More Information
Trailhead GPS: Coordinates N42.01579 W74.84376
GettingThere: Exit State Route 17 at exit 96W and turn right on DeBruce Road. Pass under State Route 17 and turn right and the next intersection on Old Route 17. Exit State Route 17 at exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Turn right at the end of the road onto Old Route 17. Drive 1.3 miles to Beaverkill Road on the right. Drive 4.3 miles to Campsite Road on the left and turn left. Drive to the bottom of the road and turn left at the T onto Craigie Claire Road. Drive to the steel bridge across the Beaverkill. Turn right over the bridge and turn right onto Beaverkill Valley Road which becomes Berry Brook Road. Drive 4.2 miles watching for the access road to the parking lot for Huggins Lake on the right. Drive up the short but rough road to park in the lot.
Difficulty: This hike is rated MODERATE because it is almost 4 miles long and has a long, sustained uphill at the beginning and an equally long uphill from the lake on the way back. There may be some muddy areas along the way.
Trail Surface: The trail runs along a wide woods road which is almost completely grass and dirt. It is one of the best surfaces for hiking.
Hike Description: From the parking lot walk through the gate and passed the trail register. The trail is impossible to miss as it travels along a wide woods road. The first 1.3 miles is all uphill and the elevation gain is 650 feet. While the grade is not steep, the walk will increase your heart rate. The direction of the trail switches from southeast to northeast and then back to southeast as it winds its way toward the pond. After the initial climb the trail begins the descent to the lake. At 1.7 miles the trail turns north and begins a steeper decent to the lake. At just under 2 miles you will be on the shores of the lake. There is a man-made dam straight ahead that impounds the water and beavers sometime block the outflow to raise the water level. It is possible to bushwhack some around the shore but a complete loop is very difficult. After you explore the pond, head back the way you came.