Home⎟Hikes & Wanderings ⎟ New York⎟The Taconics⎟Alander Mountain

Distance: 8 miles

Time: 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet

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Driving Directions: The hike actually starts at the Mount Washington State Park Headquarters in Massachusetts, then winds its way into New York.

Description: Alander Mountain has open ridges sweeping views of the Hudson Valley Lowlands, Catskills, and Stissing Mountain. If high peaks are too daunting, but you want the high peak experience, try Alander — it packs a lot of punch into a moderate hike. From State Forest Headquarters, head beyond a kiosk through an open field on the BLUE BLAZED Alander Mountain Trail.  You’ll eventually pass the Charcoal Pit and Ashley Falls Trails, but continue ahead on the Blue Blazes, ascending to a a flat area with a cabin. Just beyond the cabin, you’ll climb to an intersection with the white-blazed South Taconic Trail.  Bear LEFT on the Alander Trail, meet the true summit, and continue onto an open ridge. Eventually descend sharp to the RIGHT into a col and meet up with the South Taconic Trail.  This time turn LEFT on the WHITE-BLAZED South Taconic Trail.  The STT will first ascend and then descend.  While descending watch carefully for BLUE-BLAZES going uphill on your LEFT.  Take these and follow to the Ashley Hill Trail, which will lead you back to the junction with blue-blazed Alander Mountain Trail. Bear RIGHT and continue to your car.