Artist’s Rock and Newman’s Ledge
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DISTANCE: 2.1 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 310 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 2,460 feet DIFFICULTY: Easy HIKING TIME: 1.5 hours |
With easy access, wide well-marked trails, and an abundance of incredible vistas, it’s no surprise that the North-South Lake area historically has been and still remains a popular destination for tourists and hikers alike. While the area is small enough that you can see most of it in a day, there are numerous trails and landmarks that warrant further exploration, so set aside plenty of time to enjoy the natural beauty here. There may be no better views out over the Hudson Valley than from the vistas along this hike.
The route described below will lead you to aptly named Artist’s Rock and scenic Newman’s Ledge, passing a few other viewpoints along the way. This easy hike can be combined with visits to other landmarks as time allows, given the numerous trails that wind all throughout the North-South Lake area.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 20 (Saugerties) from the New York State Thruway, then turn left onto NY-212/NY-32. At the traffic light, take a right onto NY-32 North. In 6 miles, continue straight onto NY-32A. At Palenville, take a slight left onto NY-23A. The road climbs steeply up the mountain to Haines Falls. At Haines Falls, just after the post office, turn right onto North Lake Road. Continue for 3 miles. You will reach the campground entrance. Here, you will have to pay the fee for day access to the campground. Once past the entrance, continue on North Lake Road to the final, large parking area, east of the lake.
GPS SHORTCUT
Direct your GPS to navigate you to “North/South Lake Campground.” Once past the entrance, continue on North Lake Road to the final, large parking area, east of the lake.
From the large parking lot, walk to the road you drove in on and follow it to the trailhead, just above the parking area. The trail enters the woods on the right-hand side of the road. It is easy to spot: There is a wooden barrier blocking off the trail to vehicular traffic.
Follow the yellow blazes. After a short distance, you will cut to the right to join the blue-blazed Escarpment Trail. Here you will find the trail register.
At about a quarter mile into the hike, you will reach a modestly challenging rock scramble, but it is short and easily navigated even by inexperienced day-trippers. The trail afterward will continue to work its way over, around, and through unique rock formations, which present their own pleasant scenery.
In 0.4 miles, you will arrive at Artist’s Rock, with views out to the Hudson Valley and beyond. Soak in the views (and if you don’t yet feel inspired to take up oil painting, perhaps you could visit Inspiration Point, Guide #11, in tandem with this). When you are ready, continue north.
The trail at times climbs moderately uphill, but it is not strenuous. At 0.85 mile you will reach an intersection with a yellow side trail. This trail runs parallel to the blue-blazed path that you have been on and doubles back along the ridgeline to the south, leading to Sunset Rock and various overlooks with views similar to Artist’s Rock. You can take this side trail now or on your return from Newman’s Ledge. It adds only a short distance to your hike but offers stunning views over North Lake.
EARLY AUTUMN IN THE CATSKILLS
For now, continue straight at the intersection, following the blue blazes north, toward Newman’s Ledge. Immediately after the intersection, the trail spikes uphill for a short distance before leveling out. Soon you will come to Newman’s Ledge, which offers similar views to Artist’s Rock, but with more dramatic rock protrusions out over the cliff face and better views to the north.
When you are ready to return, retrace your steps to the parking area.
