Shawangunk Ridge Trail: Huckleberry Ridge Section

Huckleberry Ridge State Forest is divided into four sections. Dividing the north and south is U.S. Route 84, and dividing east and west is a large easement of private property. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail travels through the two south parcels and then, after follow a few roads, enters the northeast section. From the trailhead at the southwest section, the trail follows the slope of a hill as it approaches an overlook view of Route 84. Crossing a parcel of land dedicated to a powerline to a second viewpoint, the trail then turns back toward Old Mountain Road. The distance from the trailhead to the road is about 2.6 miles. Turn left at the road and walk a half mile to the intersection of Route 6 and then turn left. Follow Route 6 under Route 84 and up a hill until you reach another road, Hawthorn Boulevard. Follow the road past Hawthorne Lake untill it ends. The trail re-enters the forest and the northeast section of the state forest. Follow for 1.75 miles until you pass a final viewpoint as you descend down to the Metro-North railroad tracks. This is where the Shawangunk Ridge Trail leaves Huckleberry Ridge State Forest. You can leave a car at Shin Hollow Road to shuttle back to the trailhead or return the way you came.