1779 Trail

The 1779 Trail is the route (as best as historians can piece together) that American forces used on July 15, 1779 to attack a British fort at Stony Point. This is a thru-hike that can be done in either direction. However, there is no parking in the area of the Southern Trailhead. The Northern Trailhead starts at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center parking lot. It is important to note, the visitor center parking lot closes at 5 PM and has a locked gate. To access the Southern Trailhead (leaving a vehicle at the visitor center in the morning), have a friend or use a ride share service to drop you off. The trail is located at the end of Queensboro Road.The Southern Trailhead starts in a residential area on an overgrown forest road. The trail markers are white round discs with 1779 printed on them. Follow this forest road for 1.5 miles. This section is well shaded. After the 1.5 miles you reach the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Cars drive fast here so be careful crossing the road. Turn right at the south bound lane to cross and back right after crossing. The trail enters the forest on the right. Another 1.8 miles of shaded trail leads to Seven Lakes Drive and the Long Mountain traffic circle. Turn right on the road and stay left at the traffic circle. Walk left on Route 6 and walk down a side road until the trail enters the forest on the left. After 1.2 miles, the trail reaches another forest road and follows for a short distance. Watch for the trail on the left. If you stay on the forest road too long you will end up on West Point property. The trail borders the military academy for 1 mile until you reach the Popolopen Stream. Cross the stream and follow about 1 mile where the trail exits onto a road. Turn right and follow until the trail re-enters the forest on the left. Another half mile and you will reach the visitor center parking lot.