Hiking

1) EASTERN PINNACLES – A great first hike for families is a one-mile walk out to the Eastern Pinnacles and back.

JUST DO IT: Start at any of the gravel parking lots where Route 17A crests Bellvale Mountain and locate the AT trailhead. (Hint: It’s near the very first parking lot on the left, if you are coming from Greenwood Lake or the very last parking lot on the right, if you are coming from Warwick.) (N41.14.658 W74.17.216 – Elev. 1180)

Alternatively, you could park near Bellvale Creamery and take the blue-blazed trail from Hawk’s Nest downhill to the intersection with the AT.

Cross Route 17A (CAREFULLY!) and head north on the Appalachian Trail following the white blazes. The trail is gentle and wide here with an easy climb before it curves to the left and away from the rushing cars below. Soon you are in a quiet forest with gentle hills and dramatic rock outcrops on the left.

The trail crosses a pipeline cut and plunges ahead along the Bellvale Ridge. After more short, rolling climbs, the trail heads downhill toward a small marshy stream (seasonal). Straight ahead is the short climb to the Eastern Pinnacles.

You can choose to climb to the steepest part, but an immediate left onto a blue-blazed trail bypasses that portion if you prefer. After rounding the bend, you are met with dramatic views.