Clove Mountain, Mountain summit in Union Vale, Dutchess County, US.
Clove Mountain is a summit in Union Vale, Dutchess County, reaching approximately 1,400 feet at the southern boundary of the Taconic Mountains. Its bedrock contains schist and phyllite, which characterize the regional geology.
The New York State Conservation Department constructed a steel fire lookout tower on the summit in 1933 to improve wildfire detection across Dutchess County. This tower was part of the state's broader effort to spot fires earlier in the region.
The mountain forms the western boundary of Clove Valley, which is designated as a Significant Natural Area by the Dutchess County Environmental Management Council. Visitors experience how this location serves as a natural edge that defines and protects the valley below.
Several hiking trails lead to the summit, where a fire observation tower and observer's cabin stand on private property. Check conditions and access before heading up, as private land may have restrictions.
The mountain hosts several natural springs, including the headwaters of Fishkill Creek, where water flows abundantly from the rock. These sources make the location special for those interested in how the landscape feeds the region's waterways.
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