Beacon Dispatch: Highland Wanderer: West Hudson: Stillman/Bluebird Loop

If the rainstorms of the last weeks of fall haven’t completely knocked the leaves from the trees, the end of October into the second week of November can prove to be a glorious time to enjoy the final burst of fall color. These West Hudson trails feature grand north/south views of the river, a secret spring-fed cistern, bird’s-eye views of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, and a decrepit but safe wooden bridge, all under the cover of the last color of fall.

The trailhead is well marked and begins at two stone pillars which are about 8/10 of a mile from the intersection of Route 9W and Mountain Road in Cornwall. There’s limited parking at the pillars, so if it’s a busy hiking day you may need to park along Mountain Road.

The yellow-blazed trailhead marks the eastern origin of the Stillman Trail, which was named after Dr. Ernest Stillman who donated nearly 800 acres in the local area in order to preserve them. According to the New York Walk Book this portion of the trail, which appears to be a wide woods road and has several notable stone bridges, was once used to carry “pony-riding New Yorkers to views at the top of

Storm King

Mountain

.”

About ½ mile from the trailhead the path breaks sharply to the left, leaving the woods road and leading you to your first scenic outlook. From this point you’ll be able to see the Newburgh/Beacon Bridge, Pollepel Island, and Cornwall-on-the-Hudson below.

Turning to walk again, the trail runs to your left and almost parallel with the trail you came in on. After walking several hundred yards you’ll again see the woods road to your right, but you should continue following the yellow blazed trail which will break sharply to your left and which will also begin to steepen slightly.

A little more than 3/10 of a mile from the scenic outlook you should see an arrow painted on a tree pointing to the right and marking the beginning of the blue and red blazed Bluebird Trail. You’ll take this trail to begin your climb to the top.

The Bluebird Trail is little more than a ½ mile long, but the ascent is steep; you’ll climb nearly 100 vertical feet for every 1/10^th of a mile that you walk. The beginning of the trail is deeply wooded and you should keep your eyes open for what appears to be a small stone pillar just below you on the right-hand side of the trail. Upon closer inspection you’ll discover that this “pillar’ is actually a cistern for an underground spring.

As you near the top you’ll note that the trees get shorter, the foliage gets more brush-like, and the terrain gets rockier. There aren’t many views on this portion of the trail—there are one or two broad views of the valleys to the west—but the trail itself is quite beautiful and there are man-made stone steps at many points along the way.

Once you reach the top you’ll meet again with the yellow-blazed Stillman Trail. Bear left here and follow the yellow blazes toward the Hudson River. Within minutes you’ll be greeted with your first truly expansive view of the Hudson looking north. This viewpoint is well protected, has great places to sit and enjoy the view, and is worthy of a rest or snack and water break.

The next 4/10^th of a mile reveal a surprise at nearly every turn, with views that reach in nearly every direction, from Constitution Marsh and Cold Spring to Bull Hill and Mount Beacon. The yellow trail will turn sharply to the left where it meets the white blazed By-Pass Trail. It’s here that you’ll begin your gentle descent back toward the old woods road.

Depending on how late in the season you hike this trail, you may be able to enjoy nearly constant views of the Hudson River as you make your way towards home, although at times your view will be obscured by stands of evergreen trees. To your left you’ll see sheer rock walls and if you look closely you’ll also see many trees growing out of small fissures in the stone. If it’s damp as you hike, make sure to mind your step, as the rock beneath your feet can be mossy and quite slippery when wet.

As you near the end of your descent, just before you reach the woods road, you’ll have to walk across a small, rickety wood bridge to cross a little ravine. The bridge is safe to cross but it’s in need of repair and the railing is unsafe and should not be trusted. Stay to your left on the bridge and, if necessary, use the stone outcroppings on your left for balance. Since some of the planks are loose, you should be sure that every step you take is firm before you move forward across the bridge.

Shortly after the bridge you’ll meet again with familiar territory as you pass the beginning of the Bluebird Trail on your left. Not far beyond this point is the old woods road. Here you can choose either to follow the woods road back to the parking area or take the small detour along the Stillman Trail back to your first vista of the day, enjoying the view one last time before you head for home.

How to Get There:

Difficulty: Moderate

Appx Distance/time: 3.5 Miles/3 Hours

Trail Markers: Y, BR, Y

Hike type: Loop

Low/High Points: 450’/1300’

NYNJ Trail Map #: 7

Of Note: 8 scenic outlooks. Final descent features constant

Hudson River

views and a rickety, but fun, wooden bridge.