I decided to head out this weekend to add another Catskill mountain to my list.

I chose Bramley Mountain, located in Delhi NY. This trail is the fifth addition created by the Catskill Mountain Club. The trail is located off of a dirt road and offers parking for up to 15 cars. This scenic loop is roughly 4 miles long and gives you two trail options to choose from.

I started with the Quarry Trail which began as an easy walk through deep woods and slowly gained in elevation. Although the climb to the summit was fairly easy, I did work up a sweat the last .5 miles. It would be easy to get lost in the woods, especially with all of the fallen leaves, but the trail is extremely well marked with blue trail markers and arrows at times to make sure you were heading in the right direction.

It took me about 1 hour at a steady pace to reach the summit. At the top there were two spots that offered amazing views of the Catskill Range. I happened to go during peak week, so the foliage was on point and blazing for miles. I stopped at the top for a few minutes to snap some photos, catch my breath, and then headed back down the mountain.

I chose to descend down the Summit Trail, which looped back to the parking area. This trail was very wide and seemed to be a four-wheeling trail. It was a peaceful walk through the woods and there were some occasional hills to climb down. I was able to capture some great videos of all of the leaves falling, it was as though it was raining leaves! I was able to get back down the mountain in 30 mins, running at times when the trail was flat.

Overall this was an easy climb, close to home, and offered great views of the changing trees. I lucked out and happened to go during Taste of the Catskills, which was going on right down the road. This year was the 10^th year that the event has been going on. It is located at Maple Shade Farm and offered numerous activities, food and vendors. The farm is an amazing venue and has a beautiful vintage barn, where they hold weddings and other special events.

Taste of the Catskills, Maple Shade Farm

Here is a list of the vendors that I was able to check out while I was there.

I had a nice cold Rare Voss from Ommegang.

Enjoyed an amazing Thai Curry Chicken taco from Tys-Taco-Rita

Grabbed some Lemon Tumeric Salad Dressing from Farmer Street Pantry

Brought home some Ginger Hibiscus Cider from Awestruck

Spiced Honey Liquor from KAS Spirits, which pairs nicely with lemon and apple cider

I will hopefully be heading back to the Catskills in the next few weeks to check off a few more must do hikes.

Spring into Hiking

Living in Upstate NY we deal with a long, cold, snowy winter. With the sun peaking through more and more everyday my hiking boots have been screaming to be used. There are many trails that open for Spring hiking in early April-May. Before setting out for your next adventure here are some tips to remember for Spring Hiking.

Weather Unpredictability– Although it may seem like a beautiful day and the temperature at your house is in the 60’s, it could be completely different at the top of a mountain. Always make sure to check the weather conditions for the place that you are hiking in. You might be dealing with snow, ice and plenty of mud. I use the App All Trails, before I go on any hike. It not only provides you details about the hike, it also has reviews from other hikers about the current conditions of the trail.
Clothing – Again, do not base your clothing choice on the weather at your house. Always bring extra socks, long sleeves, hats and even gloves. If you get warm you can always take layers off, but if you get cold, and have nothing to put on, it will make for an uncomfortable hike.
Hydrate! – Even though you might not be sweating, you are still using energy. You do not want to become dehydrated on your hike. Always bring a canister filled with water, you may not be able to find water along the trail to fill up. I always bring my LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, even on short hikes. It is light weight and you can carry it around your neck. It is fairly cheap, $20, and provides 4,000 liters of clean, filtered water.
Ticks! – As the snow melts, Spring’s creatures are awakening. Ticks are one of the major bugs to look out for when deep in the woods. Ticks are known for carrying Lyme disease and sometimes can be undetectable until it is too late. Wearing clothing over your arms and legs can prevent them from sticking to your skin. You can also use tick repellents, and wear light-colored clothing. As soon as you get home make sure to check your entire body.
Sunlight – You might not be laying out on a beach, but that doesn’t mean the sun can not burn you. Wearing sunscreen or a hat will prevent sunburns that can creep up on you. Also be aware of when the sun sets. You do not want to be caught on a trail as the sun is going down, especially without a flashlight.
Day Pack – Speaking of flashlights, that is one essential you should always bring with you. Many of us use the same bag year after year. Check your bag before you prepare for 2019 Hiking and stock up on the essentials you may have gotten rid of last year. Some items to keep in your bag: socks, lightweight jacket, gloves & hat, trail snacks, first aid kit, lighter/matches, sunscreen, toilet paper, knife, portable cell phone charger.

Now that you are prepared for your first hike of the season you just need to choose your destination!

Goodnow Mountain-Adirondack Range April 2018

Hiking*Gypsy