Near High Mountain Preserve Loop
Ancient's Pond off White Trail
Near High Mountain Preserve Loop
It's not all rocks. There are stretches that are mostly flat footing, aside from the occasional root and buried rock.
Near High Mountain Preserve Loop
There are some rocks to navigate on the trail.
Near High Mountain Preserve Loop
Sometimes you get lucky and the deer are out running, too.
Near High Mountain Preserve Loop
View west to Ramapo Mountains and I-287

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

High Mountain Preserve Loop

4.5 (8 Ratings)
Climb to top of High Mountain to see NYC skyline in the distance, then return to the gullies and woods of the preserve.
8.4
mi
Distance
1,195
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.36mi
Distance
1,195ft
Elevation Gain
1,195ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
879ft
High Point
398ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From Red Trail Parking Lot take the Red-Blazed Trail until you meet the Yellow Blaze Trail. Take the Yellow Blaze Trail uphill to the top of High Mountain. Looking east you can see the NYC skyline in the near distance. Note there are two viewpoints, one a little below the actual top. At the top, head west across the field looking for the Yellow Blaze Trail. Take the trail downhill as it winds along the edge of a ravine. Eventually you'll intersect with the Red-Blazed Trail; cross it and continue on Yellow Blaze Trail until you come to Reservoir Rd at the very north. Head to the left along the edge of the road until you see the trail enter the woods. This is now the Orange Blaze Trail (6 months ago, and on maps, it is a continuation of the Yellow Blaze Trail, but the yellow blazes have been painted over in orange).Shortly you'll come to the White Blaze Trail. At this time stay on the Orange Blaze Trail and take it uphill, heading south. Eventually the trail will turn back to the north and shortly thereafter you'll come to a ridge on the left with a view point west; climb the ridge. If you look carefully at the mountains in the distance you can see a cut where I-287 runs and you should be able to see trucks on the highway. This is also a good lunch spot.The Orange Blaze Trail continues on, but backtrack to the intersection with the White Blaze Trail. The White Blaze Trail goes past a small reservoir (Ancient's Pond) and then a golf course. The trail is poorly blazed by the golf course; continue to head south, parallel to the golf course wall (do not veer too far from the wall) and you'll eventually pick up the blazes again.The White Blaze Trail will eventually turn east and start to climb. At the top of the climb you'll meet the Red-Blazed Trail. Take it to the right and back to the parking lot (on the way you'll cross the Yellow Blaze Trail where you climbed to High Mountain).

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Charles Behnken