More Information
Trailhead GPS: Coordinates N42.0497 W74.6825
Getting There: Exit State Route 17 at Exit 96W and turn right on DeBruce Road. Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17 toward Roscoe. Drive 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Exit State Route 17 at Exit 96E and turn right on White Roe Lake Road. Drive to the T intersection and turn right on Old Rt 17. Drive 1.2 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Turn right on Beaverkill Road and drive 12.3 miles to Alder Creek Road on the left. Turn left on Alder Creek Road and drive 2.2 miles to the intersection of Alder Creek Road, Cross Mountain Road and the access road to Alder Lake. Turn right on the aces road and drive to the end parking in the large lot. CAUTION: The access road to Alder Lake is NOT always well maintained and the gate may be closed. If you choose to park outside the gate, be sure to park off the side of the road as far as possible.
Difficulty: This hike is rated EASY because it is relatively flat and short. There may be wet or muddy areas along the way. Sometimes there are trees across the path that you must walk around.
Trail Surface: The trail surface is generally free of large stones and consists mostly of small stones, dirt and grass. The trail can be wet and muddy in places.
Hike Description: Walk out the end of the parking area toward the lake on the path. The stonework on the left is the remains of the Coykendall Mansion that was in such disrepair that the state burned it several years ago. Ahead of you is Alder Lake which is very popular for camping, fishing and hiking. Walk down the path to the left of the lake. Continue to follow the path as it curves around the lake clockwise. You will walk over a bridge that span a small stream that enters the lake. At .8 miles the yellow Millbrook Ridge Trail turns to the left. Stay to the right and cross another bridge over the inlet stream to Alder Lake. After this continue to follow the path which may have some red blazes along the way. The path here follows a woods road at some distance from the lake shore. You will walk out into an open “field” near the dam. Walk toward the dam and cross over it to get back to the “lawn” and the path back to your car.