Hike Doodletown Circular

Saturday, May 15, 2021 – Doodletown Circular

The former hamlet of Doodletown (the name is said to derive from the Dutch Dood Tal, for “dead valley,” with the “town” suffix added later by English-speaking settlers) is part of Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park.

Doodletown survived as a small, isolated community for about 200 years. The area was settled in the 1760s by loggers and miners, and at one time included a church, a school, several small businesses and two cemeteries in addition to 70 houses and 300 residents [at its peak in 1945]. The seven square mile hamlet was ultimately abandoned in the mid- 1960s after a long period of land acquisition by the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission. Our hike will start at the second Bear Mountain parking area (behind the administrative building and near the carousel). We will take the 1777 trail in, go around the reservoir and see the June Cemetery (still active), and explore some of the old foundations. We will return by way of the Suffern-Bear Mountain trail that drops us off at the skating rink, with a short walk back to the cars. Note: There is a $10 parking fee at Bear Mountain. Limited to six hikers plus the leader/co-leader. Masks required. Meet at the Parking area at 9:45AM. Qualifying (5-6 miles). Please register by 9PM Thursday May 13th. Leader: Ray Kozma. Contact at: raymondkozma@gmail.com or 917-406-3782.