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At 30+ miles, the Appalachian Trail in Dutchess County offers some really nice views of surrounding farmland and some unique features. Starting from the AT train station, we'll hike West, passing by the Great Swamp, Cat Rocks, the Dover Oak - perhaps the oldest blazed tree on the trail, before finally arriving at our lunch spot, Nuclear Lake- site of a 1972 plutonium accident (don't worry, it's safe now). We'll go off the AT to completely circle the lake after lunch and head back to where we started, making a short stop at the Telephone Pioneers Shelter. If all goes well, we should be back before the 4:35 Southbound train departs for Grand Central (there is also a train departing at 6:35). Overall it should be about 13 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain. This is a long hike with a lot of ups and downs, but there aren't really any sustained climbs.

Train riders - take the 7:14 Harlem Line train from Grand Central to Appalachian Trail, arriving at 9:22. Purchase a 1 way ticket because there may be rides back to New York or some station that is close by. Drivers - The trail head can be accessed from route 22 in Dutchess County. There are pull outs on each side of the road. Native Landscapes and Garden Center is located just north of the trail head on the southbound side of route 22. I'm going to be coming from route 55 then going North on route 22.

Please bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, hiking boots/trail shoes, sunscreen and poles if you have them. Geiger Counters optional! This hike would be rated 3C13 under the old system.

Please note that Covid-19 has persisted in our region from its onset in 2020, with cases currently on the rise. In the interest of public health, do not join this hike if symptomatic of Covid-19 or infected with it.

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001HJYj2AO/act00023361

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