Posted in New York Hiking, Nature November 23, 2022 by

This Hike Takes You To A Place New York’s Residents Left Behind

All of New York’s hiking trails are unique and have something different to offer. For instance, there are quite a few hikes that lead to fascinating and abandoned places in New York. One such hike can be found in Doodletown, New York. An exhilarating trek, the hike to ruins in New York will bring you to one of the state’s most historic and forgotten about towns.

With its history dating back all the way to the 17th century, the forgotten town of Doodletown, New York is easily one of the most interesting abandoned places in New York.
Justin/Flickr
A hamlet that falls within the town of Stony Point, visitors interested in exploring Doodletown can check out the area today, as it's part of Bear Mountain State Park.
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There are quite a few ways to hike to the lost town, but most people trek along the Cornell Mine Trail and the 1777 East Trail from the intersection of Route 9W and Doodletown Brook.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
After hiking through the woods to a secluded part of Rockland County, you'll begin to see some of the over 30 informational signs that are placed throughout Doodletown.
Justin/Flickr
Each sign tells a quick story of the land you see before you, describing what once stood at the site and its significance to the town.
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Most of Doodletown's homes and structures were completely demolished by 1970.
Mike Hughes/AllTrails
However, Doodletown's historic stone schoolhouse was left untouched, so that it could be used as a shelter by local hikers. Unfortunately, though, it was demolished in 1980, after being vandalized numerous times.
Mike Hughes/AllTrails
But today, pieces of the town's history are still visible, with the Doodletown's cemeteries still intact and filled with graves that date back centuries ago.
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Hike through Doodletown, and you'll be able to imagine what life was like during the early 1920s, when the town ultimately reached its peak.
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At the height of the town's population, it had over 300 residents and 70 residential homes that had long been occupied by generations of families.
Mike Hughes/AllTrails
If you're looking for a hike that will fascinate you and teach you about a forgotten piece of history, then you'll want to plan a trip down to Doodletown ASAP!
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So, how exactly did this town come to be demolished and taken over by nature? The story is one that is actually quite heartbreaking. Many of the families that occupied Doodletown had family ties dating back to the 18th century and had long called this little hamlet home. Sadly, the state became determined to take over the land and make it part of Bear Mountain State Park. Many of the residents fought to keep their land and refused to sell their properties. Eventually, though, their hands were forced through eminent domain. Residents of Doodletown were completely gone by the mid-1960s, with nothing ever becoming of the land.

So, did you know about this hike to ruins in New York? Ever visited Doodletown, New York? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!

Looking for more abandoned places in New York to explore? You’re in luck! There are lots of them. Check out these abandoned places in New York that nature is reclaiming.

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Address: Doodletown, NY 10986, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Hike To Ruins In New York

December 10, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

Aside from Doodletown, New York, can you hike to any other historic sites in New York?

Doodletown, New York isn’t the only historic site you can hike to in the Empire State. Another must-do hike for history buffs is the Kaaterskill High Peak Trail in the Catskills. Not an easy trek, the trail is nearly 8 miles long, climbs almost 2,000 feet in elevation, and features rough terrain, some of which you might have to bushwhack your way through. However, all the effort is worth it, as the trail leads to not one, but two, plane crash sites. The first crash site, which dates back to 1983, is situated about 500 feet from Kaaterskill's summit. The second plane crash took place in 1987. Its wreckage is a bit harder to get to, but can be reached via the nearby Snowmobile Trail.

What are some other abandoned places in New York?

When it comes to intriguing abandoned places in New York that are worth exploring, the City Hall Subway Station definitely fits the bill. When New York’s subway system debuted in 1904, the City Hall stop was considered an architectural masterpiece. Truly something to marvel over, it featured ornate skylights and beautifully tiled arches. By 1945, the station was obsolete, as it couldn’t accommodate the new, updated subway cars. The station hasn’t been lost forever, though. You can actually ride through it in an original train car! Riding the antiquated rails requires a ticket from the New York Transit Museum.

Are there any other ruins in New York?

There are lots of ruins in New York; however, none are quite as magical as the Bannerman Castle ruins. Undeniably enchanting, the regal ruins are nestled on Pollepel Island, which is a small island in the Hudson River. The ruins – and its accompanying gardens – are open for tours. Tickets include a 30-minute boat ride to the ruins, as well as a 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the island, ruins, and gardens. All tours depart from Beacon, New York and require advance booking.