Tag: Winter Hiking
The Irvington Woods - Ice Pond, Irvington Reservoir, Memorial Loop, Hermit Wetlands
March 6, 2022
4.7 Mi • 646 Ft Gain • 117 Photos • 3 Videos
On a beautiful spring-like afternoon, I returned to a familiar park to continue exploring new nooks and crannies. Ice Pond and Marshall Pond were almost done with their winter thaw. It was awesome to view Irvington Reservoir from the west and south angles. I then hit all the POIs in the southern and eastern sections of the park: Macy Monument, the Terrace, the Steps, and Hermit's Grave. On my way north, I made an obligatory stop at Hermit Wetlands. This park holds a special place in my memory as it was where I first gained my initial hiking experience and confidence.
Read MoreWard Pound Ridge Reservation - Cross River, Kimberly Bridge, Deer Hollow
February 6, 2022
5 Mi • 577 Ft Gain • 104 Photos • 5 Videos
There's something special about the Cross River in the warmer months, but nothing compares to seeing it weave through patches of snow and ice. I was super impressed with how well my crampons performed on the ice-covered trails. Throughout the day, I encountered icy inclines, icy declines, and ice so smooth it looked like panes of glass. Never once did I feel any sort of slippage or instability in my walking. Temperatures were in the low 20s with very little wind, so as long as I was moving along, I barely noticed the cold.
Read MoreHarriman State Park - South Hill, Ramapo Torne, Russian Bear, Racoon Brook Hills
March 13, 2021
9.1 Mi • 1,673 Ft Gain • 182 Photos • 10 Videos
After a 2 week hiatus, I jumped back in with a killer hike that left me sore and also rejuvenated! I was really impressed with the variety of terrain on this hike. A good amount of climbs and descents with plenty of flat areas in between, hilltop views, rock formations,
varying flora, and an abundance of streams. I stopped several times to take videos of the sound of the streams, having such a soothing and calming effect, especially hiking along Stony Brook at the end of the day. I would gladly do this hike again any day!
Read MoreWestmoreland Sanctuary - Lost Pond, Cole Kettle Pond, Terrace Garden
February 20, 2021
6.1 Mi • 863 Ft Gain • 80 Photos • 2 Videos
Of all the hikes I've been on so far, Westmoreland has the best blazed trails and marked intersections. Not only are there trail arrows at each intersection, there's a full trail map of the entire park. Even though I had both printed and electronic versions of the map, it was super convenient not to have to dig in my pockets. In the winter, there's not a lot to see, but there were plenty of rock formations, rock walls, and streams to keep me satisfied throughout the journey. I can't wait to explore in the summer once things start turning green again.
Read MoreNyack Beach - Hook Mountain, Rockland Lake, The Hudson River
February 6, 2021
6.4 Mi • 1,115 Ft Gain • 126 Photos • 1 Video
The views of Rockland Lake and the Hudson River from Hook Mountain are breathtaking! After seeing things from the ridge above, I then descended down to the bank of the river, where I got to experience the sound of water crashing against the rocks and shoreline, bringing back memories of summer vacations. I was a bit unprepared for how grueling snow hiking is. The extra effort involved in lifting my feet and legs higher in the deeper snow did a number on my thighs and glutes. Even so, this was an awesome hike with amazing views and I'm so happy I found it!
Read MoreWard Pound Ridge Reservation - Deer Hollow, Cross River, Kimberly Bridge
January 30, 2021
4 Mi • 453 Ft Gain • 36 Photos • 1 Video
The views of the partially-frozen Cross River and the snow-covered scenery gave a new perspective of the park. After some initial frustrations at the start of the hike, I made some adjustments to my gear and attire to get comfortable and the rest of the hike was enjoyable. I'm still getting used to using trekking poles. I've got a good rhythm with them now and am ready to try them on steeper terrain. Overall, I think I've become more acclimated to winter hiking and am ready to tackle some longer, more challenging winter hikes in the coming weeks!
Read MoreThe Irvington Woods - Ice Pond, Memorial Loop, Hermit's Grave, Hermit Wetlands
January 24, 2021
3.2 Mi • 477 Ft Gain • 39 Photos
My fifth visit and first winter hike was all about trying out new gear, including trekking poles, sunglasses, gloves, and a gaiter. Although I've lived in the Northeast my entire life, I've never been enthusiastic about outdoor winter activity. I was imagining a
bone-chilling, unpleasant experience, when in reality it wasn't bad at all. With the proper layers, I stayed warm and enjoyed myself. I will make a few adjustments for next time and will try to make winter hiking a new habit! Most of the gear worked really well and I'm
happy I've graduated to using trekking poles.
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