Learn about Revolutionary War history at Minisink Battleground hike

BEACH LAKE — On Sunday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m., a park ranger from Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River will lead a hike on the Minisink Battleground Trail in Minisink Ford, N.Y. This guided hike will take place on the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the Upper Delaware River Valley, which is preserved in the Minisink Battleground Park administered by the Sullivan County Division of Public Works.

The trails are located on the site of a battle between American patriots and a militia of Iroquois and Torrey soldiers in 1779. The battle of Minisink was one of the deadliest battles in the Revolutionary War. Come and experience the rich history of the Delaware River Valley and the story of Revolutionary War engagement on the colonial New York frontier.

The Minisink Battleground Park Trail is one of the six trails featured in Upper Delaware S&RR’s “Take a Hike!” program. The six trails in the Delaware River Valley are rated by difficulty and length, and one of these trails is near you no matter where you are in the Upper Delaware. Complete all six hikes, and receive a “Take a Hike!” patch.

Those who plan on attending should meet at the Minisink Battleground Park Interpretation Center at 1 p.m. To get to the park from Route 97, turn onto Country Route 168 (across from the Roebling Bridge) and travel 0.8 miles. The park entrance will be on the left. The GPS coordinates are 0502479 - 4592744.

The trail is rated easy, and the program will last around one hour; appropriate for beginner hikers and historians. Make sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, pack plenty of water, bring snacks, and bug spray.

In 2015, ranger-led programs will take place on five of the six “Take a Hike!” trails between July and September. Information on these programs and the “Take a Hike!” program overall can be found on the park website at www.nps.gov/upde. Hiking information and the schedule of park events can also be obtained by calling the park at 570-685-4871 or by visiting the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, or at one of the information kiosks located at the river accesses by Skinners Falls, Ten Mile River, Lackawaxen or Mongaup.

For more information, call 570-685-4871, or visit www.nps.gov/upde. Also, follow the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River of Facebook at www.facebook.com/updeNPS or on Instagram at https://instagram.com/UpperDelawareNPS.