Deb
10-10-2006, 10:28 AM
Monday, 10/9/06
The perfect fall afternoon for hiking and for me a new route.
The DEC parking lot on Rt. 23A in Palenville was empty when I arrived; I didn't see anyone on this trip.
I used Mark's directions. The new road to an inholding where a house is being built has replaced the old quarry road. The site is about 20-25 minutes uphill walk from the trailhead and is at the border of the first quarry. The site has been excavated. There is framing in the bottom of the dirt foundation, but that's it. Poking around, I found bits of heavy white dinnerware and old bricks in the rubble, leading me to think that a quarry building once occupied this space.
The quarry area was expansive. There were views over the Hudson Valley from the slag heaps.
Every section of this hike had something interesting to look at. The old road is a marvel, with stone retaining walls on the downhill side up to 15 feet high.
I found the Dodd house ruins by following Mark's directions. It is a hauntingly beautiful area.
Back on the main path, I walked right by the stone fireplace, missing the unmarked path for the overlook. Barely noticeable in the trees, there is a DEC
sign 'Palenville Overlook'.
The trail to Point of Rocks was also obscure, but leaves right from the fireplace. I spent the night up there, looking down into the Kaaterskill Clove, happily perusing my star charts until the moon came up.
Thank you for your directions, Mark.
You sure know a lot!
The perfect fall afternoon for hiking and for me a new route.
The DEC parking lot on Rt. 23A in Palenville was empty when I arrived; I didn't see anyone on this trip.
I used Mark's directions. The new road to an inholding where a house is being built has replaced the old quarry road. The site is about 20-25 minutes uphill walk from the trailhead and is at the border of the first quarry. The site has been excavated. There is framing in the bottom of the dirt foundation, but that's it. Poking around, I found bits of heavy white dinnerware and old bricks in the rubble, leading me to think that a quarry building once occupied this space.
The quarry area was expansive. There were views over the Hudson Valley from the slag heaps.
Every section of this hike had something interesting to look at. The old road is a marvel, with stone retaining walls on the downhill side up to 15 feet high.
I found the Dodd house ruins by following Mark's directions. It is a hauntingly beautiful area.
Back on the main path, I walked right by the stone fireplace, missing the unmarked path for the overlook. Barely noticeable in the trees, there is a DEC
sign 'Palenville Overlook'.
The trail to Point of Rocks was also obscure, but leaves right from the fireplace. I spent the night up there, looking down into the Kaaterskill Clove, happily perusing my star charts until the moon came up.
Thank you for your directions, Mark.
You sure know a lot!