Cats Rock and Nuclear Lake on the Appalachian Trail – the Other Way

You are invited to join us for a difficult 14-mile hike with about 2500-feet elevation gain. This hike will take about 7 hours. Please make sure you can hike 14+ miles with some steep, sustained climbs! Everyone will start on the waitlist. If you have not hiked with us before, please send a Meetup message or a text with recent hikes of equivalent difficulty.
We will meet at 8:15 for a prompt 8:30 AM departure; Metro-North Railroad Appalachian Station parking 975 NY 22, Pawling NY 12564. GPS: 41.59267, -73.58780. Parking will be south of Native Landscapes.
We will cross the tracks and continue over a wetland on a boardwalk. (The boardwalk is in bad shape – walk on the beams). We will enter a hardwood forest and climb Corbin Hill, pass the Dover Oak – the largest oak tree on the AT- to Cat Rocks. There we will take in a beautiful panorama. We will continue on the AT where there will be gradual ups and downs. Along the way there will be more wetlands as well as wooded areas. The trail will continue to Nuclear Lake. We will hike to the southern end of the lake. The AT will bring us along the lake to a stream leaving the lake. We will continue to the Beekman Upland Trail, return to the AT and back to the cars.
Nuclear Lake: https://hikethehudsonvalley.com/hikes/nuclear-lake/
Trail Map: Partial maps available on All Trails and Far Out or digital map of your choice.
My mobile number: 914-844-6054
Bring appropriate gear including a light/headlamp, food, and water. Review/bring your map to be aware of topography and our location.
Check the weather and dress appropriately.
Weather: Severe inclement weather, including high winds cancels.
If Unable to Attend: Please cancel at least 48 hours prior to the event, so people on the waitlist can attend. If on the day of the event, you cannot make it, please take your name off the going list. Not attending hikers will be marked as “No-Show.” People with multiple “No-Show” will not be allowed on future hikes. Thanks....
Important Note: Be certain to check this webpage and your email prior to the hike for any last-minute changes or cancellations.
Liability Waiver: Hiking or outdoor activities have inherent risks. Your participation in our hikes or other events could be dangerous and can result in severe injury, medical emergency, even death. You agree to participate in this event completely at your own risk and to take full responsibility for your own safety and well-being, including those of your guests. You acknowledge that we are not professional hike leaders but are merely organizing this event for your convenience.