A curiously wide/graded trail leads to the vegetated summit of Overlook Mountain in New York. Not to worry: "cheap views" can be had, owing to a soaring fire tower (open most weekends between Memorial through Columbus Day when staffed). If not, nearby are ledges overlooking five states, the Hudson River, and Ashokan Reservoir. Afterward, many hikers choose to cap their trips by visiting Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (Tibetan monastery across the street) or Woodstock.
The trail is a carriage road that once transported guests up to Overlook Mountain House—a former hotel sprung up because Catskill getaways were coveted by social elite during 1820s-1920s. But it proved only to be ruined ambition. Fires, financial strains, and unenviable logistics thwarted three different builds. Day by day the abandoned complex evanesces, both through self-decay and by nature. What were doomed entrepreneurial dreams had been recast as an urban explorer's decrepit utopia.
Photos: [ Ссылка ]
Route: Overlook Mountain Spur Trail
Type: Out-And-Back
Distance: 4.8 mi.
Elevation Gain: 1,370 ft.
Location: Catskill Park, New York, USA
Date/Time: 2020-06-15 1027
My Thoughts:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advised against entering run down structures but did not state it was unlawful. On location, I could not find any "off limit" or "no trespassing" notices. Thus, I full-on wore my urban explorer uniform. I was able to photograph multiple interesting angles and locate many lonely building fragments scattered throughout the forest. I limited my video tour, however, to obviously/commonly entered areas and would agree with the DEC's caution.
I left immediately after hiking—it seemed more prudent to defer my Buddhist blessings until I was actually in Tibet for the Himalayas. And, I just was not part of the artsy crowd. Beside, an elephant of a hike (youtu.be/BVuYtIqOjTI) weighed heavily on my mind.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace
