Good hiking trails in Carmel, NY?

July 15, 2008 2:46 PM

Good hiking trails around Carmel, NY, preferably at Ninham Mountain?

Either google has failed me or I'm doing something wrong. Are there good hiking trails in Carmel, NY? I know Ninham Mountain should be the tallest one in the area, does anyone know where any of the trails start? I'd need directions for how to drive up to the trail and everything. Trail should be at least a couple miles long, but not 15 miles long (I've seen some mountain bike trails for the area, but would like to see if there are shorter hikes). If the trail ended in a nice scenic view from the top of the mountain that'd be great.

I'd prefer something within 5 miles of Carmel.

posted by KateHasQuestions to sports, hobbies, & recreation (4 comments total)

KHQ - I'm sorry I don't have time to do any research for you right now, but I think your magic Google key here is Putnam County. There are also one or two books in print that describe hikes and walks in Putnam and Dutchess counties.

I don't know the Carmel area, but you should definitely read something recent before going to Mt. Ninham (aka Nimham), because I walked to the fire tower years ago, and at that time - more than a decade ago - it was a hot, uninteresting walk up a wood road with no view. Didn't try to get up the tower.

(You may have already discovered that the most popular trails in the county will be more than five miles to the west, near Cold Spring, overlooking the incredibly scenic Hudson River at West Point / Storm King, and at Anthony's Nose, overlooking the incredibly scenic Hudson at Constitution Marsh and Bear Mountain Bridge. Maybe a 40/50-minute drive from Carmel? Sorry, I just don't recall. There are easy trails through the woods -- actually including a segment of the Appalachian Trail -- in Fahnestock State Park, which is 10 minutes closer. For trail maps in that area, also try the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference.)
posted by Dave 9 at 11:05 PM on July 15, 2008

Well the best hiking in the area (IMO) is Breakneck Mtn, in Cold Spring about 20mins west of Ninham. Gets a little technical and is a tough climb, but you'd be hard pressed to find better views of the Hudson Valley.

But for Ninham hiking maps, I'm not finding many, which is surprising. Search mostly mountain bike forums, as it is one of the best Mtn biking areas in lower NY. Here's one that I did find.

It is a beautiful park, but do stay off of the fire roads. The beauty is off the beaten path.
posted by wile e at 11:50 PM on July 15, 2008

Yeah, Breakneck Ridge will kick your ass, which is good if you like that sort of thing -- just leave plenty of time if you go. And there's one big step in particular that's easier for short folks if you bring a spotter.

There's lots of great hiking not too far off but back to the main question -- AFAIK the Town of Kent was involved in rehabbing the tower on Ninham a couple/few years back. I bet if you call the town Rec Department or main info tomorrow they'll point you in the right direction. Or try the NYS DEC -- I believe they control the Ninham MUA and have a field office there. They or the folks at Fahnestock SP should be more than happy to help -- that's what your taxes pay for.
posted by Opposite George at 12:58 AM on July 16, 2008

Thanks for the advice.

And yea, Breakneck Mountain is a great hike/climb.
posted by KateHasQuestions at 8:54 AM on July 18, 2008