Pochuck Swamp

Pochuck Swamp, Appalachian Trail (5/10/2008)

This out-and-back was our first visit to the Pochuck Swamp along the Appalachian Trail. The highlight of the hike is the incredibly impressive, sturdy boardwalk that winds its way around the swamp for approximately 3/4's of a mile. You can follow its serpentine path on Google Earth at 41.23508 N, 74.47523 W. The swamp is alive with birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, chipmunks and squirrels ... and people. It's an attraction, and for good reason. Approximately 850 feet from the eastern end of the boardwalk is the equally impressive suspension bridge over Pochuck Creek.

We parked at the AT parking lot on Route 94 (the same one to use when hiking east to the Stairway to Heaven). Heading west along the AT, we passed through a cow field, where cows are free to roam ... and crap. Watch your step. Continuing west, we crossed a railroad track, crossed a bridge over Wawayanda Creek, then another strudy bridge on Canal Road, before eventually reaching the boardwalk. Since most of the hike is level, we decided to do a bit of climbing west of Route 517, where the boardwalk ends, to the eastern ridge of Pochuck Mountain. Alas, there were no views so we turned and headed back, eating lunch on one of the several benches on the boardwalk.

This 6+ mile hike took us about 4 hours. The only somewhat challenging part was the steady uphill climb just west of Route 517.

(Click on the thumbnail to bring up a bigger image in a pop-up window)