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 Reporter |
Summary: Located near Austerlitz, Beebe Hill rises only 300 feet above the surrounding area. If you climb its fire tower though, you will be rewarded with great views. Begin by walking SW along the gravel road at the end of the pond. You can walk all the way to the top of the hill on this road. Instead though, take the foot trail that begins shortly on the right and which is a much more enjoyable walk. The trail, marked with red discs, passes through a mostly hard wood forest and climbs gradually to the top of the hill. After the sign-in register, you will cross a small creek on a foot bridge. You pass the "Chance of Thunder Lean-Too" and then a small pond (Opal Pond). Soon you are at the top of the hill. If you are not afraid of heights, climb the fire tower and enjoy the magnificient views. The Catskill mountains are clearly visible to the south. Return by the same trail. Trailhead: Take NY Rte 90 East to Exit B3. Continue on NY Rte 22 South for 2 miles. Turn right onto Middle Rd. After 1.5 miles, bear left on Fog Hill Rd. Turn left onto County Route 5 (Osmer Rd). Make quick right onto woods road at north end of Barrett Pond. Park on side of road just past the pond's outlet. (Lat:42.339 Lon:-73.474) Trail Guides for Beebe Hill: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: NYS DEC Region 4 Forest Ranger (518) 828-0236 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by George Senft, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bob on 12/8/2007 Great trail condition and abundance of land. There are horse trails, I would bike and hike here but not much else. However, this "forest" is completely devoid of animal life and plant diversity. Not a prime hunting location. I sat out all day yesterday and walked around for miles and all I saw was sparrows and traveling geese, not even any squirrels. I saw a lot of dog looking prints everywhere in the snow. I believe there is over human and carrion/hunter animal predation. Also there seems to be an illogical logging plan in place. There are very few older trees diameter greater than 2feet across, and lots of branch and tree liter encompassing most of the forrest floor so off trail human and animal movement is difficult. 
Reviewed by W.B.H. on 4/24/2007 I got better directions and went back and tried again. I found it easily and enjoyed the hike a lot, only wishing it was longer. Ignore the first intersection with Fog Hill, then bear left at the next (unmarked) fork in the road. This is also Fog Hill. You'll soon see a Beebe Hill State Forest sign on your right but that is not the trail head. Go past it to the next intersection, which is County Rt 5. Beebe Hill access road is (almost) directly across from Fog Hill. I saw no signs. Park near the old cemetery and walk through the gates. I took the main road straight ahead, then turned right at the next intersection to the fire tower.
Reviewed by W.B.H. on 4/8/2007 I hiked this on Easter Sunday with 4 little dogs rescued from the Shelter. I agree with the other people who complained about the directions. Fog Hill Rd leads only back to Rt 22. I bore left at the next fork in the road after Fog Hill (no road signs) and did find Beebe Hill State land just past an unmarked pond. There was no sign-in register, and I never found any lean-to or fire tower. There were two horse trails, both of which I tried. I did eventually find a marked trail leading off of one of the horse trails, but it led only to "No Bottom Bond" where it ended. It was a pleasant hike, but there's no reason to drive there again. If only there were better directions!
Reviewed by Devoid2 on 10/28/2005 Directions were confusing--Middle Rd. intersects Fog Hill TWICE--don't take the first Fog Hill sign you encounter (a 4 way intersection)--keep going until you find the fork to the left. Fog Hill Rd must be about 3 miles long! View from fire tower is spectacular--very interesting trail and pretty easy too!
Reviewed by Lorraine on 9/10/2005 My husband and 11 year old son and I did this hike on Labor Day. It was a little tricky to find, but well worth it. The view from the fire tower is spectacular!!
Reviewed by The Gaytons on 5/5/2005 Did this hike for our daughters first b-day! Beautiful!! 
Reviewed by Deb on 3/2/2005 This is a great hike in the winter. 2/27/05 the sky was blue and the views were wonderful. Had lunch at the lean-too. Just a fun short hike. The dog rates this one high on his list. The directions seem ok to me. 
Reviewed by Tom on 1/15/2005 Please review your directions. Tried to find it for an hour and couldn't get further than Fog Hill Rd. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New York Hiking, New York Trails, New York Hikes, Columbia County Hiking, Columbia County Trails, Columbia County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||