Platform Rock Traditional Cache
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WURTSBORO RIDGE
Wurtsboro Ridge
Town of Mamakating, Sullivan County. Distance 4-6 miles, Ascent 400-1,100 feet.
This hike brings some tremendous views in all directions. In clear weather, you can see all the way south to High Point State Park in New Jersey; to the north, Catskill Park, including Slide Mountain; to the southeast, Storm King, Breakneck Ridge, Black Rock Forest and through Harriman State Park; also views along the Basha Kill Wetlands, Sam’s Point, Castle Point and Gertrude’s Nose. A section of this hike runs along the Long Path, and much of it is in recently-acquired state land.
Take NY Route 17 to exit 113 (Wurtsboro, Route 209), through traffic light, 4 miles to Roosa Gap Summitville Road (look for a yellow traffic warning sign and a road to the right marked “firehouse”). Turn right, and turn right again in another 50 feet, onto a narrow, paved road. About 1.4 miles from Rte. 209, on a sharp left bend, there is room on both sides to park. The trail crosses another 100 feet further up the road. Look for the aqua blazes.
From this road, you can hike north 2 miles (or more) and back and see spectacular views in all directions. Or, you can hike south, enjoying views along the ridge and valley below, and explore an old lead mine. For a nice 4 - 4.5 mile hike along the ridge (south from Roosa Gap Rd., with no loop back) park another car in Wurtsboro, exit 113, right at light onto Sullivan St. Pass the horse ranch and pull in and park at the old VFW hall - the trail comes right through there. If you choose this path, when you reach the top of the ridge, there’s a large rock with directions - indicating Long Path and Wurtsboro Ridge Trail. Follow the blue markers along the Wurtsboro Ridge Trail. This takes you down past the VFW hall. Continuing on (across 17M) will take you into the Basha Kill Wetlands. The lead mines are about 2 miles from the start (from Roosa Gap Rd), a couple of hundred feet down the hill. County historians claim that these mines are the oldest in New York State, in and out of operation for about three centuries.
This cache is intended to introduce you to the trail. I will be placing more caches on this trail in the future. If you'd like, bring a cache of your own and hide it. This cache is close to the parking area, but it is about 100 feet up. The cache is a well stocked ammo box.
(Park at N 41 36.664 W 074 26.099)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va gur ebpxf orybj cyngsbez ebpx
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