Shawangunks Loop Hike

Join us for this interesting loop hike in the Shawangunks of New York!
For this 15 mile loop trip, we will meet at the Foordmore Trailhead for the Long Path near Kerkhonksen New York.
The most difficult parts will be the very beginning where we ascend the Shawangunk Ridge on backroads and the Stony Kill Carriageway.
Once we reach the top of the ridge, we continue a bit through the blueberry lands, and then descend a bit on Smiley Carriageway. There will be one rough bit of trail down to a waterfall, and then more pleasant back roads. There is one bit that has metal rungs to climb up, but it is quite short. I'll be prepared with a pack to carry all of Ev's stuff for this stretch.
The only regular road walk stuff is pretty much at the very beginning, and the beginning of the ascent.
Once we do the entire ridge bit, two thirds of the hike, we'll make our way onto the Delaware and Hudson Canal, as well as the O&W Rail Trail.
This will provide us with an easy creekside walk for the last stretch.
Apart from two difficult miles, the rest of the hike should be very relaxing.
The gradual climb will be on back road and dirt road, and then trail. After that, we have ten miles of gradual downhill to flat.
There are going to be a few stores in Ellenville at mile 11 or 12, but otherwise there are no other stores along the way.