(A. Purdy)

Enjoy this moderate seven-mile journey in the Willowemoc Wild Forest in mid-November. Hikers registering for this hike need to bring bright orange outerwear (hunting season), lunch/ snacks, water/ drink, warm layers, rain gear, sturdy hiking shoes, microspikes, head lamp, and hiking poles (optional). This hike, which is expected to last five hours, is limited to 12 people. Participants must register by November 14 by contacting leader Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 514-0919. Please note, dogs are not permitted, and severe weather will postpone the hike. Additionally, be prepared for unpredictable road and trail conditions. It is recommended that you bring snowshoes in your car just in case.

Directions:

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 at Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 and follow for 30.4 miles. Turn left onto County Highway 47 in Big Indian follow for 19.3 miles. Make a sharp right uphill turn onto Pond Road (which will turn into Pole Rd. then Willowemoc Rd.) for 9.4 miles. Turn right onto Monguap Road, continue for almost three miles, stay left on Beech Mountain Road and the parking area is on the left.

From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking areas on the left.

From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a "red caboose" on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where a fork in the road. Bear left onto Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking areas on the left.

Google Maps link to trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmarwsF9eZWF4WKT9

GPS coordinates to trailhead: 41.952027, -74.707078