Iron Wheel Junction (Al Purdy)

Join Al Purdy on this seven-miler in the Willowemoc Wild Forest in Sullivan County. This five-hour tour, rated as moderate-to-difficult, begins and concludes at the trailhead to Frick Pond.

Hikers need to bring lunch/ snacks, water/ drink, winter clothing layers, winter boots, snowshoes, microspikes, poles, gaiters – and be prepared for winter conditions. Hikers must also register for this event by January 3. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332. Please note, this hike is limited to 12 people. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Any severe weather will postpone the hike.

Directions: (Note, be prepared for winter road conditions; conditions near trailheads can vary/ are not always plowed.)

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 at Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 and follow for 30.4 miles. Turn left onto County Highway 47 in Big Indian follow for 19.3 miles. Make a sharp right uphill turn onto Pond Road (which will turn into Pole Rd. then Willowemoc Rd.) for 9.4 miles. Turn right onto Monguap Road, continue for almost three miles, stay left on Beech Mountain Road and the parking area is on the left.

From NYS Route 17 westbound, take exit 96W and turn left onto DeBruce Road. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where the road splits. Stay left on Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking areas on the left.

From NYS Route 17 eastbound, take exit 96E and turn right at the end of the exit. Proceed .1 mile to stop sign, turn left, then take the next left onto DeBruce Rd. You will soon see a "red caboose" on left. Continue on DeBruce Road 5.6 miles to Mongaup Road. Turn left onto Mongaup Road and drive 2.7 miles to where a fork in the road. Bear left onto Beech Mountain Road and drive .3 miles to the parking areas on the left.

Google Maps link to trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmarwsF9eZWF4WKT9

GPS coordinates to trailhead: 41.952027, -74.707078