Manitou is a limited service stop on the Hudson Line mainly used by Hikers looking to explore the Bear Mountain Region. The Appalachian Trail is also nearby (but not as close at the Appalachian Trail stop on the Harlem Line). Hiker stops are made on weekends only. Trains that serve Manitou also stop at Breakneck Ridge. Until the May 11, 2014 timetable change only two trains in stopped each direction per weekend day, two northbound trains in the morning, and two southbound evening trains. This schedule didn't allow half-day expeditions. On May 11, 2014 an additional midday stop in each direction on weekends was added that allows half-day hikes. There are also a few nearby houses so one Weekday Peak Direction train (to Grand Central at 8:09am, arriving back at 7:21pm) also stops in Manitou. The stop is only regularly listed in the weekend timetable. The weekday timetable has a text note for the two trains. The closest station with regular service is Garrison, a four-mile walk north, The first mile of which can be done by walking down the dirt and closed to traffic Mystery Point Road through a nature preserve before ending up on the 9D Highway (not a fun road to walk on).
The station itself is located at the grade-crossing of Manitou Station Road. The middle of the 3 grade-crossings on the entire Metro-North Hudson Line. The next one north at Bank Street between Beacon and New Hamburg, the other crossings is just before the next stop south, Peekskill. The platforms are tiny wooden low-level boarding areas off to the side with modern signs on them. The New York-bound platform has a small wooden shelter, with a singled angled roof and an older Manitou sign that lacks a green line. Inside is a small built-in bench. The ceiling of the shelter has been painted to look like the sky with clouds and the spec of the sun on the blue background. Beneath it is a small picture of a steam engine that looks like needlework except is made of metal. There is also a trash can next to the shelter.
All Photos taken on 5 July, 2014
Garrison 