Clausland Mountain Park

In 2000 Scenic Hudson spearheaded efforts to purchase 50 acres along Clausland mountain's wooded ridgeline that were in imminent threat of development

When developers wanted to cover this lovely ridgeline with houses, Scenic Hudson helped protect it for public use as a park.

Orangetown, Rockland County - Although not technically Scenic Hudson's -- it's owned by Rockland County -- Clausland Mountain Park in Orangeburg owes much of its beauty to Scenic Hudson. In 2000 we spearheaded efforts to purchase 50 acres along the mountain's wooded ridgeline in imminent threat of development, protecting stunning Hudson River views and ensuring this suburban woodland remained unspoiled. That's good news for through-hikers on the Long Path, which crosses the park on its 326-mile route from the George Washington Bridge to John Boyd Thacher State Park near Albany.

Interestingly, land at the summit of the mountain – named for Jan Claus, sachem of a local Native American tribe – served as a surface-to-air missile base during the Cold War. One of several facilities encircling Manhattan, it protected the city from Soviet attack. All that's left of the base are several concrete platforms and a water tank. Scenic Hudson led a coalition in 1999 to secure funding from more than 130 citizens, New York State, Rockland County, the Town of Orangetown, Columbia University and the Wallace Fund to protect 50 acres of this ridgeline, which is surrounded by public parkland overlooking the Hudson River. This property is managed by Rockland County.

ACCESS: Off Nike Lane, Upper Grandview.

DIRECTIONS: From Route 59 take Route 303 south, left Spruce Street (CR 28), turns into Clausland Mountain Road. Make a right on Tweed Blvd. Right on Nike Lane. Bear left at the fork on Nike Lane. Park entrance is on the left.

View Larger Map
PARKING: Parking on Nike Lane and at the Town of Orangetown's Tackamack Park on Clausland Mountain Road.

REST ROOMS: None

NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Clausland Mountain is a very heavily wooded mountain composed primarily of hardwoods; Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, Beech, Dogwood, interspersed with numerous thick Hemlock stands and dense sections of Mountain Laurel. The land is in its natural state, with many fine scenic overlooks. While the area does not contain any permanent bodies of water, during periods of heavy rain many streams cascade down the mountain. The major trail is the Long Path and can be identified by a blue blaze. It runs in a north - south direction beginning at the former Nike site off Highland Avenue and exits at Tackamack Town Park.

HISTORY: Clausland is named after the "Clever Indian", Jans Claus, whose Indian name was Tackamack. He acted as an agent for the sale of land to Dutch settlers. Clausland Mountain Park was purchased in 1969, funded by local donations, County funds and a Federal grant. Three adjoining tax delinquent parcels were acquired in 1981. In 2000, two more parcels consisting of 50 acres, were purchased in cooperation with Scenic Hudson Land Trust Inc., Clausland Mountain Preservation Association, Town of Orangetown, NYS Department of Parks & Recreation and Columbia University.

PRESENT USE: Hiking, scenic vistas, geological studies.

FUTURE PLANS: Improve and extend trail system.

WILDLIFE OF RECORD: White-tailed Deer, Squirrel, Raccoon, Chipmunk, Skunk, Opossum, Woodchuck, Porcupine, Robin, Warbler, Thrush, Great-horned Owl, Crow, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-tailed Hawk, Black Snake, Garter Snake.