A Short Hike in the Shawangunks

The Shawangunks (near New Paltz) is a beautiful place to climb, hike, bike or ride a horse, especially in late November on a warm, sunny day.

Today, we took the dogs on a noisy walk through fallen leaves from Spring Farm Trailhead to the top via Bonticou Crag and then Table Rocks Trail. Mutti and me struck out on the semi-steep loop around 2pm leaving only 2.5 hours left of daylight.

We ascended past old carriageways and open farm fields and barren forests. Then we came across this spectacular rock face formation. I think it's part of 'Near Trapps', the popular free climbing area where adventurers use carabiners, chocks, stoppers and other gear to ascend.

It was clear that we didn't come prepared to finish anywhere near the top today. But, from the parking lot we took photos of the "Million Dollar View," an especially tranquil place to be at dusk.

For more information, review the Mohonk Preservewebsite and perhaps become a member so you can help preserve the 7,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams and ponds from future development.