::Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce:: =The Tusten Trail || Upper Delaware River=

Hiking the Tusten Trail

Almost all the land along the Upper Delaware River is privately owned, restricting the ability to hike freely near the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. However, several organizations and agencies permit public access to their trails, affording the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the Upper Delaware Valley's rich natural and cultural resources.

In July 1999, the National Park Service (NPS) entered into an agreement with the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America to provide public access to one of its trails along the Delaware River.

Please respect the authority of the Ten Mile River Scout Camps as you enjoy their Tusten Mountain Trail near Narrowsburg, New York.

The Tusten Mountain Trail

Please click for Tusten Mountain Trail map.

1 Park at the Ten Mile River public access off New York State Route 97.

During the summer, you'll pass a kiosk and general information boards at the river access.

Continue to the Tusten Mountain Trail information board and brochure box located at Hankins Road which is about one-tenth of a mile from the parking area.

The Tusten Mountain Trail is about six-tenth of a mile from the information board. On your way to the trail, you'll travel through the site of the early settlements of Reeves Mill (1757-1763) and Tusten (1770's- early 1900's) along the Ten Mile River.

Look for foundations and signs of the town's previous existence. Built among a grove of hemlock trees along the banks of the river, a sawmill, gristmill and tannery were active in the 1830's and 1840's, making use of these abundant natural resources.

2 Walk along Hankins Road for one-tenth of a mile beside Ten Mile River Turn left and cross the stone arch bridge.

Follow this dirt road for another half mile.

This bridge was constructed in 1875 when industry at Tusten included lumbering and the quarrying of bluestone.

You'll soon see primitive 20th century structures: trail shelters and campsites used today by boy scouts.

The Boy Scouts of America has owned this property since 1927, providing an educational adventure for thousands of boys from the New York City area.

3 Turn right at the rock with yellow and red arrows and the word "Lenape".

Trailhead for the Tusten Mountain Trail is about 100 feet on your left - blazed by yellow dots and markers.

4 Turn left onto the Tusten Mountain Trail

Be sure to sign the trail register as you begin your hike.

Follow this 1.8 mile loop to an elevation of 1,120 feet above sea level. From near the summit, you have a magnificent view of the sparsely populated Upper Delaware River Valley.

The trail begins as a distinct old roadbed - 6 to 8 feet wide. You'll wander through stands of tall white pines and a mixed eastern deciduous forest of oak, maple and beech trees. Use your senses to enjoy them Can you smell the pine of the decaying leaf litter? Look for ferns and fungi

Listen for the sounds of wildlife. Ree squirrels, grey squirrels and eastern chipmunks may scamper through the leaves. You may be startled by a deer or bear. Birds abound during spring migration. In the summer, you may be serenaded by the melodious wood thrush or vireo, or chilled by the screech of the red-tailed hawk. Turkey vultures, or perhaps a bald eagle, may soar overhead.

Look at the rocks and geologic formations as the trail becomes progressively steeper. Bluestone, a durable bluish-grey sandstone found in northeast Pennsylvania and parts of the Catskills in New York, has been quarried at several locations along the trail. Look for the telltale signs of human handiwork on some remaining rocks: a somewhat scalloped edge on flat slabs of bluestone, often left in piles.

5 Bear right onto the red dot "TMR Trail."

Pass the camp and cross the footbridge on your way back to the dirt road.

Remember to sign yourself out at the trail registration box. Your comments and observations are welcome.

Turn left onto the dirt road and retrace your steps to the parking area.

Ten Mile River Statistics

Tusten Mountain Trail
Length: Three miles round trip
Elevation Change (Relief): Approximately 500 vertical feet
Classification: Moderately strenuous
Duration: Allow 1.5 to three hours minimum
Hours: 8:30am until 6:00pm only
Restrictions: No fires or camping
No bikes or motorized vehicles
Pets must be leashed
Hunting in season by permit only

How to Get There
Trailhead: The trailhead is near the Ten Mile River public access site off New York State Route 97 - between Barryville and Narrowsburg, New York.

From Narrowsburg, NY: Take New York Route 97 South approximately 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

From Barryville, NY: Take New York Route 97 approximately nine miles. Turn left onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

From Lackawaxen, PA: Cross Roebling Bridge. Turn left onto New York Route 97 North. Go approximately six miles. Turn left onto Crawford Road. River access parking is one half mile on your right.

For Your Safety

Wear hiking shoes or boots; sneakers or sandals will not provide proper support for the terrain at the summit of this trail. Well-cushioned socks and a hiking stick may be appreciated on rugged, steep stretches.

Carry drinking water. Trail is only partially shaded. Wear a hat.

Sunscreen and insect repellant may be needed. Check yourself for ticks. If you're allergic to bees, wasps or hornets, come prepared. While not common, watch for snakes sunning on exposed rocks.

Poison Ivy is not prevailent, but you should always be alert for those "leaves of three".

Keep pets leashed at all times.

Never feed or disturb wildlife.

Beware of summer afternoon thunderstorms; avoid hugh elevations and other pathways for lightning. Take shelter under shorter trees.

If you feel your skin tingle on your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; palce your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground.

Know how to read trail blazes. If you think you've missed a turn or made a wrong turn, look behind you: you should see trail markers in the reverse direction.

This is a carry-in, carry-out trail.
Please do not litter.