Garrison School Forest - North and South Redoubt

May 17, 2013
Distance: 2.1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Year to date miles: 109.7

 Map: East Hudson Trails Map and this map is very helpful for parking Garrison School Forest
It is helpful to have both maps. The Garrison School Forest Map shows trails more clearly than the NYNJTC map. But the Garrison School Forest Map doesn't include North Redoubt.

Parking: We spent a long time trying to figure out where to park. Now we know. Parking is easier to see on the online map versus the NYNJTC map. We parked at #135 Snake Hill Road. It is someone's driveway, but it isn't as bad as it sounds. There is a sign for #135 on the road. Drive down the gravel driveway. There is a house on the right, but keep to your left and pass it. The driveway becomes a bit "rugged" - and you wonder if you are driving down a trail rather than to a parking area. But, just a bit past the house there is a parking area with room for around 5 cars. There is a triangular sign which looks like it used to read "PARK HERE".

Restrooms: None
Post hike dinner:  None

Directions: From the parking area, head towards the Private Property sign. This is the start of the red trail to North Redoubt. It goes through a meadow area. The blazes are spotty. Look for a cairn on your left where the red blazed trail goes straight (towards Snake Hill Road) or sharply left to North Redoubt. Turn left and ascend to North Redoubt. There is a swing at the top, and then the trail continues a little further. Views are obstructed. Retrace your steps back to the parking area. Then take the red trail south towards South Redoubt. There is a sign at South Redoubt which gives some information on the history of the area. The views from this area are much nicer than North Redoubt. Retrace your steps back to the parking area.

This hike can be extended with other trails.

This is the parking area. Look for that triangular sign on the tree.



So, yes, it says private property, but this is the trail to North Redoubt.

Trek at first view on North Redoubt, next to swing (not in photo). Trek hated the swing!

Obstructed view at North Redoubt.

Sign with information on the South Redoubt site.

View of the Hudson. Continue a little further for an even better view.

View of West Point across the Hudson River

Trek

Garrison School Forest was donated by the Sloan and Osborn (same family that owned Castle Rock) to the Garrison Union Free School District.