| State: | New York |
|---|---|
| Address: | Gipsy Trail Rd, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512, USA |
| Postal code: | 10512 |
| Phone: | (845) 256-3013 |
| Website: | https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/34773.html |
I have been to this multiple use area multiple times (lol) I've mainly gone up to the fire tower which is a super easy hike, it's a paved road to get to the top. When you get to the tower it's a little nerve wrecking to go up, kinda like going up that first roller coaster hill but you have to put the work in. When you get to the top though, boy oh boy what a beautiful view, 100% worth checking out!
Moderately challenging hike to a great view. Park and then either head onto the trail or walk up the road to the fire tower. Climb the stairs to some beautiful views. It’s 6 or 7 flights to the top. Great views even from a few flights up.
The road is flat, wide and a continuous incline. If you don’t like uneven trails, rocks, up and down, then walk up the road.
The trail is poorly marked but easy to follow. We eventually saw we were on the blue trail, which leaves the parking lot across a small stream and rejoins the road nearly at the top. It’s a really nice walk through the woods. Unlike the road, which climbs up the whole way, the trail is more challenging under foot, but also a much more interesting walk. It’s mostly uphill, but also some undulating sections, through a quiet woods.
We went on a Sunday afternoon and saw two other people on the trail. We were alone at the tower. Maybe 4 cars in the parking lot. Great, somewhat unusual place for a hike. Under 2 miles round trip.
About .75 mile hike from the parking area to the tower. Fairly steep (about 350-400 feet of gain to the top of the tower).
You can walk up the road (there's a gate preventing driving) or just after you go through the gate there is a trail to the right. The trail is shorter but more technical.
When you get to the tower it's a pretty good set of stairs to climb the tower. The tower feels very sturdy and the view from the top is impressive. At the trail head there is a sign recommending only 6 people go up the tower at a time, something to keep in mind if you are with a big group.
A great place to enjoy nature for free. I went on a Friday night and passed 7 other people, so not too crowded. No charge for parking or hiking.
There happened to be a fire today and it's interesting to understand how useful a fire tower was in the past.
This was our first time here. We were looking to hike some trails and go up to the fire tower. Unfortunately, there are NO trail signs or posted maps. We followed the road up to the tower. It was less than a one mile walk. The view is pretty awesome. We tried to find a trail to go back down but nothing was trail marked. We took the road back down. Eventually we found the red mark foot trail which leads back to the tower. There should be signs pointing visitors in that direction from the parking lot but there is not. Also there are trails on the other side of Gipsy Trail Road which we found when we were exiting. Again no informational signs to point hikers in that direction.
Great view at the top on the tower. Trails are somewhat marked. With a bit more effort this could be a great area for hiking rather than just pretty good. Also..keep in mind there are trails on both sides of gipsy trail road. I will say this..it was not crowded at all on a hot august saturday.