Schunemunk Mountain via Jessup Trail Loop is a 7.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near New Windsor, New York that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Users recommend downloading the off-line map to get oriented as people have reported that this trail is not well marked and parts are overgrown.
March 6, 2021February 26, 2021
February 14, 2021The trail was pretty well mark for the most part. We did the trail clockwise as recommended by other hikers, and I’d recommend the same. Didn’t have to use crampons, used poles towards the end of the hike going down hill. Nice views along the way to the summit.
January 30, 2021January 24, 2021January 24, 2021On the hard side of moderate with a lot of climbing. Well worth it. You have to illegally cross a train track at the beginning on a marked trail which is odd.
January 8, 2021Snowy icy good
January 3, 2021Snowy, some tricky spots but fun.
January 3, 2021December 30, 2020December 13, 2020Lots of leaves made a fast ascent and descent difficult. But this was the most interesting and fun trail I have done on the whole area. Ascent up a brook, crossing a spine up and down aggregate rocks with 270 degree views and dwarf pine. Felt like New Mexico on too, not NY. Many viewpoints and will be almost as good in summer. Different types of vegetation. Much more interesting than anything in Harriman or Breakneck ridge. Must do NYC area hike.
December 13, 2020November 28, 2020One of my favorite trails. We go from the otterkill entrance and hike up the white marked trail. It is a steep incline at first but then after you pass the first look out point with the bench, the incline levels out a bit. Beautiful sights and a fun creek!
November 21, 2020November 14, 2020November 7, 2020Mixed review on this one. Cons. First, this is now an illegal route as you are not allowed to cross the train tracks. Second, some sections of the loop are poorly marked. Third, some sections of the trail at the start are overgrown. Pros. Beautiful views on top. The trail going down has great views as well. Keep your map open.
November 7, 2020November 7, 2020October 25, 2020Don't use the trail head in this map. It is illegal to cross the railroad between trailhead and mountains. Instead, you can start from the Otterkill road trail head.. Trail marks are hard to be noticed. Nice view from the summit though.
October 18, 2020A tough trail for sure. Fitbit tracked 11 miles. Some parts were poorly marked and legally crossing the train track area was pretty rough (through the tunnel). Lots of slippery leaves. Views were very pretty up top and wild witch hazel was abundant. But not sure I'd do this again.
October 12, 2020Had the best hike ever! Took longer to hike the entire loop as we are a huge group with kids in tow. I would rate it as moderate to hard. Less traffic and have plenty of scenic views of the valley. We took the 7.8-mile loop, started clockwise as we have kids. But the hike was all worth it. Would definitely recommend. Hiking scrambling
October 11, 2020Had a great hike today! Parked at Taylor Road, crossed the field and then the railroad tracks, and followed the Yellow blazes (and occasionally teal diamond) all the way up, across the ridge, and to the spot where you can turn off for the megaliths. Don’t skip this part! Views to the west are really nice. Came down on the black on white trail, crossed the railroad and took the white/sweet clover track across a magical meadow and eventually back to start. Saw lots and lots of very large black birds, high in the sky coasting. Would love to know what kind of bird that is! Trail not too crowded - we had plenty of time to ourselves.
