With about a half day available to hike, I decided to take a short trip south to some quiet trails along western slopes of the Shawangunk ridge. My starting point was low in the valley along Foordmore Road(elevation just over 300 feet), where a gate marks the beginning of the Lower Mine Hole Trail, which is part of the Minnewaska State Park.
Initially the trail, blazed in white, stays fairly level and runs along a pretty stream.
An easy rock hop gets you across the stream.
The Lower Mine Hole Trail comes to a trail junction after 3/4 of a mile,
where I made a sharp left turn onto the Long Path/ Upper Mine Hole
Trail.
The trail utilizes switchbacks with a steady ascent, gaining nearly 1000 feet before you even realize it. You know you are approaching the beginning of the ridge when you begin to see a steady amount of mountain laurel and rhododendron alongside the trail.
I was pleasantly surprised to see some good color hanging on in a down year for foliage.
This little beauty wore her best red dress to the dance.
The steep climbing from the lower slopes softens quite a bit up high, as the views above the tree tops increase. The blueberry bushes are showing off their fiery red colors as well.
Well over 1700 feet in elevation, a short spur trail heads over to Panther Rock.
Climbing atop Panther Rock provides a spectacular view NW to the Catskills.
The Panther Rock view is quite nice, stretching far to the west as well towards some of the lower peaks in the southern Catskills.
Zoom view to the Catskills.
After leaving Panther Rock and getting back on the Long Path, there is a slight drop to a drainage, before a gentle rise brings you to the Smile Carriage Road. I wanted to turn right here towards Napanoch Point, but the Smiley Carriage Road was unfortunately closed to hikers. Instead, I simply bushwhacked my over to a herd path which lead to the point.
There are several ledges that make up Napanoch Point, each with terrific views. The long ridge leading towards High Point can be seen directly in front of you to the south.
To the west the view encompasses the valley of Ellenville and Napanoch.
Late afternoon shadows stretching across the valley into the distant hills.
Turning back from there, it was a nice easy hike back, passing through more colorful blueberry bushes.
Maples showing off their usual fall brilliance.
Skies were very changeable today, with brisk winds atop the ridge. It only made the scene more beautiful with each step.
The descent went by fairly quickly, arriving back along the banks of the small babbling stream.
Hiked a little under 7 miles RT, with over 1700 feet of ascent. Didn't see another person all day.
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