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Nature|Hiking

The Trails At Upstate New York’s Sargent Ponds Wild Forest Are Simply Unparalleled

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest in the Central Adirondacks offers a variety of scenic trails for both summer and winter adventures.

Published Feb 4, 2021

Written by 

Witt Wells

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest is a massive forest preserve in the Central Adirondacks with a number of prime trails to explore, whether you're planning a summer hike or a snowshoeing adventure in the winter months. The views from some of the trails' overlooks are unreal, but it's also a great spot for a relaxing afternoon next to the falls while you enjoy lunch with friends or family. Either way, if you're an avid upstate hiker, here are a few Sargent Ponds Wild Forest trails you don't want to miss.

Sargent Ponds Wild Forest contains more than 43,000 acres of scenic hills and lakes in the Central Adirondacks and is one of the best places in the state to hit the trails.

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All Trails Diana Val

One of several great trails to explore at Sargent Ponds is Owl's Head Mountain Trail, a 6.3-mile out-and-back trail that features some gorgeous overlooks.

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All Trails Jill Pflugheber

While these hikes are ideal for summertime adventures, a winter exploration comes with its own kind of scenic beauty in these marvelous rolling hills and mountains.

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All Trails Jeremy Bourquin

If you want to pack a number of incredible overlooks into a shorter hike, spend an afternoon on the Castle Rock Trail, a moderately difficult, 2.8-mile trail featuring overlooks that are hard to beat.

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All Trails Shane Holmes

This trail increases in difficulty on its last leg, but it's worth it for these one-of-a-kind views of Blue Mountain Lake. And once you reach Castle Rock Viewpoint, you'll want to stay for as long as possible.

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All Trails Shane Holmes

If you want to shake things up with a more relaxed hike, hit the Buttermilk Falls Trail for a leisurely hike next to the falls.

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All Trails Andrea Andreasen

Since it's only 0.2 miles long, this is a great spot for a picnic lunch by the water.

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All Trails Bob George

For those looking for more of a challenge in this Adirondack forest, the Sargent Ponds Loop is an 8-mile loop trail near Long Lake that's popular for birdwatchers and even has a few good swimming spots.

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All Trails AllTrails User

Some other solid trails on the preserve include the Chub Pond Loop, Forked Lake Campground Trail and Upper and Lower Sargent Pond. And if you want to check out another great hiking spot in the area, the Blue Mountain Trail just off Route 28N is a great place to start.

For another adventure in the Adirondacks that you'll love, try this article. You can also check out this amazing place to stay.

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in New York Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Explore the Blydenburgh County Park Stump Pond Loop in Long Island, a hidden gem for hikers, anglers, and history enthusiasts.

Published Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

When it comes to New York destinations, most people immediately have their thoughts go to either the big city or the stunning nature of upstate. But there are some surprisingly gorgeous destinations in unexpected places, like Long Island, only an hour or so outside of the city. That's where you'll find Blydenburgh County Park, one of the most beautiful county parks in New York. This charming destination in Smithtown is home to what might be the best pond hike in the state, the Blydenburgh County Park Stump Pond Loop. This 6.1-mile loop trail is a laid-back, easy hike popular for anglers and birdwatchers, and it's a hidden gem every New Yorker should visit.

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Teresa Vuoso/AllTrails

Blydenburgh County Park is known for its beautiful pond, which is a popular spot with anglers when fishing is in season. The best way to see this park is on a 6.1-mile loop trail that takes you all around the perimeter of the lake.

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Jessica Flores/AllTrails

The path is easy to walk, with little in the way of uneven terrain and only a few bridges. This is a dog-friendly area if they're on a leash, and it's an ideal adventure for the whole family thanks to the gorgeous views and beautiful nature, especially in the fall.

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Robert S/AllTrails

The area is also home to the Blydenburgh Park Historic District, which contains nine total structures dating back to the 1700s. This is a great place to learn about the history of Long Island and get some amazing pictures on the hike.

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Dyami Plotke/AllTrails

Due to a dam break in late summer of 2024, the water level of the lake is low and some sections of the trail may be closed as the park continues repairs, but this also offers a fascinating opportunity to see the lake like never before. The park remains open and employees will offer guidance about any adjustments that need to be made to your hike.

Have you hiked the Blydenburgh County Park Stump Pond Loop before? It's an ideal day trip, so make sure to tell a friend about this pond hike in New York and go with some company! You can see more pictures on the AllTrails trail listing, and learn more about the amenities available at the park and updates about repairs on the Suffolk County website. If you're new to hiking, a subscription to AllTrails +, with step-by-step guides, is a great way to keep your bearings on the trail. And while you're in the area, head to the North Shore and pay a visit to Port Jefferson, where you'll find the delicious Toast Coffeehouse.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike the Catskills’ Most Challenging Trail in New York for an Unforgettable Adventure

There's a Catskills hiking trail that will test your endurance, but will reward you with some of the best views in New York State.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

A good hike is a great way to spend a day, and it can be a suitable adventure for all ages and skill levels. There are so many great, peaceful, easy hikes that provide a break from the everyday routine, and then there are those hikes that test your endurance and wits before rewarding you with a fantastic sight that can only be seen by those willing to work for it. That's exactly the type of trail you'll find at the Slide Mountain Out-and-Back, a 5.3-mile Catskills hiking trail rated hard by AllTrails. This mighty trail is found in Catskills Park, not far from Kingston, and its remote location and challenging terrain mean this is an ideal adventure to remember for experienced hikers. You'll take a unique journey into New York's ecosystem and history as you conquer a trail that feels like a badge of honor.

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Jake DiMirra/AllTrails

The Slide Mountain Out-and-Back Trail is one of New York's most challenging, boasting an impressive 1,781-foot elevation gain over its 5.3-mile length. That makes it an all-day adventure, especially during the cooler months.

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Kazimir Nyzio/AllTrails

The craggy, well-maintained but uneven, path has some beautiful rock formations along the way. It's ideal for experienced hikers looking for a unique spot to explore, and dogs are welcome as long as they're kept on a leash.

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Part of the park is dedicated to John Burroughs, the writer and naturalist who was key to introducing the Catskills to the American audience in his writings. One look at this place illustrates why he was so enchanted by it.

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Rey Carnevale/AllTrails

One of the best things about this area is how untouched it is. The high elevation leads to a unique ecosystem, filled with mossy areas and plenty of mushrooms. This is a very popular spot for mushroom hunting and foraging; bring a reliable guide and pick with caution!

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Luke Lee/AllTrails

The view when you finish the trail is well worth the adventure, and the whole area is incredibly gorgeous in the middle of fall foliage.

Have you conquered the Slide Mountain Out-and-Back Trail? Let us know what you saw on this unique Catskills hiking trail! For more details and pictures, check out the official AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend you subscribe to AllTrails + for this one. The challenging terrain and winding path will be much easier to navigate when you have this app, which offers downloadable trail guides with point-by-point directions, no matter where you are. If you're up for a lighter adventure after this hike, check out why we think Kingston is the perfect fall day trip.

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