Trek duration: 1 1/2 hours
Trek difficulty: Easy
Trail Map: http://www.friendsrock.org/parkmap.html
When going on hikes, having a partner is always ideal. I have been trying for a few years now to get my wife into hiking as well. She loves the outdoors but has a fear of wildlife. One animal scares her more then anything...bears.
Rockefeller State Park located in Northern Westchester is a great place for beginner hikers. The trails are wide and mostly gravel because the park welcomes horses. With the wide open trails and the popularity of the area you will never feel alone in this park. It was a perfect place to bring my wife. Oh...of course there are no bears. You do see plenty of deer along your hike, as well as other wildlife.
From the parking lot we started out on the Overlook trail. The trail gently slopes up as you turn around the bend you have a great view of Swan Lake to your left. Stay on the path until you intersect with the Old Sleepy Hallow trail. Here you will find plenty of runners, as the wide open spaces provides plenty of room for everyone. Take this path and cross over Sleepy Hollow Road. After few hundred yards you will see a marker for Eagle Hill. Follow the sign (you will be continuing on the Old Sleepy Hollow trail). You will come to the intersection to begin your loop on the Eagle Hill trail. Its a moderate climb to the top, but nothing a beginner can't handle. At the fork, take either side of the trial. I prefer the right fork, as I believe the view is better once you approach the summit. The top of Eagle hill provides you with a great vista of the Hudson River and the Tappan Zee Bridge. Its also a perfect place to sit a while, enjoy the view and have lunch.
As you can see we did this trek towards the end of the winter. It was about 50 degrees outside. It was still a very enjoyable hike that will be even better when the plants start budding. To finish your loop, exit off the Eagle Hill trail onto the Old Sleep Hollow. On this day we had to make a quick exit from the park. We trekked back on Sleepy Hollow at a brisk pace that brought us back to the parking lot. From the map you will see many other alternatives to continue enjoying your day. We visit there often so there will be plenty follow ups at this park.
No comments:
Post a Comment