Burger Hill Park

Burger Hill Park is a 76 acre tract of land owned by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust and managed by the Winnakee Land Trust. It was acquired from the Hunter family in 1997 so it could be developed into a public park.


The park is located off Route 9G, two and a half miles south from its intersection with Route 9. If you’re going south on Route 9G, the park will be on your right, shortly after you pass Violet Hill. It is easy to miss, so be on the lookout for a yellow sign that says “Park” shortly before the turn. The parking lot is unpaved and bordered by a wooden fence.


The park is open from 9 am to 8:30 pm during the spring and summer months, and from 9 am to a half hour after sunset during the fall and winter seasons.


The park consists mainly of a 550-foot hilltop. This makes it a popular place for sledding during the winter months, but a somewhat exhausting trek to the top. Once to the top, however, you’ll be astounded by the panorama, with its views of the Shawangunk Ridge, the Catskills, the Taconic Mountains, Stissing Mountain and the Berkshires. Towards evening you’ll often be able to see many deer in the meadow down below.


During the spring and summer months, the grass is allowed to grow on the hill everywhere except for along the path. Towards the winter, the entire hill is mowed to allow for sledding.


There are two benches in the park, the first of which is at the bottom of the hill. The other is next to a tree on the opposite side of the hill. I encourage you to explore the park and take in all the various vistas the hill has to offer. Although the park is relatively small, you won’t find another in the area with such an impressive and beautiful view.


For more information you can go to http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/shparks/burgerhill/index.html or http://winnakeeland.org/Burger%20Hill.htm. Cheerful Climbing!