Routes to Slide Mountain and Giant Ledge start at different points along Oliverea Road. To plan your hike, you can first choose your destination, then compare one-way distance, round-trip distance, and elevation gain.
Access and scenery in Big Indian Valley
County Route 47, also known as Oliverea Road, provides access from Route 28 into Big Indian Valley. The drive along Oliverea Road offers beautiful mountain views and continues to Slide Mountain.
The Big Indian–Oliverea Valley is six miles long across the wider region and connects the Scenic Byway with the high-mountain region of Ulster County. For the first four miles, the Esopus Creek valley is broad; the tree-lined stream winds between the valley slopes. The route from Big Indian to the Slide Mountain trailhead climbs 1,500 feet over just over nine miles.
The Giant Ledge trailhead is also in the wider Big Indian–Oliverea Valley, at a horseshoe-shaped bend 7.5 miles from Route 28. This distance is provided for regional orientation and should not be confused with the length of a hiking route.
Comparing trailheads and routes
The Phoenicia East Branch Trail leads to the Oliverea Road North parking area at the Giant Ledge trailhead and the Oliverea Road South parking area at the Slide Mountain trailhead. The trail also provides public access to other trails.
The shortest and most direct route to Slide Mountain starts at the Oliverea Road South parking area. It is 2.7 miles one way, or 5.4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,780 feet. The shortest and easiest route to Giant Ledge starts at the Oliverea Road North parking area: it is 1.6 miles one way, or 3.2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.
For the Giant Ledge route, the one-way distance, round-trip distance, and elevation gain are all less than for the Slide Mountain route. The route to Slide Mountain is the shortest and most direct; the route to Giant Ledge is the shortest and easiest. When planning your hike, account for the full round-trip distance, not just the distance going out.
Road and trail conditions can change. Check current access information and parking conditions before driving or hiking.
Local history and scenery
The Winnisook Club in Oliverea was founded in 1886. It is located at the foot of Slide Mountain, 3,000 feet above sea level.
Private Winnisook Lake is in the wider route area. It is considered the source of Esopus Creek, with a rocky spur of Slide Mountain forming its distinctive backdrop.
Accommodation and trip planning
If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Oliverea, first decide whether Slide Mountain or Giant Ledge is your main destination. The two destinations have different starting points and route distances. Include the full round-trip distance and elevation gain in your plans before coordinating your accommodation with your day’s itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Clintondale, New Paltz, Hurley, Stone Ridge, High Falls, Wallkill, Boiceville, Ellenville
For the broader travel overview: Ulster.
