Mt Egbert

Overview

Mt Egbert is located along the Appalachian Trail in Dutchess County NY, north of the Taconic State Parkway. The rounded Hudson Highland hills here offer a kinder and gentler hiking experience than their rugged cousins to the south. This area, is perfect for beginning backpackers or for those who like an easy winter hike. Numerous road crossings make a variety of day hikes possible in this forested hill country where 19th-century mountain farms once flourished. Today the mountains traversed by this section of the AT thrive as lush woodland, surrounded by lowland highways, suburbs, and agricultural lands.


















Depot Hill Multiple Use Area which is 260 acres in the Town of Beekman. Borders the area. Heavily wooded with some brushy areas and streams. Hawks, Ruffed Grouse, Hermit Thrush, warblers (including Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded and Canada), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The Appalachian Trail crosses Depot Hill Road just to the north of the parking area.

Mt Egbert is acessed via the Appalachian trail either from the North or South. The "overlook" is south on the trail a short distance from the summit.

Getting There

Directions to Depot Hill Parking: Take NY 55 to traffic light at NY 216 and then take NY 216 one mile to Depot Hill Road. Turn left onto Depot Hill Road and drive about 2 miles, to the Appalachian Trail parking area to the left of the communication towers. This is the shortest route, about 1 mile to Mt Egbert.

Directions to Rt 52 Parking: From the Taconic Parkway head east on Rt 52. Just after passing under Interstae 84 you'll drive up Stormville Mountain. Just before the top there is a parking area on the left for the Appalachian Trail. From this area you will hike north 3.8 miles to Mt Egbert

To shorten this route, take Rt 52 and turn left onto Stormville Mt Road. There is a pulloff area for the Appalachian trail at the crest where a right turn puts you on Moutain Top Road, which is the Appalachian Trail route over I-84. Again you will hike north (away from the road)2.4 miles to Mt Egbert.

Another Route is to park at the parking area along NY Rt 55 and hike the Appalachian Trail South, up Depot Hill and then to Mt Egbert. This is 3.4 miles to Mt Egbert.

Camping and use on Depot Hill

State Forest Regulations:
Anyone enjoying this Multiple Use Area must observe the following rules which protect both them and the forest environment.

1. Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
2. If you build a fire, do so with care, and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended.
3. All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles, is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or DEC permit.
4. Camping for more than three nights, or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trails.
5. No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.

Camping and use along the Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail has only one area where camping is allowed in this area. That is the Morgan Stewart Shelter which is very near Mt Egberts summit. There is a privy and water available here.

External Links

Depot Hill Multiple Use Area

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Images

View Mt Egbert Image Gallery - 26 Images