Hike Description
- From County Road 20, follow the A.T. south. In 0.25 mile, pass through a gap in an old rock wall and begin climbing the eastern slope of West Mountain.
- At mile 0.7, pass the 0.1 mile side trail to the Telephone Pioneers Shelter.
- Continue on the A.T. for 0.2 mile to a short side trail to a nice view from a rock ledge.
- Hike another 0.1 mile south on the A.T. and reach the summit of West Mountain where you’ll be rewarded with a fine view to the north of rural New York.
- Retrace your steps to return. Before heading to you car, follow the A.T. just a short ways north of the road to see the famous Dover Oak, the largest tree on the A.T.
Directions
From Pawling (at NY 22), travel 2.4 miles north on County Road 20 to the A.T. crossing. County Road 20 is known as Charles Colman Boulevard in Pawling, but after 0.25 mile its name changes to West Dover Road. Limited parking is available along the road at the trailhead.
