Mount Guardian, Woodstock Hike

So close to the bustling town of Woodstock, but so far away. Follow the quiet country roads passed the interesting historical signs and beautiful homes.

mount_guardian_woodstock_1Mount Guardian [Byrdcliffe Theater Parking, 380 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, Woodstock NY] is a hike just outside of a popular town, but we didn’t see anyone else on the trails! We parked outside of the theater and were on our way.

byrdcliffe_theater_woodstockFollow the yellow blazes, signs, and paint on the trails.

mount_guardian_woodstock_3The trail begins quite near private property, but is clearly defined. Be vigilant as there are a few spots where you could easily loose your way further down the line. This is a smaller mountain, approximately 1200 feet of elevation gain during the 1.2 mile trail switchbacking to the view points, and a bit further to the summit. Along the way we saw a gurgling stream

mount_guardian_woodstock_5and a forest covered with mint green lichen.

mount_guardian_woodstock_6We made it up above the tree line to the viewpoint, the Ashokan Reservoir shining in the distance.

mount_guardian_woodstock_From the true summit at 2,100 feet there are no real views or a clearly defined trail.

mount_guardian_woodstock_2We did a bit of bushwhacking and found the tallest spot crowned with a rock cairn, and went back the way we came. This was a truly peaceful trail, just us and the woodpeckers!

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