Overlook Mountain

Throughout my weekend in Woodstock, Overlook Mountain loomed gracefully in the background of the town, reminding me of its presence and my prior agreement to hike to its peak. It’s not that I didn’t want to do it, because I saw photos of the view from the top and read many reviews of what a great hike it is. But on Sunday morning, after a weekend of exploring and live music, I was kinda tired. Nevertheless, I found myself staring down (or up) the mountain as we drove up a steep, curvy road to the parking lot where the trail began.  It was worth every step… even when it got really steep and icy and slippery, the views from the top really aren’t done any justice from photos – it is breathtaking. Near the peak there are ruins from an old hotel built in the 1800s, that burned down twice and has now been left to the elements. It feels somewhat surreal, when you climb up the path and around a bend, to see it looming up ahead. Up a little ways further is the peak of the mountain, where a rickety old fire tower stands for those who wish to climb even higher and take in the views that extend to the surrounding states and Catskill Mountain range.

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

overlook-mountain

You pick the place and I’ll choose the time
And I’ll climb
That hill in my own way.
Just wait a while for the right day.
And as I rise above the tree lines and the clouds
I look down, hearing the sound of the things you’ve said today.

– Pink Floyd

Photos by Julia.

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
9 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
alexis
12 years ago

these pictures gave me goosebumps…

Is this Woodstock, NY? My mom lives in the area and this looks like a great hike to take!

12 years ago

So desolate but serene… Really pretty.

Just made Orange Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, come see!
http://becauseofmadalene.blogspot.com/2012/03/orange-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

Christina

Chelsea
12 years ago

Overlook mountain is awesome! I visited on spring break a few years back staying at Breatheinn.com (owned by celebrity chef and founder of Triple Five Soul… amazing Bed and Breakfast!) and we hiked up overlook and the hotel was amazing and the mixture of ice and sunshine made such beautiful photographs.

Chelsea
12 years ago

whoops- the web addy is http://www.breathe-inn.com

12 years ago

I love the quality of the photos! Expired film? Post-processing? How’d ya do it?

~F

Nina
12 years ago

Idk…I feel like nobody checked the iso on the camera…

Briana
12 years ago

I live an hour from here and have hiked Overlook. It is beautiful during the summer months and should definitely be revisited then! The view is amazing and Woodstock is a great town full of eccentric shops and finds. Nothing like ending a hike with some great food and unique purchases.

11 years ago

Loving those shots! The colors are amazing!