Utsayantha Trails- Maps and Hikes

Maps & Hikes

Four sections make up the Utsayantha Trail System and connect to the Catskill Scenic Trail in the village of Stamford.

The Archibald section has several easy loops and access to more difficult trails which wrap around the former Deer Run Ski Center. From the village of Stamford, take Route 10 north. Directly across from the Department of Environmental Conservation is Archibald Field on your right. Pull into Archibald Field. There is ample public parking at the field. The trailhead is at Archibald Field and is a gated entryway marked by an Indian head sign. This trail is easily accessible for walkers and hikers of all levels and ability.

The Churchill section has several loops south of the village connecting the Stamford Cemetary with Eagle's Nest.

Car access to Mountain Top is possible by using Tower Mountain Road. This also provides access for hang gliding enthusiasts to the launch at the top of the mountain. Trails are marked by metal signs featuring an Indian head. Not all routes are currently marked, but a full map is available.

The Rexmere park section consists of the grounds of the Rexmere Hotel (currently the Cyr Educational Center). There are pleasant paths along the Rexmere Lakes and around the grounds.

Beginner - Not equipped for rugged terrain and looking for relatively flat, dry, easy trails best suited for the new walker, very young, very old, or infirm:
Village Walk-Park in a Village Parking lot. Take south street (near the pool) east (left) to the depot. Follow the tracks east (left) to route 23. Follow main street west (left) to lake street. Cross toward Stewarts and Rite Aid. Follow Widmer Lane past Rexmere Lakes to the Rexmere Building and West Main Street. Follow West Main Street south (right) back to Lake street. For a shorter walk you may follow West Main back to the center of the village or proceed east (left) on Lake Street to River Street for a longer walk. Follow River Street back into the village center. There are no sidewalks for the first 1/4 mile of River Street please walk single file on the left. Total distance about 1.5 miles.

Novice - A conditioned walker with rugged footwear dressed for field and forest looking for natural scenery and varied terrain. Carry water, map, and compass.
Archibald Loop - Park in Village Parking. Proceed east on River Street. Cross the Delaware twice and turn right onto the Archibald access trail walking around the iron gate. Follow the trail north (toward bald mountain) to the intersection of the Archibald trail near the athletic fields. Turn right and follow the trail south crossing the Delaware on a footbridge and turn left on the lower Blazer Pond Trail. Proceed north crossing the Travis pond trail. This section can be muddy in wet seasons. At the intersection near Blazer Pond turn right on the ridge access trail. Follow up the steady rise to the ridge trail. Turn right (west) on the ridge trail and follow it back to the village. A short side trail leads to Murphy Pond where excellent views of the area can be found. Total distance about 3 miles with elevation changes around 200 feet.

Intermediate - A well conditioned hiker equipped for ascents and descents in semi-rugged terrain looking for variety and rewarding vistas.
10 k loop - The 10 k loop can be accessed at a number of locations but the standard path begins at the Academy lot on Academy street owned by the Belvedere Hotel. Enter the ridge trail and follow it to the junction with the cliff trail. Follow the cliff trail up the seven-turns switch back to the cliff. Follow the cliff around the back of the West slope of Bald Mountain (aka Scotch Valley backside). Continue around until you intersect the mid-station cut-off. You may take the cut-off or continue on the loop. Follow the loop until you reach the Scotch Valley parking lot near the motel. Transit the parking lot and reenter the woods just west of the main lodge near the inlet of Blazer Pond. Follow the trail west until you reach the ridge access trail. Use the ridge access trail to reach the ridge trail. Follow the ridge trail back to the parking lot or take the Murphy Pond spur and use the farm roads to return to the village. Total distance about 6.5 miles with about 1000 feet of vertical change. Total time 3 to 4 hours depending on conditions.

Expert - A well conditioned, experienced outdoorsman traveling with a similarly experienced party of at least three. Bring map and compass or GPS, food, water, and first aid gear. (Because of logging and a hunting easement agreement, the summit of Churchill is closed) Park at Victory lot and ascend Utsayantha using Mountain Avenue and tower road.. Or avoid the road and park either at the notch, switchback, or summit. (Do not take a car with low clearance up tower road unless you have a friend with a tow truck. At the switchback (near the first hang glider launch) follow the trail South along the Morsville ridge line. Although there is an area with a test tower from Invenergy, there is New York State Forest land beyond it. I doubt if anyone can legally bar hikers from passing through private land on an established trail to reach public lands. There is a well defined trail dating back to pre-colonial times. The ridge line can be followed over the McIntyre range passing through a segment of state forest, crossing NYPA power lines, and former Husky charcoal cuttings. It then swings gradually south westward overlooking the Township Valley. Eventually the ridge line crosses narrow notch. The hike could end here or continue on to Plattekill. Approximate distance 18 miles, vertical about 4000 feet total, time depends on conditions but figure eight hours minimum. There are usually short "bail outs" at all times.

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Maps & Hikes

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