stissing mountain multiple use area

My family & I made this climb 4 times over the past 20 years - once with my baby daughter in a backpack! Going up, not so hard. Coming down, be careful of your footing! Well worth the effort to see 3 local lakes, several counties, and numerous birds of prey who make this landmark their home.

It's a moderate hike, not too long with a fire tower at the top. The view is amazing, well worth the drive to Pine Plains.I'm not sure what the other reviewer is referring to as far as the town being xenophobic, about half of the towns houses are owned by people from downstate who spend weekends and days off there. You run into as many out of towners as locals.

Follow your guide maps very carefully, the path diverges countless times and not all of the beaten paths will lead you along the trail. It's a short but steep and rewarding hike if you trace your steps properly. Note: The very second I parked at the trailhead and got out of my car I was accosted by a Pine Plains Police Officer who accused me of urinating (I wasn't), he placed me in handcuffs and searched me and my vehicle. He was a nice guy and wound up letting me go but he really had no business stopping me and I seriously doubt his pretext/cause. It's noteworthy because I hike the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Taconic ranges compulsively and have never been harassed by local PD before. It's a small xenophobic and unwelcoming town for hikers, in my opinion.The mountain itself is beautiful and worth the hike, however be careful staying on the trail, and I would advise making sure you get back before dusk. It's very easy to follow the wrong path and come down the wrong side of the mountain onto private property. 4G/LTE works almost everywhere even on the mountain, make use of guides and mapping features. Have fun!

Grounds well-maintained. Focal point is lake with Big and Little Stissing Mountain behind it. View is Scenic and Serene. Worth the trip. Lake fed by underground springs. Float for swimming and lake for kayaks, rowboats and boats with electric motors and/ or low rotary speed. Drawback is ugly chain link fence installed on beach marring view from shore and from lake which is present when beach is closed. Beach closes at 6 during July and first half of August. Gate stays open when lifeguards on duty in July and first half of August....until 6. Rest of year ugly gate is present. Pity as this is Pine Plains' finest asset.