November 12, 2022 – New Windsor, NY

Issue: Simple – Reasonable

Size: Roughly 2 miles

Max elevation: 705 ft.– complete elevation achieve roughly 450 ft.

Route kind: Lollipop Loop

Free map: Snake Hill Path Map 2022 – Scenic Hudson

Trailhead parking: San Giacomo Park, 402 Union Ave, New Windsor, NY 12553

Giant paved car parking zone – Restrooms on web site

Park Closes At Nightfall

San Giacomo Park and Snake Hill are Carry-in/Carry-out areas

Particulars on a hike to Snake Hill through completely different a route:

Overview:

Snake Hill rises 700 toes above the Hudson River and is the very best elevation alongside Newburgh’s boundary with the City of New Windsor. Snake Hill is the dominant function of the panorama surrounding Newburgh and New Windsor.

Snake Hill is a neighborhood landmark that gives sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding panorama from its summit. The Hill straddles the Metropolis of Newburgh/City of New Windsor. It drops off precipitously to the east, giving unobstructed views of the Hudson River, the East Hudson Highlands, the cities of Newburgh and New Windsor, Pollepel Island to the southeast, and Storm King Mountain to the south.

San Giacomo Park is a 9-acre City Park that has the next facilities: Canine Park (Membership Required For Canine Park), Basketball Courts, Tennis Courts, Playground, and Restrooms. Park Closes At Nightfall.

Historical past:

As soon as named Muchattoes Hill (A lot-Hattoos, A lot-Hattoes), which loosely translated means unhealthy or evil small hill. In native nomenclature the hill has lengthy been often known as Snake Hill from the abundance of rattlesnakes that inhabited it, although few have been seen there lately.

On the summit of Snake Hill there’s a rock outcrop known as “Spy Rock.” In line with the Historic Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, “Legends say native Indians after which colonial militia used the excessive level to observe exercise on the Hudson.”

In the course of the American Revolution, patriots stored a sign hearth in readiness atop Snake Hill to warn surrounding communities of a British invasion upriver.

Though the land didn’t face any menace of growth, Scenic Hudson felt it was value completely defending and the chance to take action arose. Scenic Hudson paid $1.06 million for 95 acres, comprising the majority of Snake Hill, in 2004.

The paths had been constructed from 2017-2018 (completed in spring of 2018) by Scenic Hudson and volunteers. Scenic Hudson maintains the paths, once more with volunteer assist.

Because of Reed Sparling, Author and Scenic Hudson Historian for offering the data on its historical past.

Trails Overview:

There are three marked trails on the map and a paved highway that cuts by way of the middle of the property. There are additionally some unmarked “social” trails as effectively. The official trails are effectively marked and comparatively straightforward to comply with, though they will use an additional blaze or two at a few turns.

The paths are marked with Scenic Hudson spherical plastic discs in numerous colours.

The Yellow Path, travels by way of the Metropolis of Newburgh property and is marked with painted rectangular blazes. The Scenic Hudson path map solely exhibits the spur that results in the view which doesn’t have many blazes.

Hike Overview:

I first hiked Snake Hill in early September, 2022. I loved the view a lot that I got here again two extra occasions since then. Snake Hill has a number of the finest views anyplace up and down the Hudson River. Usually I’m an early morning hiker to safe a parking spot and keep away from the crowds. However this hike is healthier carried out after noon. Noon you ask? Sure, as a result of as fabulous because the views are, on a sunny day, the solar is correct in your face as you attempt to {photograph} and/or benefit from the views. Because it was raining all by way of the evening and into the morning of this hike, I made a decision it was a great time to return. When the rain ended it turned a bit hazy, however nonetheless these views should be skilled to actually admire them.

This can be a quick Lollipop Loop with the stick being on the far finish. It may be mixed with a number of the different trails for a barely longer hike. We utilized the paved highway for our return route after stopping on the bench view for a second time.

The Hike:

This hike begins close to the northeast space of the car parking zone. Observe an unmarked footpath previous the gate and switch left on the paved highway. In about 180 toes, flip proper on the White Path, which is marked with three white blazes and an indication. You may be following the White Path for the following 1/2 mile or so.

The White Path climbs steadily by way of the woods spending some attention-grabbing trying boulders which might be scattered about. In about 0.4 mile, the White Path reaches a slanted rock outcrop with extensive ranging views over the Hudson River.

Storm King Mountain and Butter Hill is seen to the proper. Throughout the Hudson River, a great stretch of the East Hudson Highlands could be seen with Pollepel Island and Bannerman’s Fortress close to its shore.

There have been loads of vultures and several other hawks circling excessive above on this present day. The communications towers seen to the left are on North Beacon Mountain.

North Beacon Mountain excellent of heart and the Mount Beacon Fireplace Tower could be seen on the excessive level on the far proper.

The White Path climbs reasonably steeply, and shortly ends at a junction with the Blue Path, which is available in from the left. Proceed forward on the Blue Path, passing a rock outcrop simply off the path with related views as these on the White Path.