Durfee Road to Middleburgh Cliffs-Long Path(Schoharie County)

After a long, two and a half week vacation overseas, today was my first opportunity to get out hiking in quite a while.  Scattered showers were in the forecast, but I decided to take a chance anyway on a pleasantly comfortable summer afternoon.  I had hiked up to these cliffs once before, several years ago from the valley of Middleburgh and while it was spectacular, I thought it would be fun to visit on the Long Path from the north. I parked at a small, unmarked parking spot along Durfee Road(just off Cotton Hill Road) where the trail crosses the road.  Elevation is just a touch over 1700 feet to start. The trail passes through quiet, ruggedly handsome woods south of Durfee Road.

 Stone walls serving as a stoic reminder of the not so distant past.

 A power line crossing provides a small view towards a nearby field.

 The trail does cross through private property and is well marked as so. 

 The first of three stream crossings, which were all nearly 100% dry crossings today.

 It was pleasantly cool today, with a refreshing breeze. Sure felt like an early fall type day. 

Rising up to the top of a 1700 foot ridge, the foot trail suddenly turns sharply south following a multi use trail/ road.

A steady descent over the next half mile or so drops you down along the edge of the escarpment, where spectacular views can be found with minimal effort.

 The trail literally follows the edge of the cliffs, with a dramatic drop off just a couple feet away.

There are multiple opportunities for good views just off the trail as well as a couple of open spots along the trail.  This spot is only a few feet off the trail and gives an impressive up close view of the tops of the cliffs.

 The view down into the quiet streets of Middleburgh.

 A closer look at Vroman's Nose, rising impressively above the valley floor.

From the open view spot, I turned back, retracing my steps.  There was much more ascent heading back north, but the cool weather kept me from sweating too bad.  Didn't see another soul all day.  Hiked about 6.8 miles RT, with about 1500 feet ascent.