Lookout Trail to Vista View

This moderate route begins at the boat launch parking area off Benedict Pond Road and proceeds through the picnic area before crossing the Benedict Pond Dam. After the dam, you’ll enter the Benedict Pond Loop Trail for a short stretch, then turn left at the first intersection to follow signs for Mt. Wilcox Trail. Keep left toward Beartown Mountain Trail. At Benedict Pond Road, turn right, then shortly thereafter turn left onto Lookout Trail, which climbs to the vista point. Along the way, the trail ascends gradually through mixed hardwood forest, then steepens before reaching the ridge. The final approach to the lookout is via the Lookout Trail’s steeper rock and ledge sections. At the end of the trail, hikers are rewarded with wide, unobstructed views of the South Taconic Mountains and the Catskills beyond. Return along the same series of trails in reverse. This route is a good choice for viewing fall foliage.