HikerLong Path Section 13: Ferguson Road to Sam’s Point
Roosa Gap and Shawangunk Ridge State Forest connect with the Sam’s Point area. Old road corridors give way to a substantial climb through South Gully; plan this as more than a short ridge lookout walk.
Make this outing your own
The lookout country is only part of this stage. Keep the South Gully climb in the day’s plan and resist treating the route as a short Roosa Gap visit with an easy extension. Confirm the endpoint access arrangement before starting so the harder walking is not followed by an improvised pickup.
The published mileage is one way. Arrange the return journey or choose an accurately mapped partial out-and-back before departure.
Before you head out
Arrange transport between the two ends before you start. Save the official section map and any current detours, set a turnaround time, and check weather and daylight for the whole route. A section can take several outings: mark it complete only after covering its full required route.
Keep these essentials in your plan
- Save the official map and directions while you have reception.
- Tell someone your route and expected return, and set a turnaround time.
- Pack water, food, layers and a headlamp for the full outing.
- Check current closures, permits, weather and parking with the land manager.
Read the landscape
Use the historic-map viewer to compare an area where coverage is available. Look for changes in road alignments, settlement symbols and rail corridors; record observations from public trails. A map symbol alone does not identify a surviving structure or a public right of way.
After the hike
Wurtsboro and Ellenville make useful town stops for these Shawangunk sections. Consider a separate canal-history visit rather than adding an unplanned detour late in the day.
Town, food & history planning sources
- Wurtsboro · town and local businesses ↗
- Yanni’s Gyro Express · Wurtsboro menu and visiting details ↗
- Sullivan Catskills · places to eat ↗
- D&H Canal Interpretive Center & Linear Park ↗
- High Falls · D&H Canal Museum ↗
These are regional planning resources, not verified nearby or currently open businesses. Check the actual drive and opening hours.
Keep exploring this collection
Long Path Section 12: Basha Kill to Ferguson Road
Railroad history and wetland scenery lead toward Wurtsboro before the trail climbs onto its ridge. The former O&W corridor, village streets and pitch-pine country make this a particularly…
Route notes, maps & local exploring →Long Path Section 14: Sam’s Point to Rondout Creek
From Sam’s Point, the Long Path crosses Minnewaska terrain toward Rondout Creek. Verkeerder Kill Falls and the High Point area are route landmarks; the SRT branches away before the Long…
Route notes, maps & local exploring →
