Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Carolyn Eastman

Fair skies and brisk temperatures prevailed for the 15 Tramps that made the 60-mile trip to the south end of the Helderberg Escarpment on Beaver Dam Rd., Voorheesville. We started out heading north above the escarpment and made our way down on a portion of the Long Path Trail.*

After 2 miles we left the woods, entered John Boyd Thacher State Park and walked the rim trail along the edge of the escarpment. The views are breathtaking on a clear day and we were able to see the state buildings in Albany and Mt. Greylock in MA. To the north, the Adirondack Mountains loomed on the horizon.

Making our way to the visitor center, some of our playful Tramps tried out the slides built into the hillside and the rock-climbing wall.

The highlight of the hike was clambering down the Indian Ladder stairs to the trail about midway down along the escarpment. Rock ledges loomed above us, cave crevices tempted some to explore, and waterfalls threatened to soak us as we walked under them.

Back on top, we completed the rim trail to its end where we encountered the “Squeeze Box.” This is a structure that was built to insure that all rock climbers are able to pass through the narrow opening before attempting to fit through the crevice in the ground nearby that leads to the escarpment area below. We all tried to pass through the box. Most of us were successful and would have been able to continue through the crevice had we wished to scale the face of the escarpment. Maybe it was the jar of Vaseline that made it easier?

From there we looped our way back through the park and up through the wooded trail to our cars to complete the 7 mile hike. A stop at Waterfront Grill in Herkimer topped off a beautiful day. If you missed this hike I highly recommend taking a day to visit the park. It’s well worth the visit.

*The Long Path extends 358 miles from its start in New York City to its official end at John Boyd Thacher State Park. The trail continues another 84 miles to the Northville- Lake Placid Trail, but currently is mostly traversed on country roads.