Tag: Hiking in Westchester County NY

The Irvington Woods – Split Rock, Sunset Rock, Marshall Pond, Ice Pond, Hermit Wetlands

6.0 mi
579 ft gain
03:00:43

I really enjoy the variety of this park. The eastern part of the park near the Saw Mill River Parkway drops off quite a bit and has a certain feel to it, with its rock benches, carriage paths, steps, and monuments. Coming back up into the interior is a little shadier and less vegetative, with awesome rock formations at Split Rock and Sunset Rock. The reservoir to the west is breathtaking. Then the northern Marshall Pond and Ice Pond are quaint and lush. I can still hear the ducks and other wildlife living in the Hermit Wetlands to the east.

The Irvington Woods – Sunset Rock, Split Rock, Irvington Reservoir, Ice Pond, Marshall Pond

5.1 mi
515 ft gain
02:57:25

Having learned from my first hike in this park, I came prepared this time with 1.5L of water and the printed full trail map with the numbered posts. I left the park thirsty, sore, and with blistered ankles, but I'm glad I got to see some new spots, including Sunset Rock, Split Rock, Barney Brook, the Irvington Reservoir, Ice Pond, and Marshall Pond. I am gaining confidence in the layout and my navigation of the park. At this point I've hit every POI on the map, but I can't wait to explore even more as I still haven't hit all the different paths.

The Irvington Woods – Hermit’s Grave, Harriman Road, Macy Monument, Terrace, Steps

4.1 mi
416 ft gain
01:57:32

My first visit to The Peter Oley Trailways System at The Irvington Woods was a bit disorienting. I printed out the full perimeter route beforehand, but I didn't realize this map doesn't have the trail marker numbers on it like the full map does. I could easily pull up the full map on my phone, but I was trying to rely on paper and instinct. Even though I didn't end up taking the route I originally intended or seeing all I wanted to see, it was a fun first trip exploring on and off the marked trails.

Taxter Ridge Park Preserve – Woody Crest, Danny Gold Blue Trail, Orange Trail

2.8 mi
369 ft gain
01:28:27

I went partially off trail on my third visit, following the eastern border along I-287, then to the west eventually coming across a cool stream that abuts a private property. I followed the park's exterior as it passed a murky iron-shaped pond on more private land, complete with a rowboat sitting idly on the shore. Overall it was a fun hike and I enjoyed going off script to see parts of the park that aren't normally seen. I will come back at some point and spend more time in that northwest corner that has a lot of goodies!

East Irvington Nature Preserve – Weckquaesgeek Trail

2.0 mi
239 ft gain
01:08:27

This was technically my second visit to East Irvington Nature Preserve, but the first one was so many years ago, I don't even remember it. This is a small, but quaint and quiet area. I imagine there are some good valley views in the fall and winter with less leaves. This is a really nice one-mile trail for beginners or for those who don't have a lot of time. I was able to squeeze an hour of activity and 2 miles in by looping through a few times and exploring off the paths. I'm curious if any wildlife visit the pond as I didn't observe any on my visit.

Taxter Ridge Park Preserve – Carriage Trail, Water Tower, Danny Gold Blue Trail, Yellow Trail

2.9 mi
191 ft gain
01:11:44

On my second visit, I decided to take the Danny Gold trail to the west (left) this time. A nice, well marked trail took me out to the Mount Pleasant Lane parking lot in no time. It was fun exploring the western and southern parts of the park, including the Tarrytown water tower, that I had not seen on my first visit. The boundary between the park and the residential areas is very thin, but I can understand someone wanting to buy property near an area that most likely will not see any development for hundreds of years (we hope!).

Taxter Ridge Park Preserve – Yellow Trail, Woody Crest, Danny Gold Blue Trail, Orange Trail

2.5 mi
325 ft gain
01:05:25

This was my first hike at Taxter Ridge Park Preserve and my first hike overall in several years. From Taxter Road, the yellow trail starts in a lush green area, heading up a moderate slope. There are shaded areas and sunlit openings. There are several downed trees, shrubs, and other greenery. It's an easy trail and is clearly marked. Be sure to checkout the brick remnants of "Woody Crest", a former home for handicapped children, along the way. I see a lot of beauty in this park and will be back to explore the other trails and areas.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve – Brothers’ Path, Swan Lake

It was the Saturday afternoon of Fourth of July weekend and I think I just needed to get out of the house for some time with Mother Nature. If I recall correctly, I took Brothers' Path (BP) around the east side of Swan Lake and then back up the west side of the lake.