Millbrook Mountain via Millbrook Ridge Trail

September 16, 2012
Distance: 8.1 miles
Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Map: Shawangunk Trails
Parking: the parking lot specified by the directions was full, so we parked at the visitor center, about 1 mile from where we planned to start. There is a $12 fee for day hiking (they give you a wristband). They also offer an annual pass for $55.
Restrooms: Porta potties in parking lot
Post hike dinner: Karma Road, New Paltz (vegan)
Directions: Millbrook Mountain

Year to date miles: 285.5

Parking lot at the visitor center. Stop at the visitor center to get your day hiking pass.

We walked along the road - to get to the Trapp parking lot. It isn't a nice road walk - there were a lot of fast moving cars. It turns out it wasn't necessary. You can walk to the end of the parking lot, and take a set of stairs to a connector trail.

The hike starts at the bridge. There is a path from the road up to the bridge.

Hoola-hooping human sign

At the bridge, walk briefly on the Trapps Road (carriage road).

Very soon, turn left onto the blue blazed Millbrook Ridge Trail.

The very beginning has some easy rock scrambline. The trail goes through an area of pitch pines.

Catskills in the background.

Stay on the blue blazed Millbrook Ridge Trail all the wy to the summit.

This peak had no name (as per Peakfinder)

Glen looking down - 300 foot drop off.

The weather is getting cooler, but the dogs were still hot.

Millbrook Mountain summit photo

This bird seems to stalk hikers! Moxie barked at it.

The return trip was on a more gradual trail, but was less scenic.

We passed an area with several cairns.

The end of the hike is on a gravel carriage road. Once we got to the bridge, rather than walking on the trail, we crossed the bridge and turned right. Along this carriage road, we saw probably 100 rock climbers. It seems to be where they go. At some point there is a connector trail to the right to return to the parking area. The connector trail is a steep rock staircase down to the road.