April 14, 2024 – Pawling, NY
Problem: Average
Size: Roughly 3.3 miles
Max elevation: 832 ft.– whole elevation achieve roughly 230 ft.
Route kind: Lollipop Loop
Map: None obtainable
Trailhead parking: 156 Outdated Rte 55, Pawling, NY 12564
No restrooms on web site – gravel lot for 10-12 autos.
Overview:
Nuclear Lake is 1137 acres situated on the Boundary of Pawling and Beekman in Dutchess County, NY. The tract of land accommodates a 55-acre lake that’s recognized for its scenic magnificence and variety of vegetation. From 1958 to 1972, the property housed a nuclear fuels processing and analysis facility and thus acquired the identify “Nuclear Lake.” The Appalachian Path runs alongside the western shore of the lake and is extensively considered probably the most lovely lakes alongside your complete Appalachian Path.
Nuclear Lake
Historical past:
Sooner or later in time, earlier than it was named Nuclear Lake, it was often known as Pawling Pond.
Between 1934 and 1942, Herbert Teets acquired roughly ten parcels within the cities of Beekman and Pawling, NY, which contains the massive marjority of the present 1137-acre Nuclear Lake tract.
In 1945, the property was offered to Joseph Chazen and Leland Ryder. The dam creating the lake, was constructed shortly thereafter. In 1953, Chazen offered his pursuits to Ryder.
In April 1955, Leland Ryder offered the property to the Southern Dutchess Company.
In March 1958, the property was transferred to the Nuclear Growth Company of America (NDA).
In Could 1961, NDA transferred the property and its belongings to United Nuclear Company (UNC), which then entered right into a contract with the US Atomic Power Fee.
On December 21, 1972, at roughly 2:55 pm, a chemical explosion occurred on the Plutonium facility, releasing strong and particulate Plutonium Oxide to the lab space. The explosion came about in a plexiglass “glove field” which was used to organize and look at gas pellets. In spite of everything staff left the constructing, a second explosion came about. The second explosion is suspected of getting blown out two exterior home windows on the north facet of the constructing and two exterior doorways on the south, spreading radioactive contamination to the surface atmosphere.
In June 1979, the 1137-acre parcel was offered to the Nationwide Park Service for nearly $1 million for relocation of the Appalachian Path. The acquisition was a part of a plan to maneuver sections of the Appalachian Path off of paved roads and again onto a wilderness path.
In 1986, after overseeing its cleanup and receiving a clear invoice of well being, the Appalachian Path formally opened within the Nuclear Lake space.
Trails Overview:
This hike incorporates an previous service highway, the Appalachian Path and the Nuclear Lake Loop Path.
Service Highway – This previous highway is a pleasant simple and degree stroll to the southwestern finish of the lake. It’s slightly below a mile from the car parking zone to the lake.
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Appalachian Path – This white blazed path runs alongside the western facet of Nuclear Lake. It runs on an previous woods highway then adjustments to a footpath.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake Loop Path – This yellow blazed footpath begins on the northern finish of the lake and ends on the service highway, close to the southern finish. This path runs alongside the jap facet of the lake. This part of path could be moist, has a number of stream crossings and requires climbing over some rocks.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Hike Overview:
This hike has been on my listing for years. On the day of this hike, we solely noticed just a few folks on the paths.
There’s one other smaller trailhead car parking zone a couple of 1/2 mile northwest on Route 55, the place the AT crosses the busy highway, however I made a decision to make the most of the bigger lot which is simpler to entry. Both trailhead will get you to the lake.
Nuclear Lake Trailhead – Outdated Route 55
Nuclear Lake Trailhead – Outdated Route 55
I rated this hike as average strictly for the stream crossings and the rocky hillside on the jap facet of Nuclear Lake. The remainder of the hike is comparatively simple.
Although no official path map is obtainable, I used Gaia GPS with the NatGeo Appalachian Path map layer.
Nuclear Lake Quick Loop
As you may see from the graph under, there are solely a few brief, steep sections on this hike.
Elevation profile – Nuclear Lake Quick Loop
The Hike:
From the rear of the car parking zone, proceed previous the gate on the entry highway, stroll previous the dam keeper’s home, and previous one other gate.
Nuclear Lake Trailhead – Outdated Route 55
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
It’s a nice stroll alongside the entry highway. You’ll quickly cross over a culvert, the place the Nuclear Lake outlet stream flows beneath the highway. Simply after crossing the culvert, the yellow blazed Nuclear Lake Loop Path crosses the highway, however proceed forward on the entry highway.
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake outlet stream
In slightly below a mile, you’ll arrive on the southern finish of Nuclear Lake. It’s possible you’ll wish to take some time to take pleasure in the fantastic thing about the lake and the encircling space.
Nuclear Lake
When you find yourself able to proceed, proceed north on the entry highway which quickly involves a clearing with a view of the lake.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake
As you proceed north on the previous highway, you’ll begin seeing the white blazes of the Appalachian Path, which is available in from the left, with extra views of Nuclear Lake.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
The AT quickly leaves the highway and runs on a footpath alongside the lake. There are extra views of the lake alongside the best way. As you close to the northern finish of the lake, you’ll cross some fascinating rock formations and stone partitions.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
The path could be moist and/or muddy alongside this part.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
View of Nuclear Lake from the northern finish.
Nuclear Lake
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
On the northern finish of the lake, the Appalachian Path turns left, however it is best to proceed straight on the yellow-blazed Nuclear Lake Loop Path, marked by a wood signal and a yellow blaze on a tree.
Appalachian Path – Nuclear Lake
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
The yellow-blazed path begins to move in a southerly route, passing by a stone wall and stone ruins.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
The path begins to veer away from the lake and shortly crosses the Nuclear Lake inlet stream on rocks, that are partially submerged. This crossing wasn’t too tough, however it may be throughout occasions of excessive water. That is the place your waterproof boots and climbing poles turn out to be useful.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Trying again after crossing the stream.
Trying again on the Nuclear Lake inlet stream, with the crossing on the far left.
The path parallels the stream briefly, then veers away from it. This part could be moist and muddy as nicely.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
The yellow-blazed path quickly climbs the steep hillside, with views of the lake via the bushes. Quickly the path ranges off and passes via one other potential moist part of path.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
The Nuclear Lake Loop Path bears proper and climbs a small hill, crosses one other small stream and shortly involves a number of small rock outcrops that overlook the lake.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
The path quickly traverses an space with massive boulders that you will have to climb over. The path then descends, passes via one other moist space, and a brief distance later reaches the entry highway by the culvert from earlier within the hike.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Rock formations on the hillside.
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Nuclear Lake Loop Path
Flip left on the entry highway, now retracing your steps, and observe the highway again to the car parking zone, the place the hike started.
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake – Service Highway
Nuclear Lake Trailhead – Outdated Route 55
Evaluate:
This was a very nice hike in a really scenic space. Nuclear Lake is beautiful and value a go to by itself. Climbing any a part of the Appalachian Path is all the time enjoyable and the fascinating rock formations alongside the lake, actually improve the scenic panorama. After rainfall or Spring thaw, sections of this route could also be moist. The stream crossings could also be difficult in occasions of excessive water. I like to recommend sporting some waterproof boots. All in all, an excellent day on the paths.
Execs:
Nuclear Lake, fascinating rock formations, nicely marked trails, scenic panorama, much less foot visitors than a number of the extra widespread trails.
Cons:
No official path map.
Take a hike!
Nuclear Lake Quick Loop
Sources:
