CNY Hiking HOME PAGE Hiking in Central New York Hiking in Schoharie County Long Path
Hiking in Schoharie County

Vroman's Nose

 

 Follow CNYhiking on Twitter

 

Vroman's Nose is a prominent landmark located on private property in the Schoharie Creek Valley in the town of Fulton, near Middleburgh in Schoharie County.  It is one of NY State's most popular hiking destination with spectacular views from many rock outcrops on the top of steep cliffs.  The moderate hike of just under two miles can be enjoyed by all members of your family.  If you've never done this hike, add it to your "to do" list.

A section of the aqua blazed, 350+ mile Long Path travels along Vroman's Nose.  The Long Path is a popular backpacking hiking trail that travels from just south of the George Washington Bridge in New Jersey to, when eventually finished, into the Adirondacks.  The main trailhead for Vroman's Nose is a large grassy parking area off West Middleburgh Road.  Reach West Middleburgh Road by taking NY 30 south out of Middleburgh.  There is a sign for the busy parking area.  The gps coordinates for the parking area is N42 35.666 W74 21.479 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle.

From the parking area, follow the old woods road toward the right and immediately begin to climb.  The overall elevation gain for this hike is 485 feet, but the grade is gentle enough with some steep sections.  After 0.25 miles the trail leaves the old woods road to the left (reroute in 2012) and still climbs.  At 0.4 miles reach the junction of another trail on your left.  This is a newer loop trail that this loop hike follows and will be your return trip.

Soon the aqua blazed Long Path comes in from the right to join the main Vroman's Nose Trail.  There is a campsite for Long Path backpackers near this junction.  Now you've reached the top, or as it is sometimes called "The Dance Floor".  Watch your step and watch your children, as the top has many outcrops with steep sides.  Enjoy your walk along the edge and at 0.9 miles reach the last outcrop before the trail begins a quick steep descent.  Some people turn around here and return the same way, which allows you the opportunity to enjoy all the views again.  Our hike has you going down this quick steep pitch.

At 1.0 miles reach a trail junction on your left.  The main loop and Long Path continue straight, steeply descending.  However, turn left and follow this new level trail.  There are some muddy sections, but the hike is a bit more enjoyable.  At 1.4 miles reach the junction of the main Vroman's Nose Trail and turn right.  This was the trail you took up the hill.   Now descend down the hill.  Follow the well maintained and well used trail back to the parking area.  The overall distance for the hike we described is 1.8 miles.

You'll find more information on this hike and many other hikes in this area in the book AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Catskills & Hudson Valley.  You could bring a lunch or snacks and enjoy a family picnic at one of the rock outcrops on Vroman's Nose.  This hike is one of the most popular family hikes in New York State.  Look below for a few pictures, a couple of maps and a video of this hike.

 

Looking down at a farm from one of the rock outcrops

Schoharie Creek Valley

Resting at one of the rock outcrops on Vroman's Nose

Aqua blaze of the Long Path on Vroman's Nose

View from along the trail

The old woods road leading up Vroman's Nose

Above map created by Andy Arthur from AndyArthur.org

 

CNY Hiking HOME PAGE/a> Hiking in Central New York Long Path Hiking in Schoharie County

contact CNY HIKING by email at contact@cnyhiking.com
(c) 2006-today CNY Hiking - All rights reserved.  Any use of information from this site without permission is strictly forbidden.