River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

November 5, 2022 – Haverstraw, NY

Problem: Simple

Size: Roughly 4.5 miles

Max elevation: 131 ft.– complete elevation achieve roughly 373 ft.

Route kind: Out and again

Purchase Map (Paper & Avenza): Hudson Palisades Trails Map #111 (2018)

Trailhead parking: Hudson River Greenway trailhead & parking
Riverside Ave, Haverstraw, NY 10927

Paved parking space for about 8 vehicles – No restrooms on web site

The park is open year-round, from daybreak to nightfall.


Overview:

The 73-acre Haverstraw Seashore State Park is nestled between the excessive cliffs of Hook Mountain and the Hudson River. It’s a element of the bigger Rockland Lake State Park complicated. The park complicated is situated on the Hudson River in central Rockland County within the decrease Hudson Valley. Haverstraw Seashore State Park is minimally developed, and is NOT a swimming seashore, however primarily presents trails for biking, mountain climbing and dog-walking. Scenic vistas overlooking the Hudson River, will be discovered throughout the park. The Hook Mountain/Nyack Seashore Bikeway/River Path runs by means of the park.

Haverstraw Seashore, Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain and Nyack Seashore state parks are collectively practically 2,000 acres of public land. The 4 adjoining state parks are linked collectively by mountain climbing and biking trails and performance as one park system.

The park complicated is situated within the Palisades Area that’s collectively administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Fee (PIPC) and NYS Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP).

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park


Historical past:

In Dutch, “Haverstroo” means “oat straw,” presumably recommended by the wild oats that grew on the waterfront beds of pure clay within the space. This clay helped the Haverstraw space play a major function within the brick business, because of the clay content material within the soil and the massive amount of wooden accessible close by, together with wooden from Hook Mountain that was wanted to fireplace the furnaces. Some proof from this time interval stays within the space within the type of ruins and discarded bricks.

On the evening of September twenty first, 1780, British spy Main John André traveled north on a British sloop, the H.M.S. Vulture. On the similar time, American Basic Benedict Arnold traveled south from West Level to Haverstraw. Arnold met Andre alongside the Hudson River shoreline close to Haverstraw’s Dutchtown within the early morning hours of September 22, 1780.  A stone marker identifies the place the place Andre landed (Andre’s Dock).

Treason Rock Map

Treason Rock Map

The H.M.S. Vulture was anchored in Haverstraw Bay simply off Teller’s Level (Croton Level Park), whereas a rowboat introduced André ashore for the assembly with Arnold. A historic marker alongside the River Path designates the world the place American Basic Benedict Arnold met secretly with British Main John André within the pre-dawn darkness on September 22, 1780 with the intention to finalize plans for Arnold’s betrayal of West Level to the British.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

The park’s location was previously often called Snedeker’s Touchdown then afterward Waldberg Touchdown. Early within the nineteenth Century the Snedeker household’s touchdown on the Hudson shore beneath, got here into use for native delivery. In 1845 the Snedekers established a shipyard with marine railway for repairing brickyard vessels and a dock for scheduled steamboats. The whole yard was demolished by hearth in 1854 and deserted. Later through the Conger household possession it turned often called Waldberg Touchdown.

The Palisades Interstate Park Fee bought what was to change into the park in 1911 to guard the land from the consequences of quarrying that have been impacting the Hudson River Palisades through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Lots of the historic buildings and websites discovered on Hook Mountain, Nyack Seashore and Haverstraw Seashore State Parks are remnants of a former park complicated developed by PIPC after the acquisition of the land in 1911.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park


Trails Overview:

The Lengthy Path runs alongside the escarpment above, whereas a motorcycle path follows the river’s edge from Haverstraw Seashore State Park in “Dutchtown,” a quaint part of Haverstraw, to Nyack Seashore State Park in Higher Nyack. Guests can bike, hike, stroll, or run for nearly 5 uninterrupted miles alongside the Hudson River. The River Path is the one path alongside the decrease Hudson River in New York, that doesn’t share its waterfront with a prepare line or freeway. The Lengthy Path parallels this path excessive above atop the cliffs.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Three connecting trails to the Lengthy Path, one every on the north, south, and center factors of the magnificent facade of Hook Mountain, permit for round hikes of various lengths. The total loop of the Lengthy Path and bike path is 12 miles.

The part of the River Path chronicled right here, runs close to the bottom of Hook Mountain and is a part of Hudson River Valley Greenway. The roughly 10-foot huge path is paved on the northern finish, however transitions to crumbling asphalt then gravel because it heads south.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park


Hike Overview:

Seeking to get outdoors on a heat November day, I used to be on the lookout for extra of a straightforward stroll than an precise hike. Initially, I used to be going to stroll the River Path from Nyack Seashore State Park, however having walked that part quite a few instances, determined to start out on the northern finish in Haverstraw. I additionally needed to take a look at “Treason Rock” also referred to as “Traitor’s Rock.” An engraved boulder on the shore of the Hudson River, marking the spot the place Main John André landed in Haverstraw to plot the give up of West Level with Basic Benedict Arnold. The issue is, the engraved boulder can solely be seen throughout low tide. I must return one other time to truly see it. The NY-NJ Path Convention map exhibits Treason Rock on land, however it’s really on the shore of the river.

Treason Rock - Photo by Joe Harness - August 14, 2010

Treason Rock – Photograph by Joe Harness – August 14, 2010

This part of the River Path is much less fashionable and thus much less traveled than the world round Nyack Seashore State Park. There being solely 8 parking areas could also be one of many causes that this part sees much less foot visitors. We noticed a couple of 1/2 dozen folks strolling and about the identical quantity of bikers. In contrast to the part at Nyack Seashore State Park which runs principally at river stage, the River Path in Haverstraw Seashore State Park runs larger above the river with just a few spur trails that descend to river stage.

That is a straightforward out and again which will be simply become an extended and more difficult hike by using the Lengthy Path, or persevering with alongside the River Path 4.9 miles to Nyack Seashore State Park.

Haverstraw Beach State Park

Haverstraw Seashore State Park

As you may see beneath, the River Path is usually reasonable rolling terrain, with little elevation achieve.

elevation profile - Haverstraw Beach State Park

elevation profile – Haverstraw Seashore State Park


The Hike:

This hike begins on the Hudson River Greenway trailhead parking space, on the finish of Riverside Avenue, the place there are lined parking areas for 8 automobiles.

Hudson River Greenway trailhead & parking

Hudson River Greenway trailhead & parking

Proceed previous the gate on the paved River Path. It is a multi-use path so be vigilant of passing two-wheelers and runners.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

As you stroll south on the River Path, the Hudson River is seen by means of the bushes on the left. In about 250 yards, there’s a historic marker alongside the pathway detailing American Basic Benedict Arnold’s assembly with British spy John André.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

In about 0.3 mile from the parking space, there’s a footpath on the left that leads all the way down to outdated Redstone Seashore, which was deserted someday after World Warfare II. We continued previous and explored this space on the best way again.

Trail to Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Path to Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Simply forward are the stays of the caretaker’s house, barely seen by means of the vegetation.

Abandoned caretaker's home - Redstone Beach

Deserted caretaker’s house – Redstone Seashore

Abandoned caretaker's home - Redstone Beach

Deserted caretaker’s house – Redstone Seashore

A brief distance forward, there’s a deteriorated outdated park constructing on the left.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Quickly, the River Path passes stone quarries that have been deserted within the early 1900’s. A number of hundred yards south, one can see the inspiration and big concrete footings of the Foss stone crusher (Wilson Perkins Foss), down beneath on the left.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

The River Path climbs progressively and passes a concrete and brick shelter constructed into the hillside. Probably a crude blast shelter to guard employees from blasts, explosions and rock slides throughout quarry operations.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Fencing has been positioned at factors of abrasion to warn guests of steep slopes and cut back the chance of accidents.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

About 1.5 miles from the beginning, the River Path involves a viewpoint over the Hudson River and Croton Level Park. There are a few giant stone blocks positioned right here to take a seat upon. This makes for a great place to take a break and benefit from the view.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

I noticed one thing floating within the river, presumably a private flotation system that fell out of a ship.

Something floating in the river

One thing floating within the river

Boat on the Hudson

Boat on the Hudson

The perspective makes for turnaround spot, however we continued south for a brief distance and have been glad that we did.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

A big hollowed out fallen tree which might make a pleasant shelter for some critters.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

I occurred to identify a Bald Eagle perched on a tree overlooking the river. He stayed there posing for us for fairly a while, then flew off on the lookout for one thing to eat I presume.

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Bald Eagle – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

We then retraced our steps on the River Path and after we received to the footpath to Redstone Seashore, we turned proper and descended in direction of the river’s edge.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Redstone Beach Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

The realm is now in ruins and slightly overgrown, however in its heyday was fairly lively. There are remnants of park benches and walkways designed to accommodate guests who used the Hudson River for swimming and different leisure actions.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

What stays of an outdated park constructing, presumably a altering room for beach-goers, is located near the sting of the river.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Shoreline view of the Hudson River east to Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Wanting south, that strip of land jutting out into the river behind the buoy, is Teller’s Level in Croton Level Park

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Wanting immediately throughout the Hudson River to Croton-On-Hudson.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Wanting north in direction of Haverstraw and past.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

This location all through historical past has had numerous names. initially it was referred to as Snedekers Touchdown, then Waldberg Touchdown, and eventually Redstone Seashore.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

The concrete desk tops are just about intact, however have been separated from the legs.

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

A small park constructing, a concession stand maybe?

Redstone Beach – Haverstraw Beach State Park

Redstone Seashore – Haverstraw Seashore State Park

After exploring Redstone Seashore for a bit, we returned to the River Path, turned proper and walked again to the parking space, the place the hike started.

River Trail – Haverstraw Beach State Park

River Path – Haverstraw Seashore State Park


Evaluate:

A very nice stroll with little foot visitors. The path is usually shaded and with minimal elevation achieve, makes it perfect for a sizzling summer time day. In winter, in all probability a great place to view Bald Eagles and different birds of prey. In Autumn, the surroundings is sort of good.

Professionals:

Simple strolling path, historic options, Hudson River views. wildlife.

Cons:

None.


Take a hike!

Haverstraw Beach State Park

Haverstraw Seashore State Park


Sources: