Length: 3.5 miles round trip
Feature: View
Max elevation change: 1000 feet
USGS maps: Manchester Quad
Amount of use: Heavy
Hiking level: Moderate
Average hike time: 1 ½-2 ½ hours round trip
Use restrictions: No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles
The trail, blazed with blue, follows the old Rootville Road up along the Downer Glen Ravine. After passing the Forest boundary and a spur trail, the trail gets steeper and crisscrosses several mountain streams. At 0.8 miles the trail leaves the brook at an old spring. The trail then meets up with the Appalachian/Long Trail at about 1.5 miles. Just past the junction, a spur trail on the right leads 200 feet west to Prospect Rock. The summit has a fine view of the Manchester Valley. To the west is the prominent Mount Equinox, the tallest mountain in the Taconic Range. The lesser peaks of Little Equinox (south of Mount Equinox) and Mother Myrick Mountain to the northwest are also visible. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in. Trail blazing, maintenance, and signage will be minimal in Wilderness Areas.
From Route 7 in Manchester, travel about a ¼ mile east on Route 11/30 to East Manchester Road. Turn right onto East Manchester Rd. then immediately left onto Rootville Road. Follow Rootville Rd.for about a mile. Limited parking is found on private land just before the water tower; please be respectful.
Food and Services: Manchester
For all Emergencies: 911
911 Information: The trailhead is in the Town of Manchester, off Rootville Road.