Last updated: November 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike the Bouchoux Trail to Jensen's Ledges
NPS
After a difficult one-mile incline to the top, hikers can watch a waterfall cascade down a cliff and take in the incredible views of the larger river valley at Jensen’s Ledges. Rock cairns/rock sculptures sitting along the edge of the mountain near the ledges also provide a unique and majestic feature to the summit. Along the way, check out the bluestone rock, a nod to the history of bluestone quarrying in the area. For hikers who choose to continuing hiking past the ledges, the rest of the trail weaves through towering forest and alongside bubbling streams.
Please note that this trail is not regularly maintained and one may encounter downed trees, wet/muddy areas, and potentially parts of the trail flooded with several inch-deep water, especially after heavy rain. Trail conditions can differ depending on season and weather. Parts of the trail require hikers to cross small streams to continue. Although these streams are less than a foot deep, they can be too wide to jump across. Red, circular trail markers on trees indicate the trail path, which sometimes can be difficult to discern due to trail conditions and confusing signage.
We recommend all visitors sign in to the trail register at the start of the trail. Please note that there are no restrooms available.
This trail is managed by the New York State Department of Enviornmental Conservation Game Lands 209 and parts of the trail are on or surrounded by private property. Please stay on the trail and do not trespass onto private property.
Directions to Jensen's Ledges
Shortly after trail register, there is a fork in the trail. Take the left path, which also has a sign indicating that it leads to the ledges. Trail will be a regular incline. After the trail begins to flatten at the top, there is a fork in the path. The right leads down to cross a wider stream. To see the waterfall, look for a smaller path to the right of the trail leading down across the stream. This path leads to a ledge with the waterfall.
To reach Jensen’s Ledges, cross the stream and follow the trail. You will shortly see a path leading off the main trail to the right, marked with fall hazard signs. Take this path to the ledges.
The trail continues on past Jensen's Ledges, but the best scenic views are at the waterfall and Jensens' Ledges.
Parking
At the trailhead there is an unpaved, gravel lot that can accommodate 10-15 cars. After rain there may be mud and/or standing water.
Safety
This land is managed by New York State Department of Enviornmental Conservation Game Lands. For safety, please wear bright or fluorescent orange or pink to increase your visibility while hiking in these lawful hunting areas.
Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather and river conditions while hiking.
During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Please note that there is very limited cell connectivity in the area and cell phones may not receive signal along the river or on the hike.
Respect private property and stay on the trail.
Leave No Trace and Pack It In, Pack It Out
Please practice "Leave No Trace" principles and do not litter or leave any waste, including animal waste, behind. Take waste with you and dispose of it properly. There are no trash receptacles available on the trails or at the trailheads, so you must take any trash with you when you leave.
Please leave nature as you found it. This includes not touching, moving, sitting on, or altering the rock cairns around Jensen's Ledges. Do not start or create fires or campfires.
Details
Duration
2-5 Hours
To Jensen’s Ledges, it takes about 1.5 hours there and back. One must hike approximately 2 miles, with it being primarily uphill to the ledges. The elevation gain is approximately 520 ft (150m).
If doing the whole Bouchoux Trail, anticipate at least 3 to 4 hours round-trip. The total distance of the entire trail is approximately 5.5 miles (nearly 9km). The elevation gain is approximately 1040 ft (317m).
Activity
Backcountry Hiking
Moderately difficult trail. Elevation change is approximately 520 ft (150m) to Jensen’s Ledges and 1040 ft (317m) for the entire trail. Trail is uneven with rocks, tree roots and potential for mud and standing water, especially after heavy rain. Trail is on and surrounded by private property, so please stay on the trail and practice “Leave No Trace” principles.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are welcome to hike alongside people on the Bouchoux Trail. However, there are restrictions for the safety of natural resources, wildlife, other visitors, and the pet. Please keep pets on a leash while on the trail and pet waste must be collected by pet owners and carried out. No pet waste bags or trash receptacles are available on the trail, at the trailhead, or at any of the ledges.
Location
Bouchouxville Road, Lordville, NY
From Hancock, NY drive down NY State Route 97 and turn right onto Lordville Road. You will reach Lordville. At Lordville, turn east (left) onto Bouchouxville Road, this is at the intersection with the Lordville-Equinuk Bridge. Follow the road approximately 3 miles. You will cross a small bridge over a creek to the end of the road. You will see the parking area and trailhead on the right side after crossing the bridge. The trailhead is on the left side of the parking area.
Scroll to bottom of a page for a map.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The Bouchoux Trail is open year-round. Please exercise caution and situational awareness with weather conditions while hiking. Be mindful the trail can get very muddy after heavy rain and quite slippery in wet, snowy, and icy conditions.
Please be especially careful when hiking during hunting season. Wear bright or flourescent orange or pink.
During all seasons, there is always a risk of ticks. Please check for ticks on yourself and any pets after hiking.
Hikers may get more extensive views of the valley at the ledges during winter to early spring, before foliage grows in.
Time of Day
Day
All trails at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are day-use only. No backcountry camping is permitted.
Accessibility Information
This is a moderately difficult trail with many inclines and a steep initial slope. The first mile is almost entirely uphill in order to reach the waterfall and ledges, to which the trail flattens. If hiking the larger Bouchoux Trail, the remainder of the trail has inclines, but none as steep as the initial mile incline to the ledges.
The path is generally between 4-6 feet wide, unpaved and uneven, starting off as rock/gravel and transitioning to dirt. Obstacles such as tree roots, rocks, and downed trees are present on the trail. Parts of the trail can get wet and muddy and even contain standing water, especially after heavy rain. At several points along the trail, you may need to cross a small stream, all are less than 1 foot deep, but can be too wide to jump across. The water may be cold and swift.
Please note that the waterfall ledge and Jensen’s Ledges are steep drop-offs and do not have handrails or guardrails. Please exercise caution at the ledges to avoid potential fall hazards and accidents.
Elevation gain to Jensen’s Ledges is approximately 520 ft (150m), and elevation gain for total trail is approximately 1040 ft (317m).
There are no designated accessible parking spots in the parking lot.
The path is generally between 4-6 feet wide, unpaved and uneven, starting off as rock/gravel and transitioning to dirt. Obstacles such as tree roots, rocks, and downed trees are present on the trail. Parts of the trail can get wet and muddy and even contain standing water, especially after heavy rain. At several points along the trail, you may need to cross a small stream, all are less than 1 foot deep, but can be too wide to jump across. The water may be cold and swift.
Please note that the waterfall ledge and Jensen’s Ledges are steep drop-offs and do not have handrails or guardrails. Please exercise caution at the ledges to avoid potential fall hazards and accidents.
Elevation gain to Jensen’s Ledges is approximately 520 ft (150m), and elevation gain for total trail is approximately 1040 ft (317m).
There are no designated accessible parking spots in the parking lot.
NPS