This one-way, 7.6-mile hike along the Escarpment Trail is rated moderate-to-difficult and is expected to take about six hours. The pace of the hike will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed, typically) with steep climbs, and short breaks. Hikers need to bring lunch/ food, plenty of water/ sports drink, insect repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, hiking poles, a headlamp, and batteries.
This hike is limited to 12 people, and registration is required by August 29. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com Please include your cell number in your registration request. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader. Note, meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about two to four days before the hike.
We will meet at the Big Hollow Road parking area in time to sign in, transfer gear, and begin our shuttle by 8 am. This is where our hike will end. We’ll shuttle to the Escarpment Trailhead to begin our hike.
GPS Coordinates for Big Hollow Road parking area: 42.288911, -74.115142
Google Maps link for Big Hollow Road parking area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2UxTyA7LDLcY3sy7
Directions to the Big Hollow Parking Area: From NYS Thruway (87) Saugerties/ Exit 20, turn right on 32 North for six miles and keep straight onto NY-32A. Take NY-32A for 0.6 miles, bear left onto NY-23A. Take Route 23A for 5.5 mi. and turn right onto Co. Hwy 25. At 2.8 mi. stay right onto Co. Hwy 23C; in another four miles turn right onto Co. Hwy 40. Take Hwy 40 1.25 miles to Maplecrest. Turn right onto Big Hollow Road and continue 4.25 miles to the DEC parking area on the right near the end of the road. (Do not block the road.)
From NY-23 in center Windham, take 23 east to NY-296; turn right on 296 and take 1.5 miles and stay straight (296 goes left) onto Co. Hwy 40 (Maplecrest Rd.) and continue two miles to Maplecrest. Stay left onto Big Hollow Road and continue 4.25 miles to the DEC parking area on the right near the end of the road. (Do not block the road.)
From NY-23 in East Windham, take 23 west to Co. Hwy 65 and turn left onto 65A. Take 65A, this merges with Co. Hwy. 40, and continue three miles to Maplecrest. At Maplecrest stay/ turn left onto Big Hollow Road. Continue 4.25 miles to the DEC parking area on the right near the end of the road. (Do not block the road.)