Post Thanksgiving Hike to Manitou Point Preserve (Moderate)

Photo credit: Open Space Institute

Let's have a mini adventure post Thanksgiving! Manitou Pont Preserve has several short hiking trails to explore. On this trip, we will be exploring the short distanced trails from the parking lot: Perimeter Trail, Livingston Trail, Copper Mine Trail, Upland Trail, Manitou Road Bypass Trail and the short Connector Trail (not listed in hiking order). Combined, we will hike close to 4 miles. All trails share a unique view of the wooded landscape and provide a different hike experience from views of a ravine to a slight view of the Hudson River.

Here's the plan: For those of us who are taking the MetroNorth train, we meet outside the platform at the Manitou train station (pulls into the station at 9:04am). From there we'll walk together to the parking lot trail head to meet up with fellow hikers who drove. Together we'll begin our adventure on the Perimeter trail which leads us to the other trails.

Trail Map Link: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/osi-craft/Manitou_TrailSign_June2018.pdf

Important to know:
This hike is both public transportation and beginner friendly. The general pace will be social and steady. We will take breaks as needed and decide as a group where we will have our lunch. There are no bathrooms on the trail or at the train station. The rating is moderate due to the terrain and not suitable for folks who have trouble with gradual and steep ascents/descents.

MetroNorth Train Schedule (https://new.mta.info/schedules):
Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan: Take the 7:50am Hudson Line 8807 Poughkeepsie bound train to Manitou Train Station. Arrival is scheduled for 9:04am into Manitou.
Harlem 125th Street Station: Same train mentioned above pulls into Harlem at 8:01am.
Tip: Sit in the last two train car because the doors only open in the rear at Manitou.

Driving Location:
Manitou Point Preserve Parking Lot,
90 Mystery Point Rd Garrison, NY 10524
New York, Hudson River Valley, NY

What to bring/pack/wear:

• New to hiking? Here is a link that hopefully answers your gear questions: https://amc-ny.org/hiking-faqs/
• Appropriate, sturdy hiking footwear is a MUST (this terrain is not suitable for regular running/walking sneakers or boots with zero tread);
• Trekking poles are highly suggested;
• Lunch, snacks and 2-3 liters of water.

FYI: Severe weather cancels the hike and we would try to reschedule.

If you'd like to join me or have any questions, feel free to contact me.
AMC Hike Leader: Gwen [email protected]
AMC Web Posting: https://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/details/id/154349