Vroman's Nose

Barely noticeable from here

Town of Middleburgh

Pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but an interesting town

A good view from the village

Vroman's Island would have been an interesting spot a long time ago

Gradual climb until near the summit

Middleburgh.  In a month this view will disappear

Along the ridge of the summit

Lots and lots of farmland

The Shoharie valley and Catskills in the distance.

Taking a rest at one of the benches built around a tree

Route 30

I'd like to come up here in a month when everything is green

Surprisingly, this was all the ice I encountered

Vroman's Nose from the south

I like these old estates

Vroman's Nose from a nearby farm

This is one of those hikes that I've known about, but I have just not gotten around to.  It's also one of those hikes where I had a crazy idea of how to do it and failed. 

A few years ago I lived about 30 miles away.  I decided to bike to the trailhead then walk up to the summit.  This was very doable.  If I left before noon.  Once I reached Middleburgh, I just decided to grab a little something to eat before heading back.  I still returned in the dark. 

Today I used the automobile to get to the trailhead.  When first arriving into Middleburgh, Vroman's Nose does not look like much of anything (in actuality, it really isn't) because there are hills behind it higher.  Vroman's Nose rises sharply a little more than 500 feet above the surrounding farmland.  It is quite distinctive, despite its relatively small height. 

Before hiking up the backside of the Nose, I took a few fotos of it from different areas.  It really is a pretty cool geologic sight.  Upon reaching the summit, I immediately realized how mistaked I was thinking the best views from the bottom.  The views from the summit were outstanding.  From above one can imagine Indian settlements along the plains of the Shoharie Creek.  Today there's quite a bit of farmland.  A little to the east, the picturesque village of Middleburgh is in view. 

This easily is one of the best hikes I have done in quite a while.  Vroman's Nose is one of those places that can be visited repeatedly without ever getting boring.  I most certainly will visit this spot in each season to see the changes in the landscape.