Home ⎟ Hikes & Wanderings ⎟ New York ⎟ Hudson Valley ⎟ Pochuck Mt. (West Side Loop)

Distance: Option #1: 2.25 mile out & back to hidden lake; Option #2: 3.5 mile out & back to eastern ledges. Option #3: Pochuck East: 3.17 mile loop hike up the eastern side of Pochuck Mountain to expansive views at the eastern ledges over the Hudson Valley, Warwick the Black Dirt Region and New Jersey.

Time: 1 hour out & back to hidden lake; 2 hours out & back to eastern ledges

Difficulty: Moderate; most of the hike is on unmarked but clear trails.

Elevation Gain: Option #1: 300 feet; Option #2: 500 feet

Note: While the usual Appalachian Trail route gets more foot traffic, this is the lesser known trail across Pochuck Mountain that offers better views, more varied terrain, and a gentler ascent. You’ll ascend through airy forest, then through three open fields on the mountain, overlooking a valley that encompasses two states (NY/NJ).  You’ll continue through a field of birches, and re-enter the woods to two hidden lakes atop the mountain. The Appalachian Trail route is beautiful in it’s own right, but in terms of Pochuck, this route is way more captivating.

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