Hike Reviews

Did a slight variation of this hike since I was pressed for time. Took the right fork to Sams point, then to the ice falls, then went to indian rocks, then to high point, and back. As of 10/10/17 most of the park is still open. Evidence of the wildfire is hard to miss, though. It's certainly something you don't see everyday.

<p>You refer in your comment to an overgrown connector trail between the High Point Road and the High Point Trail. &nbsp;Shawangunk Trails Map 104 does indeed show such a connector trail, and it is very likely overgrown and nearly impossible to follow. &nbsp;As I recall, when I was last there, in August 2013, I could not find this connector trail. &nbsp;But the hike directions do not instruct you to take this unmarked, overgrown trail. &nbsp;Rather, the hike description tells you to follow the High Point Road all the way to its junction with the High Point Trail. &nbsp;This red-blazed trail extends all the way to High Point Road, and when I was there in August 2013, the junction was plainly marked by a large sign and red blazes. &nbsp;And I am quite certain that the route of the High Point Trail from there is well blazed and easy to follow. &nbsp;So, in sum, you must have turned in the wrong place. &nbsp;Had you followed the High Point Road all the way to its junction with the red-blazed High Point Trail, you would have been able to complete the entire hike as described.</p>

<p>My wife and I took this hike yesterday, 7/17/15, along with a trek down to the Ice Caves and it was a terrific hike.&nbsp;We&nbsp;took the hike in reverse order of the trip outlined in the hike description.&nbsp;&nbsp;The trails are quite tight in spots with abundant vegetation so the trail view is sometimes obscured making for slower going but that, of course is quite manageable.&nbsp; The major word of caution we would offer, however, is to "look before you leap" in that we came across a good sized rattle snake making its way across the rock tiers near the falls.&nbsp; The snake was not threatening to us in that it was on a lower rock tier, but the fact is, the rattlers are out their doing their thing so be cautious as you work your way over the trails and climb the rocks.</p> <p>As noted, the hike was terrific with lots to see.&nbsp; The Ice Caves were&nbsp;fantastic to explore&nbsp;and the falls, though&nbsp;not at peak, were a visual treat.&nbsp; The vegetation, especially the ferns and the new growth on the pines, added to the hike's allure. The hike from the falls to High Point is a good one with a great many scenic viewpoints along the rock ledges.&nbsp; As for the final 3 mile trek back to the visitor's center on the High Point Carriage Road, don't expect much.&nbsp; It almost has an "industrial complex" feel to it, especially around the towers so just think of it as a means to an end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lastly, it is a long hike, especially if you plan to visit the Ice Caves so plan to make a day of it.</p>