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DISTANCE: 6.3 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 2,260 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 2,550 feet DIFFICULTY: Strenuous HIKING TIME: 3.5 hours |
Belleayre Mountain is a popular ski resort, and the sight of the empty, abandoned-seeming mountain lodge and ski lifts in the off-season adds a layer of intrigue to this otherwise simple but strenuous hike. The views from the skiing areas are excellent, though this route remains under the radar compared to others in the region, and on the right day, you will likely find yourself alone among the empty resort structures, feeling as if you’ve stumbled upon postapocalyptic ruins.
Another unusual feature of this trail is how challenging the ascent is, on an otherwise arrow-straight and unremarkable-seeming woods road trail. Shooting straight up the mountain without a switchback in sight, the trail will immediately begin its climb of 1,300 feet over the next 1.3 miles. The broad, road-like trail helps buffer somewhat against the challenge of this climb, but expect to be winded and sweaty before taking in the sights at the top.
This trail is an easement on private land, so be sure to stay on the trail at all times.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 19 (Kingston) from the New York State Thruway. Turn right onto NY-28 West, then continue west on NY-28 for about 27 miles. At Big Indian, turn onto Route 47 heading southwest. Continue for half a mile, then take a right onto Lost Clove Road. Continue for 1.5 miles until you see the designated parking area on the right. The road dead-ends just after this.
GPS SHORTCUT
Search Google Maps for “Lost Clove Road, Big Indian, NY.” Follow the road all the way to the end to reach the trailhead.
THE TRAIL
Walk straight ahead from the parking area onto the red-blazed trail. You will begin the steep ascent almost immediately. Very similar to the hike up Overlook Mountain (Guide #18), the trail here is fairly unremarkable, very easy to follow, and unrelenting. It is a tedious and grueling ascent, but the sights at the top of Belleayre are worth it. As there are no obvious break points during the climb, hike at whatever pace you feel comfortable, take breaks when you need, and remind yourself again and again that at least this is much better exercise than taking the ski lift up.
After 1.3 miles, the Lost Clove Trail enters the Forest Preserve, and shortly after that, it meets the blue-blazed Pine Hill–West Branch Trail, where the red trail ends.
Turn left onto the blue trail and continue toward the summit of Belleayre Mountain. The ascent gets somewhat easier here, and after about a quarter of a mile, you will see a lean-to on the right through the trees. Continue past the lean-to for another half mile to the summit of Belleayre Mountain. Due to tree cover, the summit does not offer any views, but you will see the foundation of an old fire tower that stood until the 1980s.
VIEW FROM ATOP BELLEAYRE RIDGE
The Pine Hill–West Branch trail will now turn south toward Balsam Mountain. Instead, walk through the field that covers the summit. Slightly to your right, pick up the red-blazed Belleayre Ridge Trail.
You will see a second lean-to just off the trail after about 0.3 miles. Continue straight. The trail widens, and remains fairly level, though the trail is less clearly marked here. You will begin to see signs for the various ski slopes before finally arriving at the lifts and the resort’s Sunset Lodge. The lodge, empty and locked up during the off-season, still offers a pleasant place to sit and rest. Balsam Mountain is visible in the distance to the south.
If the sights of the slopes and structures around the Sunset Lodge aren’t enough for you, you can continue walking straight ahead on the path all the way out to Deer Run, the last lift and ski slope on the ridge. When you are ready, return along the same route to your vehicle. The trail will seem astonishingly short now that you’re going downhill!
