NEW CITY – Join experienced Rockland County Trail Guides on free guided walks this summer and fall. Guided walks offer visitors varied terrain, great scenery, interesting discussion points, and different levels of walking.
Fitness Walk at Hook Mountain and Nyack State Beach
Saturday, September 3, 2016 from 8:00 am (promptly) – 12:00 pm
Join Trail Guide Nice McLean as she leads you on a strenuous hike (8-miles, very difficult walk) all the way up the mountain! Walkers will then proceed down to Nyack Beach and return to the Firehouse along the flat river trail. The hike will also include stops at four ‘stations’ for approximately 10 minutes to do a variety of exercises including taekwondo, balancing, focusing and stretching. All of this is done to music while in nature.
Directions: From 9W North at Lake Road, make a right into Rockland Lake (North Entrance), stay to the left at the fork and pass the Knickerbocker Firehouse. You will see the parking area. There is limited parking here. For more information, visit Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/ovamSvs5WNy
Meet in the parking lot by the Firehouse at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. Parking is limited.
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. There are no public restrooms available.
The History of Piermont Pier and Bogertown
Sunday, September 4, 2016 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join Richard Esnard of the Piermont Historical Society on this walk on the Pier and then through Bogertown as he explains the history of this area. This moderate to easy 2-mile walk is mainly flat, on a paved pier, with some street walking.
Directions: Take Route 59 (Main Street) south to Nyack. Pass Broadway and turn right onto Piermont Avenue. Follow to Ash Street in the center of town and turn Left. You will see the parking lot behind the restaurant (10 Ash Street). For more information, visit Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/zMosychBDKA2
Meet at the Parking Lot behind Confetti Restaurant (free parking).
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is stroller friendly! No restrooms are available and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.
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All Aboard for Thiells, Pomona, and Mt. Ivy! at Samuel G. Fisher Mt. Ivy Environmental Park in Pomona
Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
We’ve all walked on abandoned railroad beds, but this one is full of Rockland County history! First, stroll through grassy meadows in the shadow of Boulders Stadium. Then, discover Rockland’s railroad history along the old Erie RR right of way…right in our backyard. Maybe you’ll even find an old iron railroad tie spike. All this within the Pomona/Mt. Ivy wetlands. This moderate, 3-mile walk is a combination of an old road, open meadows and an abandoned rail road track. There may be some wet spots, especially after rains as the area is a wetland. The trail is relatively flat and wide. Half of the walk is along an old railroad right of way. The other half is a natural trail.
Directions: From Exit 12 off the Palisades Parkway make your way to Route 45. Go south 0.1 mile and make a right into Pomona Road, then right again onto Fireman’s Memorial Drive. Park at the end of Fireman’s Memorial Drive, but do not block the gate. Please note that parking is limited. For more information, visit Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/PVvvYe5GH4G2
Meet Trail Guide Jack Bloom at the park entrance past the Fire Training Center off of Fireman’s Memorial Drive in Pomona.
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is not stroller-friendly, restrooms are not available, and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.
Historical Piermont! Walk to the Birthplace of Piermont with the Piermont Historical Society
Sunday, September 18, 2016 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Walk along the Sparkill Creek (Birthplace of Piermont) with Richard Esnard of the Piermont Historical Society and see Rockland Road Bridge which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The whole walk will be on the street and sidewalks. After the walk, spend the day in Piermont; the Piermont Train Station will be open from 12:00-3:00 pm (free) and there is an art event in Piermont Flywheel Park from 1:00-6:00 pm (free). From 2:00-6:00 pm participate in the Piermont Lobster Fest at Goswich Pavilion with live bluegrass music ($16 per person).
Directions: Take Route 59 (Main Street) south to Nyack. Pass Broadway and turn right onto Piermont Avenue. Follow to Ash Street in the center of town and turn Left. You will see the parking lot behind the restaurant (10 Ash Street). For more information, visit Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/zMosychBDKA2
Meet in the parking lot behind Confetti Restaurant (free parking).
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is stroller-friendly, restrooms are not available, and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.
Explore the Vanished Hamlet of Johnsontown! Talk and Walk
Talk: Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm at Tomkin’s Cove Library (top floor)
Walk: Sunday, September 25, 2016 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Harriman State Park – Lake Sebago Beach
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Talk:
Tomkin’s Cove Library: Take Route 9W North (N. Liberty Drive) to Library at 419 North Liberty Drive. For more information visit Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/kaNo4WFk24K2. Free parking is available behind the library or across the street. Coffee and cake will be served during the talk.
Walk:
Join Elizabeth “Perk” Stalter on this moderate, 3-hour walk to the vanished Hamlet of Johnsontown. See three abandoned cemeteries, the sites of homes, school and church that were in Johnsontown. Sponsored by the Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region.
Directions: Lake Sebago Beach: Route 17 North to Sloatsburg. Make a right at the light for Seven Lake Drive north and follow for about 6 miles to Lake Sebago Beach. Make a left at the sign for Sebago Beach and then a quick right into the parking lot. Please note: the sign says the beach is closed but the Historical Society of the Palisades Interstate Park Region has permission from the Palisades Park to hold this event. For more information, visit Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/NEKLFjsw67r. Parking is free, however a permit is required that will be handed out on day of event.
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is not stroller friendly, restrooms are not available, and dogs are not allowed on this guided walk.
Please note:
Pre-registration for the talk and walk is REQUIRED by Friday, September 23, 2016. For more information or to register, call Louise Parnell at (845) 290-5287 or (914) 393-2714 or email parnelljt@optonline.net. After the talk at the Library ends (4:00pm) the conversation will continue with Perk Stalter at Lynch’s Restaurant (79 S. Liberty Drive – 9W). When you register for the talk, tell Louise if you are interested in continuing the conversation at the restaurant.
High Up On High Tor! At High Tor Mountain State Park in New City
Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Trail Guide Marianne Bloomfeld on this High Up On High Tor Walk. Enjoy fall in a place that almost disappeared. Walkers can look forward to a spectacular view. This walk, along a cleared, crushed gravel, easy changes in terrain, will lead participants around High Tor Park. The reward for the uphill climb is the spectacular view. Be prepared for a moderately steep uphill climb over loose rocks and gravel on the last segment of the walk.
Directions: Take Little Tor Road, past the blinking light at South Mountain Road. Little Tor becomes Central Highway there and ascends High Tor (heading toward Haverstraw). At the peak of the hill, pull off the road to the right, this is the trailhead. Going South (from Route 202 in Garnerville) on Central Highway, just past the crest of the hill, the small parking area will be on the left. For more information, visit Google Maps:https://goo.gl/maps/B3EaKB8cirT2
Meet at the trailhead on Central Highway. Parking is free and limited along the side of the road.
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. Restrooms are not available, no dogs are allowed, and this walk is not stroller-friendly.
Autumn Delights! Taking Nature Photos at Dater Mountain Nature Park in Sloatsburg
Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Join Trail Guide Victor Castro on this 3-mile strenuous photography walk. Bring along a camera. The walk begins with an incline up a gravel path on the eastern side of the mountain, leading to the ridgeline. The walk continues on a multi-terrain path, south on the ridge out to an overlook; here we will rest a few minutes, check out the scenery, and have a snack if you wish. The walk continues up and down over a wooded, grassy, and stony, stream filled area on the eastern part of the mountain where we will re-connect with the ridge trail, heading north back to the beginning of the trail and then down the hill to the parking area.
Directions: New York State Thruway Route 87 heading north, get off at exit 15A, at the end of the exit make a left onto Route 17 (heading North). Drive through the town making a right at the light onto Seven Lakes Drive. Just after the overpass there will be a slight left onto Johnsontown Road. Follow the road until you reach the end. For more information, visit Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/GFMoSzce9B32
Meet at the end of Johnsontown Road in Sloatsburg (10974); There is a circular parking area there.
Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Dress for the weather, and bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as you see fit. Bring snacks and plenty of water, and bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like. This walk is not stroller-friendly, dogs are not allowed on this guided walk, and there are no restrooms available.
“We hope County residents take advantage of this great chance to explore our beautiful, natural environment and get some exercise at the same time,” said Dr. Ruppert.
Important general information about the guided walks:
Pre-registration for all walks is suggested (for some walks pre-registration is required). For more information or to register, call (845) 708-7307 or e-mail galionek@co.rockland.ny.us.
Check http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/programs-and-services/walking-program/guided-park-walks/ for more information, directions, and any changes to the schedule. Walks are held throughout the year – stay tuned by checking out the website periodically for updates.
Meet in the parking lot, unless otherwise specified. All walks are rain or shine. Wear proper footwear (closed-toe sturdy shoes such as walking shoes/boots or sneakers) and clothing (light-colored) and seasonally appropriate attire such as a jacket or hat, depending on the weather. Hiking boots are preferred. Bring along binoculars, water, sunscreen, a snack, and walking sticks if desired.
As with any physical activity program, it is recommended you speak to your physician before starting.
All guided walks are coordinated and supported in partnership with the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Rockland County Youth Bureau’s Conservation and Service Corps program, and the Rockland County Department of Health.
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