Jason Stevens Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

This loop hike links a number of popular but more remote trails through a wooded parcel of open space with some rewarding viewpoints for the steeper climbs. As some of the flatter trails in this area are great options for beginners or folks looking to stretch their legs without too much effort, this tour definitely increases the difficulty with some higher grades while still coming in around three miles total from start to finish.

Dogs allowed on leash except for boardwalk sections of Saunders-Monticello Trail.

This loop starts from the Rte 53 parking area, but can also be accessed from the parking area to the north off Dairy Barn Road. Either way, head south for the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Turn left (east) for the clockwise direction onto the Saunders-Monticello Trail for a nice half-mile warm-up along this popular path.

A number of trails branch off to the right (south) from the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Look for the Jason Stevens Trail around the 0.6-mile mark to start the first short climb up to a viewpoint. Continue east up a steep slope of Patterson Mountain toward the next viewpoint around the 1.2-mile mark just before the high-point of the hike near the intersection with Eagle Scout Trail.

Stay to the left to follow the property boundary toward yet another viewpoint and the southernmost point of the hike and connection to The Hartman Trail to begin the return journey.

Descending The Hartman Trail, take the first left onto The John and Clara Smart Trail through the Secluded Farm parcel with some steeper descents to watch your footing on. Stay to the right at all intersections before continuing onto the Lower Meadow Trail and a connector back to the Rte 53 Parking Access trail off the Saunders-Monticello Trail.

Cherry trees, dogwoods, redbuds, maple, oak, ash.