Tag: Product Reviews
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation - Raven Rocks, CCC Camp, Castle Rock, Spy Rock, Dancing Rock
September 26, 2020
8.9 Mi • 1,147 Ft Gain • 218 Photos • 2 Videos
The diverse scenery and designated points of interest, including the former fire tower, Raven Rocks, Indian Rock Shelter, the former CCC Camp, Castle Rock, Spy Rock, Dancing Rock, Bear Rock Petroglyph, and Matey’s Gulch, make for a very enjoyable hike for all skill levels. The ascents and descents were manageable and not grueling. The views on the Rock Trail to the south are magnificent. I found the trails to be very clearly marked, blazed at short intervals, and most of the intersections are numbered, which made it very easy to follow along on the trail map.
Read MoreFahnestock State Park - Round Hill, East Mountain, Spooky House, Hubbard Lodge
September 18, 2020
7.5 Mi • 1,328 Ft Gain • 176 Photos
On a quiet Friday afternoon, I was alone on about 80% of the trail, only encountering people at the very beginning and very end of my hike. I enjoyed exploring the views that Round Hill and East Mountain offer. The terrain was interesting and varied, and the ascent is manageable. It's steep enough to give a good workout, but not so steep you feel like you're climbing stairs. The "spooky house" in the middle of the hike was a unique find. I would like to come back to explore more of this trail and some of its offshoots, including the hidden waterfall that I didn't find this time.
Read MoreFahnestock State Park - Pelton Pond, Three Lakes Trail, Canopus Lake, Candlewood Hill Trail
August 9, 2020
9 Mi • 894 Ft Gain • 185 Photos • 2 Videos
Overall, this was my best and longest hike yet! I'm really impressed with this park and the variety of terrain it offers, including the elevation changes; navigation of rocks, streams, and trees; and beautiful scenery. Being able to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail was super exciting too! I've explored less than 10% of this park, so I will definitely be back to see more. There are several summits to the west that look interesting and several trails to the south that I'd like to see. Fahnestock, we will meet again!
Read MoreRockefeller State Park Preserve - Swan Lake, Buttermilk Hill, Rock Wall Loop, Spring Trail
August 1, 2020
7.8 Mi • 626 Ft Gain • 93 Photos
Overall, I considered this more of a walk through and near wooded areas than a hike. All of the paths I ended up on were dirt or gravel carriage paths with little canopy and it sometimes felt like walking down a quiet street. It was still great exercise and it was outdoors, but I'd much prefer being more enclosed by woods than this. Now that I have a better lay of the land, I'm going to do more research about Rockefeller State Park Preserve to see if there are more traditional hiking trails. There are over 45 miles of paths here, so there is plenty to explore on future visits!
Read MoreThe Irvington Woods - Split Rock, Sunset Rock, Marshall Pond, Ice Pond, Hermit Wetlands
July 19, 2020
6.0 Mi • 579 Ft Gain • 122 Photos • 2 Videos
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.
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