This is the earliest of the OSR hiking guides I have found so far. Many
thanks to John Parrot for sending me a copy; it was invaluable during my recent trip back
there. The guide is not dated, but appears to be from around 1963. It mentions the camp's
Manor House, which was replaced in the mid-60's by the Administration Center. It also
mentions an archery range built in 1961, so it has to be later than that.The first page of the guide is a map of the camp, which is somewhat different
than all of the other maps I've seen. Click here for a copy.
The guide also includes a poem, "Hiking Onteora", that you might enjoy. It's
just a few lines further down.
The trails covered in this guide are the Red Trail, White
Trail, Blue Trail, Yellow Trail, Alder Lake and the Ernest Steinbrenner Memorial Trail.
That last one is new to me, as I have no recollection of it at all. It is never mentioned
on later guides, and no sign was seen of it in a recent (1998) visit back to the camp.
Here's how John Parrot describes it: "You asked about the
Ernest Steinbrenner trail: it was the "direct route" to Beaverkill; I remember
hiking it several times, the first was in about 1962. It didn't have a name then, and it
was more of a map and compass exercise than a trail. You just got out your topographic
map, took a bearing, and you were off. A year or so later trail markers were put up,
although the trail was very difficult to follow and the markers petered out about halfway.
I remember that the trail was always in jeopardy due to trespassing/land ownership
problems. There was a grazed field you had to cross well after you had left camp property,
and while leading a group across one year we were chased by bulls. "
One other change noted between this one and the other trail
guide found on this site concerns the "Hiking Stump". The center of all
trails at Onteora, the stump has moved quite a bit over the years! In this version of the
guide it was located near the Manor House, and in later years was found at the Covey
Hiking Shelter and now the Long House. Other changes noticed in my trip back to OSR in
September 1998 are mentioned below.
It's time now to turn the clock back 35 years or so and
re-hike these trails, at least in memory.
HIKING
ONTEORA
When I hike along I want to see
A beaver sitting ‘neath a maple tree
Pale white clouds in a dark blue sky
And a young woodpecker learning to fly.
Trees and meadows, hill and plain
And emerald woods still wet with rain.
I want to hear birds happily sing
And every other little thing
Laughing brook and quiet lake
Each step a young fawn tries to take.
A sapsucker tapping on a rotted tree
And the chatter of a chipmunk family.
I want to feel the summer breeze
That rushes through the forest trees.
The cool of the woods and the heat of the plain
And the sweet refreshing drops of rain.
The coolness of the mountain springs
The feel of adventure that hiking brings.
I want to hear, and feel, and see
What Onteora has waiting for me.
THE RED TRAIL
Introduction - SRR Index Card.
Hiking Stump - Trail begins.
MANOR HOUSE - This stately old house stands majestically on a hill overlooking
Orchard Lake. It was the home of the New York Rod & Gun Club, and at one time was an
exclusive mecca for the outdoorsman. The trail runs behind the small buildings opposite
the Manor House where it joins with the Yellow Trail.
1998 update: The Manor House is, of course, long gone.
2001 update: The previous owner was actually "The Trout & Skeet Club of New York".
WILDCAT FALLS - This is probably one of the most beautiful water falls in the
Catskills. During the summer months it is quite dormant, exposing its lining of shimmering
stone walls, and its slippery bed of stone. There are several drops. In the early Spring,
the water leaps wildly into space and lands with tremendous cascading force upon the
apron. No wonder the Indians, inspired by this site called them Wildcat Falls.
DEVIL'S GORGE - The Red Trail goes past the remains of an old Monkey Bridge. The
stream turns into a roaring demon in the early Spring, due to the melting snows. This
follows the stream uphill to the bridge and goes into the woods, head toward the old skeet
range.
SKEET RANGE, ROD & GUN CLUB - This was the former Skeet Range of the old Rod
& Gun Club. However, this particular ground dates back further into history when a
small settlement stood here. You can still see the foundations of former homes. The trail
proceeds through the field and takes the road leading to the Catholic Chapel.
CATHOLIC CHAPEL - This was the first of the 3 chapels built. The other
two are located on the lake, and built of the same design. The trail then leaves the road
and proceeds uphill towards the Council House. Once you are on top of the hill you may
spot a deer or two, if you are quiet.
1998 update: The chapel is no longer there, having been moved behind
the Health Lodge for staff housing.
COUNCIL HOUSE - This is the second Food Service Building constructed. It’s
first summer camp operation was the 1960 season. It serves the Chiefs Camp. Just north of
the Council House is the Old Hunter Road.
OLD HUNTER ROAD - It is steeped in the history of the land, running east to west
through camp. It was used in the past by the Indians in traveling from the Delaware to the
Hudson. The trail follows this road to the Chiefs’ trail, a distance of 50 yards.
CHIEF'S TRAIL - This is the newest road in camp. The trail follows along this
road almost entirely, showing you many of the newer campsites. 50 yards from its junction
with the Tribes Trail, the trail proceeds into the woods to a cool spring.
SPRING - This spring is good drinking water; help to keep it so. It was once
used by a farming family who cultivated the fields near it. The remains of the foundation
of the house are still visible, The trail then leads into a small apple orchard. To the
left are a number of rose bushes. To the right, up the hill is a field sports area;
straight ahead is another field sports area and a woodslore area. The trail then follows
the many TRIBES TRAILS to Sioux campsite; here it turns left and goes to the Long House.
THE LONG HOUSE - This is the first of the Food Service buildings to be built.
Its first year of summer camp operation was in 1958. The trail then proceeds in a
southerly direction along the Long House loop. 116 yards past Hopi campsite the trail goes
through the woods, in a southeasterly direction to the old waterfront. From here it
follows the lake road to just below the dam. Here it crosses the stream and proceeds along
the east side of the lake. If you are quiet you might see deer. The trail will end up at
the Manor after passing the Council Ring. At dusk and dawn you will be able to see deer in
the parade grounds going or coming from the lake.
THE WHITE TRAIL
The White Trail is the boundary trail at Onteora. It travels through some of the most
beautiful country at camp, including interesting rock formations.
HIKING STUMP - The trail starts at the Hiking Stump and follows the "Chapel
Drive" out of camp, past the dam to the junction of the upper and lower roads, the
trail then goes off to the right up through the woods.
LAKE UNCAS - The trail passes Lake Uncas on the left. This is a private lake and
the site of a Catholic camp, Camp Acadia. DO NOT TRESPASS!
ROCKY LEDGES -The trail continues up Rattle Hill through a series of rock cliffs
and ledges.
RATTLE HILL - It now emerges at the top of Rattle Hill by the Outpost Lean-to.
Here the trail turns left on the Hunter Road. It follows the road 1/8 mile down Rattle
Hill then turns right into the woods, towards our other outpost lean-to.
1998 update: All that's left of the Outpost lean-to is a small pile of
broken boards and pieces of partially melted asphalt shingles. It evidently collapsed or
was destroyed in a fire.
NEW LEAN-TO - The trail passes this lean-to on the right and continues off
through the woods to an old logging road.
1998 update: Couldn't spot this lean-to anywhere!
LOGGING ROAD - Here the trail turns left until it joins a major logging road. It
turns right on this road and follows it in a wide arc ‘till it joins the Alder Lake
Trail - Along this road you can see Tom Quick’s Stone Quarry, many deer tracks, and a
number of interesting views.
ALDER LAKE TRAIL - Here the White Trail ends. Turn right and follow the Alder
Lake Trail back to camp.
THE BLUE TRAIL
The Blue Trail is the longer but less difficult trail to Beaverkill. The Beaverkill,
along with the Willowemoc, is rated as the best trout stream in New York. The trail
crosses Rattle Hill just above the Council House Dining Hall, and heads towards
Beaverkill. (Total distance - 7 miles)
HIKING STUMP - The trail begins at the Hiking Stump and follows the camp road up
to the Council House. From here it continues north past Red Cloud & Sitting Bull
campsites, and up Rattle Hill on the Hunter Road.
HUNTER ROAD - This road was used at one time by the Indians in traveling from
the Delaware to the Hudson.
RATTLE HILL (Elev.2400 ft.) - At the top of Rattle Hill there is a lean-to off
to the right and another set far back in the woods. These are designed to be used for
short overnighters.
TOM QUICK’S POND - About 1 mile from the top of Rattle Hill there is a pond
to the left. This was constructed by Tom Quick, the man who logs most of the country
around here, and has been of great assistance to us in laying many of our trails.
2001 update: There is a dispute over the use of the trail past this
point. Until the owner of the surrounding land and the State work it out,
hikers are advised to use the new State trail towards Frick Pond and then on
to Alder Lake.
BEAVERKILL ROAD - The Hunter Road comes out on a paved road which runs left to
the Beaverkill State Park and right to Lew Beach. Directly across the road is a gravel
pit. If you turn left and follow the Beaverkill Road for about 100 yards, then turn right
through the woods, you will come out in a large meadow. In this meadow you will see a
large pipe about 6 feet high. This is the outlet of a spring and the water running from it
is good for drinking. Proceed along the Beaverkill Road for about 3 miles to Beaverkill
State Park.
1998 update: The once well defined meadow is now tough to spot.
A former rock quarry, the site is full of weed-covered rocks. There was no sight of the
artesian well.
YELLOW TRAIL
Hiking Stump - this is the start of all trails at Onteora. The trail markers on
the top indicate trails and the arrows on side point in the general direction of the
trail.
 Parking Lot - the trail follows a horse trail at the
southeast corner of the parking lot up a fairly steep hill to the Old Explorer Base Road.
The Base Camp road runs at right angles to the trail. Do not be confused, The trail does
not turn here but continues straight.
Hunter Road - after passing the Base Camp road the trail continues on what is
called the Hunter Road. This was at one time a trail used by Indians portaging their
canoes from the Delaware to the Hudson River.
Interesting View - about 1.5 miles up the Hunter Road there is a clearing
on the right with an old shack in it. From this field a panorama of the surrounding
country side can be seen.
Frog Hollow Rod & Gun Club Lodge - about 1/8 mile farther down the trail
there is a large red building on the left. This is the hunting lodge for the Frog Hollow
Rod & Gun Club.
Old Cemetery - proceeding down the trail there appears on the right an old
cemetery. The oldest stone is 1855. It is interesting to note the epitaphs carved
on some of the older stones.
Fish Hatchery - 15 miles past the cemetery the Hunter Road ends on a paved road
and the trail turns left. The large building on the right is the low York State Fish
Hatchery. Here trout are raised under controlled conditions, to stock the rivers and
streams of the Catskills. Scouts are asked to be at all times good Scouts, and not to
frighten or feed the fish, as this would upset their controlled breeding process.
Road to Beech Mt. Scout Camp - about 100 yards past the Fish Hatchery, the paved
road becomes a dirt road which continues towards Beech Mt. Scout Camp. The trail continues
along this road to Frick Pond.
Frick Pond is a part of Beech Mt. Scout Camp. In the center of the pond is an old
beaver house. There is drinking water about 200 yards down stream from the lake.
 |
1969: The waterfront
at Beech Mountain looked very much like the Onteora docks. |
|
|
1998 update: Sadly, Beech
Mountain Scout Camp is no longer with us, having closed several years ago. The site is now
a New York State public campground and hiking area. |
Corduroy Road - the trail now goes through the woods following
the old Corduroy Road, This road was built over 100 years ago to haul logs through the
swampy lands.
Logging Camp - to the left of the Corduroy Road there are many fallen-down
buildings, the remains of an old logging camp. The trail here turns to the left and weaves
along a stream bed. Then it turns to the right and heads up through the woods.
Saw Dust Pile - into the woods a few yards there is a clearing and a small mound
of brown sawdust shavings. This is a favorite spot for deer in early morning and late
evening.
Logging Roads - the trail comes out of the woods on a logging road, turns right,
follows the road for a few yards then turns left into the woods. After going about 1/2
mile through the woods the trail comes out on another logging road and turns left.
Rocky Ledges - two miles out of camp you will cross a very rocky area. This
stretch of the woods is very unusual because when a strong wind blows through the trees
and rocks, the grating of trees together creates weird noises and gives rise to many
legends about a haunted forest.
Base Camp Road - the trail, after emerging from the woods, turns right on the
Base Camp road and follows it, past the Old Staff Training Area.
Manor House - the trail then turns left and goes down hill to the Manor House.
SIDE TRIPS
(1) Waterfalls - proceed along the paved and dirt roads from the Fish Hatchery. Take
the first road to the right and follow it to the bridge. Then follow the stream down to
the Waterfalls. These are not only interesting but many troops use them for showers.
(2) Mongaup Pond - about 300 feet past the turn off to the Falls, there is another road
to the right. This leads to Mongaup Pond (1.5 miles).
The drinking water is at the north end of the lake, about 1 mile past Sucker Brook.
There is an iron pipe close to the lake with spring water flowing from it.
The swimming area is at the south end of the lake and most camping is done at the north
end, near the spring.
ALDER LAKE
This trail covers almost all of the types of trails in the Catskills. It goes up and
down hill, follows logging roads, dirt roads, macadam roads, goes through wooded areas and
a meadow, and crosses a deep ravine. It is approximately 10 miles long and offers a couple
of beautiful views.
MANOR HOUSE - The trail uses the Red and Yellow Trails, going northeast and
follows the Yellow Trail to the Base Camp road near the Old Explorer Base Camp and
opposite the Old Staff Training area.
OLD STAFF TRAINING CAMP - Here the markers that you will follow the rest of the
way to Alder Lake begin. They are white with a red pie slice tending to point to the
trail. The trail will follow an old logging road a short distance and switch north to
another along the trail. You will see many deertracks and a loading skid.
1998 update: We couldn't spot an Alder Lake trail marker anywhere!
LOADING SKID -This is similar to the one we have at Onteora. The logs are rolled
up to one end and a truck pulls up to the high end and the log is rolled onto the truck.
At this point the trail proceeds into the woods, leaving the logging road. You will notice
that the trail is quite rocky.
STEEP CLIMB - Approximately 1.5 miles from the Base Camp road. The trail
begins a steep climb up hill. You will climb from 2400 to 2800 feet.
LOGGING ROAD - Near the top of the climb is a Logging road. Proceeding along
this road 1/8 mile you will see a double marker; this particular one designates a
beautiful view off to the left. Follow the beaten path for about 15 yards. Be careful it
is a steep drop.
TRICKY TURN - Proceed in 5/10 of a mile from the beautiful view. The trail then
turns left into the woods, 1 mile.
FALLEN LOGS - Immediately after re-entering the woods, you will come upon 2
logs, one you must climb over and the other you must go underneath. Further on this trail
you will come upon 3 trees crossing the trail. The trees lay parallel to the ground and
the branches grow straight up. The trail proceeds downhill, enters a meadow and reaches
Shin Creek.
SHIN CREEK - This water is drinkable. The creek is at the bottom of a 30
foot deep ravine. It is very slippery, steep and dangerous - going down its banks, be very
careful.
DIRT ROAD - Proceed 50 yards from the creek and there is a dirt road running
north and south. Proceed south and it will turn, running east and west, with another road
meeting it going north and south. You proceed east, going up hill. This road passes
through an N.Y.S. Forest Preserve. At the top of the hill is the halfway point; 5 miles
traveled - 5 miles to go. The road and trail proceed down hill passing through some
farm fields and passing a few houses. The road bears sharply to the right with a driveway
to a barn straight ahead. The trail follows the road to the Beaverkill.
BEAVERKILL RIVER - Here you must cross the bridge and proceed left in a
northeastern direction on a macadam road. The distance from this point to the lake is 2.75
miles. Alder Creek is to your left and you will pass a farm on your right. About 1/8 mile
from the bridge you will see a gravel sifter to your left. The water from Alder Creek is
drinkable but respect posted land. About 5/10 mile from the bridge you will pass a wooden
bridge on your left. We have permission from the owner to take water upstream of this
bridge. Please do not throw rocks or wood in the pool below it.
3 BRIDGES - About 200 yards above this wooden bridge the road crosses Alder
Creek. There are 2 similar bridges further upstream, all utilized by the trail. At the 3rd
one, the creek bears right and the road bears left. Follow this to the fork.
FORK - Here there are 3 roads branching out. The trail bears completely right
onto a dirt road and drops slightly, but goes steeply up hill. At the top is a meadow.
Proceed along the road to the Manor House.
MANOR HOUSE - This house is more stately and exquisite than that at Onteora. It
is made largely of stone. You can see all from here.
ERNEST STEINBRENNER
MEMORIAL TRAIL
HIKING STUMP - The trail starts at the Hiking Stump and proceeds up the power
line trail to the water tank. Then it follows the camp road to the old Archery Range.
ARCHERY RANGE - This is the range that has been used since camp was established
until the new ranges were built in 1961. From here the trail goes into the woods.
STEEP CLIMB - A little way along the trail a steep climb begins. At the top of
the climb the trail follows a ridge for a short distance then starts climbing again.
INTERESTING VIEW - About a mile farther along the trail the forest is thin and a
view of the surrounding country side can be seen.
LOGGING ROAD - Shortly the trail comes out on a logging road and follows this
for a short distance before re-entering the wood.
THICKET - The trail now goes through a dense thicket of thorn bushes. Be careful
not to scratch yourself.
SECOND LOGGING ROAD - The trail comes out on a well cleared logging road. A
little way along you will see a double marker. Here the trail turns left through a dense
woods.
CLEARING - About l 1/2 miles along the trail you will come to a rocky area where
there is a very interesting view.
BARBED WIRE FENCE - Farther along the trail there is a clearing far off to the
left. Directly in the trail there is a barbed wire fence, which ends abruptly at a slate
quarry on the right. You can walk around this wire at the right.
ANVIL ROCK - Just past the barbed wire there are a series of rock ledges off to
the right. One of these ledges resembles a blacksmith’s anvil, hence its name.
SECOND BARBED WIRE FENCE - Past the ledges you encounter another fence. This one
must be climbed over. There is a rough bridge made from four logs to help you cross this,
BEAVERKILL ROAD - Past this fence the trail heads down hill through a pine grove
to the Beaverkill Road. Here you turn left. Just past an old Red Barn on the right you
will see a dirt road. Follow this until it ends in a meadow. Then go through the woods at
your right and follow the Beaverkill Stream down to the park.
Click here to return to the main
hiking trails page or here for the main Onteora page. |
