Something is brewing in the hamlet of Sugar Loaf, and it’s not just the beer at Tin Barn Brewery. Orange County is in the process of purchasing a mountainous peak, and the community is excited about what will come with it.
“Hikers love beer. That’s basically it,” said Tin Barn Brewery owner Dale VanPamelen. “Beer loves hikers and hikers love beer.”
VanPamelen’s business is located in the shadow of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, and he’s always wondered if it would be accessible to the public.
The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT), with the help of County Executive Steve Neuhaus, is in the process of making that happen. They’re currently in agreement with the family that owns the 300-acre private property to purchase Sugarloaf Mountain and it’s surrounding area within the year.
What You Need To Know
- Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding area is in the process of being purchased by the Orange County Land Trust, with the intention of turning it over to state parks
- The property is currently not accessible by the general public and has been owned by the Palmer family for decades
- According to the land trust, the property comprises approximately 280 acres of closed-canopy deciduous forest, with areas of rocky ridgetop grassland habitat
OCLT tentatively plans to start a capital campaign in late summer called “Saving Sugar Loaf Mountain.” It will supplement funds from the county to purchase the mountain.
“You don’t get iconic pieces like this for sale that often. That’s why you have to jump. You have to work hard, and you have to try and preserve it,” said Lewis Lain, board president of the Orange Court Land Trust.
After the property is purchased, the OCLT plans to turn it over to New York State Parks, and it will be maintained as a hiking destination.
Neuhaus, a lifelong Orange County resident and friend of the Palmer family, grew up hiking the mountain when he was younger. He expects it to become a hiking destination throughout the region, especially with the uptick in state park attendance over the past three years.
“People want to get outdoors more. Whether our parks are active or passive parks, they have been overloaded with people,” said Neuhaus.
With an influx of foot traffic expected once the land is open to hikers, the surrounding community is expected to benefit.
“This whole part of the county…it’s going to help,” said Lain.
"If the purchase is completed, we will name a beer either Sugarloaf Stout, or we’ll make a special sour to commemorate the full purchase of that,” said VanPamelen.
He said he’s ready to celebrate the purchase and what it will do for the local economy.
“I think Sugar Loaf needed exactly this,” said VanPamelen.