Arden Point, Sugarloaf South -- Vigorous

The themes of this hike will be views, castles, cactus and high treason. We'll start the hike at the Garrison Train Station from which we will hike south, making our way to Arden Point, where we'll get some great views of the Hudson as well as the US Military Academy at West Point. From here, we'll hike back to the other side of the train tracks, making our way to the Castle Rock Unique Area from which we'll take in some views of the Osborn Castle. Finally we'll hike up Sugarloaf Mountain where we'll be treated to more views of the Hudson and prickly pear cactus which should be in full bloom. After lunch, we'll head back across route 9D, leaving Castle Rock and heading back along the path our old friend Benedict Arnold took when he was absconding to a British ship docked in the Hudson. We'll discuss Arnold's flight as well as some of the other parties involved in the conspiracy, John Andre and Peggy Shippen. We'll wrap up the day by hiking north along the Hudson, back to the station.

We'll meet at the Garrison Metro North Train station at 10:15.
Drivers: Park in the Garrison train station by 10:15
Train riders: Take the 8:56 Hudson Line train to Garrison, arriving at 10:12.
I will be driving and waiting at the station with sign in sheets. I expect the hike to end no later than 4.

Expect an 8 mile hike with about 1200 feet of elevation gain.
Please bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, hiking boots/trail shoes , bug spray, sunscreen,
and poles if you have them. This hike would be rated 3D8 under
the old system. No dogs, no smoking.

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001F0rx2AC/act00022858