Notch Trail

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The trailhead for the Notch Trail is at the northern end of Hudson Highlands State Park on Route 9D. There is a small parking lot at this trailhead with space for about 5-6 cars. The Notch Trail is designated with blue blazes and is well maintained with plenty of markers to guide you. There are many unmarked fire roads in this area and it is very easy to lose your way, so be sure to look for the blue marking as you hike to make sure you stay on the correct trail. The first part of the Notch Trail follows these fire roads until it joins the Wilkinson Memorial Trail which point the trail transitions to singletrack.

The portion of the Notch Trail is steep but manageable. After about 1.5 miles, you reach the first stream crossing at Gordons Brook. After crossing the brook, continue on the Notch Trail for another .5 miles until your second stream crossing of Squirrel Hollow Brook. Here, the Notch Trail joins the Wilkinson Memorial Trail after crossing the brook. Stay on the Notch Trail for another mile until you reach the white-blazed Breakneck Ridge Trail.

Turn right here. At this point, the Notch Trail runs concurrent with the Breakneck Ridge Trail for about 1.5 mile until it breaks off to the left and descends the ridge. After about one mile, you'll exit onto a fire road that is usually very wet. Turn right to stay on the Notch Trail. On the left, there are some intriguing stone ruins which make a good place to take a break. Just after these ruins, turn left and start another steep uphill along a creek. The trail ends at a junction with the Washburn Trail and Nelsonville Trail.