Trail Information:
The Tusten Mountain Trail, blazed by yellow dots and markers, is the only Ten Mile River Boy Scouts Camp trail open to the public. It loops past remnants of the Tusten settlement before ascending 500 feet. The summit offers a view of the Delaware River Valley.
Location: Near the Ten Mile River Access on Crawford Road between Narrowsburg and Barryville, NY
Directions: From Rt. 97, drive .3 miles on Crawford Road to the entrance to the parking area on the right.
Trail Distance: 3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 500 Feet
Pet Friendly: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6′ in length
Our Experience:
We went on another hiking adventure during our vacation in Pennsylvania. We were fortunate to stumble upon a trail just 20 minutes away from our family home. However, today’s hike turned out to be the chilliest one we’ve ever experienced, with temperatures hovering around 45 degrees.
Hiking with children is not always easy, especially in cold weather. Our main goal was to ensure that everyone enjoyed the hike without any complaints, so we took extra care to keep our kids warm and comfortable. I carried my one-year-old daughter in a baby carrier, while my six-year-old son walked alongside us. My husband tends to not research the trails we hike beforehand or misreads the trail information, resulting in unexpected obstacles or longer hikes than we initially anticipated. Today was no exception, but we were well-prepared with water and snacks to keep everyone content and satisfied. Although we do sometimes enjoy the element of surprise that comes with not researching our hikes in advance, I would advise against it. It’s always better to have a clear understanding of what you’re getting into to avoid any unpleasant surprises especially when hiking with children.
From the parking lot, we passed the trail sign and followed a gravel road that ran alongside the Delaware River, offering stunning views of the river, trees, and the remnants of fall foliage. We came to a beautiful stone bridge and couldn’t resist the urge to stop and capture some photos of the stunning scenery and the flowing water beneath us. After crossing the bridge, we pressed on along the path until we arrived at the trail sign. We made a right into the woods and came upon a register box. We added our names to the list of hikers who had explored this trail in recent days. At this junction, you can go right or left, we chose to go right.
Ascending the Mountain:
The trail began with a relatively easy ascent that required caution due to the slippery leaves concealing loose rocks, uneven ground, and tree roots. The path, clearly marked by yellow markers or spray-painted arrows, led us past several quarries, and a few fallen trees that obstructed our path, adding an element of adventure and challenge to our journey. As you embark on the gradual ascending trail, don’t be deceived by its gentle slope. After about a mile, the terrain became steep and challenging, especially since I was carrying a one-year-old in a baby carrier. The added weight and the slippery leaves underfoot make for a more challenging climb.
As we made our way, we came across a brief rock scramble that required some physical effort. But the reward was more than worth it, as we reached the summit and were greeted with a stunning view of the Delaware River Valley. Again, a reason to take more pictures!
The Descent:
The descent began after passing the summit, featuring a short, steep section where you had to be careful of your footing. From there, the trail gradually descended back to the register box. Although this part of the trail was less difficult, it was quite muddy, filled with loose rocks, and covered in leaves, which added an extra layer of challenge. Overall, we enjoyed this hike and I would highly recommend it. I personally look forward to attempting it again during the summer season.
Disclaimer:
You should always consult a physician prior to performing any strenuous activity. When embarking on a hike, it’s essential to come well-prepared. Ensure you have sturdy footwear, proper clothing, ample water, snacks, sunscreen, and tick/insect repellant. Additionally, remember to conduct a thorough tick check after leaving the trail. Show respect for the trail by adhering to the carry-in, and carry-out policy and refraining from littering.
Happy Hiking!
