Angel's Find LbNA #23739

This letterbox is hidden at the Ogden Mills Estate. This is a historic site which has a mansion and grounds and trails along the shoreline of the Hudson River in Staatsburg, New York. It is located coming from south on Rt. 9 north. Just past the Hyde Park Nursing Home on your left you will see signs for Margaret Lewis Norrie Point State Park make a left here on to Old Post Road but do not turn into Norrie. Continue on into the village of Staatsburg and past the Dinsmore Golf Course you will see on your left the Stone entrance to the Mills Estate. Once inside follow the road on the right to the parking lot by the Park Service garages. Park here. You will see two small white greek columns to a road marked Gardeners Road. Up the hill to the left is a road to the actual Mansion. Travel down Gardeners Road through beautiful tall trees (really nice in the fall). You will see the mansion up on the hill with sprawling lawns as you travel down the road and the river will wind along the road on your right side. Pass the small stone building down by the river and farther along a pavilion is located by a stone jetty. Stay on the main road you can explore these later if you want. There is a wooden bench to rest and peak at river if you wish. This trail has some blue trail markers on trees. Follow it until you come to the Private house then bear right on a gravel carriage trail down towards the river. When the carriage trail turns left, then you stay right on the white trail which follows the shoreline. Stop for views of the Lighthouse and Catskill Mountains in the distance at a beach area. Then continue on trail which gets narrower and more rugged with tree roots and dropoffs on right side.(This may not be a good trail for small children) You will pass a moss covered hillside on the left and another small beach area after a downhill. Some rocks along river are carved with names and dates. (may not see if tide is in.) As you start to continue uphill slightly there is a tree on the left in the woods that has a rock that looks like a tombstone where the roots have actually grown around. Behind it peaking through the woods you can see an old house that was a part of the estate. Watch for hikers as this is a popular trail. Wait until the coast is clear. Walk to the tree and go behind it and at its base hidden under leaves and rocks is Angel's Find. In it you will find a brief history of the Mills Mansion and info on leterboxing. Please return to sealed bags. The stamp and pad are there for you to stamp your book. Please leave us your stamp and date in our book. Please return the box to it's hiding spot.
You can continue on hiking. This trail connects to trails at Norrie State park or turn around and retrace your path.
This is not only a favorite place for us to hike but if you get a chance tour the mansion especially at Christmas time. This is why we chose an angel! It is also a great place to sled or tube down that lawn during the winter when it is covered in snow. We hope you enjoyed our first letterbox. Let us know if it is missing or damaged.
Happy Hunting, Http://Scubawmn53@aol.com

S.D. & C.D.