Camp Smith Trailhead II

For New Yorkers eager to escape the city and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, the Camp Smith Trailhead II in Cortlandt, NY, offers an outstanding opportunity. This trailhead is your starting point for a popular and rewarding hike to Anthony's Nose, a renowned viewpoint that provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge. It's a prime destination for both seasoned hikers and those looking for a moderately challenging yet highly gratifying outdoor experience close to home.

Unlike some of the more rugged and lengthy trails in the region, the Camp Smith Trail from this trailhead is known for being a manageable "out and back" route, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. It's a chance to connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and witness some of the most spectacular scenery the Hudson Valley has to offer. The trail itself guides you through a mix of wooded paths and rocky sections, leading to the highly anticipated lookout points. If you're a local looking for a consistently rewarding hike with breathtaking views, the Camp Smith Trailhead II should be high on your list.

The Camp Smith Trailhead II is located in Cortlandt, NY 10524, USA. This places it in Westchester County, just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, making it highly accessible from various parts of New York, including New York City and surrounding suburban areas. For those driving, the trailhead is generally accessed via Route 9D or Route 202/6, close to the Bear Mountain Bridge.

Accessibility is generally good, though finding the exact parking can sometimes be a point of confusion for first-time visitors. Many hikers find success by following Google Maps directly to the specified trailhead pull-off, rather than relying solely on other map applications. The parking area at the trailhead is a pull-off along the road, with enough space for a few cars directly and additional room on the side of the road. It's recommended to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, as parking spots can fill up quickly due to the trail's popularity.

The trail itself is relatively straightforward once you find the marked path. One important note from local hikers is the need to cross a small stream early on; however, large, well-placed rocks typically ensure an easy crossing, even after rainfall. While the trail can sometimes be a bit unclear in terms of marking, the overall path is well-trodden, and the views at the top are well worth the effort. It's a roughly 2.2 to 2.4-mile out-and-back hike, considered moderate, and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, making it a perfect quick escape.

Being a publicly accessible hiking trail, the Camp Smith Trailhead II does not offer typical "services" in the way a commercial business might. However, it provides essential features that support a great hiking experience:

• Designated Parking Area: A roadside pull-off is available for hikers to park their vehicles, though space is limited and can fill up quickly on busy days.
• Maintained Trail: The Camp Smith Trail is part of the broader network of trails in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and is maintained by organizations like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
• Trail Blazes: The trail is typically marked with blue blazes, guiding hikers along the path. While some hikers have noted occasional ambiguities, the trail is generally navigable.
• Natural Elements: The area offers natural water sources (like the small stream crossing) and natural seating areas on rocks at the overlooks.
• Proximity to Amenities: While the trailhead itself is rustic, its proximity to towns like Cortlandt Manor, Peekskill, and Garrison means that amenities like restrooms, dining, and shops are a short drive away.

The Camp Smith Trail offers numerous features and highlights that draw in hikers from across the New York region:

• Breathtaking Panoramic Views: The primary draw is undoubtedly the stunning overlook at Anthony's Nose, which provides expansive views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, and the surrounding Hudson Highlands. It's a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the scenery.
• Moderate Difficulty: The trail is generally considered moderate, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers, including those with some hiking experience or families looking for a rewarding trek without extreme challenges. It's described as "fairly easy" with "no scrambling" in some sections.
• Out-and-Back Convenience: As an out-and-back trail, it simplifies navigation and allows hikers to enjoy the scenery at their own pace, knowing they'll retrace their steps.
• Varied Terrain: The trail offers a mix of ascents, descents, and rocky sections, keeping the hike engaging. Despite reports of rain, the trail has been noted to not be overly muddy, with natural rock crossings facilitating easy passage over streams.
• Multiple Lookout Points: While the main Anthony's Nose lookout can get crowded, there's often another excellent, less frequented viewpoint slightly further down the trail, providing a quieter spot to enjoy similar stunning vistas.
• Historical Context: The trail passes near Camp Smith, a New York Army National Guard military installation, adding a historical and operational dimension to the area (though hikers must stay on marked trails due to active military training).

As a public hiking trail within a state park preserve, the Camp Smith Trailhead II does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Access to the trail is free for all hikers, which is a significant benefit in itself.

However, locals can take advantage of other "offers" through community and outdoor organizations:

• Free Trail Access: The most significant "promotion" is the no-cost entry to this beautiful hiking area, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Local trail maintenance organizations like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference regularly organize volunteer workdays. Participating in these can offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at trail care and a sense of community involvement.
• Guided Hikes: Occasionally, local outdoor clubs or community groups may organize guided hikes to Anthony's Nose via the Camp Smith Trail. These can be an excellent way for new hikers to become familiar with the trail or for experienced hikers to meet like-minded individuals. Check community calendars for "Hudson River Valley Ramble" events or local hiking club schedules.

For information regarding the Camp Smith Trailhead II and hiking to Anthony's Nose, please note that there isn't a direct phone number for the trailhead itself. You should rely on mapping services for navigation and reputable hiking resources for trail information.

Address: Camp Smith Trailhead II, Cortlandt, NY 10524, USA

For general trail conditions, maps, and information about the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, you may consult resources from:

• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: They provide detailed maps and trail updates for the region. Their website (www.nynjtc.org) is an invaluable resource.
• New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation: The official managing entity for state parks.

For specific navigation, using reliable GPS applications with the address or coordinates for "Anthony's Nose Trailhead" on Route 9D or Route 202/6 near the Bear Mountain Bridge is recommended.

The Camp Smith Trailhead II is an exceptionally suitable hiking destination for New York locals for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its prime location in Cortlandt, NY, just a short drive from New York City and its suburbs, makes it an easily accessible escape into nature. You don't need to plan an extensive journey to experience a truly rewarding hike with breathtaking views.

Secondly, the trail's moderate difficulty level ensures it's appealing to a broad audience. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for a quick and scenic workout or a family seeking an enjoyable outdoor activity, the Camp Smith Trail delivers. The out-and-back format simplifies the experience, and while the trail can be rocky and occasionally less clearly marked, the well-trodden path and the ultimate reward of the Anthony's Nose viewpoint make any minor navigation challenges worthwhile. The quick ascent and descent, often completed in under two hours of active hiking, means you can fit a significant outdoor adventure into a busy day.

Finally, the consistent positive feedback from fellow New Yorkers about the stunning views and manageable length solidifies its reputation as a local favorite. It offers a slice of the majestic Hudson Valley scenery – the river, the bridge, and rolling hills – that truly encapsulates the beauty of our region. For anyone in New York looking for an accessible, rewarding, and visually spectacular hiking experience, the Camp Smith Trailhead II is an undeniable gem.

Camp Smith Trailhead II

Cortlandt, NY 10524, USA