Hiking Millbrook Ridge, Coxing, and Trapps Carriage Road Trail Loop

For our second Mohonk hike we decided to do the short Millbrook Ridge , Coxing, and Trapps Carriage Road Loop. When we got to the parking lot there were already cars there and our trails map would not open. We decided to keep walking and we would eventually get the map to open. A short distance from the parking lot, there was a trail to the left of us. We decided to take it but quickly realized it was not the right way. So, we walked back to the main road and continued on the path. The next thing we knew, we were by the road and the bridge that we see every time we drive up to Minnewaska State Park Preserve.

Hiking Millbrook Ridge Loop Trail

After crossing the bridge, you can either take the Trapps Carriage Road or go up the Millbrook Ridge trail. We decided to hike the ridge first. As you go further up, the view behind you becomes more lush and present. At the top of the ridge we sat down (I did) and took all the beauty in. While it was a beautiful, sunny day, it was still cold and windy. We (I) got up and continued on the trail.

After the spectacular view, surrounded by dwarf pines, you hike in the woods, along the ridge a little more. As we continued with the hike, we started going down the mountain and further into the woods. Once we were close to Coxing trail, the trail got wetter and muddier. After a while, I decided it was best to just walk through the water and embrace the mud. Anyway, my new hiking boots needed to get used to the dirt. This is why you should hike in hiking boots instead of fancy sneakers. In spring we get a lot of rain and the snow has melted, causing a lot of puddles on trails.

Once we were out of the Coxing trail we emerged to the open Trapps Carriage Road. The road was wide and easy to walk on. It had woods to the right and views to the left of the trail. Before we knew it we were back to the starting point, the bridge. We crossed over, walked a little around the massive rocks, and back to our car.

On this Tuesday, the parking lot had plenty of cars but we only saw one couple on the trail. We saw few people coming into the park as we were leaving, but I’m sure a lot of the hikers there come to this lot for rock climbing. One day, we will have to try that as well.

Replenishing after Hiking Millbrook Ridge

After every hike the first thing on our mind is “Where do we want to go eat?” This usually ends up being a few minute debate but this time we just decided to head towards Ellenville and get something there before going home. Living up here means that a lot of places are either closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, or the restaurant doesn’t open until 1 or later. This sometimes limits your options. Aroma Thyme Bistro for example was closed. We wanted to try something new so we went to Ellenville Spice Fusion. I had the butter chicken and it was delicious! It’s connected to a pizza shop so you can have more options if you’re debating about what you should have.

Overall, I was happy with our short little hike and my belly was full afterwords. It was a beautiful day and we got to enjoy the views around us. I can’t wait to hike more in the Mohonk Preserve and see what other trails we can complete in the Shawangunks.

Have you hiked the Millbrook Ridge, Coxing, and Trapps Carriage Road Trail Loop?