Sunset hike 1.7mi RT, 645 ft EG @ Windbeam Mountain

This hike will take us to the flag on top of Windbeam mountain; Appropriate for the eve of September 11th.

This is a bit of a slog (short but steep parts) with an expansive viewpoint and a large seating area. This hike is about 1.7 mi round trip so shorter than Wyanokie High Point but similar elevation. No scrambling. I expect it will take us between 45 minutes to an hour to get to the peak but as sunset is at 7:35 we should be fine.

We will meet at the parking lot - Mary Roth Drive, Ringwood, NJ

We start promptly at 6:00pm (the setting sun will not wait for us). The trail starts level in the woods but quickly becomes a climb. This is a very short part of the Stonetown circular. We will shortcut up (unmarked), missing Little Windbeam, as we go straight to Windbeam itself.
The full hike including Little Windbeam (which we will not summit) is: https://scenesfromthetrail.com/2021/04/20/windbeam-mountain-from-stonetown-recreation-complex/

As usual, there will be no sweep. I will review the route at the start of the hike and then meet you at the sunset spot.

If you use Avenza - https://store.avenza.com/products/ramapo-mountain-state-forest-nj-new-york-new-jersey-trail-conference-map

PDF map - https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/maps/NYNJTC_NJParkMaps-RamapoMtn_2015-85x11.pdf. Windbeam is top left. Interesting to see how it relates to the Van Slyke ruins/stone tower just north of Ramapo lake.

Please bring something to eat and drink if you wish. We will be having dinner while watching the sunset.

We hope to get there with plenty of time to watch the sun's descent.
** Bring two sources of light - flashlight and/or headlamp in addition to your phone. Test your batteries. Likely it will be dark at the end and we finish under tree cover (little moonlight).
Bring bug spray.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 60s, so please dress appropriately.

I will also ask everyone to have a tracker on their phone just in case they get separated. If you do not have one yet, I suggest Gaia GPS.

You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back. You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.
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