Overlook Mountain Lodge from Mead Mountain Road.
by Diane George
Distance: 5–6 miles round trip
Time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult; 1,400 feet of elevation gain
Key landmarks: Ruins, lake, fire tower, and Hudson Valley vistas
Trail description
Overlook Mountain stands at 3,140 feet. What makes this hike unusual and appealing is the Mountain House ruins near the summit. A succession of hotels was built on the site during the 1800s. Travelers came from far away to enjoy the scenery and fresh mountain air. President Ulysses S. Grant was a visitor in 1873. Tourists reached the hotel by horse-drawn carriage.
The hotel visible today never opened to the public. Its last owner, Morris Newgold, had learned an important lesson from the fires that destroyed earlier hotels. In 1929, he began building the hotel you see today out of fireproof poured concrete—a structure sturdy enough to withstand wind, snow, ice, and fire. But a different calamity struck: the stock market crash and the ensuing Great Depression. Work stopped, and financing was no longer available. Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming the building.
Today, hikers park on Meads Mountain Road and follow the red-blazed trail along a carriage road to the summit. The steady climb takes one to two hours. Hemlocks, maples, mosses, and ferns line the path, and large stones offer places to rest or enjoy a picnic. Deer, bears, turkeys, eagles, and rattlesnakes inhabit the area, though wildlife often remains hidden along this well-traveled trail.
Linger for a while at the hotel. Sit by the large stone fireplace and investigate the lobby staircase. Use caution: the stairs lead to the second floor, but there are no floorboards for support. The building directly behind the hotel was built for the owner’s family in 1928. You can explore additional ruins on the property as you make your way to the fire tower. This is a hike for all seasons.
Hike preparation tips
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Footwear and gear: Wear hiking boots. Bring traction devices for icy winter conditions.
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Water and food: Carry water and a snack.
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Parking: Park in the lot on Meads Mountain Road, across from the Buddhist temple.
