Memorial Day: Fahnestock Loop

Overview:
Monday, May 26
9 AM
Fahnestock State Park, Cold Spring, NY
Moderate, 7.5-8 miles, with Early Out option (6.5 miles). Not a beginners' hike.

Details:
Starting on the easy & flat School Mountain trail, we'll cross Bull Creek and follow the Fahnestock trail east. The Fahnestock trail includes several climbs, most notably an initial moderate-plus to vigorous ascent up Round Hill, as well as descents, but overall it's a decidedly moderate route. After about 3 miles we'll reach the Perkins trail intersection, where we'll turn left (leaving the Fahnestock trail, which continues towards Clove Creek and Canopus Lake) and take Perkins a short distance till we reach another section of the School Mountain trail. At this point, anyone choosing an early out can follow the School Mountain trail back to Hubbard Lodge, for a total hike of 6 1/2 miles; please note that if you choose the early out, the AMC considers you to have voluntarily left the hike.

Shortly after returning to the School Mountain trail, we'll turn right onto the East Mountain trail, which includes panoramic views of both the Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands parks. After 1.3 miles, the East Mountain trail ends at the School Mountain trail, and we'll follow that and the similarly easy Hubbard Loop trail for a relaxed final mile back to Hubbard Lodge.

To register: The easiest way is via the AMC's Outdoors Connector at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001B8ZZ2A0/act00013734 where you can fill out the waiver and provide contact information, so you won't have to do all that at the trailhead. As of Friday morning, we have 9 people registered there, with capacity for 30. Or, you can use Meetup's registration (below), which will require sign-in at the trailhead.

Please register by 6 pm, Sunday. A pre-hike update, including detailed directions to the exact starting point, will be sent to all confirmed participants at that time.

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this hike if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

Dog Advisory: Fahnestock is a dog-friendly park, and we will likely encounter some during our hike, particularly on School Mountain trail. If you would like to bring your dog, please private-message the hike leader.