Chapter 13
Wonders of Nature
Vroman's Nose - Pride of Schoharie Valley
Just
south of Middleburgh, is a chunk of rock that towers 600-feet over Schoharie
Valley. The Indians called it Onistagrawa, Corn Mountain. Many years
ago, the Indian village at the base of this mountain was inhabited by a
few Mohawks and refugees from New England tribes. When the Palatines moved
into this area in the early 1700s, they renamed this geological protuberance
Vroman's Nose.
Despite the rain, the views from the summit were spectacular.
Today
much of Vroman's Nose is a Forever Wild Area maintained by the Vroman's
Nose Preservation Corporation. A well-packed, short, but steep trail leads
to the summit where views of Schoharie Valley are spectacular. A Trail
Sign on Route 30 south of Middleburgh points to the turn onto Mill Valley
Road that leads to the Trailhead Parking Area.
This past weekend (June 21, 2003) Bridget and I hiked to
the top of Vroman's Nose. Unfortunately, a heavy downpour arrived at the
same time we did, so my photographs were less than spectacular. Nevertheless,
I offer a couple of them as an introduction to the pride of Schoharie Valley.
There were orchards, cornfields
and an Indian village down there.
