Black Rock Forest

Making my way up Mt Misery

The summit of Mt Misery

Just one of a few reservoirs at Black Rock

Looking north up the Hudson

Trail through the hardwood forest.  

A nice little stretch along the reservoir

From Rattlesnake.  And no signs of human life!

Pines on the summit of Rattlesnake

Chris on a forest road

Black Rock Forest is one of the least frequented parks in the Lower Hudson Valley.  Based on the walk from the Storm King parking lot off of Route 9W, I believe it.  I had much difficulty following the trail.  Knowing the direction it would be heading, I gave up following it and just bushwhacked my way toward the reservoir.

The trails after that were easier to follow.  The park has many dirt forest roads within the park.  There were a few reservoirs with posted signs around them.  It appears Cornwall and Croton get their water from here.  The park lived up to its billing as I did not run into many others today.  

Despite not having it for much of the day, the hike up Mt Misery was not miserable at all.  A bit steep in stretches, it then afforded some great views of the surrounding hills and one of the reservoirs.  To the north, Newburgh and its surrounding suburbs were in view.  

Black Rock Mountain (the park's namesake) afforded an excellent view of the Hudson River.  Also while up there a plane flew over my head.  I then watched it land at Stewart Airport.  

The highlight of the park was Rattlesnake Mountain.  A rocky trail led to some great views.  Views that did not include civilization.  Less than 60 miles from NYC and it's possible to leave the rat race behind.