Nuclear Lake Loop

This route begins from the NY Route 55 parking area just east of Pawling and follows the Appalachian Trail northbound through a mixed hardwood forest. After a short climb and some rocky sections, the trail levels out and reaches the signed junction for Nuclear Lake. Stay on the Appalachian Trail to approach the lake from the north, then continue as the route wraps around the shoreline in a wooded loop. There are several informal access points to the water's edge, offering good spots for a rest or snack. Past the far end of the lake, the loop reconnects with the Appalachian Trail. From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead. The route crosses some uneven and occasionally muddy terrain, especially during spring. Though the site once hosted a plutonium research facility, it has been fully remediated and is considered safe for hiking. Today, Nuclear Lake is a quiet and scenic stop along the Appalachian Trail, known for its calm water, dense forest, and offbeat backstory.