New Forge Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildlife

This trail is not easy to trail-run, due to the lack of maintenance.

Despite the Dead End roadsigns, the parking area can still be accessed. The trail starts by following an old woods road, after passing a yellow gate. If you stay right, this will put you on the running portion of the trail. Here, the trail climbs (steeply) up to the top of the hill. When you get to the top of the second hump, look for the red blaze (to your left). If you end up descending (over the hump) to a woods road, then you've gone too far.

The trail descends, mostly following blue flagging. Much of the original trail, here, has been lost due to years of neglect. It is imperative to follow the blue flagging and red blazes very closely, here. Eventually, the trail descends to the edge of swamp of reeds. Here, there is an unmaintained woods road, where you'll take a left and follow the road.

Despite the lack of red blazes, this is the intended route to complete the loop. Along this road, you should watch out for Rose thorns, Raspberry thorns, Stinging Nettles and Poison Ivy.

Just before reaching the yellow gate, you may be able to see some red blazes (on an Elm) to indicate that you were on the appropriate course.

Flora: Eastern Hemlock, White Oak, Blueberry, Highbush Blueberry, Ramps/ Leeks, Elm, Stinging Nettle, Lopseed, Poison Ivy, Red Raspberry, Black Raspberry, Dewberry, Alder, Common Reed, Coltsfoot, Multiflora Rose.
Fungi: Oyster Mushrooms, Turkey Tail Mushrooms.
Fauna: Hawk, Great Blue Heron (over Taghkanic River), Deer Flies, Dog Ticks, Fungus Gnats.