A big thanks to Old Bet who provided all the historical information on this one! A cinder trail, relatively flat and straight, it once was a part of New York Central Harlem Division's Mahopac Branch, which ran between Golden's Bridge and Lake Mahopac; however, this old branch is only a ghost of its former self, though you can still find some old railroad ties along the way… and who knows what else… If you stop and listen you may hear the old train crossing the bridges dated from the early 1900s. The branch opened in 1872 when Lake Mahopac was a vacation destination. Operations continued over the branch until 1959. The only station between the two terminals was at Lincolndale; that building still exists.
You’re looking at around four miles there and back, mostly flat terrain there are likely to be muddy patches, especially after rain, and there are patches of drainage rocks where you should take your time.
This hike allows for some wonderful scenes and peaceful quiet time. Look for the swans on the lake, the fish in the babbling brook, and the work of the local beaver family. You will pass under Route 100 where there is a wonderful contrast to the peaceful and beautiful surroundings which offers a great “Cache In-Trash Out” opportunity and a reminder of our impact as humans. Remember though, the first beautiful sites on the way in will be your last on the way out so you will be left with fond memories. Many spots along the way, including the final cache area, offer wonderful chances to take a break and have lunch.
We’ve taken many waypoint average samples and the coordinates are pretty tight though it’s quite certain when the foliage comes in there will be significant bounce. For that reason the hints are more like spoilers, so you may want to give your best go first before reading them. The coordinates take you to the first stage, and there are two more stages between there and the final. Find the coordinates for parking and the trailhead below. You have to look hard and I bet you drive by at least once before you spy the parking area, however, Google Street View has a great shot of it.
VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE WITH SIGNIFICANT GROUND SNOW. Good luck! Congrats to grschmid for the First to Find!