Andy Arthur.
Hiking to Rossman Hill Lean-To.
The lean-to on Rossman Hill in Burnt-Rossman State Forest is rarely used and beautiful.
April 4, 2010.
Related Fodder: Back at Burnt Rossman, Burnt Rossman June 2010, Camping at Betty Brook, Camping at Betty Brook, Aug 26, Camping at Duck Pond.
Related Maps: Schoharie County.
Related Photos: Burnt-Rossman State Forest, Mallet Pond State Forest.
I've camped up at Burnt-Rossman State Forest a couple of dozen times. It's one of my favorite places to go out truck camping, with it's remote and quiet nature, and while I had known from maps that there was a lean-to up there, that one could hike to, I had never actually visited it. I had spent the previous night tent camping, and being up early, decided to check out the lean-to.
Campsite. There are some 13,000 acres I could camp on here. But I love this drive-in site, that's remote but easy to get there.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 3, 2010. (N 42° 31' 41.12" W 74° 30' 50.62")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/50 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
The lean-to is located on the section of the Long Path that crosses Morey Road, just south of Rossman Hill Road, right next to the old cemetary. Alternatively, you can access the lean-to from Burnt Hill Road, just up the hill from where Duck Pond Road splits off. The lean-to is located about a 1/2 mile from either road. Regardless of which way you choose to go, it's a nice level hike through marshes and old timber stands.
Through the Woods.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 44.56" W 74° 29' 14.28")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
And old woods roads...
Adopt a Natural Resource.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 26.2" W 74° 29' 8.41")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/1000 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, Focal Length: 94mm.
As you past by the headwaters of the Cole Brook, which ultimately helps feed the Schoharie Creek.
Headwaters of Cole Brook.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 31.24" W 74° 29' 19.72")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/640 sec, Aperature: f/4.0, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
And the lean-to is really nice looking and only used occassionally, mostly by the locals.
Lean-To Side. This is truly a beautiful lean-to. You don't see many thru-hikers on this part of the Long Path, and indeed I think from looking at the log, only about 10 people have ever stayed here since it was built circa 2007.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 39.34" W 74° 29' 16.22")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/800 sec, Aperature: f/5.6, ISO 400, EV -1/3, Focal Length: 38mm.
And it's nearby a spring, or at least a marshy area that never gets wet.
Spring. By the lean-to on Burnt Rossman State Forest.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 39.08" W 74° 29' 15.5")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/3.2, ISO 400, Focal Length: 67mm.
It's definately some place I would like to stay some day.
Looking Out the Lean-To. This is an almost brand new lean to on the Long Path, yet it's almost unknown to most people locally. The roadside campsites up here get far more use, as does the lean-to on Cotton Hill.
Burnt-Rossman State Forest on April 4, 2010. (N 42° 32' 39.34" W 74° 29' 16.12")
Kodak Z7590 Zoom Digital Camera, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperature: f/2.8, ISO 400, Focal Length: 38mm.
Here is a map:
View Rossman Hill Lean-To in a larger map
“The policy of the state shall be to conserve and protect its natural resources and scenic beauty and encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural lands for the production of food and other agricultural products.”
— Article 14, Section 4 NY State Constitution