Bald Hill and Lambs Hill via Wilkinson Memorial Trail

This hike is one of the few hikes that starts on the east side of Hudson Highlands State Park. It winds its way up to Fishkill Ridge, from the top of which there are spectacular views south to New York City. You then climb Lamb's Hill, which provides equally spectacular views to the northwest out to the Catskill Mountains. Parts are relatively level, but there are also some some steep climbs and descents. Although the loop can be done in either direction, you're most likely to recognize the viewpoints if you go in the (below-described) counter-clockwise direction. The biggest "issue" is parking, as there is none at the trailhead. Probably the best place is on the shoulder of Old Albany Post Road right after you turn off US Rte 9. Walk along Old Albany Post Rd, then turn onto Reservoir Lane. (Don't worry about a "No Access" sign, as this is for vehicles.) Shortly after you pass around a gate and over a bridge, the Wilkinson Trail (yellow) starts to the left, climbing moderately to skirt the Fishkill Reservoir, after which there are a number of ups and downs. At around the 1-mile mark, the trail turns abruptly to the right and begins a moderately steep climb. At 1.3 miles, there is a spot which, in the summertimes, is 5-10 degrees cooler than the surrounding area due to a generally-underground stream. (Be sure to make a right turn here!) There is a short stretch of level going, followed by another moderately steep ascent to a T-junction with an old road at 1.6 miles. Turn right onto the Fishkill Ridge Trail (white), which is fairly level for about a mile. Be sure to turn sharply left at 2.8 miles at the point where the trail leaves the road to climb up to the next level of the ridge, the one on which you get the NYC views. This leg has a number of ups and downs. At 4.4 miles you cross an old road at what is called "Dozer Junction" and then you climb a bit more to ascend Lamb's Hill, with its views. The descent from Lamb's Hill is quite steep/rocky. At 5.4 miles, turn left onto an un-blazed, but obvious old road. At 5.6 miles a blue-blazed trail joins the road. At 5.7 miles, the Wilkinson Trail (yellow) joins from the right. Stay straight and you'll complete the loop at the start of the Fishkill Ridge Trail at 5.9 miles. Turn right and retrace your steps to your car.