Schunnemunk Mountain

"It was a moderately challenging hike, but lots of fun. I parked at the Otterkill Road Trail Head. I arrived at 7am and was the only one there. I walked east down the path until I got to the train bridge, then crossed the road to start the Otterkill Trail. I took that until it linked up with the Jessup Trail. Took that to the Barton Swamp crossover to the Trestle Trail. That was a little challenging and loads of fun. I followed the Trestle Trail until it turned into the Western Ridge Trail. I took that all the way down until its loops back with the Jessup Trail. I then followed that for what seemed like forever until I got back to the Barton Swamp crossover to the Trestle Trail. I went back over that again, and then followed the Trestle Trail north back to the parking area. " — jeffanello • Apr 18, 2026

"A late afternoon jaunt up from Otterkill PA. A little ice in the beginning then mainly crusty snow on the ridge. Nice to be able to cruise along without snowshoes or micros on the feet. Daylight fading rapidly on my return so I got to see the greater Hudson Valley lighting up for the evening." — Nimblefoot • Jan 27, 2022

"Took the long way. Started from the commuter lot off of Rt 17/6 and next to the Heritage rail rail just west of Harriman. This way I could do a section of the Long Path that was rerouted since I finished the trail in ‘00 and get a section of the Jessup trail I don’t think I’ve done before. A little over half way to the summit, in an open sunny ridge section, I walked passed two rattlesnakes hidden in the undergrowth less than 6 inches from my leg. One was startled enough to slither into the woods showing me it’s rattle while the other remained curled up but alert to my presence. Needless to say I scanned the trail a bit more carefully the rest of the way and was super alert on the way back in that spot." — Nimblefoot • Aug 5, 2021

"An afternoon loop hike of trails and bushwhacks. The trails were broken out by bare booters or single snowshoer then frozen or crusted over so were annoying to walk in by constantly tweaking your ankles. With the crust supportive it was easier and more pleasant to go off trail to make better time and see other parts of the ridge." — Nimblefoot • Feb 17, 2021

"A mid-afternoon jaunt before the early evening forecasted rain started. Forgot how nice of a view you get from the Dark Hollow trail looking up the river valley toward the Newburgh-Beacon bridge." — Nimblefoot • Dec 4, 2020

"A late start from home meant not getting a parking spot at Mt Beacon Park to climb North and South Beacon along with Lamb’s Hill and Bald Hill. All the parking lots on Rt 9D were full and overflowing along the road. So I hopped across the Hudson to check on parking for Schunnemunk, a little less popular peak in the Hudson Valley. Fortunately there was room, I lucked out with an early arrival already leaving after a short hike. Once on trail my day improved with sunny weather to enjoy a nice stroll up to the summit. Encountered numerous small and large groups with everyone respectful of faster hikers/runners passage and the social distancing dance. " — Nimblefoot • Oct 11, 2020

"A rather toasty day for a hike on open rock made worst with a very late start of 10:30am. Fortunately there was a breeze occasionally which helped when there was no tree cover. After hitting the summit I checked out the megaliths before dropping down to Barton Swamp trail for my exit back to Otterkill PA. Gained some shade and some skeeters for hiking companions. More cars in the PA on my return, not sure where everyone went as I didn’t see a soul on the trails. Had planned to do more peaks but called it a heat-day and headed home for some relief...phew!" — Nimblefoot • Jul 20, 2020

"Got the wife out on a nice scenic hike on Schunnemunk. Red lined the Otterkill trail in the process, leaving only Jessup trail to finish up the map. A number groups out enjoying a fine day of sun,wind and no bugs. The mountain laurel is just starting to flower and some of the blueberry plants are looking good for future snacking. Rehydrated at the Palaia Winery with wine, mead and hard cider." — Nimblefoot • Jun 3, 2017

"Took advantage of the snow storm to do some "foul weather" peakbagging closer to home- and wasn't disappointed. The Trestle Trail was unbroken after the lower viewpoint- and with 1.5-2 of soft feet of snow along the western ridge, the trip up was grueling. Drifts along the exposed Jessup Trail were thigh high in places, and the snowfall was significant enough that I had to rebreak trail on the return trip." — wacbravo • Feb 12, 2017

"Nice loop hike with the wife from CO 27 on a warm and humid day. Red lining the Western Ridge trail leaving only the Jessup and Otterkill to finish up. Encountered two black snakes and a small Black Bear, that little bugger had to be hot with the fur suit on." — Nimblefoot • Jun 4, 2016