We walked into the woods a ways, and then dropped down to old Colgate Road that used to run from Onteora Park to Dutcher's Notch in Round Top (near Cairo). I had hiked this route about 2-3 years ago. Then the road was almost clear of trees. Today, the road had more trees down across the road. Minor obstacles.
When we approached Colgate lake we cut across the land to the old road that used to run across the dam of Colgate Lake. By this time the sun was out in force. There was no haze in the sky, and you could see the Blackhead mountains very clearly. You could make the conifer trees from the deciduous trees. When we arrived at the emergency overflow, there were about a dozen Canadian Geese walking about. We expected the water to flow over the emergency overflow. It came close, but didn't happen. We then walked over the wooden bridge of the dam. The was came up to 1-1/2' below the bottom of the walkway. Just a massive amount of water coming over the dam. Must have been an amazing site.
We then walked down to the lower parking area. They were using the lower parking lot as a work zone. So, we then walked up to the upper parking area. That PA was perfect, in spite of the DEC stating that it was destroyed. Oh well. We walked up to the Trail Head. It was no longer closed, and people have hiked it. Open person showed up while we were there.
We then walked down to Colgate lake again. We then walked around the east side. Had some trouble crossing the inflow, but we finally got across. We then headed back up the old Colgate Road. The section of the old colgate road by the lake is difficult and wet. It really slowed up down. But, we were able to get some good views over the lake.
We then hiked back up the old colgate road. We then walked around the church to admire the magnificent church. Took some pictures, and then visited the grave yard across the street.
We then headed down the the Mountain Top Arboretum. We have been driving past it for years. Each time we say we need to stop and visit. Today was that day. We had a good time walking around the grounds.
All Souls Church between Rt 23c and Rt 25 in Onteora Park
Small 100' entry on State land by the All Souls Church.
The old Colgate Road to Colgate Lake
The lower DEC Parking Area by Colgate Lake
View of Colgate Lake from the south side of the lake - Blackhead Mtns in the background
Trail Head to the DEC Colgate Lake Trail to Dutcher's Notch
Interesting fungus on a tree
Stained Glass windows on the All Souls Church
Honey Bees in the Mountain Top Arboretum.